1996 Dodge Caravan

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 1,403 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 18 times.

Avoid One of the Dodge Caravan years to avoid: 4.8× the complaints of a typical Caravan year. Which Dodge Caravan years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
96,000 milesMedian miles at failure

119 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 1996 Dodge Caravan problems

203 of the 1,403 complaints (14%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags153
503
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission116
001
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · fuel system85
050
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine63
0100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes46
416
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · door locks and latches45
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine44
010
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags44
18016
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer39
000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · fuel system34
041

1996 Dodge Caravan airbags problems

14% of all complaints

203 of the 1,403 complaints are about the airbags. This is what owners describe:

  • shows an airbag warning light59% · 119
  • sets off warning lights on the dash20% · 40
  • did not deploy its airbags in a crash8% · 17

Share of the 203 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
102,000 mi
median of 26 reports
Peak year of filing
2001
77 airbags complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
25 · 0 · 22
in these complaints
Recalls on the airbags
“The airbag light is on, the horn does not work, and the crusie control does not function......a clockspring malifuntion from all reports....and definetly a safety issue and hazard. Will attempt to replace but at a high cost....”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 21, 2005
“The air bag light illuminated on the dashboard and remained on. The horn and cruise control were inoperable when the consumer attempted to use them. The consumer took the vehicle to a mechanic to have it inspected. The mechanic informed the consumer that the recall(04v480000) for the clock spring was not for this vehicle identification number. Please fill in additional information.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 23, 2004

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1995: 28 complaints, 1 about the airbags'951996: 139 complaints, 4 about the airbags1997: 151 complaints, 4 about the airbags1998: 118 complaints, 1 about the airbags1999: 158 complaints, 6 about the airbags'992000: 207 complaints, 15 about the airbags2001: 194 complaints, 77 about the airbags2002: 201 complaints, 52 about the airbags2003: 105 complaints, 28 about the airbags'032004: 53 complaints, 11 about the airbags2005: 14 complaints, 3 about the airbags2006: 12 complaints, 0 about the airbags2007: 6 complaints, 1 about the airbags'072008: 4 complaints, 0 about the airbags2009: 3 complaints, 0 about the airbags2010: 2 complaints, 0 about the airbags2011: 3 complaints, 0 about the airbags'112012: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags2013: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbags2014: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbags2015: 2 complaints, 0 about the airbags'152016: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags2017: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags2018: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags2019: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags'192020: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags2021: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags2022: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags2023: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbags'23Recall 95I004000 (seat belts)Recall 95V225000 (seats)Recall 96V006000 (engine)Recall 96V002000 (fuel system)Recall 98V185000 (child seat)Recall 99V216000 (fuel system)Recall 00V268000 (fuel system)Recall 02V293000 (airbags)Recall 03E045000 (equipment)Recall 03E053000 (fuel system)Recall 06E022000 (brakes)Recall 06E023000 (headlights)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)Recall 09E025000 (headlights)Recall 10E034000 (equipment)NHTSA investigation EA01007NHTSA investigation PE00032NHTSA investigation EA99013NHTSA investigation EA97002NHTSA investigation EA97003
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1996 Caravan peaked in 2000, with 207 filed that year. Owners had filed 156 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 02V293000 in November 2002; 47 more have come in since. In 2023 owners filed 1 so far.

18 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Equipment10E034000
Filed Aug 10, 20106,686 vehiclesCurt MFG. Inc.

Defect. CURT MFG IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 3 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 13347, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1997-2007 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VANS, 1996-2007 DODGE CARAVANS, AND 1996-2004 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VANS. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE HITCH MAY FRACTURE OR BREAK AT THE BEND LOCATION WHERE THE MAIN BODY OF THE HITCH MEETS THE HITCH MUFFLER STRAP.

Risk. IF THE AREA IN QUESTION FRACTURES OR BREAKS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN UNSTABLE DRIVING CONDITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy. CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE THE HITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG AT 1-715-831-8713.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic06E022000
Filed Mar 13, 20067,440 vehiclesBrake Parts, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.

Risk. LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights06E023000
Filed Mar 13, 2006292,000 vehiclesAnzo USA, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

Fuel System, Gasoline03E053000
Filed Oct 24, 200368,563 vehiclesWix Filteration Products Division

Defect. CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, MODELS WIX FILTER PART NUMBERS 33576, 33577, 33734; NAPA FILTER PART NUMBERS 3576, 3577, 3734; AND CARQUEST FILTER PART NUMBERS 86576, 86577, 86734 USED ON 1996-2000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, DODGE CARAVAN, AND PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VEHICLES, CAN CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LEAK.

Risk. A POSSIBLE FIRE CAN OCCUR IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.

Remedy. WIX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. NOTE: THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT WIX AT 704-864-6711.

Equipment03E045000
Filed Sep 26, 200345,870 vehiclesIntercontinental Auto Parts

Defect. AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 17, 2002, AND JANUARY 20, 2003, SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER MAY EXPERIENCE MALFUNCTION OF THE QUICK CONNECTOR EITHER BLOCKING FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE OR CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS.

