Battery Problems of Dodge Caravan

Dodge Caravan owners have reported 20 problems related to battery (under the electrical system category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Dodge Caravan based on all problems reported for the Caravan.

1 Battery problem of the 2005 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 12/18/2010

To whom it may concern: good day after vehicle is turned off, especially after using fog lights; I. . E. Vehicle is parked; secured; key out of ignition; lights are place in off position - the lights will seem to be off then within an hour randomly come on - go off - go on off thus draining the battery. I've also researched online and found many similar problems with 2005 Dodge Caravans electrical issue - like this same problem (which I experienced my self today) of the lights randomly go on/off while driving. I'm glad it was day time - but if at night with my pregnant wife driving - set a red flag off of a serious safety issue. Please see the below links for other examples of similar problems - believe a recall is in order to fix this should have been years ago by the looks of it. . Read more...

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2 Battery problem of the 2005 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 10/01/2010

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Caravan. The contact attempted to unlock the doors using the key fob but the doors would not respond. The contact was forced to use the keys manually to enter the vehicle. The contact stated that the key fob also would not lock the doors. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated whenever she would disconnect the battery for approximately ten minutes, the key fob would function normally for approximately two days. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 112,000. The VIN was unavailable.

3 Battery problem of the 2005 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 08/07/2010

I have a 2005 Dodge Caravan sxt. Power locks quit working. Can not unlock with remote key, must use key in lock to open. I was told to disconnect the battery and the iod fuse for ten minutes and reconnect. Locks work awhile then quit. I was told that Dodge had a soft ware fix but, it would cost about one hundred dollars. I don't think it is right to charge for problem they created and seem to know about it. If there was an emergency and you needed to access the van quickly it would be impossible to do it quickly if you have to fumble with the key. Also you couldn't lock it quick enough from the inside. I think there should be a recall on this problem. I noticed on the internet a number of people are fighting this problem as well.

4 Battery problem of the 2006 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 06/01/2010

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Caravan. The contact attempted to start the vehicle but to no avail. After several attempts, she was able to restart the vehicle. The failure recurred six time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician advised that the battery would need to be replaced. The battery was replaced yet the failure persisted. The technician stated that the computer would need to be replaced also. The part was ordered for the vehicle to be repaired but had not yet arrived. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000. Updated 02/17/11.

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5 Battery problem of the 2005 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 03/27/2010

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the sensor for the door locks did not function properly and doors would suddenly lock on their own. The contact had to unlock the doors manually. When the failure occurred and someone approached the vehicle, the panic alarm would begin to sound. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that repairs would have to be performed at her expense. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000. The current mileage was approximately 49,500. Updated 11/19/10. The consumer stated the connection from the battery were removed several times. Finally, after three times the sensors started to work again. The consumer stated there have been no problems since. Updated 12/01/10.

6 Battery problem of the 2005 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 08/01/2009

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Caravan. The vehicle was parked and shut off when the contact attempted to lock the doors using the key fob. The doors would not lock. In order to lock the doors using the key fob the contact disconnected the battery for approximately 10 minutes. Upon reconnecting the battery the contact was able to lock the doors using the key fob. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure persisted. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.

7 Battery problem of the 2000 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 09/19/2008

I purchased a 2008 Dodge Caravan about 2 years ago from elite motors in victorville. The car was not smoked at the time of purchase and had to be done so about 1 month later. They said they had a hard time getting it to pass and then it passed but when I got it back I smogged it and it failed. Elite motos said they would work with me on resolving things but they never did. Since I've had the vehicle there has been a loud slapping noise coming from the air conditioner, the fuel pump has been replaced, two tires have blown, several sets of front break pads have been replaced, 2 battery's have been replaced, and within the last month both front and rear brakes/master brake cylinder/calipers/water pump/radiator has been replaced. My car is again in the shop because my engine light and air bag lights have come on, there are no brake lights, and my car was hesitating and loosing power intermittently with a clunking coming from the engine. My mechanic tells me that I will need a new engine. Also, the vehicle was involved in an accident a few months ago. I had asked geiko if when they did the body work - would they also look for things mechanically wrong just to make sure everything was o. K. They said they would, the shop (performance in victorville said they would and gave me a business card of the guy they refer things out to but they never did? point of impact is listed at 6. Rear.

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8 Battery problem of the 2006 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 01/01/2007

The contact called regarding an employer's 2005 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the brakes squeaked , and the vehicle ha suspension problems. Also, the battery overheated. The current and failure mileages were 30,000. Updated 06/06/07.

9 Battery problem of the 2005 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 06/15/2006

Defective sway bar at 28,000 miles-dealership stated it is normal with this year of Caravans & that I don't have to have replaced lights would not shut off or turn on with manual operation - when the vehicle is off for a long time the lights turn on for no reason at all. We have replaced the lightbulbs on 3 different occasions fuse keeps on blowing in engine at 32,000 miles, 34,000 miles and 39,050 miles. Electronic windows, door locks, automatic side door no longer operate at 41,000 miles. Excessive corrosion around battery every 4,000 miles paid to have cleaned 5 times and they say my battery is fine other than the corrosion build up.

