1996 Dodge Caravan Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 58about this part
- Share
- 4%of 1,403 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 103,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 58 complaints about the body and structure of the 1996 Dodge Caravan, 4% of the 1,403 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 103,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Left front strut mtg tower rusted through by the time the rust was seen the metal in the strut tower had failed chrysler refused to do anything stating it was over 3 year 36,000 mile for manifacturers deffect repair yet this is known as a common problem and can cause loss of control if it fails on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #10071030, filed 2004-01, 103,000 miles“Dt: in april while driving down I-70 at about 70 MPH the owner was driving and heard a ripping noise . Looked back and saw side panel in the air and it flew into the median. It was a piece of gray panel that was along the van at the bottom. There were cars around, but the plastic piece didn't hit anything or anyone. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer will be contacted. Owner has no idea why the panel fell off. There hasn't been any other problems with vehicle, and it was regularly serviced. The only dealer information the consumer had was the name and city and state.”
NHTSA complaint #10129095, filed 2005-07, 125,000 miles“While turning into a parking space I touched break and the van accelerated to full throttle. The van jumped the curb and was heading toward 3 people, I turned the steering wheel enough to hit a light pole instead of them. The van quit racing for a few seconds and then revved up again. The light pole fell and I was again headed toward the people. I put both feet on the break and was able to stop the van, but not before hitting the people. Luckily they were just bruised because I just bumped them and didn't run over them. This all happened in a matter of seconds. …”
NHTSA complaint #10724131, filed 2015-06“The contact stated the hatchback handle assembly jammed in august 2002. The hatchback handle assembly was replaced in august 2002. The same problem has returned and the handle is currently jammed. Sometimes the hatch will not open at all without difficulty. The dealers have been made aware of the reoccurring problem. Updated 06/16/06.”
NHTSA complaint #10158649, filed 2006-05, 100,631 miles“Ea-01-007; consumer has noticed air bag light illuminated on dashboard. Also, horn was inoperable/ windshield wipers worked intermittently, and electrical door locks failed to lock or unlock. Also, note ABS brake light illuminated on the dash, brakes have failed. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer unable to determine cause of failures. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #884180, filed 2001-03Related service bulletins
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 | 13% |
| 2014 | 3 | 15% |
| 2013 | 2 | 7% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 8 | 3% |
| 2007 | 6 | 7% |
| 2006 | 8 | 5% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2002 | 12 | 5% |
| 2001 | 12 | 5% |
| 2000 | 30 | 6% |
| 1999 | 27 | 5% |
| 1998 | 26 | 4% |
| 1997 | 21 | 3% |
| 1996 | 58 | 4% |
| 1995 | 41 | 8% |
| 1994 | 78 | 12% |
| 1993 | 82 | 9% |
| 1992 | 81 | 9% |
| 1991 | 80 | 13% |
| 1990 | 57 | 21% |
| 1989 | 41 | 21% |
| 1988 | 20 | 19% |
| 1987 | 10 | 14% |
| 1986 | 14 | 29% |
| 1985 | 13 | 27% |
| 1984 | 5 | 28% |
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 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