Risk. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE COULD STALL. ALSO, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THE FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy. AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 SHORT WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18232 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, OR 0252. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 LONG WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18230 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, 0251, OR 0304. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 2001-2004 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 28871 AND DATE CODE 0249. THESE PART NUMBERS AND DATE CODES APPEAR ON THE GOLD-TONE FILTER. DISTRIBUTORS AND RETAILERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO ISOLATE AND RETURN AFFECTED INVENTORY. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE FUEL FILTER SERVICED ON ONE OF THE APPLICABLE VEHICLES AFTER SEPTEMBER 17, 2002 SHOULD RETURN THEIR VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE FACILITY TO BE INSPECTED TO SEE IF THE FUEL FILTER THAT WAS INSTALLED IS ONE THAT IS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. IF SO, THE OWNERS SHOULD HAVE THE FILTER REPLACED. TO RECEIVE A FULL REFUND PLUS THE COST OF POSTAGE, OWNERS SHOULD CUT THE CONNECTORS FROM THE HOSES, RINSE THE CONNECTORS AND RETURN THEM TOGETHER WITH PROOF OF THE AMOUNT PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART AND LABOR, TO INTERCONTINENTAL AT INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS, INC., P.O. BOX 861, MAHWAH, NJ 07430, ATTN: FUEL FILTER RECALL. INTERCONTINENTAL WILL MAIL A FULL REFUND TO THE OWNER.

Air Bags › Frontal02V293000
Filed Nov 7, 20021,500,521 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. 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.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL VEHICLES WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS. AN EXTENDED LIFETIME WARRANTY WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON THIS COMPONENT FOR ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL ALSO REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED ON THEIR VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 18, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System00V268000
Filed Sep 13, 20001,163,000 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. 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.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ON THE VEHICLE FUEL RAILS TO PREVENT EXTERNAL LEAKAGE OF FUEL FROM THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE, SHOULD THE EXISTING O-RINGS CONTINUE TO DEGRADE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2002. DUE TO THE LARGE QUANTITY OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN, THE OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE PHASED OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump99V216000
Filed Aug 9, 1999635,469 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE FUEL TANK AT THE INTERFACE OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ATTACHMENT.

Risk. IF A FUEL LEAK OCCURS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ATTACHING NUT WITH A NUT THAT INCLUDES TIGHTER DESIGN TOLERANCES. THE SEALING O-RING WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.

Child Seat98V185000
Filed Aug 6, 1998157,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRATED CHILD SEATS. THE SHOULDER HARNESS RESTRAINT ON THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT CAN BECOME DIFFICULT TO EXTRACT WHEN THE SAFETY BELT LATCH PLATE BECOMES CONTAMINATED.

Risk. THIS CAN CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING A CHILD FROM THE RESTRAINT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE LATCH MECHANISM. AN EXTENDER WILL BE ADDED TO THE EMERGENCY RELEASE ANCHOR FOR THE CHILD SEAT SAFETY BELTS SO THAT THE RELEASE CLIPS ARE MORE VISIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE TO THE OPERATOR IN THE EVENT THAT THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED. IN ADDITION, AN INSTRUCTIONAL OWNER'S MANUAL SUPPLEMENT CARD WILL BE PROVIDED.

Seat Belts › Integrated Child Seat97I001000
Filed Oct 24, 1996150,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRAL CHILD SEATS. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. ON THE INTEGRAL CHILD SEAT, THE SHOULDER BELTS RESTRAINING THE CHILD RETRACT AND LOCK IN PLACE AFTER THE BELT BUCKLE IS CONNECTED TO THE LATCH PLATE. THE LATCH PLATE MOVEMENT LOCKS THE BELTS TO MAKE SURE THE CHILD IS RESTRAINED IN THE CASE OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Risk. THE LATCH PLATE LOCATED IN THE SEAT CUSHION AREA MUST BE FREE TO MOVE BACK AGAINST ITS STOP AFTER THE BUCKLE IS REMOVED TO ALLOW THE SHOULDER BELTS TO BE PULLED OUT. ALWAYS BE SURE THE AREA AROUND THE LATCH PLATE IS FREE OF FOOD OR OTHER ITEMS THAT MIGHT PREVENT THE LATCH PLATE FROM MOVING BACK.

Remedy. OWNERS ARE BEING PROVIDED WITH A VIDEO TAPE AND 2 HARNESS CLIPS. THE VIDEO TAPE INSTRUCTS OWNERS ON THE PROPER USE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE CHILD SEATS.

Seat Belts › Integrated Child Seat96V136000
Filed Jul 18, 1996200 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. THE BOLTS WHICH SECURE THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT MODULES TO THE SEAT FRAME CAN BREAK.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THE OCCUPANT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT MODULE BOLTS.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap96V002000
Filed Jan 16, 1996265,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. A STATIC ELECTRIC CHARGE CAN BUILD UP ON THE UNGROUNDED METAL SECTION OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE.

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A SPARK TO OCCUR WHEN FUELING THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY IGNITE THE FUEL VAPORS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND STRAP FOR THE FUEL FILLER TUBE.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline96V006000
Filed Jan 11, 199640,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL IS NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINED.

Risk. INADEQUATE SEALING AND RETENTION OF THE PLUG CAN RESULT IN OIL LEAKAGE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN EXPANSION PLUG AND RETAINING BRACKET OVER THE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings95V236000
Filed Dec 8, 199580,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE CAN ALLOW FUEL TO PASS INTO THE VAPOR CANISTER RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE INCREASES THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER TUBE WITH A FILLER TUBE THAT HAS AN ADDITIONAL ROLLOVER VALVE. THE ASSOCIATED ROLLOVER VALVE VAPOR HOSES WILL BE REROUTED.

Filed Nov 28, 199520,000 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Defect. THE BOLTS WHICH SECURE THE REAR BENCH SEATS TO THE SEAT RISERS MAY BE EMBRITTLED AND FRACTURE.

