1996 Dodge Caravan Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 51about this part
- Share
- 4%of 1,403 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 51 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Dodge Caravan, 4% of the 1,403 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Front strut mounts on every 96 thru 00 Caravan, voyager, chrysler minivans that I've looked at,have serious rust problems, especially the left side, resulting in the strut itself breaking through and hitting the bottom of the hood, and resulting of loss of control of the vehicle when this happens. The repair cost to have this repaired is very costly,$300-1000 to make the vehicle safe to drive. I would like to see the NHTSA look into this problem on all 96 thru 00 mini-vans before somebody has a failure while driving with their family, and have a fatal accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10200639, filed 2007-08, 50,000 miles“The strut shock tower that supported the suspension system rusted through from the inside out. At the time that rust was noticeable the tower had already failed. This could have caused the front end to drop while driving. The manufacturer was aware of this problem and supplied a repair kit under the 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10042850, filed 2003-11, 103,000 miles“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“While driving, the consumer heard a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Consumer took the vehicle to the gas station and the mechanic informed the consumer that the lower ball joints were worn out. The front axle broke while driving, the sway bar bushings were replaced as well as the rear shocks.”
NHTSA complaint #10055457, filed 2004-02, 70,000 miles“I own an 1996 Dodge grand Caravan. The strut towers, especially the driver side, are rusting horribly and will need repair to avoid a catastrophic failure. If the rust gives way, the struts will go up through the tower which best case causes huge damage to the vehicle and worst case could result in a fatal traffic accident. Reading around the internet, this is a common problem from 1996 through 2000 vans and repair kits are back ordered at dealerships around the nation. …”
NHTSA complaint #10161042, filed 2006-06, 134,000 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 17 | 3% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 11 | 4% |
| 2001 | 32 | 12% |
| 2000 | 43 | 9% |
| 1999 | 33 | 6% |
| 1998 | 37 | 6% |
| 1997 | 20 | 3% |
| 1996 | 51 | 4% |
| 1995 | 11 | 2% |
| 1994 | 19 | 3% |
| 1993 | 14 | 1% |
| 1992 | 10 | 1% |
| 1991 | 18 | 3% |
| 1990 | 12 | 4% |
| 1989 | 3 | 2% |
| 1988 | 4 | 4% |
| 1987 | 2 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 4 | 8% |
| 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 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