The 1998 Dodge Caravan is a vehicle that came with a choice of 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl and 3.8L 6-cyl engines. At 28 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD, Special Purpose Vehicle 4WD |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 3-spd, Automatic 4-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 14–18 city / 22–24 highway / 17–20 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,350–$3,950 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 444–523 grams per mile |
| Curb weight (NHTSA test vehicle) | 3,709–4,017 lb |
| Versions tested by EPA | 7 configurations: Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD, Caravan/Grand Caravan AWD |
| Age | 28 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; weights from NHTSA crash-test records. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls covering the 1998 Dodge Caravan. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
On certain minivans, the driver's air bag may become disabled due to a failure of the clockspring, which is located in the hub of the steering wheel.
Risk: This condition will manifest itself through illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and could eventually result in a driver's air bag open circuit, if the part is not replaced in a reasonable amount of time.
On certain mini vans, the clockspring assembly may have been wound incorrectly during the vehicle assembly process.
Risk: This condition will manifest itself through illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and could eventually result in a driver's air bag open circuit, if the part is not replaced in a reasonable amount of time.
On certain minivans, some trim material can loosen and drop into the rear outboard seat belt assembly, causing the seat belt to become inoperative.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Vehicle description: mini vans built with 3.3l and 3.8l engines have fuel rails with nitrole rubber o-ring seals that can degrade over time. Fuel leakage from the underhood fuel injection fuel rail could result, increasing the likelihood of a vehicle fire.
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Vehicle description: passenger minivans equipped with integrated child seats. The shoulder harness restraint webbing was incorrectly routed around the metal reinforcement bar on these seats.
Risk: The child seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a collision.
Owners have filed 1,188 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Caravan with NHTSA. 86 reports involved a crash and 43 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 72 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 118 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1998 Dodge Caravan. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
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
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
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging system
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA opened 7 defect investigations covering the 1998 Dodge Caravan.
Driver air bag clockspring failure
The driver air bag clockspring can develop an open-circuit condition resulting in nonfunctional driver-side frontal air bag, horn, cruise control (if equipped), and/or steering wheel radio control (if equipped).in its october 5, 2004 letter to NHTSA, daimlerchrysler stated that it will conduct a safety recall and repla
Driver air bag clockspring failure
Complaints report air bag warning light illuminates, and this may be accompanied with a non-functioning horn and/or cruise control (if equipped).this is indicative of an open-circuit clockspring failure (results in non-functioning driver's air bag), similar to the failure condition that was the subject of daimlerchrysl
Rear seat belt malfunction
This investigation was opened january 16, 2002, based on seven reports alleging the third row seat belt retractors failed on certain 1997 and 1998 model year Caravan and voyager vehicles.the reports indicated a tar like substance entered the retractor mechanism, thus causing the retractor to jam or bind.in this conditi
Air bag clockspring
There is no summary currently available
Dc minivan fuel injector rail leak
There is no summary currently available
Post collision fuel system
Post-collision fuel system integrity
There is no summary currently available
‹ Sell a 1997 Caravan · Sell a 1999 Caravan › · All Dodge Caravan years
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 1998 Caravans that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 1998 Dodge Caravan; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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