Risk. IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, THE BOLT MAY FAIL AND CAN CAUSE THE SEAT TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE SEAT RISERS, WHICH INCREASES THE POTENTIALOF INJURY TO ITS OCCUPANTS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BENCH SEAT TO RISER BOLTS.

Seat Belts › Integrated Child Seat95I004000
Filed Sep 25, 19955,224 vehiclesChrysler Corporation

Remedy. CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH CHILD SEAT ASSEMBLIES WITH REVISED SEATS CONTAINING RETRACTOR IMPROVEMENTS. THE REVISED SEATS WILL ALSO INCREASE CHILD COMFORT BY INCORPORATING PROTECTIVE SEAT BELT WRAPS TO PREVENT BELT CHAFE.

All 18 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 14 name the 1996 Caravan.

AIR BAG CLOCKSPRINGEngineering analysis EA01007Closed
Opened Feb 21, 2001Closed Nov 22, 2002Led to recall 02V293000electrical system

There is no summary currently available

AIR BAG CLOCKSPRINGPreliminary evaluation PE00032Closed
Opened Aug 8, 2000Closed Feb 21, 2001Led to recall 02V293000airbags

There is no summary currently available

DC MINIVAN FUEL INJECTOR RAIL LEAKRecall query RQ00008Closed
Opened Mar 9, 2000Closed Mar 18, 2002Led to recall 00V268000throttle and acceleration

There is no summary currently available

POST COLLISION FUEL SYSTEMEngineering analysis EA99013Closed
Opened Jun 11, 1999Closed Aug 10, 2001fuel system
POST-COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITYPreliminary evaluation PE99010Closed
Opened Feb 3, 1999Closed Jun 11, 1999fuel system

There is no summary currently available

FUEL TANK LEAKSEngineering analysis EA97002Closed
Opened Jan 31, 1997Closed Feb 10, 1998throttle and acceleration

This engineering analysis was opened on january 31, 1997 based on information gathered during preliminary evaluation (pe), pe96-051. The pe was opened on august 19, 1996, to investigate allegations of fuel leakage from the area where the fuel pump/sending unit joins the fuel tank.for brevidy, this area will be referred to as the pump/tank interface.these allegations were first received by odi on august 2, 1996 while investigating allegations of chrysler minivan throttle shaft hand-up, and uncontrolled engine speed, in pe96-036.while discussing that issue with a fleet, it was alleged that at …

INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKUPEngineering analysis EA97003Closed
Opened Jan 31, 1997Closed Aug 19, 1998child seat

This investigation is closed.chrysler corporation has submitted a defect information report identifying a safety defect and outlining the proposed remedy.recall number 98v-185 has been assigned to this safety recall.

DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSORDefect petition DP96014Open
Opened Nov 14, 1996airbags

Cfas sent a follow-up letter on december 12, 1996, to change the intent of the petition to airbag aggressivity and deployment variability.NHTSA received the letter on 12/12/96; accordingly, the petition due day was changed to april 12, 1997.cfas petitioned the agency to conduct an investigation to determine whether the airbag crash sensor and/or deployment systems for the 1991-92 chevrolet corsica/beretta, 1990-92 FORD taurus, and 1994-96 chrysler minivans are defective.cfas allege that information on low speed crashes here occupants have suffered fatal injuries suggests [that the above …

SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILUREEngineering analysis EA96025Closed
Opened Oct 15, 1996Closed Jul 30, 1998body and frame

Analysis of known incidents indicates a declining trend over the last five calendar quarters.extensive testing of incident vehicles has failed to reproduce occurrences of full latch disengagement.no failure mode which could cause a properly latched door to lose full latch engagement while driving has been verified as a causal factor in any of the known incident vehicles during this investigation.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.however, odi will continue to monitor complaint input for the …

INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKUPInvestigation SQ96016Closed
Opened Sep 18, 1996Closed Feb 4, 1997seat belts

Odi continues to receive complaints alleging latching/retractor mechanism problems.chrysler's assessment of the problem indicates that owners of the vehicles are not adhering to the cleaning requirements for the seat.the seat appears to malfunction if crumbs of food or beverage residue accumulates on the latching tongue in thewell located between the child's legs.odi has 19 complaints of retract lockup.seven of these complaints report cutting the straps to remove the child.two of the seven consumers allege the child was choking.chrysler reports 60 owner/field reports which indicated 19 …

FUEL LEAKS FROM THE GAS TANKPreliminary evaluation PE96051Closed
Opened Aug 19, 1996Closed Jan 31, 1997Led to recall 99V216000throttle and acceleration

Analysis to date indicates that some of the subject vehiclescontinue to experience fuel leaks from the fuel tank at the sending unit interface.most often the leak involves the o-ring seal.

SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE96038Closed
Opened May 16, 1996Closed Oct 15, 1996body and frame

Chrysler maintains that the common factor contributing to known sliding door opening incidents is prior incorrect dealer latch adjustment.chrysler attributes this problem to an inaccurate service manual procedure - sliding door latch/lock control, removal and installation.chrysler furnished information showing that six of its complaints, and two of odi's, involved vehicles that had undergone prior repairs to the affected sliding door.chrysler has addressed the problem by issuing two technical service bulletins.tsb 26-06-96, service manual revisions, was issued in june 1996 and includes a …

SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATIONPreliminary evaluation PE96008Closed
Opened Jan 25, 1996Closed Jun 28, 1996seat belts

There is no summary currently available

FUEL LEAKEAGE FROM ROLLOVER VALVEPreliminary evaluation PE95053Closed
Opened Oct 25, 1995Closed Dec 22, 1995Led to recall 95V236000engine

