1999 Dodge Caravan Problems, Recalls & Reliability

745 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 1999 Dodge Caravan, alongside 14 recall campaigns and 6 defect investigations. It scores 39/100 on the trouble index — a below-average year for this model. Airbags leads the reports, typically around 88,995 miles.

745Complaints
39/100Trouble index
14Recalls
84,000Typical trouble mileage

Below average

Where 1999 sits among all Caravan years

Darker = quieter yearsBrighter amber = more trouble

What owners report

Airbags 120 complaints (16%) · typically ~88,995 miles
“No deployment of air bag during accident, consumer was told by the manufacturer that the criterian for air bag deplployment was not met. Nlm”— owner report to NHTSA, 1999 Caravan
Engine 116 complaints (16%) · typically ~91,250 miles
“While traveling on the highway without prior warning. The vehicle shut down and would not restart. The dealership is aware of the problem. Mr”— owner report to NHTSA, 1999 Caravan
Transmission & drivetrain 105 complaints (14%) · typically ~64,308 miles
“Transmission failure(blown apart per mechanic)and no warranty provided with less than 54000 miles.had 8 year/80000 mile warranty plus extra to 100000 mile paid. Paid out of pocket for repair.tranny slipping again since with another 2500 miles added. 1999 dodge caravan factory warranty refused.”— owner report to NHTSA, 1999 Caravan
Electrical 86 complaints (12%) · typically ~75,623 miles
“Horn does not work, has been repaired twice. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information. Ph”— owner report to NHTSA, 1999 Caravan
Brakes & stability 62 complaints (8%) · typically ~77,620 miles
“While stopping at a red light the brakes failed, the vehicle proceeded through the red light and struck another vehicle, driver sustained left leg injuries and the driver of the other vehicle sustained collar bone injuries. Nlm”— owner report to NHTSA, 1999 Caravan
Suspension 36 complaints (5%) · typically ~103,292 miles

Mileage when trouble shows up

Among the 310 reports that include an odometer reading, problems most often appear around 84,000 miles. Half of those reports fall between 56,172 and 111,000 miles — a useful range to weigh against the mileage of the exact car you're looking at.

Recalls (14)

EQUIPMENT 10E034000 2010

CURT MFG IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 3 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 13347, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1997-2007 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VANS, 1996-2007 DODGE CARAVANS, AND 1996-2004 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VANS. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM…

Fix: CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE THE HITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG AT 1-715-831-8713.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 09E025000 2009

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY…

Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 09E012000 2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY…

Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

VISIBILITY 07E104000 2007

CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF…

Fix: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND…

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 06E091000 2006

CERTAIN AIRTEX FUEL PUMP MODULES, P/NOS. E7089M, E7094M, E7113M, AND E7129M, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2006. THESE FUEL PUMP MODULES WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET FOR USE IN CERTAIN DAIMLERCHRYSLER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SILICONE MATERIAL…

Fix: AIRTEX WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRTEX TOLL-FREE AT 1-866-867-3759.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 06E022000 2006

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST,…

Fix: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT…

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 06E023000 2006

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS,…

Fix: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

AIR BAGS 04V480000 2004

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY BECOME DISABLED DUE TO A FAILURE OF THE CLOCKSPRING, WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE HUB OF THE STEERING WHEEL.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL COVERED VEHICLES WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS. FOR THOSE VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 70,000 MILES, DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL OFFER AN EXTENDED LIFETIME…

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 03E053000 2003

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, MODELS WIX FILTER PART NUMBERS 33576, 33577, 33734; NAPA FILTER PART NUMBERS 3576, 3577, 3734; AND CARQUEST FILTER PART NUMBERS 86576, 86577, 86734 USED ON 1996-2000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, DODGE CARAVAN,…

Fix: WIX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. NOTE: THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS.…

EQUIPMENT 03E045000 2003

AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 17, 2002, AND JANUARY 20, 2003, SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER MAY EXPERIENCE MALFUNCTION OF THE QUICK CONNECTOR EITHER BLOCKING FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE OR CAUSING A…

Fix: AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 SHORT WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18232 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, OR 0252.…

SEAT BELTS 02V076000 2002

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SOME TRIM MATERIAL CAN LOOSEN AND DROP INTO THE REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRIM WITH FOAM BLOCKERS AND INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL 3RD ROW SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED…

SEAT BELTS 01V119000 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE…

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 00V268000 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS BUILT WITH 3.3L AND 3.8L ENGINES HAVE FUEL RAILS WITH NITROLE RUBBER O-RING SEALS THAT CAN DEGRADE OVER TIME. FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE UNDERHOOD FUEL INJECTION FUEL RAIL COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A VEHICLE FIRE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ON THE VEHICLE FUEL RAILS TO PREVENT EXTERNAL LEAKAGE OF FUEL FROM THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE, SHOULD THE EXISTING O-RINGS CONTINUE TO DEGRADE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN…

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 99V116000 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS BUILT FOR FLEET SALES ONLY. THE HEADLAMP MODULE DOES NOT IDENTIFY THE PARK LAMP AS "DRL" AS REQUIREMENT OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Fix: ALL FLEET OWNERS/OPERATORS WILL BE MAILED NON-REMOVABLE DECALS WITH THE REQUIRED "DRL" LETTERS.

Federal defect investigations

DRIVER AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING FAILURE EA04013 opened 2004, closed 2005

Led to recall campaign 04V480000.

DRIVER AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING FAILURE RQ04001 opened 2004, closed 2004
AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING EA01007 opened 2001, closed 2002

Led to recall campaign 02V293000.

DC MINIVAN FUEL INJECTOR RAIL LEAK RQ00008 opened 2000, closed 2002

Led to recall campaign 00V268000.

POST COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM EA99013 opened 1999, closed 2001
POST-COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY PE99010 opened 1999, closed 1999

Technical service bulletins

104 manufacturer communications — service bulletins, the biggest share on body & structure and electrical — are on file for the 1999 Dodge Caravan. A TSB is factory repair guidance, not a recall — the repair is not automatically free.

See the 1999 Caravan TSB list →

Complaint history for this model year

When owners filed their reports — a long tail means problems kept surfacing for years.

1995peak 128 in 20042022

Questions buyers ask

Is the 1999 Dodge Caravan reliable?

The 1999 Dodge Caravan drew 745 complaints in federal safety records — a below-average year for this model. Its trouble index is 39/100, scored against the model's worst year (1996).

What are the most common 1999 Dodge Caravan problems?

The top reported problems for the 1999 Dodge Caravan are airbags (120 complaints), engine (116), and transmission & drivetrain (105).

At what mileage do 1999 Dodge Caravan problems show up?

Owners most often report 1999 Dodge Caravan problems around 84,000 miles. Half of all reports that include an odometer reading fall between 56,172 and 111,000 miles.

Does the 1999 Dodge Caravan have recalls?

14 recall campaigns apply to the 1999 Dodge Caravan. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer.

← 1998 Caravan All Caravan years 2000 Caravan →
Data updated 2026-08-20 from NHTSA's public records

Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.