DODGE CARAVAN · model year

2005 DODGE CARAVAN

691 NHTSA complaints, 24 crash reports, and 9 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2005DODGECARAVAN carries 691 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 24 crashes, 0 fires, 24 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2005 CARAVAN is latches/locks/linkages with 193 filings, followed by electrical system (113) and exterior lighting (68). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 9 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 20 investigation files overlapping the 2005 CARAVAN, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

691
Complaints
24
Crashes
0
Fires
24
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

691 filings

Crashes Reported

24 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES193
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM113
EXTERIOR LIGHTING68
AIR BAGS22
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM22
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE17
STEERING16
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE12
UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC10
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS9
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL8
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL7
SEAT BELTS7

Recalls (9)

06E02200013/03/2006

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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

07E10400011/12/2007

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

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 TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDER

10V00800011/01/2010

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

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, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISS

10E03400010/08/2010

EQUIPMENT

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 RATING, THE HITCH MAY FRACTURE OR BREAK AT THE

08E03900010/06/2008

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

MAXZONE IS RECALLING 2,520 HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 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, REFLEC

08E04800008/08/2008

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE LOWER BEAM PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS,

06V06700008/03/2006

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

ON CERTAIN VANS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ARMATURE SHAFT MAY BREAK.

07V19200003/05/2007

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

CERTAIN MINIVANS ARE BEING RECALLED THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE 27 STATES PLUS THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA THAT USE GREATER AMOUNTS OF SALT FOR WINTER ROAD DEICING. THE UP-FRONT (UF) AIR BAG SENSORS THAT CONTAIN BRASS BUSHINGS INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES MAY CORRODE AND

04V04700003/02/2004

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

AFTER PERFORMING THE NCAP TEST, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITHOUT THE AVAILABLE "STOW 'N GO" SEATING OPTION, THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED.

Recent Complaints

20230109AIR BAGS

Air bag Light stays On, even with seat belt attached, so this means air bag is not working, not sure driver side, or passenger. went to Dodge dealer, they would NOT fix it!!

20220108STRUCTURE:BODY

The door locks do not work for the sliding doors or the passenger side of the vehicle. We tried to fix this issue by checking the door lock fuse out to make sure it was okay, and it was. The driver's side is the only one that locks. The passenger door lock will not push down and lock when pressed down manually. I feel this is a safety issue and I have seen that others online are having problems with their door locks not working or getting stuck and not unlocking. I don't understand why there is no recall on this issue with the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. This is a serious safe issue on any vehicle. My sliding doors have to be manually locked and as I said, the passenger side won't lock, so it's dangerous for me to have passengers. My local Dodge dealership offered to diagnose it, but it's $125.00 for them to just find out what's causing this if they could even do that. Clearly it is an issue of some kind since one door locks. Can you please look into this? Again, I know others have had d

20220108ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The door locks do not work for the sliding doors or the passenger side of the vehicle. We tried to fix this issue by checking the door lock fuse out to make sure it was okay, and it was. The driver's side is the only one that locks. The passenger door lock will not push down and lock when pressed down manually. I feel this is a safety issue and I have seen that others online are having problems with their door locks not working or getting stuck and not unlocking. I don't understand why there is no recall on this issue with the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. This is a serious safe issue on any vehicle. My sliding doors have to be manually locked and as I said, the passenger side won't lock, so it's dangerous for me to have passengers. My local Dodge dealership offered to diagnose it, but it's $125.00 for them to just find out what's causing this if they could even do that. Clearly it is an issue of some kind since one door locks. Can you please look into this? Again, I know others have had d

20201106FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE VEHICLE'S FAILURE BEGAN TO OCCUR WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 2 MINUTES OF STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (MOUNTAIN VALLEY MOTORS, INC. 7535 APPALACHIAN HWY, BLUE RIDGE, GA 30513; (706) 516-1053) WHO INFORMED THEM THAT THE CHECK VALVE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THEREFORE, THE ENTIRE TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WHERE THE VALVE WAS LOCATED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE NUMBER. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEIR VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

20201106VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE VEHICLE'S FAILURE BEGAN TO OCCUR WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 2 MINUTES OF STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (MOUNTAIN VALLEY MOTORS, INC. 7535 APPALACHIAN HWY, BLUE RIDGE, GA 30513; (706) 516-1053) WHO INFORMED THEM THAT THE CHECK VALVE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THEREFORE, THE ENTIRE TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WHERE THE VALVE WAS LOCATED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE NUMBER. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEIR VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

20200218FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A SMOG TEST DETECTED A FUEL LEAK FROM THE FUEL TANK. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE SMOG TEST BEING PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,936.

Mileage: 148,936

20191204CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISING AROUND HER CHEST THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK FROM THE RADIATOR AND THEY REPLACED THE HOOD. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT HER EMPLOYER OWNED A FLEET OF VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.

Mileage: 22,000

20190331ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

REMOTE RANDOMLY WILL NOT LOCK/ UNLOCK DOORS. PULL THE BATTERY CABLE AND REMOTE WORKS. CHRYSLER SENT OUT TSB 08-040-04 ON SUBJECT. THEY HAVE A GLITCH IN ORIGINAL SOFTWARE AND SEEMS UNFAIR THAT CONSUMER MUST PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED. SLIDING DOORS DO NOT HAVE KEYS TO LOCK SO ONE MUST CRAWL THROUGH THE DRIVER / PASSENGER SEAT TO LOCK MANUALLY. AS AN OLDER ADULT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. IT SHOULD BE RECALLED.

20190228CrashSTEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A GUARDRAIL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE AIRS BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY AN INDEPENDENT TOWING COMPANY TO A SALVAGE LOT WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. BLEVINS SEAWAY MOTORS (98 CENTER ST, MASSENA, NY 13662, (315) 764-0283) WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

Mileage: 136,000

20190202FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHEN PUMPING GASOLINE INTO THE TANK, WITHIN A FEW SECONDS THE GASOLINE BACKLOWS AND TURNS OFF THE PUMP. IN ORDER TO GET 5 GALLONS INTO THE TANK IT MAY TAKE 20 STOPS, WAIT & STARTS WHICH MAY TAKE 5 MINUTES. THE CHARCOAL VAPOR TRAP IS WORKING FINE SINCE THE HOSE TO IT FROM THE GASOLINE TANK WAS DISCONNECTED TO TEST THE VAPOR CANISTER. MECHANIC DOES NOT HAVE A CLUE HOW TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR OVER A MONTH AND A HALF.

Mileage: 89,929

20181202AIR BAGS

HAD A RECALL ON THE AIRBAG SENSOR AND HAD IT FIXED 3 OR 4 YEARS AGO. ON 12-2-2018 THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, DOING THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT AS YET FOUND IF THE SENSOR WAS FIXED WITH ANOTHER BAD ONE. THIS NEEDS LOOKED INTO. TO SEE IF OTHERS HAVE THIS REACURRING SAFTY PROBLEM. COMES ON 10 MINUTES INTO DRIVE,GOES OFF AFTER SITTING 2 MINUTES WITH SWITCH OFF

Mileage: 220,808

20180724TIRES

TIRE CRACKING AND TREAD SEPARATION ON TOURMAX GFT SOLD BY ELDORADO. ITS NOT IN YOUR LIST. POOR WEAR CHARACTERISTICS. I TOOK MY CAR IN TO AN ALIGNMENT SHOP BECAUSE IT WAS PULLING TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE ROAD. I WAS INFORMED THAT A NEAR NEW TIRE HAD STRESS CRACKS AND TREAD SEPARATION AND THE ALIGNMENT AND INFLATION PRESSURE WAS OK.TWO MORE OF THE SAME TIRES ON THE SAME CAR WERE WEARING UNUSUALLY FAST WITH NO ALIGNMENT ISSUES. I FEEL THESE TIRES HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BE UNSAFE. THE TOURMAX GFT FROM ELDORADO HAS NOT INSTILLED SAFETY CONFIDENCE.