There is no summary currently available

Technical service bulletins

138 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1996 Caravan. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

body and frame 21engine 19transmission 18equipment 13steering 12visibility 12brakes 9suspension 6
0801102Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 19, 2002airbags

CONCERNS WITH THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR LAMP ON INTERMITTENTLY OR CONSTANTLY. *TT

082700Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 29, 2000airbags

SUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT

083799Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 12, 1999airbags

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT

081798Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 30, 1998airbags

SUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG ON - OFF SWITCHES. *YC

081798 REV BService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 18, 1998airbags

SUBJECT REGARDING THE AIRBAG ON-OFF SWITCHES. *YC

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 3, 2023130,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, he opened the hood and noticed a fuel leak on top of the engine. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Service BrakesCrash4 injured
Filed Jun 8, 2015OR

WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE I TOUCHED BREAK AND THE VAN ACCELERATED TO FULL THROTTLE. THE VAN JUMPED THE CURB AND WAS HEADING TOWARD 3 PEOPLE, I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ENOUGH TO HIT A LIGHT POLE INSTEAD OF THEM. THE VAN QUIT RACING FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN REVVED UP AGAIN. THE LIGHT POLE FELL AND I WAS AGAIN HEADED TOWARD THE PEOPLE. I PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BREAK AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VAN, BUT NOT BEFORE HITTING THE PEOPLE. LUCKILY THEY WERE JUST BRUISED BECAUSE I JUST BUMPED THEM AND DIDN'T RUN OVER THEM. THIS ALL HAPPENED IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. I ALMOST KILLED SOME PEOPLE AND NO LONGER HAVE TRANSPORTATION BECAUSE THE VAN WAS TOTALED.

Electrical System › Horn
Filed May 8, 2015NC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HORN FAILED TO FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE ODOMETER DISPLAYED AN INCORRECT READING AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V293000 (AIR BAGS), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 29, 2014AL

I PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE FROM OWNER IN DEC. 2013 AND START HAVING PROBLEM THE OWNER I PURCHASE IT FROM PURCHASE IT FROM A BANK BACK IN 2006. THEY DID KNOW ABOUT AN RECALL OR ETC. ABOUT THIS VEHCLE. THE ELECTRIC HAS PROBLEM AND AIRBAGS, THE FUEL TANK IS LEAKING AND FUEL INJECTION AND ETC,. WHERE CAN I CAN GET HELP FOR THESE PROBLEMS.ETC.,. *TR

Steering
Filed Jul 1, 201372,000 milesOH

THIS VEHICLE HAS A CHRONIC DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THROWING ITS SERPENTINE BELT WHENEVER THE TENSION PULLEY GETS WET. SOON AS THE BELT IS THROWN THERE IS NO POWER STEERING, AND IT STEERS 10 TIMES WORSE THAN A MACK TRUCK. THE LACK OF STEERING IS A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD TO EVERY OTHER VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. AS IT HAPPENS SUDDENLY BY DRIVING THROUGH A WATER PUDDLE, ETC. THERE IS VIRTUALLY NO TIME TO REACT. IN ADDITION TO LACK OF STEERING THERE IS NO ALTERNATOR OUTPUT, RESULTING IN RAPID BATTERY DRAIN. ALSO THERE IS NO COOLANT SYSTEM FAN RESULTING IN RAPID ENGINE OVERHEATING. THIS DESIGN FAULT HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR WELL OVER A DECADE, NO MAKE THAT 2 DECADES, BUT CHRYSLER HAS NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED A PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM DATES BACK TO ALL CHRYSLER MINI-VAN DESIGNS FROM THE EARLY 1990S TO AT LEAST 2000. IF THE LACK OF STEERING IS NOT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS. WE HAVE A USED WHEELCHAIR CONVERSION CARAVAN VAN TO TRANSPORT MY WIFE. THIS LATEST INCIDENT WAS THE PAST SATURDAY NIGHT AS WE LEFT A RESTAURANT TO RETURN HOME. IT HAD BEEN RAINING PROFUSELY AND SUDDENLY I HAD NO STEERING. I KNEW IMMEDIATELY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS SINCE THIS IS THE 3RD OCCURRENCE IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. DO YOU EXPECT YOUR VEHICLE TO BECOME INOPERABLE JUST BECAUSE YOU DRIVE IN THE RAIN? WHY HAS NOT CHRYSLER BEEN MADE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM AND ISSUE A REPAIR RECALL? I DON'T CARE IF THE VAN IS OVER A DECADE OLD. THIS DEFECT IS ONE WHICH ENDANGERS EVERYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD AND WHICH CHRYSLER SHOULD HAVE B

Suspension › Front
Filed Jul 4, 2011MN

STRUT TOWER CORROSION 10090457 RIGHT / LEFT STRUT TOWER RUSTED OUT ON 96 DODGE CARAVAN. TOOK VAN INTO REPAIR SHOP TO FIND OUT STEERING ISSUE THEY FOUND A COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT STRUT HOUSING SAID ITS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH VEHICLE AND SAFETY BULLETIN WAS ISSUED SINCE ITS A KNOWN PROBLEM. SUSPENSION/BODY - STRUT TOWER CORROSION NUMBER: 23-044-02 GROUP: BODY DATE: OCT. 14, 2002 SUBJECT: NS STRUT TOWER CORROSION . *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 18, 2011141,775 milesNY

CAR STOP HAVING ELECTRICAL OUTPUT. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Feb 18, 2011151,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM HIS TANK IN LARGE AMOUNTS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TANK AND THE FUEL PUMP. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED AND COULD NOT ASSIST HIM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 151,000. UPDATED 03/24/11*LJ UPDATED 05/02/11

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel PumpFire
Filed Sep 17, 2010156,398 milesNH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN HE WAS ADVISED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT HAD JUST REFUELED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF A SMALL FIRE FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE MECHANIC REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER TO INQUIRE ABOUT A POTENTIAL RECALL ON THE VEHICLE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V216000, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY FUEL PUMP). THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BUT THE DEALER REFUSED REPAIRS BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGES FROM THE SMALL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,398 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 156,432.

