2018 Dodge Caravan Safety Report
2018 Dodge Caravan Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Dodge Caravan
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Dodge Caravan. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Low (0) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (5) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 2 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Latches/Locks/Linkages | Compare latches/locks/linkages issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2019 | Compare against the 2019 Dodge Caravan with 3 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Dodge Caravan before buying across this generation. |
Dodge Caravan Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Dodge Caravan years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Dodge Caravan | 3 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Dodge Caravan | 11 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Dodge Caravan | 3 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Dodge Caravan | 36 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Dodge Caravan | 23 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Dodge Caravan Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Dodge Caravan, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Latches/Locks/Linkages
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Latches/Locks/Linkages issues Dodge onlyElectrical System,Structure
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Structure issues Dodge onlyStructure
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Dodge onlyService Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Dodge onlyPower Train
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Dodge onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Dodge Caravan
Reliability Score
The 2018 Dodge Caravan receives a reliability score of 87 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2018 Dodge Caravan
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Dodge Caravan:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger-Side Sliding Door Malfunction The passenger-side sliding door may get stuck in the lock position, making it difficult to open and posing a safety hazard. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Brake Pedal And Steering Column Design The brake pedal is higher than the gas pedal, and the space between the steering column and the driver is too wide, which could lead to misjudgment. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Dodge Caravan:
Issues with the passenger-side sliding door have been reported by multiple owners.
Problems with the brake pedal height and steering column spacing have been reported.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Dodge Caravan
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Dodge Caravan with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated while getting into the vehicle, the passenger’s side sliding door would not open. The door was unable to unlock completely. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. The VIN was not available.
DRIVERS SLIDING DOOR WON'T OPEN. IT'S STUCK IN THE LOCK POSITION WHICH MAKES IT A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. DOOR WORKED ONE EVENING BUT NEXT DAY WENT TO OPEN THE DOOR & IT WOULDN'T OPEN. PRESSING THE KEY FOB UNLOCK & THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE DRIVERS DOOR DOESN'T DO ANYTHING. NO NOISE OR ANYTHING WHEN PRESSING UNLOCK BUTTON. FROM ALL THE RESEARCH I'VE DONE, IT SEEMS THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE & SHOUL...
2018 DODGE CARAVAN. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL IS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN GAS PEDAL AND THE SPACE BETWEEN STEERING COLUMN IS TOO WIDE AND MAY TRAP A FINGER MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER VEHICLE. *LD *JS
MY WIFE REAR-ENDED ANOTHER CAR. SHE CALLED ME AND EXPLAINED WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THE POLICE HAD BEEN CALLED. I ARRIVED AT THE SCENE SHORTLY AFTER THE POLICE. MY WIFE WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN PLENTY OF TIME TO STOP ACCORDING TO HER. SHE WAS NOT DISTRACTED AND FELT LIKE THE VAN SHE WAS DRIVING HAD AMPLE ROOM TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING UP AN INCLINE ON ...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, IT SHIFTED FROM PARK INTO REVERSE AND ROLLED AWAY ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT ANKLE, TWO TORN LIGAMENTS, PAIN IN THE LEFT LEG AND BACK, AND BRUISES ON THE TORSO AND RIGHT LEG. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE V...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Dodge Caravan
Has the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN been recalled?
No, the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN has no recalls on record with NHTSA as of our latest data update.
How many complaints does the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN have?
The 2018 DODGE CARAVAN has 5 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. 2 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN?
The 2018 DODGE CARAVAN does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN involve latches/locks/linkages (1 complaints), electrical system,structure (1 complaints), structure (1 complaints). Other affected components include service brakes, power train.
How many crash reports does the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN out of 5 total complaints (40.0% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN?
2 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 DODGE CARAVAN?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 5 complaints, 0 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN are: 1. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE (1 complaints), 3. STRUCTURE (1 complaints), 4. SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN (1 complaints). LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES is the single most-reported problem area with 1 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 DODGE CARAVAN?
Be cautious of potential safety issues with the passenger-side sliding door and the brake pedal and steering column design. The 2018 DODGE CARAVAN has 5 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN?
The 2018 DODGE CARAVAN receives a reliability score of 87/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 5 owner complaints, 0 recalls, and 2 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Passenger-side sliding door malfunction and Brake pedal and steering column design.
What are the known issues with the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN?
Known issues with the 2018 DODGE CARAVAN include: Passenger-side sliding door malfunction, Brake pedal and steering column design. These are based on patterns found across 5 NHTSA complaints.
Can the passenger-side sliding door get stuck?
Yes, it may get stuck in the lock position, posing a safety risk.
Is the brake pedal height an issue?
Yes, the brake pedal is significantly higher than the gas pedal, which could lead to misjudgment.
What should I do if I experience these issues?
Contact a professional mechanic to address the issues promptly.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential safety issues with the passenger-side sliding door and the brake pedal and steering column design.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Dodge Caravan
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Dodge Caravan. The data includes 5 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14