1996 Dodge Grand Caravan Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 59about this part
- Share
- 5%of 1,157 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 116,552miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 59 complaints about the body and structure of the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan, 5% of the 1,157 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 116,552 miles. 1 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.
“On 12/5/2002, my husband & I were sitting at a red light in our 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan when we were rear-ended by a ford taurus. Being lower to the ground than the caravan, the taurus hit the dealer installed tow bar causing the frame to buckle above both axles & minimal damage to the body of the van. The case for recovery of medical bills & wages lost is now coming up & we found out that they are claiming that we were hit between 8-10 MPH. …”
NHTSA complaint #10145721, filed 2005-12, 6,400 miles“96 Grand Caravan strut mount rust couldn't pass inspection and they said my kids could have died if I had a accident. This should be a major recall. The government involves in every aspect of our lives to keep our children safe until it makes corporation pay money to fix a known problem let see what you guys do with this. Sorry im upset just seems extremely dangerous and as I read on the internet tons of people with this problem and chrysler knows about it caused I called the to and said if I had a issue to write to you guys but most likely nothing will be done. …”
NHTSA complaint #10275319, filed 2009-06, 120,000 miles“Serpentine belt or tensioner clip has had to be repaired 4 times (towed every time) electrical problems since the beginning; turn the key and the windshield wipers start going, turn the key off and the wipers keep going, take the key totally out of the ignition and the wipers go and the dinging alarm that tells you the lights are on or the key is in, starts.(I seriously thought the car was possessed) or turn the key and nothing comes on except the engine. I've replaced the battery 5 times at least - it's usually better w/ a new battery for a little while. …”
NHTSA complaint #10082978, filed 2004-07, 500 miles“My 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan has a left front strut tower that is cracked around the top where the spring sits. There isn't a spot of rust or structural damage on this vehicle except that strut tower. From my discussion with a chrysler body shop manager, it appears that they had a problem with these strut towers. I think this is a safety risk because if one of these lets go at highway speed, it will immediately impact steering and driveability potentially leading to a crash. I know my way around a car so I was able to spot this problem and recognize the potential danger. …”
NHTSA complaint #10020645, filed 2003-05, 116,552 miles“Purchased tire as new from grave's tire in carthage, tx. Come to find it was 6 yrs old when purchased and dry rotted as it blew in 2 months time of being on the vehicle. Tire shop owner (leo graves) says he isn't honoring his 60,000 mile/1 yr warranty, this happened to another customer of his and as far as he is concerned, we both hit something in the road. ...updated 10/15/15 updated 11/30/2017”
NHTSA complaint #10735298, filed 2015-07, 220,300 milesRelated 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 29 | 12% |
| 2018 | 59 | 22% |
| 2017 | 95 | 23% |
| 2016 | 228 | 23% |
| 2015 | 24 | 9% |
| 2014 | 17 | 5% |
| 2013 | 26 | 6% |
| 2012 | 19 | 3% |
| 2011 | 19 | 4% |
| 2010 | 18 | 2% |
| 2009 | 7 | 1% |
| 2008 | 27 | 2% |
| 2007 | 14 | 8% |
| 2006 | 36 | 13% |
| 2005 | 70 | 7% |
| 2004 | 4 | 3% |
| 2003 | 14 | 6% |
| 2002 | 19 | 7% |
| 2001 | 9 | 3% |
| 2000 | 33 | 7% |
| 1999 | 16 | 4% |
| 1998 | 27 | 5% |
| 1997 | 18 | 3% |
| 1996 | 59 | 5% |
| 1995 | 20 | 19% |
| 1994 | 33 | 17% |
| 1993 | 32 | 11% |
| 1992 | 33 | 13% |
| 1991 | 11 | 9% |
| 1990 | 5 | 9% |
| 1989 | 2 | 8% |
| 1988 | 1 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
211 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
209 complaintsElectrical system
197 complaintsFuel system
181 complaintsEngine cooling
177 complaintsVehicle speed control
124 complaintsBrakes
106 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
100 complaintsSteering
75 complaintsSuspension
60 complaintsOther or unknown
59 complaintsEquipment
35 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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