1990 Dodge Caravan

Introduction

The 1990 Dodge Caravan was a popular minivan offering spacious seating for up to seven passengers. It was available with a variety of engine and transmission options, including a 2.5L inline-four engine paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission, a 3.0L V6 engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and a 3.3L V6 engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Caravan was praised for its versatility and comfortable interior, but it was also known for its reliability issues.

Engine

2.5L Inline-Four Engine

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, performance issues
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine failure, no start
  • Solution: Replace timing belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, performance issues, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+

3.0L V6 Engine

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, performance issues
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine failure, no start
  • Solution: Replace timing belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Oil Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil pressure, engine noise, engine failure
  • Solution: Replace oil pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+

3.3L V6 Engine

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, performance issues
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine failure, no start
  • Solution: Replace timing belt
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating
  • Solution: Replace water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Transmission

3-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission hesitates or slips between gears
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
• Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission problems, delayed or no shifting, slipping
  • Solution: Replace solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission hesitates or slips between gears
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
• Valve Body Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission problems, delayed or no shifting, slipping
  • Solution: Replace valve body
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Suspension

• Struts/Shocks Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, poor handling, excessive bouncing
  • Solution: Replace struts/shocks
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Sway Bar Links Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises when turning, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace sway bar links
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery does not charge, electrical problems
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine fails to start
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Battery Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine does not start, electrical problems
  • Solution: Replace battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Exterior

• Door Lock Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors do not lock or unlock properly
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window does not go up or down properly
  • Solution: Replace window regulator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appear on the dashboard
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Seat Fabric Tearing
  • Description/Symptoms: Fabric on seats tears or wears prematurely
  • Solution: Replace seat fabric
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Summary

The 1990 Dodge Caravan had a number of reliability issues, particularly with its engine, transmission, and electrical systems. These issues could be expensive to repair, ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $2,000. However, the Caravan offered a spacious and comfortable interior, making it a popular choice for families.