EZ Swap LLC services the Dodge Caravan in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2005 to 2009, 2011 to 2017. If your Caravan has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help Caravan owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 1,453 owner complaints on file for the Caravan and 12 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (525), latches/locks/linkages (227), air bags (165).
Most-Reported Dodge Caravan Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Caravan (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 525 | 36% | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 227 | 15% | |
| Air Bags | 165 | 11% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 125 | 8% | |
| Engine | 112 | 7% | |
| Steering | 81 | 5% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 72 | 4% | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 72 | 4% |
Electrical System
525 of the 1,453 complaints (36%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Latches/Locks/Linkages
227 of the 1,453 complaints (15%) mention body, doors and latches. Latch and body complaints affect security and safety. We inspect and repair door, hood and trunk hardware. See our auto repair page.
Air Bags
165 of the 1,453 complaints (11%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Dodge Caravan Complaints by Model Year
The Caravan model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2008, 2006. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 537 | |
| 2006 | 173 | |
| 2007 | 82 | |
| 2008 | 302 | |
| 2009 | 118 | |
| 2011 | 78 | |
| 2012 | 87 | |
| 2013 | 30 | |
| 2014 | 20 | |
| 2015 | 23 | |
| 2016 | 2 | |
| 2017 | 1 |
Dodge Caravan Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the Caravan, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Dodge.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your Caravan? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Dodge Caravan Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the Caravan in these model years, most often involving exterior lighting, visibility, air bags. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2018 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 18V098000): Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Caravan and Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The brake switches on these vehicles may malfunction, keeping the brake lights illuminated and/or allowing the vehicle to be shifted out of the PARK...
- 2010 recall, Equipment (campaign 10E034000): 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.
- 2010 recall, Air Bags (campaign 10V008000): CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 DODGE CARAVAN, GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS,...
- 2010 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 10V148000): THE BRAUN CORPORATION IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE CARAVAN COMMERCIAL ENTERVANS WHICH WERE ALTERED BY BRAUN BETWEEN JANUARY 21, 2009 AND MARCH 19, 2010.
- 2010 recall, Suspension (campaign 10V164000): THE BRAUN CORPORATION IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE CARAVAN MOBILITY CONVERSIONS WHICH WERE ALTERED BY BRAUN BETWEEN JANUARY 21, 2009 AND MARCH 19, 2010.
- 2008 recall, Exterior Lighting (campaign 08E048000): EAGLE EYES IS RECALLING 11,534 HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. CS090-B001L AND CS090-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Caravan, 56 involved a crash, 17 involved a fire, 62 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Dodge Caravan Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Dodge will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Caravan that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Caravan owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Dodge Caravan, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Dodge Caravan Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Dodge Caravan repair service, or choose a service below.
Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Dodge Caravan FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Dodge Caravan?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Dodge Caravan are electrical system (525), latches/locks/linkages (227), air bags (165). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Caravan model years have the most complaints?
The Caravan model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2008, 2006. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Dodge Caravan. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Dodge Caravan have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the Dodge Caravan across model years 2005 to 2009, 2011 to 2017. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Dodge Caravan in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Dodge vehicles including the Caravan, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Dodge Caravan?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Dodge Caravan in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Dodge Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.