1996 Dodge Caravan Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 61about this part
- Share
- 4%of 1,403 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 13,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 61 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1996 Dodge Caravan, 4% of the 1,403 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 13,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Rear doors on vehicle will not open from the inside. Driver's side door was repaired, but the problem persists. Door lever links were replaced in the repaired driver's side door. Dealer and manufacturer had been informed of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10041906, filed 2003-09, 13,000 miles“Driver's side slifing door was working fine. Then on 1/24/99 we tried to open door to get my son out of his car seat, but the door would not open. It seemed like it was still locked. So my husband unlocked it again with the key. It still would not open. On 1/28/99, I took the car to a bertera dealer in palmer, ma (closer to home,) and they checked the fuel door safety mechanism and it was ok. So they called chrysler corp and was informed that sometimes the lock activator seizes up. The entire inside door panel must be removed to fix the problem. Possibly need to replace the part if broken.”
NHTSA complaint #702677, filed 1999-01“Ea 01 007; air bag clock spring: air bag light stayed on, and horn assembly did not operate. Dealer was notified. Head gasket and time chain replaced due to tremendous oil loss, engine light is now illuminated, vehicle's temperature gauge went up and vehicle locked up. Windshield wipers come on by themselves. Sliding door latch inoperable.”
NHTSA complaint #884505, filed 2001-03“While driving up the driveway vehicle cuts off. Had no warning. Also, the gauges on dashboard do not work like they should, especially, odometer/fuel and pressure gauges. In addition, brake rotors had to be replaced twice/sliding doors cannot be opened properly with or without key. Vehicle towed to dealer to check out problems.”
NHTSA complaint #833535, filed 1999-01“Sliding door locked/malfunctioned on both passenger's side which prevented occupants from exiting vehicle. Doors could be opened from outside. Passenger side door lock solenoid has been replaced four times, driver side door solenoid has been replaced once. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #872629, filed 2000-10Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 16 | 9% |
| 2005 | 203 | 38% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 3% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 8 | 3% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 8 | 1% |
| 1998 | 5 | 1% |
| 1997 | 10 | 1% |
| 1996 | 61 | 4% |
| 1995 | 22 | 5% |
| 1994 | 57 | 9% |
| 1993 | 30 | 3% |
| 1992 | 36 | 4% |
| 1991 | 39 | 6% |
| 1990 | 48 | 17% |
| 1989 | 28 | 15% |
| 1988 | 23 | 22% |
| 1987 | 15 | 22% |
| 1986 | 12 | 24% |
| 1985 | 7 | 14% |
| 1984 | 6 | 33% |
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 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 30, 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