1996 Dodge Caravan Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 153about this part
- Share
- 11%of 1,403 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 153 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Dodge Caravan, 11% of the 1,403 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,500 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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...”
NHTSA complaint #10253395, filed 2008-12, 125,850 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10107589, filed 2005-01, 96,000 miles“While driving and brakes are applied, the steering wheel will vibrate then there's a noise (place unknown)and vehicle will have extended stopping distance. Problem will worsen when driving in wet conditions. The dealership cannot fix the problem, and they indicated that the ABS brakes are the cause of the problem. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #10001948, filed 2003-01, 85,000 miles“Consumer complained about ongoing ABS brake problem. Abs light came on and would either go off within seconds or stay on all day. This caused brake failure on separate occasions. Also, brakes failed to stop vehicle immediately, resulting in extended stopping distance, which almost caused a rear end collision. Dealership was unable to correct the problem. They performed a diagnostic test but no failure code was found.”
NHTSA complaint #10050447, filed 2003-12, 11,000 miles“Height sensor valve, rear left brake (the actual date of the incident was january 5, 2003, however, the incident date segment did not provide the year 2003. Also, the number of failures section...once failure occurred, it continued) went to mechanic to find problem. There was another 1996 van there with the exact same problem (quite coincidental, which prompted this complaint). Mechanic said the height sensor valve needed replacement, could only be done by dealer due to the fact that it was a dealer part only and that the gas tank needed removal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10000807, filed 2003-01, 92,875 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10020494Sep 23, 2006Snow/water ingestion into rear brake drum.
- 10019632Mar 9, 2006Snow/water ingestion into rear brake drum.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 | 9% |
| 2014 | 2 | 10% |
| 2012 | 9 | 10% |
| 2011 | 6 | 8% |
| 2010 | 23 | 13% |
| 2009 | 11 | 9% |
| 2008 | 62 | 21% |
| 2007 | 10 | 12% |
| 2006 | 12 | 7% |
| 2005 | 19 | 4% |
| 2004 | 8 | 12% |
| 2003 | 35 | 18% |
| 2002 | 16 | 7% |
| 2001 | 14 | 5% |
| 2000 | 55 | 12% |
| 1999 | 50 | 9% |
| 1998 | 48 | 8% |
| 1997 | 72 | 10% |
| 1996 | 153 | 11% |
| 1995 | 62 | 13% |
| 1994 | 63 | 10% |
| 1993 | 338 | 36% |
| 1992 | 271 | 30% |
| 1991 | 215 | 35% |
| 1990 | 16 | 6% |
| 1989 | 10 | 5% |
| 1988 | 4 | 4% |
| 1987 | 3 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 5 | 10% |
| 1984 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Caravan
251 complaintsFuel system
222 complaintsEngine cooling
215 complaintsElectrical system
213 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
185 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
121 complaintsVehicle speed control
115 complaintsOther or unknown
80 complaintsSteering
65 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
61 complaintsBody and structure
58 complaintsSuspension
51 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge Caravan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology