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Vehicle safety record

1996 Dodge Caravan Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 1,402 complaints about the 1996 Dodge Caravan with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (250) and the fuel system (212). Those complaints describe 57 crashes, 47 fires, 67 injuries and 9 deaths. It is covered by 18 recalls, the latest in August 2010 for the equipment. For comparison, the 1995 has 493 and the 1997 has 720.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical Caravan year, for its age

#1 most complained-about 1996 vehicle

Complaints
1,402
Recalls
18
Crashes
57
Fires
47
Injuries
67
Deaths
9

Most common 1996 Dodge Caravan problems

Share of all 1,402 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

1996 Dodge Caravan recalls 18

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Equipment

10E0340006,686 vehicles affected

The problem
Curt mfg is recalling certain class 3 receiver hitches, p/n 13347, sold as aftermarket equipment for use on 1997-2007 chrysler town and country vans, 1996-2007 dodge caravans, and 1996-2004 plymouth voyager vans. When the hitch is loaded to the maximum rating, the hitch may fracture or break at the bend location where the main body of the hitch meets the hitch muffler strap.
The risk
If the area in question fractures or breaks, this could cause an unstable driving condition, possibly resulting in a crash.
The fix
Curt mfg will notify owners of record and will replace the hitch free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during august 2010. Owners may contact curt mfg at 1-715-831-8713.

Exterior lighting: headlights

09E02500042,540 vehicles affected

The problem
Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
The risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior lighting

09E01200016,270 vehicles affected

The problem
Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
The risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior lighting: headlights

06E023000292,000 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
The risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began may 9, 2006. Owners may contact anzo usa at 909-468-3688.

Service brakes

06E0220007,440 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain ford, daimlerchrysler, and jeep passenger vehicles. These brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. Only products that were manufactured from july 27, 2005 through january 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. When subject to very cold temperatures, an internal seal in the master cylinder could lose flexibility and may cause brake fluid to leak.
The risk
Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
Affinia (brake parts, inc.) Will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on march 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.

Fuel system

03E05300068,563 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain aftermarket replacement fuel filters, models wix filter part numbers 33576, 33577, 33734; napa filter part numbers 3576, 3577, 3734; and carquest filter part numbers 86576, 86577, 86734 used on 1996-2000 daimlerchrysler town & country, dodge caravan, and plymouth voyager vehicles, can cause the fuel lines to leak.
The risk
A possible fire can occur in the presence of an ignition source.
The fix
Wix will notify its customers and replace the fuel filters free of charge. Note: this does not involve any products manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corp. Nor any dailmerchrysler dealers. Owner notification is expected to begin during november 2003. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact wix at 704-864-6711.

Equipment

03E04500045,870 vehicles affected

The problem
Aftermarket replacement fuel filters manufactured between september 17, 2002, and january 20, 2003, sold under the brand names listed above. The filter may experience malfunction of the quick connector either blocking fuel flow to the engine or causing a fuel leak. This does not involve any products manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corp. Nor any dailmerchrysler dealers.
The risk
If this condition occurred while the vehicle is in motion, the engine could stall. Also, in the presence of an ignition source, the fuel leak could result in a vehicle fire.
The fix
Aftermarket replacement fuel filters for 1995-2000 short wheelbase chrysler town & country, plymouth voyager and dodge caravan minivans part no. 18232 And date code 0237, 0249, or 0252. Replacement fuel filters for 1995-2000 long wheelbase chrysler town & country, plymouth voyager and dodge caravan minivans part no. 18230 And date code 0237, 0249, 0251, or 0304. Replacement fuel filters for 2001-2004 chrysler town & country, plymouth voyager and dodge caravan minivans part no. 28871 And date code 0249. These part numbers and date codes appear on the gold-tone filter. Distributors and retailers will be notified to isolate and return affected inventory. Owners who have had the fuel filter serviced on one of the applicable vehicles after september 17, 2002 should return their vehicle to the service facility to be inspected to see if the fuel filter that was installed is one that is involved in the recall. If so, the owners should have the filter replaced. To receive a full refund plus the cost of postage, owners should cut the connectors from the hoses, rinse the connectors and return them together with proof of the amount paid for the replacement part and labor, to intercontinental at intercontinental auto parts, inc., P.O. Box 861, mahwah, nj 07430, attn: fuel filter recall. Intercontinental will mail a full refund to the owner.

Air bags: frontal

02V2930001,500,521 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain mini vans, the clockspring assembly may have been wound incorrectly during the vehicle assembly process.
The risk
This condition will manifest itself through illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and could eventually result in a driver's air bag open circuit, if the part is not replaced in a reasonable amount of time.
The fix
Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly on all vehicles with 70,000 miles or less. An extended lifetime warranty will also be placed on this component for all affected vehicles, regardless of mileage. Daimlerchrysler will also reimburse owners who have paid to have the clockspring replaced on their vehicles. Owner notification began november 18, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Fuel system: fuel injection system

00V2680001,163,000 vehicles affected

The problem
Vehicle description: mini vans built with 3.3L and 3.8L engines have fuel rails with nitrole rubber o-ring seals that can degrade over time. Fuel leakage from the underhood fuel injection fuel rail could result, increasing the likelihood of a vehicle fire.
The risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will install a seal on the vehicle fuel rails to prevent external leakage of fuel from the fuel rail crossover tube, should the existing o-rings continue to degrade. Owner notification began on january 25, 2002. Due to the large quantity of vehicles involved in this campaign, the owner notification will be phased over the next several months. However, if a vehicle is leaking fuel from the o-rings, the vehicle should be taken into a dealer to have this repaired as soon as possible. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Fuel system: fuel pump

99V216000635,469 vehicles affected

The problem
Vehicle description: minivans. Fuel can leak from the fuel tank at the interface of the fuel pump module attachment.
The risk
If a fuel leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module attaching nut with a nut that includes tighter design tolerances. The sealing o-ring will also be replaced.

