1996 Dodge Caravan Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 3%of 1,403 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the seat belts of the 1996 Dodge Caravan, 3% of the 1,403 complaints for this model year. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving approximately 35 MPH. I hit a slight dip in the road and my driver's side air bag deployed, causing a tragic accident. When the police arrived my child's seat was not restrained in the rear seat. They closed the highway for 5 hours looking for a baby, who may have climbed out one of the broken windows, they thought. Thank god, she was at home.”
NHTSA complaint #721503, filed 2000-04“I own a 1996 Dodge Caravan and just learned of the hazards with gen3 seat belts. I have three children ages 1, 10, and 12 years. I am very concerned about my toddlers carseat being properly installed and am counting on the seat belt keeping my baby safe during an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10052586, filed 2004-01“1996 Dodge Caravan- gen 3 seatlbelts. Twice the seat belt has come unbuckled around my child's carseat. I just happened to notice it. I don't even know how long I had been driving with it unlatched. After the first incident (about a year ago) I have checked the security of it every time we get in the car. I have noticed it unlatched once more since then. Not sure how it happened because there was nothing on or around the seat that could have unlatch the belt. …”
NHTSA complaint #10052904, filed 2004-01“Gen 3 seat belts! My husband and my 16 month old son are everything to me, we have a 1996 Dodge Caravan and now I am afraid to drive it! Please take the necessary actions to keep us safe. We are real people.”
NHTSA complaint #10018481, filed 2003-05“Child integrated restraint systems located on the middle bench seat did not function properly. On both systems, the harness straps tightened and buckle would not release. On all the rear seat belts release buttons on the buckles were sensitive and released with little pressure.”
NHTSA complaint #10040382, filed 2003-09Related recalls
- 96V136000Jul 18, 1996The bolts which secure the integrated child seat modules to the seat frame can break.Covers: Dodge Caravan 1996, Chrysler Town And Country 1996, Plymouth Voyager 1996 +2 more
Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 4% |
| 2014 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 3% |
| 2002 | 15 | 6% |
| 2001 | 12 | 5% |
| 2000 | 23 | 5% |
| 1999 | 22 | 4% |
| 1998 | 23 | 4% |
| 1997 | 22 | 3% |
| 1996 | 42 | 3% |
| 1995 | 17 | 3% |
| 1994 | 31 | 5% |
| 1993 | 114 | 12% |
| 1992 | 175 | 19% |
| 1991 | 90 | 15% |
| 1990 | 23 | 8% |
| 1989 | 15 | 8% |
| 1988 | 5 | 5% |
| 1987 | 6 | 9% |
| 1986 | 5 | 10% |
| 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 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