Is the 1987 Dodge Grand Caravan reliable?

It can be reliable for an older minivan if it has strong maintenance records, especially for the transmission and cooling system. Neglected examples are much more likely to have expensive issues.

What are the most common 1987 Dodge Grand Caravan problems?

Frequent concerns include automatic transmission slipping or harsh shifts, cooling system leaks that can lead to overheating, electrical/charging problems, and worn front suspension or steering components.

Are maintenance costs high on a 1987 Grand Caravan?

Basic maintenance is generally affordable, but costs can rise if you’re catching up on years of deferred service or if the transmission needs major work. Budget for age-related replacements like hoses, belts, brakes, and suspension parts.

What are the best years to buy for this generation of Caravan?

Many buyers prefer later first-generation examples because incremental improvements and updated parts can make ownership easier. Regardless of year, condition and service history matter more than the badge on the liftgate.

What should I check before buying a 1987 Dodge Grand Caravan?

Test the transmission for smooth engagement and shifting, confirm it runs at stable temperature, check for coolant or ATF leaks, verify all electrical items work, and inspect the front end for looseness and uneven tire wear. For deeper details, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, factory capacities, and maintenance schedules to help your 1987 Dodge Grand Caravan stay dependable.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

1987 Dodge Grand Caravan Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict

58/ 100

KeepScore

HIGH RISK

Grade: D

A vintage utility icon that requires deep pockets and mechanical expertise to keep reliably on the road today.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 1987 Dodge Grand Caravan

Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch.
Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 1989 Dodge Grand Caravan earns a 62.
The system most likely to surface first: automatic transmission (a-413) (critical severity).

Should You Buy the 1987 Dodge Grand Caravan?

The 1987 Dodge Grand Caravan, while a pioneering and practical minivan, presents a high risk for ownership today due to widespread age-related failures and several inherent weaknesses in its drivetrain and body structure. Proceed with significant caution, as neglected examples will almost certainly lead to costly repairs and frequent breakdowns, diminishing any perceived initial value.

Biggest Strengths

Unmatched interior space and practicality for its era
Sliding side doors for easy access
Vast parts availability due to K-Car platform commonality

Top Risk Areas

The systems that break first on the 1987 Dodge Grand Caravan. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Automatic Transmission (A-413)critical

Body & Frame Rustmajor

Electrical Systemmoderate

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

NHTSA Recalls

2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER MINIVANS WITH REMOTE RELEASE. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL. THERE HAS BEEN NO DETERMINATION THAT A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS WITH THE MINIVAN LATCHES. CHRYSLER IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY OF THE AFFECTED MINIVANS. IN A COLLISION, THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY COULD OPEN.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PASSENGER MINIVANS WITHOUT REMOTE RELEASE. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL. THERE HAS BEEN NO DETERMINATION THAT A SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS WITH THE MINIVAN LATCHES. CHRYSLER IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY OF THE AFFECTED MINIVANS. IN A COLLISION, THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH ASSEMBLY COULD OPEN.

What breaks on the 1987 Dodge Grand Caravan?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Dodge Grand Caravan by Year

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Dodge Grand Caravan. Click any year for its full report.

All Dodge Grand Caravan years ranked →Dodge Grand Caravan years to avoid →Dodge Grand Caravan common problems →

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