Dodge Caravan Best and Worst Years (2005–2017)
Avoid the 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2010 Dodge Caravan, which carry complaint indexes of 100, 75, 92 and 83 and lead the lineup in electrical, structural and body complaints. The 2014 model is the top-rated year, with a complaint index of just 17 and no recalls.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 13
- 2005–2017
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,624
- Recall campaigns
- 7
- Crashes reported
- 64
- Fires reported
- 23
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Caravan Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Dodge Caravan problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Avoid | 100 | 537 | 19 | 0 | 4 | Structure & Body | — | — |
| 2006 | Avoid | 75 | 173 | 12 | 2 | 2 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2007 | Caution | 50 | 81 | 4 | 1 | 0 | Engine | — | — |
| 2008 | Avoid | 92 | 302 | 8 | 6 | 2 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2009 | Caution | 67 | 118 | 3 | 3 | 2 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2010 | Avoid | 83 | 172 | 8 | 6 | 2 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2011 | Good | 42 | 78 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2012 | Caution | 58 | 87 | 3 | 3 | 0 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2013 | Good | 33 | 30 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2014 | Best | 17 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2015 | Good | 25 | 23 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | — | — |
| 2016 | No verdict | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2017 | No verdict | 8 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Brakes | — | — |
Caravan years to avoid: what went wrong
2005 Dodge Caravan Index 100 · 537 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2005 Caravan has the highest complaint index (100) of any year and ranks worst overall. Structure & Body issues make up 40% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 67,000, while Electrical System problems account for 36% at a median of 73,000 miles. Owners describe seat and seatbelt hardware failing in crashes and airbags not deploying as expected. NHTSA lists four recalls for this year, including two separate airbag sensor campaigns and a windshield wiper motor recall covering a broken armature shaft.
2005 structure & body problems →2005 electrical system problems →2005 airbags problems →
2008 Dodge Caravan Index 92 · 302 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2008 Caravan has a complaint index of 92. Electrical System complaints dominate at 54% with a median failure mileage of 80,000, and Brakes follow at 22% with a much lower median of 29,590 miles. Owners describe brakes making loud noises with smoke and smell during stops, and airbag modules failing to deploy despite a related recall notice. NHTSA lists two recalls tied to Braun mobility and commercial conversion alterations affecting suspension and fuel system components.
2008 electrical system problems →2008 brakes problems →2008 airbags problems →
2010 Dodge Caravan Index 83 · 172 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2010 Caravan has a complaint index of 83. Electrical System issues lead at 49% of complaints with a median mileage of 72,000, while Engine problems follow at 23% with a median of 51,500 miles. Owners report tire blowouts leading to crashes, transmissions slipping into reverse unexpectedly, and engine overheating with a persistent burning odor. NHTSA lists two recalls related to Braun conversion alterations affecting suspension and fuel system components.
2010 electrical system problems →2010 engine problems →2010 brakes problems →
2006 Dodge Caravan Index 75 · 173 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2006 Caravan carries a complaint index of 75. Electrical System problems lead at 21% of complaints with a median mileage of 74,250, followed closely by Engine issues at 18% (59,920 miles) and both Airbags and Steering at 16% each. Owners report airbags failing to deploy in collisions and unexpected engine surges while shifting. NHTSA lists two recalls, an airbag sensor replacement campaign and a windshield wiper motor recall.
2006 electrical system problems →2006 engine problems →2006 airbags problems →
Most common Dodge Caravan problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Electrical System688 (42%)
- Structure & Body284 (17%)
- Engine225 (14%)
- Brakes184 (11%)
- Airbags182 (11%)
- Fuel System101 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires99 (6%)
- Steering92 (6%)
- Other88 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain81 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Which Dodge Caravan years should I avoid?
- NHTSA data points to 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2010 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100, 75, 92 and 83 respectively. These years show heavy Electrical System and Structure & Body complaints along with multiple recall campaigns.
- What is the best Dodge Caravan year?
- The 2014 Caravan is rated Best, with the lowest complaint index (17) among all covered years and zero recalls.
- What is the most common problem with the Dodge Caravan?
- Electrical System issues are the top problem area across all years, making up 42% of the 1,624 total complaints logged, followed by Structure & Body at 17% and Engine at 14%.
- Does the 2005 Dodge Caravan have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists four recall campaigns for the 2005 Caravan, covering front airbag sensors, an air bag sensor replacement for winter-salt states, and a windshield wiper motor armature shaft issue.
- How many total complaints does the Dodge Caravan have on file?
- NHTSA lists 1,624 total complaints and 7 recall campaigns across the 2005-2017 Dodge Caravan model years covered.