1996 Dodge Caravan Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,403 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the equipment of the 1996 Dodge Caravan, 3% of the 1,403 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Right after I bought the van at 33,000 miles the bumper paint started peeling away and the paint on top of the back truck door, it's terrible and looks like hell. I don't think it's fair that I have to pay for it to be repaired! I have a warranty and they say it won't cover , I have heard Dodge has had a recall on some years of paint peeling”
NHTSA complaint #10069055, filed 2004-01, 66,000 miles“I was pulling out of a parking lot from a stop and the transmission went out. We had no warning whatsoever.the transmission cost us $1800. To replace. The air conditioner has been nothing but problems, we had a new compressor put in and have had the freeon replaced several different times. The clock spring which controls the airbag,cruise control and horn quit working and cost us $200. To have fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #740492, filed 2001-02“Dodge compromised with me on the cost of repair for this problem. However, I believe that within a year I will have the same problem again with the evaporator coil leaking. There are many people who have experienced this same problem. I hope that they will report it so that you become aware of the severity of the problem. Dodge needs to either recall or at least replace for free these expensive components that are failing prematurely.”
NHTSA complaint #718165, filed 2000-02“I took ownership of my used 1996 Dodge grand Caravan in 2000, and since then have replaced minor mechanical failures such as the starter, water pump, serpentine belt, tires (twice), wiper blades, bulbs, brakes (twice) as well as the rotors. At present I am dealing with the following problems: peeling paint, wipers engaging and not going off even though they are not turned on, hard jerks every now and again (possibly from transmission), and the breakage of a stabilizer bar bushing in the front suspension.”
NHTSA complaint #10070844, filed 2004-01“We now have a van that is basically falling apart and we can't enjoy it and still have to pay to fix it. So if there is something we can do then please let us know we havent had it even 18 months before it was to be parked and now we can't use it at all”
NHTSA complaint #711939, filed 1999-09Related service bulletins
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- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
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- 10150552Apr 23, 2015Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part…
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 4 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 4 | 1% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 15 | 6% |
| 2001 | 10 | 4% |
| 2000 | 18 | 4% |
| 1999 | 9 | 2% |
| 1998 | 28 | 4% |
| 1997 | 22 | 3% |
| 1996 | 42 | 3% |
| 1995 | 25 | 5% |
| 1994 | 34 | 5% |
| 1993 | 26 | 3% |
| 1992 | 3 | 0% |
| 1991 | 12 | 2% |
| 1990 | 5 | 2% |
| 1989 | 8 | 4% |
| 1988 | 7 | 7% |
| 1987 | 4 | 6% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
| 1985 | 3 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Caravan
251 complaintsFuel system
222 complaintsEngine cooling
215 complaintsElectrical system
213 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
185 complaintsBrakes
153 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
121 complaintsVehicle speed control
115 complaintsOther or unknown
80 complaintsSteering
65 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
61 complaintsBody and structure
58 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge Caravan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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