Mileage: 261,000

20180327FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2005 DODGE CARAVAN MINI VAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH VEHICLE. *LD *JS

20180327ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2005 DODGE CARAVAN MINI VAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH VEHICLE. *LD *JS

20180327SERVICE BRAKES

2005 DODGE CARAVAN MINI VAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH VEHICLE. *LD *JS

20180327STEERING

2005 DODGE CARAVAN MINI VAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH VEHICLE. *LD *JS

20180131ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FAILED TO TURN OVER IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

Mileage: 101,000

20170810FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHEN FILLING WITH GAS THE ENGINE TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING, THIS HAPPENED ON A LEFT TURN WITH VEHICLES APPROACHING, CARS HAD TO STOP AND HELP PUSH VAN OUT OF STREET. LUCKILY IT DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, HAD TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN VEHICLE , VERY FORTUNATE FOR THE QUICK RESPONSE OF OTHER DRIVERS. FUEL READING WRONG FIRST TIME CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING SHOWING 1/ 4 TANK OF GAS. NOW SHUTS OFF SHOWING MORE THAN 3/4 TANK OF GAS THIS HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY, LOST ALL POWER STEERING AS WELL. AGAIN I HAD TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN CAR. SEAT BELT NOT WORKING PROPERLY. HEADLIGHT VERY DIM AT NIGHT NOT GOOD FEW FOR NIGHT TIME DRIVING. THIS VEHICLE IS BECOMING MORE UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 20

20170810SEAT BELTS

WHEN FILLING WITH GAS THE ENGINE TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING, THIS HAPPENED ON A LEFT TURN WITH VEHICLES APPROACHING, CARS HAD TO STOP AND HELP PUSH VAN OUT OF STREET. LUCKILY IT DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, HAD TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN VEHICLE , VERY FORTUNATE FOR THE QUICK RESPONSE OF OTHER DRIVERS. FUEL READING WRONG FIRST TIME CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING SHOWING 1/ 4 TANK OF GAS. NOW SHUTS OFF SHOWING MORE THAN 3/4 TANK OF GAS THIS HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY, LOST ALL POWER STEERING AS WELL. AGAIN I HAD TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN CAR. SEAT BELT NOT WORKING PROPERLY. HEADLIGHT VERY DIM AT NIGHT NOT GOOD FEW FOR NIGHT TIME DRIVING. THIS VEHICLE IS BECOMING MORE UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 20

20170810EXTERIOR LIGHTING

WHEN FILLING WITH GAS THE ENGINE TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING, THIS HAPPENED ON A LEFT TURN WITH VEHICLES APPROACHING, CARS HAD TO STOP AND HELP PUSH VAN OUT OF STREET. LUCKILY IT DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, HAD TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN VEHICLE , VERY FORTUNATE FOR THE QUICK RESPONSE OF OTHER DRIVERS. FUEL READING WRONG FIRST TIME CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING SHOWING 1/ 4 TANK OF GAS. NOW SHUTS OFF SHOWING MORE THAN 3/4 TANK OF GAS THIS HAPPEN ON THE HIGHWAY, LOST ALL POWER STEERING AS WELL. AGAIN I HAD TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN CAR. SEAT BELT NOT WORKING PROPERLY. HEADLIGHT VERY DIM AT NIGHT NOT GOOD FEW FOR NIGHT TIME DRIVING. THIS VEHICLE IS BECOMING MORE UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 20

Compare 2005DODGECARAVAN to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2005 DODGE CARAVAN have?
The 2005 DODGE CARAVAN has 691 NHTSA complaints, 24 crashes, 0 fires, 24 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2005 DODGE CARAVAN?
Yes, the 2005 DODGE CARAVAN has 9 recall(s). The most common affected component is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 DODGE CARAVAN?
The most-complained component for the 2005 DODGE CARAVAN is LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES with 193 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
Is the 2005 DODGE CARAVAN safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.