Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1999 Dodge Caravan
The 1999 Dodge Caravan has a significant number of complaints and recalls, predominantly related to the airbags, engine, and power train. It is important to thoroughly inspect these areas before purchase. Issues such as airbag failures, engine cooling problems, and fuel system leaks have been reported. Given the high number of complaints, proceed with caution and perform a thorough inspection.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1999 Dodge Caravan has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns and 552 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #10E034000 AFTERMARKET RECEIVER HITCH NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E025000 FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E012000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E104000 CURVED TEMPERED AUTOMOTIVE REPLACEMENT GLASS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E091000 FUEL PUMP MODULES/ENGINE STALL CONDITION NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E022000 BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDER NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E023000 FMVSS 108/HEADLAMP/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V480000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03E053000 WIX FILTERATION/FUEL FILTER LEAKS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03E045000 INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS/FUEL FILTER LEAKS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #02V076000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/SEAT BELT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V119000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FMVSS 209/RETRACTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #00V268000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FUEL LEAKAGE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V116000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FMVSS 108/DAYTIME LIGHTS NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 119 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 97 complaints
- Power Train 96 complaints
- Electrical System 63 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 44 complaints
- Suspension 33 complaints
Of the 552 complaints on file, 46 report a crash and 11 a fire; across all 552 complaints, owners report 38 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag failure
How to check: Ensure the airbag warning light is off.
Cooling system failure
How to check: Check for coolant leaks and overheating signs.
Power train issues
How to check: Test for smooth shifting during a drive.
Electrical system faults
How to check: Test all electrical functions work properly.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Starting reliability and idle smoothness.
Red flag: Rough idle or no start.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for warning lights on the dash.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Listen for abnormal engine noises.
Red flag: Knocking or unusual sounds.
- 04
Parking lot maneuvers
What to check: Check steering responsiveness and ease.
Red flag: Stiff or unstable steering.
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Observe for transmission smoothness.
Red flag: Harsh or delayed shifts.
- 06
Braking at speed
What to check: Ensure brakes are smooth and effective.
Red flag: Vibrations or noise during braking.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag clockspring been repaired?
- When was the last engine service?
- Have there been any transmission repairs?
- Are there any current warning lights on?
- Has the vehicle been in any accidents?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service records
- Airbag recall completed confirmation
- Transmission service history
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1999 Dodge Caravan at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 1999 Dodge Caravan? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.