10 Battery problem of the 2002 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 04/14/2006

: the contact stated the vehicle stalled intermittently and occurred at no particular speed; however, the vehicle immediately restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing, but the problem could not be duplicated. Update 5/2/2006 - all the dash lights flickered and the cruise control light illuminated. The dealer replaced the battery.

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11 Battery problem of the 1997 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 08/28/2003

We have had to replace 4 batteries in 6 years. These include batteries by three different manufacturers. Initially, the batteries were covered by the 3yr/36k mile warranty, and we were told the batteries were defective. Obviously, there is an electrical problem with the van. In each case, the batteries went suddenly dead (would not hold any charge at all) long before they should have.

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12 Battery problem of the 2003 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 03/10/2003

My "brand-new" 03 Dodge Caravan has rusty and old parts inside. It has less than 3500 miles, and there are problems with the transmission already, the brakes make a slight noise, and the battery started corroding, too. When I called daimler-Chrysler, they would not give me specific information about my vehicle. I am questioning whether my vehicle is really new. . . I paid way too much for it to be acting this way - again under 3500 miles!.

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13 Battery problem of the 1996 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 09/15/2000

Upon starting the vehicle, the battery blew up. The van was towed to a near by service station, and the battery was replaced.

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14 Battery problem of the 1996 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 06/02/2000

When vehicle was parked after being driven, and when attempting to start vehicle up again, it won't start. Also, battery had to be replaced every year since vehicle was bought.

15 Battery problem of the 1997 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 03/01/2000

I feel this vehicle should have a recall on some of the problems it has. They are defenitely a major factor in safety. I hope these problems are fixed in the newer modles because most people purchase Mini-vans for their family or company vehicle. Therefore, this particular vehicle I feel could probably fall under the lemon law. Or, manufactors are just making a big profit and are not considering the safety of their drivers. I would like to see them put their family in a vehicle with the problems mine has and quarantee their safety.

16 Battery problem of the 1997 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 10/12/1999

I feel this model, Caravan se sport, needs alot of upgrades. I feel that this vehicle is not a safe vehicle for families. I believe that Dodge is.

17 Battery problem of the 1996 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 05/31/1999

We have more failures that you don't have room for in this questionnaire. We have a huge file on this vehicle and want out of it. It is a lemon!.

18 Battery problem of the 1996 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 02/02/1999

Since we purchased our van in August of 1997, we have had many repairs and visits to the dealer. As of today, they have not fixed or diagnosed the brake problems. When coming to a stop or applying my brakes, a crunching sound occurs ,and I can feel it in the pedal. It is a fairly loud sound and the vibration is distracting because you lose your brake pedal for a period of 1-2 seconds. I have talked to other Dodge Caravan owners and plan to take a detailed survey on this matter, but, none to this point have had this problem. This leads me to believe this is a defect in the brake system or antilock brake computer system which is undetectable. This does not occur all the time, and not under the same conditions. This, also, leads me to the conclusion there is a major saftey defect here. I have had this to the dealer and they say they cant diagnose the problem. What am I supposed to do, get in an accident? I have asked that they recall my van, refund full purchase price or replace my vehicle with one similar to mine. This is not the only problem: today it was in for brakes and a blown engine head gasket. Previously, catalytic converter/ blower motor/battery/ speed sensor and anti rattle bumpers that still havent corrected problem/fuel filter ground strap and fuel filler tube ground strap have been replaced. Also, deglazed brakes, but still brakes squeak. Finally, headlights replaced w/housing/lamp, and whatever else they have done to it while in the shop right now. It has been there since Tuesday Feb. 02. This van is no way worth the hassles that I have been put through and I dont think anyone should have this many problems so early on. I have done extensive research on this model and have found atleast 100 complaints for transmission problems and other major repairs and undiagnosed problems with the engine. I think it is time someone stepped in and took a good look at this 96 vehicle because it is not up to saftey standards by a long shot. Thank you.

19 Battery problem of the 1998 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 01/10/1999

The consumer owns a 1998 Dodge Caravan. Serpentine belt failed five times. When this occurred there was a loss of power steering as well as the charging of the battery. This only happened in wet or rainy conditions. The consumer took vehicle to a dealer, who said they could again replace the serpentine belt, but it would fail again in wet conditions or rainy weather. There was no guarantee. The last trip to the dealer resulted in the replacement of the serpentine belt. No accident or injury was reported. The consumer contacted the manufacturer and filed a complaint also. The local dealer said nothing could be done about. Updated 02/07/06.

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20 Battery problem of the 1996 Dodge Caravan

Failure Date: 04/01/1996

While driving entire electrical system malfunctioned, but vehicle continued to operate with no electric components working. Dealer has been contacted replaced transmission, stabilizer sockets, brakes and battery, latches on doors, hatch replaced several times. Ak.


Other Common Electrical System related problems of Dodge Caravan


Fuel Economy of Caravan Vehicles
Caravan Service Bulletins
Caravan Safety Recalls
Caravan Defect Investigations