Steering
Filed Mar 13, 201046,000 milesPA

1996 DODGE CARAVAN - RIDICULOUS....ALMOST EVERY PUDDLE MAKES BELT SLIP OFF AND POWER STEERING BECOMES DANGEROUS. THIS IS THE 14TH TIME SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON ALL OF THESE VANS OR A REIMBURSEMENT PLAN FOR THIS OR BETTER YET.... A FREE FINAL FIX!!!!!! *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 21, 2009MD

I HAVE A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED IN JUNE OF 2009. BENDIX BRAKE PADS AND BENDIX ROTORS WERE USED. ON DECEMBER 15, 2009, BOTH BRAKE ROTORS FAILED CAUSING A TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING. WHILE SLOWING DOWN A LOUD BANG CAME FROM THE FRONT OF THE VAN. THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL RIGHT AT THIS POINT. WHILE LOOKING FOR A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER AND STOP, ANOTHER LOUD BANG WAS HEARD. AT THAT POINT THE VAN HAD NO BRAKES. THE VAN WAS STOPPED USING THE PARKING BRAKE. UPON INVESTIGATION IT WAS FOUND THAT BOTH FRONT BRAKE ROTORS HAD FAILED. THE MIDDLE HUB SECTION OF THE ROTOR HAD SEPARATED FROM THE ROTOR. THE FAILURE WAS THE SAME IN BOTH ROTORS. NO OTHER DAMAGE WAS PRESENT ON THE VAN. BOTH FRONT ROTORS WERE REPLACE ON THE VAN TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I STILL HAVE THE OLD ROTORS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 12, 200918,000 milesIA

BCM-1, (WARRANTY) LOSS OF DASH FUNCTIONS 1996: BCM-2 ESTIMATE $1200 REPLACED CHRYSLER P/N P4686727 LOST 95,000 MILE ODOMETER FOR A WORKING BCM FROM JUNKYARD (2001), BCM-3, LOST FUEL GAUGE AND SPEEDOMETER BCM FROM JUNKYARD FIXED P/N P46867(2006) BAD WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT LEAKS WATER INTO CABIN, BCM-3, FAILED AGAIN CURRENTLY NO WIPERS, NOT ABLE TO FIND A 1996/1997 BCM ONLY 1998 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER BCM P/N P04801062AE. WILL TRY TO VALIDATE COMPATIBILITY TONIGHT. ADEL CHRYSLER ESTIMATE $1,400 PLUS LABOR. ALREADY GAVE THEM $742 FOR TUNE UP AND TROUBLE SHOOTING WHAT THEY SAID WAS A BAD MULTI-SWITCH ($110) DID NOT FIX AND NO DISCOUNT FOR NOT KNOWING HOW TO DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM PROPERLY. THEIR NUMBER IS 515-993-4587 CORY (KARL IS THE SERVICE MANAGER-OWNER'S SON). *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Filed Feb 2, 2009150,000 milesWA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO A RECALL, BUT THE FAILURE HAS RESURFACED. FUEL IS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL RAIL INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH IS A FIRE HAZARD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V268000 THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 03/23/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER FIXED THE RECALL FOR RECALL. UPDATED 03/23/09.*JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 31, 2008125,850 milesIL

COMPLETE AND SUDDEN BRAKE FAILURE WHILE APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT. I WAS VERY LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO STEER AROUND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME TO AVOID A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT THE BRAKES WERE WORKING FINE. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND SERIOUS FAILURE MODE. I HAVE SEEN OTHER REPORTS OF THIS ON THE WEB AND IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED... *TR

Suspension
Filed Sep 29, 200890,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHOCKS UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WERE GOING STRAIGHT THROUGH THE METAL, WHICH HOLDS THE WHEEL IN PLACE. THE FAILURE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO HESITATE AT TIMES. WHILE DRIVING OVER SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD AT 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY VEERED TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER A FEW TIMES, BUT THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS ONLY A KIT USED TO SEAL THE SHOCKS IN PLACE; HOWEVER, IT IS A TEMPORARY REMEDY AND THE FAILURE WOULD MOST LIKELY RECUR. THERE IS CURRENTLY NOT A PERMANENT REPAIR FOR THIS DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 5, 2008192,400 milesMS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE HER VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FIRE NEAR THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE CONTACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 192,400.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (prndl)
Filed Jan 11, 2008110,000 milesDE

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. WHEN THE KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE WILL SHIFT OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE BACKED INTO A FENCE AND THEN STRUCK A TREE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 110,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 17, 2007119,000 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS, WATER, OR WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE TEMPORARILY LOSES CONTROL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT SLIPPED OFF. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES, HOWEVER, THE FAILURES RECURRED TWO MONTHS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 01-23-08. *KB THE DEALER STATED UPPER RADIATOR LOOSE, LOOSE CLAMPS, FRONT BRAKE PADS, BELT TENSIONER, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND ALTERNATOR BRACKET. UPDATED 01/23/08 *TR

