2004 Dodge Caravan problems & reliability
64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Dodge Caravan, alongside 1 safety recall campaign. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
2 complaints report injuries (2 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2004 Dodge Caravan vehicles were involved in 7 fatal crashes with 3 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion System → | 12 | 19% |
| Electrical System | 8 | 13% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 7 | 11% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 7 | 11% |
| Steering | 6 | 9% |
| Air Bags | 4 | 6% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | 6% |
| Equipment | 4 | 6% |
| Power Train | 4 | 6% |
| Structure | 4 | 6% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 71,700 miles (middle 50% between 35,700 and 108,882 miles), based on 49 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The vehicle was stationary. I was leaving work, when I sat in the driver's seat the seat broke and fell back. The broken part is actually the frame of the seat, not the tilt mechanism. The tubulation that comprised the seat frame catastrophically broke adjacent to the weldment. This part should never fail.”
Seats · filed May 1, 2019
“Engine often hesitates after you have driven a few blocks after refueling. This form asks for a single specific date but this problem has happened every few weeks for the last year or so. Depending upon the traffic situation when the hesitation occurs, and accident could easily occur. My mechanic says that the…”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Jan 14, 2017
“2004 dodge caravan. Consumer writes in regards to fuel tank extended warranty coverage that applies to vehicle stalling after refueling. *smd the consumer stated the vehicle began stalling shortly after it was purchased and has since continued. The stalling occurred at highway speeds and while making left turns. Also…”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed May 12, 2016
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- Engine Stall After Refueling
Defect Petition DP14002 · opened Sep 5, 2014 · closed Apr 6, 2015
Technical service bulletins
69 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Dodge Caravan. The 10 most recent:
Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
S2208000136 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 9, 2022
Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
S2208000136 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 9, 2022
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020
Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
23-015-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 30, 2020
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery…
08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 22, 2020
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100619 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
31-005-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2004 Dodge Caravan has 1 NHTSA recall campaign — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2004 Dodge Caravan?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 71,700 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.