1994 Dodge Caravan: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 Dodge Caravan: 3 recalls, 644 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #99V113000 · 1999 · 736,824 vehicles
What's wrong: The wiring that initiates the driver and/or passenger air bag could electrically short circuit to ground. A short circuit to ground that exists immediately after turning the ignition key to the "on" or "start" position can cause the air bag(s) to inadvertently deploy.
Why it matters: Inadvertent air bag deployment can injure a front seat occupant.
The fix: Dealers will perform an electronic diagnostic check. Any short circuits identified in either the driver's or passenger side air bag initiator wire circuit will be repaired.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #99V213000 · 1999 · 1,318,189 vehicles
What's wrong: The bolts used to attach the strut to the body and the rear liftgate can accumulate fatigue damage if three factors combine. If the bolt is loose, the gas strut is over-pressurized, and the frequency of opening and closing cycles is higher than for the average customer, the bolt can fail.
Why it matters: Personal injury could occur if the bolts break allowing the liftgate to fall suddenly.
The fix: Dealers will inspect for loose fasteners, if the fasteners are loose, the strut (and integral bolts) will be replaced. If the bolt shows evidence of torque, the bolt will be removed, larger washers will replace the existing washer and the bolt will be reinstalled and hand tightened to the target…
Steering Vehicle recall #00V305000 · 2000 · 679,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering wheel armature stamping can crack and separate from the center hub attachment to the steering column.
Why it matters: If the steering wheel separates from the center hub attachment to the steering column, loss of control can occur increasing the risk of an accident.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the steering wheel for cracks and any wheels with cracks will be replaced. All other vehicles will have a reinforcement plate installed to prevent steering wheel separation in the event cracking occurs.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Latches & locks Recall #95I001005 · 1995 · 1,342,202 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall. There has been no determination that a safety defect exists with the minivan latches. Chrysler is conducting a service campaign to replace the liftgate latch assembly of the affected minivans. In a collision, the rear liftgate latch assembly could open.
Why it matters: If the liftgate latch opens, occupants can be ejected resulting in significantly increased risk of injury or death.
The fix: Chrysler will replace the liftgate latch with a new stronger latch assembly without charge. Chrysler began notifying owners during December 1995.
Latches & locks Recall #95I001001 · 1995 · 66,407 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall. There has been no determination that a safety defect exists with the minivan latches. Chrysler is conducting a service campaign to replace the liftgate latch assembly of the affected minivans. In a collision, the rear liftgate latch assembly could open.
Why it matters: If the liftgate latch opens, occupants can be ejected resulting in significantly increased risk of injury or death.
The fix: Chrysler dealers will replace the liftgate latch with a new stronger latch assembly without charge. Chrysler began notifying owners of these vehicles beginning September 1995.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 101 injuries and 3 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (111): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (34), noise or vibration (13), stalls / loses power (11).
- Airbags (94): the most common themes are fails to deploy (33), warning light on (7).
- Body & structure (78): the most common themes are door / lock issues (44), leaks (3).
- Engine & cooling (66): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (25), overheating (6).
The 1994 Dodge Caravan has 644 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 28 Caravan model years for complaints (1.8× the average Caravan year). Complaints peaked in 1995 (134 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 102,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (949 complaints, 8 recalls), 1995 (489 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | CNG |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | 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 1994 Dodge Caravan.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1994 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1994 Dodge Caravan, plus 2 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 1994 Dodge Caravan problems?
Owners have filed 644 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (111), airbags (94), body & structure (78).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Dodge Caravan get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 9 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 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.