Suspension › Front › Macpherson Strut10 injured
Filed Aug 23, 200750,000 milesWI

FRONT STRUT MOUNTS ON EVERY 96 THRU 00 CARAVAN, VOYAGER, CHRYSLER MINIVANS THAT I'VE LOOKED AT,HAVE SERIOUS RUST PROBLEMS, ESPECIALLY THE LEFT SIDE, RESULTING IN THE STRUT ITSELF BREAKING THROUGH AND HITTING THE BOTTOM OF THE HOOD, AND RESULTING OF LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THE REPAIR COST TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED IS VERY COSTLY,$300-1000 TO MAKE THE VEHICLE SAFE TO DRIVE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE NHTSA LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM ON ALL 96 THRU 00 MINI-VANS BEFORE SOMEBODY HAS A FAILURE WHILE DRIVING WITH THEIR FAMILY, AND HAVE A FATAL ACCIDENT. PLEASE CURE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND NOT AFTER PEOPLE ARE KILLED DUE TO THIS STRUCTURAL FRONT STRUT TOWER FAILURE. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 13, 2007100,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK CAUSES FUMES TO ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE, AS WELL AS FUEL LEAKAGE. HE STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED A YEAR AGO, BUT STILL EMITS FUMES. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER RECALL # 99V216000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP). THE INCIDENT AND PURCHASE DATES WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 165,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

TiresCrash
Filed May 7, 2007OH

1999 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE IN THE LEFT LANE THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE AXLE . *MC *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Apr 11, 200798,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD LIGHTS RETAINED WATER AND CAUSED THEM TO APPEAR FOGGY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING NEW HEAD LIGHTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.*AK

Air Bags › Frontal1 injured
Filed Jan 24, 2007180,000 milesMA

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT DOING 3 OR 4 MPH, WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAGS UNEXPECTEDLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NEVER HIT ANYTHING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES ON HER FOREARM. THE CONTACT DIDN'T KNOW IF ANYTHING COULD BE, AND GOT RID OF THE VAN. *AK

Power TrainFire
Filed Dec 20, 2006GA

TL* - THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED AT THE LIGHT WHEN SHE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM HER CAR. SHE PULLED HER CAR OVER AND GOT OUT AND THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT SAID THAT SHE CAN GET A FIRE AND POLICE REPORT. THE CONTACT ALSO SAID THAT THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL ON THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD. THE SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS 96V006000.

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
Filed Dec 2, 2006MA

RAIN CAUSE BELT TO SLIP OFF LOSING POWER STEERING. CAN NOT USE VEHICLE IN RAIN OF SNOW! 1996 DODGE CARAVAN HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST TEN TIMES. *JB

Suspension › Front
Filed Jun 29, 2006134,000 milesMI

I OWN AN 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE STRUT TOWERS, ESPECIALLY THE DRIVER SIDE, ARE RUSTING HORRIBLY AND WILL NEED REPAIR TO AVOID A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. IF THE RUST GIVES WAY, THE STRUTS WILL GO UP THROUGH THE TOWER WHICH BEST CASE CAUSES HUGE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND WORST CASE COULD RESULT IN A FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. READING AROUND THE INTERNET, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FROM 1996 THROUGH 2000 VANS AND REPAIR KITS ARE BACK ORDERED AT DEALERSHIPS AROUND THE NATION. DAIMLER/CHRYSLER IS FULLY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED AS THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. *NM

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge and Attachments
Filed May 31, 2006100,631 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HATCHBACK HANDLE ASSEMBLY JAMMED IN AUGUST 2002. THE HATCHBACK HANDLE ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED IN AUGUST 2002. THE SAME PROBLEM HAS RETURNED AND THE HANDLE IS CURRENTLY JAMMED. SOMETIMES THE HATCH WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL WITHOUT DIFFICULTY. THE DEALERS HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE REOCCURRING PROBLEM. UPDATED 06/16/06. *JB

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed May 30, 2006MN

VERY IMPORTANT PART OF AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WERE MISSING. *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed May 25, 200680,000 milesNJ

PREMATURE BRAKE LINE CORROSION FAILURE. *JB

Unknown or Other
Filed May 17, 2006MS

1996 DODGE CARAVAN, PAINT IS PEELING ON THE TOP OF THE VAN AND ALSO ON THE SIDES. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Mar 27, 2006144,345 milesCA

IN 2003 BCM REPLACED FOR MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT OPERATE. OVER $600 . LAST YEAR MY BATTERY CABLES AND BATTERY WERE SMOKING AND I WAS LUCKY I GOT TO THE DEALER JUST IN TIME AS BLACK SMOKE WAS GUSHING OUT FROM UNDER MY HOOD.... ANOTHER $600 REPAIR. IN JANUARY 2006 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CRAZINESS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND IT COULD NOT BE SMOGED. THEY REPROGRAMMED THE MODULE AND I WAS ABLE TO GET IT SMOGED 2 DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR WOULD TURN OVER AND DIE ....I RETURNED AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A PCM MODULE REPLACED $719. GETTING THE CAR BACK WAS ONE ELECTRICAL MISHAP AFTER ANOTHER....THE GAUGES WENT CRAZY...TAKEN BACK TO DEALER....REPROGRAMMED ....AND THEN TOLD THEY WERE NOT SURE HOW TO FIX IT...THEN GOT THE CAR BACK AND THE CLOCK AND RADIO INTERMITTENTLY WENT ON AND OFF.. THE COMPUTER SHUTTING DOWN AND NOT ALLOWING THE REMOTE TO OPEN THE LOCKS USING THE KEY THE ALARM WOULD GO OFF AND I COULD NOT SHUT IT OFF UNTIL THE COMPUTER CAME BACK ON AND I COULD USE THE REMOTE....I WAS THEN TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT I NEEDED A BODY CONTROL MODULE(BCM) WHICH I REPLACED IN 2003. HE WAS NASTY AND RUDE. I TOLD THE GENERAL MANAGER I REALLY DID NOT BELIEVE THEY KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING ....FOR EACH TIME I BROUGHT THE CAR IN WITH ONE PROBLEM THEY RETURNED IT TO ME WITH ANOTHER. HE COULD ALSO NOT GUARANTEE THAT IF I PAID ANOTHER $550 FOR A NEW BCM THAT IT WOULD SOLVE ALL THE PROBLEMS.... ...AFTER 6 WEEKS AND FOUR TRIPS TO THE DEALER HAVING MY CAR OVER 2 W

