2001 Dodge Caravan: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 Dodge Caravan: 3 recalls, 257 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 7 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #01V152000 · 2001 · 41,587 vehicles
What's wrong: The lower control arm pivot bolt could fracture.
Why it matters: If the bolt fractures, the lower control arm could separate from the crossmember, causing a loss of vehicle control.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left and right lower control arm bolts and nuts. Owner notification began April 30, 2001.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #03V094000 · 2003 · 3,674 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pickup truck, van, and MINI van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, Inc. these units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.
Why it matters: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began March 7, 2003.
Equipment Vehicle recall #04V531000 · 2004 · 238,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain MINI vans, condensation from the instrument panel air conditioning ducts May drop through vent holes in the top of the radio and result in a short circuit that subsequently sends direct current to the rear speakers.
Why it matters: This could result in a speaker fire.
The fix: Dealers will add a special tape to the top of the radio to prevent the potential of water intrusion. The recall began on January 31, 2005. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
7 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Latches & locks Recall #01I003000 · 2001 · 105,484 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 2001 Plymouth voyager, Chrysler town & country, and Dodge caravan/grand caravan MINI vans that are not equipped with the remote keyless entry option. The sliding door latches on these vehicles could release during certain severe accident conditions that involve the…
Why it matters: This could allow the sliding door to partially open.
The fix: Dealer will replace both sliding door key cylinder-to-bell crank links on the sliding doors free of charge (parts and labor). Daimlerchrysler has decided to conduct a service campaign to replace the sliding door key cylinder-to-bell crank links. Owners can contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403,…
Equipment Equipment recall #03E045000 · 2003 · 45,870 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 fuel leak. This does not involve any products manufactured by the daimlerchrysler Corp. nor any dailmerchrysler dealers.
Why it matters: If this condition occurred while the vehicle is in motion, the engine could stall. Also, in the presence of an ignition source, the fuel leak could result in a vehicle fire.
The 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. Replacement fuel filters for 1995-2000 long wheelbase Chrysler town & country, Plymouth voyager and Dodge caravan…
Fuel system Equipment recall #03E053000 · 2003 · 68,563 vehicles
What's wrong: 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, and Plymouth voyager vehicles, can cause the fuel lines to leak.
Why it matters: A possible fire can occur in the presence of an ignition source.
The fix: Wix will notify its customers and replace the fuel filters free of charge.
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #06E022000 · 2006 · 7,440 vehicles
What's wrong: 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, bendix, and wagner. Only products that were manufactured from July 27, 2005 through January 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. When…
Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
The 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 1-800-323-0354.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #08E039000 · 2008 · 2,520 vehicles
What's wrong: 3341103l-as and 334-1103r-as sold for use as aftermarket equipment for 2001-2007 Dodge caravan passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Maxzone will notify owners and offer reimbursement for any noncompliant headlights. The recall began on June 16, 2008.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #08E048000 · 2008 · 11,534 vehicles
What's wrong: Cs090-b001l and cs090-b001r, sold for use as replacement equipment for the above listed passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the lower beam photometry requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Eagle eyes will notify owners and offer replacement headlamps free of charge. The recall began on September 30, 2008.
Equipment Equipment recall #10E034000 · 2010 · 6,686 vehicles
What's wrong: When the hitch is loaded to the maximum rating, the hitch May fracture or break at the bend location where the main body of the hitch meets the hitch muffler strap.
Why it matters: If the area in question fractures or breaks, this could cause an unstable driving condition, possibly resulting in a crash.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 15 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (43): the most common themes are warning light on (18), fails to deploy (4).
- Suspension (32): the most common themes are noise or vibration (14), steering problems (7).
- Steering (32): the most common themes are steering problems (21), noise or vibration (8).
- Exterior lights (30): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), stalls / loses power (6), warning light on (4).
The 2001 Dodge Caravan has 257 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 28 Caravan model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 359). Complaints peaked in 2004 (43 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 54,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (470 complaints, 4 recalls), 2002 (245 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S4) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Dodge Caravan.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Dodge Caravan, plus 7 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2001 Dodge Caravan problems?
Owners have filed 257 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (43), suspension (32), steering (32).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Dodge Caravan get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 3-spd), across 7 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 Dodge Caravan repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.