1996 Dodge Grand Caravan Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 209about this part
- Share
- 18%of 1,157 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,350miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 209 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan, 18% of the 1,157 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,350 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.
“As I brought down speed of my vehicle from 65 MPH to stop today, just stopped dead at the stop sign and the transmission of my vehicle failed. When I searched the internet, I found a tons of people having the same problem. With so many people out there with the same problem there has to be a recall or a class action law suit .”
NHTSA complaint #10105822, filed 2005-01, 84,700 miles“Automatic transmission broke for the third time in just 30,000 miles, this time my wife and 4 kids were nearly killed on a busy interstate because we were almost hit . This vehicle is a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan.”
NHTSA complaint #10177453, filed 2007-01, 126,000 miles“There are two major problems with my 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. First there is a serious vibration in the front wheel/tires. I have replaced 8 tires (in 30000 miles!), both front axles, all three motor mounts, and had the transmission overhauled, as well as having three alignment checks. The vibration is still there. The second problem involves the windshield wipers. The front wipers were, for a time, coming on any time they felt like it; this was remedied by replacing the multi function switch on 09/21/01. …”
NHTSA complaint #10088514, filed 2004-08, 92,000 miles“I have a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan and it has had 4 transmission failures. Currently, the 5th transmission is in the vehicle. We have owned the caravan since 1/97 when it was purchased with about 50k miles on it. It was a lease turn in vehicle used by a salesman not hauling heavy loads but making tobbacco sales calls. I have spoken with other similar vehicle owners and there has been an issue with the transmission failing. I feel that daimler chrysler should recall the transmission for replacement with a satisfactory one.”
NHTSA complaint #10052571, filed 2004-01, 110,000 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 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8 | 40% |
| 2019 | 49 | 20% |
| 2018 | 23 | 8% |
| 2017 | 37 | 9% |
| 2016 | 221 | 22% |
| 2015 | 77 | 27% |
| 2014 | 19 | 5% |
| 2013 | 36 | 8% |
| 2012 | 48 | 8% |
| 2011 | 43 | 8% |
| 2010 | 40 | 5% |
| 2009 | 20 | 4% |
| 2008 | 68 | 5% |
| 2007 | 23 | 13% |
| 2006 | 12 | 4% |
| 2005 | 22 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 3% |
| 2003 | 28 | 13% |
| 2002 | 42 | 14% |
| 2001 | 29 | 10% |
| 2000 | 95 | 21% |
| 1999 | 72 | 17% |
| 1998 | 81 | 14% |
| 1997 | 81 | 14% |
| 1996 | 209 | 18% |
| 1995 | 24 | 22% |
| 1994 | 56 | 28% |
| 1993 | 51 | 18% |
| 1992 | 37 | 15% |
| 1991 | 17 | 13% |
| 1990 | 27 | 49% |
| 1989 | 11 | 46% |
| 1988 | 2 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
211 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 complaintsBody and structure
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 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