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 21, 2006120,000 milesPA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY GO INTO REVERSE ON TWO OCCASIONS. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED IT WORKED PROPERLY. AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY DETERMINED THE CODES NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE VEHICLE PERFORMED PROPERLY FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND THEN IT STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS AGAIN. HOWEVER, THIS TIME THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO INTO DRIVE UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 17, 2006DC

CONSUMER REQUESTING INFORMATION OF A RECALL ON DODGE CARAVAN PAINT PEELING. *TS *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Concealment Devices
Filed Feb 11, 2006160,000 milesMD

THE PLASTIC HEADLIGHT COVER HAS TURNED OPAQUE AND HAS REDUCED THE OUTPUT OF THE HEADLIGHTS BY APPROXIMATELY 50%. DUE TO THE REDUCTION OF HEADLIGHT OUTPUT I HAVE STOPPED DRIVING THE CAR AT NIGHT DUE THE LOW OUTPUT. I HAVE TRIED TO USE AUTO CLEANSERS BUT THE HAVE NOT BEEN EFFECTIVE..I THINK THE HEADLIGHT PLASTIC LENSES SHOULD BE REPLACED. *JB

Fuel System, GasolineFire
Filed Jan 17, 2006OH

1996 DODGE CARAVAN CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER SMELLED GAS AND SAW SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FLAMES STARTED COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *NM

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed Aug 4, 2005NY

DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. HAD TO HAVE SEAT WELDED BECAUSE IT WOULD LEAN ALL THE WAY BACK. THIS WAS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT, AND IT WAS A HIGH BACK. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE SEAT HAS BEEN WELDED. HE KNEW A COUPLE OF PEOPLE WHERE THE SEAT FELL BACKWARDS WHILE THEY WHERE DRIVING ONTHE HIGHWAY. THIS SEAT COST $216. 00. *AK

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 18, 2005125,000 milesKS

DT: IN APRIL WHILE DRIVING DOWN I-70 AT ABOUT 70 MPH THE OWNER WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A RIPPING NOISE . LOOKED BACK AND SAW SIDE PANEL IN THE AIR AND IT FLEW INTO THE MEDIAN. IT WAS A PIECE OF GRAY PANEL THAT WAS ALONG THE VAN AT THE BOTTOM. THERE WERE CARS AROUND, BUT THE PLASTIC PIECE DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING OR ANYONE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED. OWNER HAS NO IDEA WHY THE PANEL FELL OFF. THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE, AND IT WAS REGULARLY SERVICED. THE ONLY DEALER INFORMATION THE CONSUMER HAD WAS THE NAME AND CITY AND STATE.*AK

Electrical System › Horn
Filed Jun 12, 2005MN

THE CRUISE CONTROL,AND HORN BEGAN MALFUNCTIONING ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT MY USED MINI VAN. I NOW HAVE NO HORN OR CRUISE AND AIR BAG IS IS DOUGHT. I HAVE HEARD THAT THE CLOCKSPRING IN THE 1996 DODGE VANS HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE. I NEED TO KNOW IF THE NEW ONES HAVE BEEN INPROVED, OR IF THEY OR GOING TO BE REPLACED AS A MATTER OF SAFTY. ALSO FROM TIME TO TIME THE WIPER BLADES COME ON AND GO OFF BY THEM SELVES. AND ONE TIME THE RADIATOR FAN CAME ON THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT BY IT SELF AND DRAINED THE BATTERY DEAD. I ALSO HAVE A SIMMY IN THE FRONT END AT 35 TO 45 MILES PER HOUR.

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed Jun 8, 200547,000 milesNY

CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK IS BROKEN. THE SEAT DOESN'T COME UP ALL THE WAY AND IT DOESN'T RECLINE BACKWARD *JB ...TOOK VEHICLE TO MEROKE AUTO REPAIR IN MERRICK, NY, AND MECHANIC STATED THE SEAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. IT IS A MAIN STRUCTURE IN THE VEHICLE.*AK CONSUMER CALLED JUNK YARDS LOOKING FOR A SEAT AND THEY SAID THAT THE SEATS THEY HAVE ARE EITHER THE SAME OR WORST.*SB

Suspension › Front
Filed Jun 6, 200596,000 milesNY

STRUT TOWER RUSTING OUT ALMOST CAUSED CRASH. I READ THAT THIS IS COMMON ON 96-00 CARAVAN WHY IS THIS NOT COVERED.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed May 12, 2005178,000 milesIL

MAY 7, 2005, I WAS IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT. THE OTHER CAR WAS A 2004 HONDA ACCORD. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ACCORD HIT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF MY 1996 DODGE CARAVAN JUST IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INFLATED, THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT. THROUGH THE COURSE OF HAVING THIS CAR, THE "AIRBAG" LIGHT WAS AN ISSUE ALMOST FROM DAY ONE. WHEN I WOULD TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, BILL KAY CHRYSLER IN NAPERVILLE, THEY WOULD CHECK IT AND FIND NOTHING WRONG. FINALLY I WAS TOLD TO IGNORE THE "AIRBAG" LIGHT THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY SENSOR THAT COULD NOT BE FIXED.

