1988 Plymouth Caravelle problems
The Plymouth Caravelle is a mid-size sedan that was introduced by Plymouth as a 1983 Canadian model. The Caravelle came to the United States in 1985 to replace the Chrysler E-Class. It was essentially identical to the concurrent Dodge 600. It was replaced by the Plymouth Acclaim in 1989. The Caravelle was Plymouth's first front wheel drive mid-size sedan.
The name of the vehicle was inspired by the word Caravel, a 15th-century sailing ship used by the Portuguese; the ship was noted for its speed and agility.
United States
For 1985, the Chrysler brand dropped its unsuccessful entry-level variant of the E platform, the Chrysler E-Class (the idea of a more mainstream Chrysler was not well received by consumers). Even though the Dodge 600 was mainstream, Dodges were not generally sold with Chryslers, so rather than only having the upscale New Yorker on Chrysler-Plymouth dealer lots, the former E-Class was given a new grille and rebranded as a Plymouth and thus the U.S. Caravelle was created. This model was slotted between the compact Reliant K and the large rear-wheel drive Gran Fury.
For its first year the Caravelle came in one trim level with a number of standard features, the Caravelle SE. These standard features including: AM/FM stereo, power windows, power locks, power adjustable mirrors, deck lid release, cruise control, air conditioning, and a 50/50 split front bench seat, with dual recliners. For 1986, the Caravelle was given a facelift, which rounded many of the sharp angles, giving it a more aerodynamic appearance. Also from 1986 onward, a base model was offered, without some of the standard features of the "SE". The Caravelle continued in the U.S. until 1988, when it was replaced by the new A body Acclaim for 1989. Unlike the identical Canadian Caravelle, a 2-door coupe model was never offered in the U.S.
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Common 1988 Plymouth Caravelle problems
The 1988 Plymouth Caravelle is prone to several common problems, primarily related to its steering and suspension systems. These issues can significantly affect the car's handling and ride quality, making it crucial for owners to address them promptly.
- Shock and Strut Replacement: The shocks and struts of the 1988 Plymouth Caravelle play a crucial role in maintaining the car's stability and ride quality. When these components wear out, the car may bounce, sway, or rock excessively, especially when driving over bumps or making turns. It is recommended to have these components regularly checked by a certified auto technician to ensure their proper functioning.
- Power Steering Fluid Inspection and Replacement: Regular inspection and replacement of power steering fluid are essential to maintain the smooth operation of the Caravelle's suspension system. Low power steering fluid levels can cause strain on the suspension system and contribute to steering and suspension problems.
- Tire Wear and Alignment: Proper tire care, including regular rotation and alignment, can reduce strain on the suspension system and alert owners to the need for new tires. Uneven tire wear is a sign of steering and suspension system problems, but it can also contribute to more severe issues.
- Brake System Issues: The 1988 Plymouth Caravelle may experience front-end dipping when braking, which can be caused by a bad suspension system. This issue can lead to poor handling and reduced safety, making it essential to address this problem promptly.
In addition to these steering and suspension-related issues, the 1988 Plymouth Caravelle can also experience engine problems such as wont-start issues, which can be caused by various factors, including the coil or fuel pump.
To address these common problems, it is essential for 1988 Plymouth Caravelle owners to maintain their vehicles regularly and consult with certified auto technicians to diagnose and rectify any issues promptly. Regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs can help ensure the car's longevity and safety, providing a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
1988 Plymouth Caravelle car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Plymouth Caravelle problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
- Steering problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Plymouth Caravelle vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Plymouth Caravelle complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Plymouth Caravelle.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-06
- VIN: 1P3BJ36K2JC
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 PLYMOUTH CARAVELLE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A THUMP AND SMELLED RUBBER. SHE PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR KUMHO TIRE WAS FLAT AND HAD BUBBLES ON THE SIDEWALL. THE TIRE SIZE WAS 1857R14-88T, WHICH WAS NOT AVAILABLE IN THE DROP DOWN MENU AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 134,077 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-03
- VIN: 1P3BJ46K8JC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING COLUMN BROKE LOOSE AND STEERING DROPPED DOWN IN LAP. TURNED OFF CAR, AND CAUSED CONSUMER NOT TO HAVE BRAKES. *AK THE CONSUMER SAYS MODELS OF SIMILAR MAKE AND YEAR HAD BEEN RECALLED AND THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED TOO. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PURCHASE CAR USED CAR TO DEALER ABOUT SIX TIME WITH THE OIL LEAKING THE ENGINE NEED TO REPLACE. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- VIN: 1P3BJ46K8JC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE REAR AXLE WELD JOINT IS BROKE WHILE DRIVING OVER 3" CURB AT 5 MPH AND AT AN ANGLE. *AK
1988 Plymouth Caravelle recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 Plymouth Caravelle.
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CHASSIS PRODUCTS
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- Consequence: THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Plymouth Caravelle problems:
Plymouth Caravelle Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Jul 16, 2015 ... Read Plymouth Caravelle reviews from real owners ... It ran from 1988 -1999. and the front frame ... common problem. It needs to be replaced ...
Have Chrysler's ever been reliable? : r/Cartalk
Jul 27, 2023 ... I'm 41, and I cannot remember a time when Chrysler, Dodge/Plymouths were reliable? I've never heard anyone tell me that their Mopar ran ...
Junkyard Find: 1987 Plymouth Caravelle | The Truth About Cars
May 7, 2015 ... The “extended” K-car chassis was known as the E Platform and included the Dodge 600 ( we've seen one in this series), the Chrysler E-Class ( we' ...
COAL: 1981 Plymouth Reliant Sedan - Old Reliable - Curbside Classic
Jan 15, 2017 ... It was replaced by a 1988 Plymouth Caravelle, no less. ... common problem year round. And trust me ... issues with cracked heads and engine problems ...
Chrysler K Car Memories? - Airliners.net
I was in a friend's Charger when at a red light the engine erupted in flame. Very common problem with those. Mines caught fire twice ...
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