The 1990 Dodge Caravan has 4 recalls, the most serious being a rear liftgate latch that can spring open in a collision, creating a risk of occupant ejection.
The liftgate latch issue affects both versions of the minivan — those with remote release and those without — and the remedy in both cases is replacing the latch assembly. In a crash, the latch can fail to hold the rear gate closed, leaving the opening unobstructed at the moment occupants are most at risk of being thrown toward it. On the restraint side, the inboard front seatbelt buckle strap can develop fatigue cracks near its anchor point and break during a hard stop or collision, meaning the belt releases at exactly the moment it needs to hold an occupant in place. There is also a brake concern: the load-sensing proportioning valve, which balances braking force between the front and rear wheels, may have been installed with incorrect fasteners that do not clamp it securely enough to its bracket. Under heavy braking, this can cause the rear wheels to lock up and skid before the fronts, reducing the driver's ability to steer through a stop.
At a glance
What can fail
In a collision, the rear liftgate latch assembly could open.
What the fix does
Chrysler dealers will replace the liftgate latch with a new stronger latch assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
In a collision, the rear liftgate latch assembly may open unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Chrysler dealers will replace the liftgate latch assembly with a stronger one at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The strap on the inboard front seat belt buckle can weaken and break near where it attaches to the seat.
What the fix does
Replace the worn strap or reinforce it with a plate and remove a tab that prevents rotation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake proportioning valve may be attached with incorrect screws that don't clamp it properly to its bracket.
What the fix does
Replace the screws holding the brake proportioning valve with correct-length screws.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