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Mar 25, 200599,258 milesCA

'RECALL CAMPAIGN' FOR DODGE CARAVAN 1996, CLOCK SPRING BROKEN. *BF THE CONSUMER DID NOT FIND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL, UNTIL THE REPAIRS WERE ALREADY MADE. #02V293000 *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Mar 10, 2005MN

WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL SUDDENLY CUT OFF . AT TIMES, NOT WORKING AT ALL. THE CAUSE OF THIS WAS UNDETERMINED.*AK

Air Bags
Filed Feb 21, 2005VA

THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON, THE HORN DOES NOT WORK, AND THE CRUSIE CONTROL DOES NOT FUNCTION......A CLOCKSPRING MALIFUNTION FROM ALL REPORTS....AND DEFINETLY A SAFETY ISSUE AND HAZARD. WILL ATTEMPT TO REPLACE BUT AT A HIGH COST....

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection SystemFire
Filed Jan 26, 2005PA

1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE LEAKING FUEL RAIL. *BF RECALL #00V268000. *SC THE CONSUMER WAS NOT TOLD OF ANY RECALL. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › RotorCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 19, 200596,000 milesPA

BOUGHT USED 1996 DODGE IN SEPT 2003 AND HAVE REPLACE BRAKES, ROTOR, AND CALIPERS 6 TIMES. MECHANICS DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE IT COULD BE. BRAKES ALSO LOCK WHEN I PRESS ON THEM AND HIT BUMP AT SAME TIME CAUSING VAN TO SLIDE WITH ME AND MY INFANT IN IT. HAVE TO REPLACE BRAKES AND ROTORS EVERY 2-3 MONTHS SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BY THE DODGE COMPANY TO RECALL THESE DODGE CARAVANS, THIS SITE HAS ABOUT 50% ON COMPLAINTS ON BRAKES AND ROTORS. *NM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jan 12, 2005MN

WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY; INTERMITTENT MODE WILL SOMETIMES RUN CONSTANT, OR WILL STOP COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND WILL NOT IMMEDIATELY COME BACK ON. TWICE, IN THE PAST MONTH, I HAVE HAD TO ABRUPTLY PULL OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND WILL MOST CERTAINLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AT SOME POINT IN TIME, IF IT ALREADY HASN'T. THE DEALERSHIP (WHITE BEAR DODGE, IN MN) SUGGESTED I REPLACE THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH, WHICH I DID AND PAID $273.45, BUT IT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ALSO, AFTER VERY LITTLE TIME RESEARCHING THIS EXACT PROBLEM VIA MESSAGE BOARDS AND FORUMS ON THE INTERNET, IT IS QUITE APPARENT TO ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON MANY YEAR, MAKES AND MODELS OF DODGE/PLYMOUTH/CHRYSLER MINI VANS. I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN NOV. 2004 AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM EACH TIME IT HAS RAINED, OR SNOWED. *AK

Suspension
Filed Jan 5, 200580,525 milesMI

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE WHEN IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER ON THE VEHICLE WAS SO RUSTY THAT IT WAS STARTING TO BREAK OFF.*AK *NM

Seats
Filed Jan 5, 2005NY

THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK WAS NOT STABLE. *NM THE BASE ATTACHMENT TO THE SEAT HAD BROKEN. *SC *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Concealment Devices
Filed Dec 24, 200485,055 milesLA

THE HEADLIGHTS PRODUCE A THICK FILM. AS A RESULT, THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT SHINE THROUGH COMPLETELY. *AK *JB

Complaints 1-50 of 1,403, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1996
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20171100Routine
20162000Routine
201523000Routine
201420000Routine
201330010Routine
201287030Routine
201178010Routine
2010172260Routine
2009118230Routine
2008302260Above average
200781411Fatalities reported
2006173620Routine
2005537900Above average
200465830Routine
2003195951Fatalities reported
200224510111Fatalities reported
20012571031Fatalities reported
20004701354Fatalities reported
199955514140Above average
199862914231Fatalities reported
199771415374Fatalities reported
1996 — this page1,40318479Fatalities reported
1995489470High concern
1994644563Fatalities reported
19939491071Fatalities reported
199291311133Fatalities reported
199161711121Fatalities reported
1990278671Fatalities reported

Compare every Caravan year →

1996 Dodge Caravan: questions buyers ask

Is the 1996 Dodge Caravan a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Caravan years to avoid: owners filed 1,403 complaints, 4.8 times as many as a typical Caravan year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (14%).

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Dodge Caravan?

The airbags: 203 of the 1,403 complaints (14%) are about it. Owners most often say it shows an airbag warning light (59%), sets off warning lights on the dash (20%) and did not deploy its airbags in a crash (8%). The typical report comes at 102,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1996 Dodge Caravan have?

18 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Aug 10, 2010. The largest, 02V293000, covered 1,500,521 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Caravan problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 96,000 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 102,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1996 Dodge Caravan?

Yes, 14 times. The latest, EA01007 ("AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING"), was opened Feb 21, 2001 and closed Nov 22, 2002.

Are there service bulletins for the 1996 Dodge Caravan?

The manufacturer filed 138 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the body and frame (21), the engine (19) and the transmission (18). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

9 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 10, 2010. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.