1996 Dodge Caravan Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,403 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Dodge Caravan, 3% of the 1,403 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10150018, filed 2006-02, 160,000 miles“The headlights lens developed a discoloration that reduced the lights illumination. This caused the vehicle not to pass state inspection. The state inspector charged consumer $155.00 to clean the lens. The cause of the discoloration was due to the type of plastic material being used.”
NHTSA complaint #10080009, filed 2004-06, 80,110 miles“Consumer stated when driving at night it was very difficult to see the road. The service writer informed the consumer that the plastic on the outside of the headlight was clouded due to the heat of the head lamps.”
NHTSA complaint #10053713, filed 2004-02, 90,000 miles“While driving during night hours, intermittently the headlights would fail. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Please provide more information.”
NHTSA complaint #10065524, filed 2004-04, 17,000 miles“No accidents yet. Headlights have foggy coating on them, which we have low light visibility at night. Also, when filling up tank with gas it runs out when completely full.”
NHTSA complaint #10046912, filed 2003-11, 125,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 11 | 6% |
| 2008 | 15 | 5% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 16 | 9% |
| 2005 | 90 | 17% |
| 2004 | 3 | 5% |
| 2003 | 10 | 5% |
| 2002 | 15 | 6% |
| 2001 | 30 | 12% |
| 2000 | 6 | 1% |
| 1999 | 16 | 3% |
| 1998 | 31 | 5% |
| 1997 | 20 | 3% |
| 1996 | 43 | 3% |
| 1995 | 6 | 1% |
| 1994 | 8 | 1% |
| 1993 | 19 | 2% |
| 1992 | 8 | 1% |
| 1991 | 5 | 1% |
| 1990 | 5 | 2% |
| 1989 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 6 | 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 31, 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