Child seat

98V185000157,000 vehicles affected

The problem
Vehicle description: mini vans equipped with integrated child seats. The shoulder harness restraint on the integrated child seat can become difficult to extract when the safety belt latch plate becomes contaminated.
The risk
This can cause difficulty in releasing a child from the restraint.
The fix
Dealers will clean the latch mechanism. An extender will be added to the emergency release anchor for the child seat safety belts so that the release clips are more visible and accessible to the operator in the event that the retractor mechanism can not be unlocked. In addition, an instructional owner's manual supplement card will be provided.

Seat belts: integrated child seat

97I001000150,000 vehicles affected

The problem
Vehicle description: multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped with integral child seats. This is not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation 573. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. On the integral child seat, the shoulder belts restraining the child retract and lock in place after the belt buckle is connected to the latch plate. The latch plate movement locks the belts to make sure the child is restrained in the case of a vehicle crash.
The risk
The latch plate located in the seat cushion area must be free to move back against its stop after the buckle is removed to allow the shoulder belts to be pulled out. Always be sure the area around the latch plate is free of food or other items that might prevent the latch plate from moving back.
The fix
Owners are being provided with a video tape and 2 harness clips. The video tape instructs owners on the proper use and maintenance of the child seats.

Seat belts: integrated child seat

96V136000200 vehicles affected

The problem
The bolts which secure the integrated child seat modules to the seat frame can break.
The risk
In the event of a vehicle accident, the child seat may not provide adequate protection to the occupant.
The fix
Dealers will replace the integrated child seat module bolts.

Fuel system: filler pipe and cap

96V002000265,000 vehicles affected

The problem
A static electric charge can build up on the ungrounded metal section of the fuel filler tube.
The risk
This condition could cause a spark to occur when fueling the vehicle and possibly ignite the fuel vapors.
The fix
Dealers will install a ground strap for the fuel filler tube.

Engine and engine cooling: gasoline

96V00600040,000 vehicles affected

The problem
In certain vehicles, the engine cylinder head oil galley plug does not seal properly and engine cylinder head oil is not adequately retained.
The risk
Inadequate sealing and retention of the plug can result in oil leakage which could cause a fire in the engine compartment.
The fix
Dealers will install an expansion plug and retaining bracket over the cylinder head oil galley plug.

Fuel system: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings

95V23600080,000 vehicles affected

The problem
The fuel tank rollover valve can allow fuel to pass into the vapor canister resulting in the potential for fuel leakage.
The risk
Fuel leakage increases the potential for a vehicle fire.
The fix
Dealers will replace the fuel tank filler tube with a filler tube that has an additional rollover valve. The associated rollover valve vapor hoses will be rerouted.

Seats

95V22500020,000 vehicles affected

The problem
The bolts which secure the rear bench seats to the seat risers may be embrittled and fracture.
The risk
In case of an accident, the bolt may fail and can cause the seat to break away from the seat risers, which increases the potentialof injury to its occupants.
The fix
Dealers will replace the rear bench seat to riser bolts.

What owners say

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1,402 complaints about the 1996 Dodge Caravan

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 57.

Fuel system

The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, he opened the hood and noticed a fuel leak on top of the engine. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 11499901
Body, doors & structureAcceleration & cruise controlBrakesCrash4 injuries

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. I almost killed some people and no longer have transportation because the van was totaled.

Filed Incident Structure · Vehicle speed control · Service brakesNHTSA 10724131
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the contact noticed that the horn failed to function. In addition, the odometer displayed an incorrect reading and the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was aware of nhtsa campaign number: 02v293000 (air bags), but the vin was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10715313
Fuel systemElectrical systemAirbags

I purchase this vehicle from owner in dec. 2013 And start having problem the owner I purchase it from purchase it from a bank back in 2006. They did know about an recall or etc. About this vehcle. The electric has problem and airbags, the fuel tank is leaking and fuel injection and etc,. Where can I can get help for these problems.Etc.,. *Tr

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasoline · Electrical system · Air bagsNHTSA 10562062
SteeringElectrical systemEngine & cooling

This vehicle has a chronic design problem with throwing its serpentine belt whenever the tension pulley gets wet. Soon as the belt is thrown there is no power steering, and it steers 10 times worse than a mack truck. The lack of steering is a definite safety hazard to every other vehicle on the road. As it happens suddenly by driving through a water puddle, etc. There is virtually no time to react. In addition to lack of steering there is no alternator output, resulting in rapid battery drain. Also there is no...

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coolant system fan resulting in rapid engine overheating. This design fault has been known for well over a decade, no make that 2 decades, but chrysler has never acknowledged a problem. The problem dates back to all chrysler mini-van designs from the early 1990s to at least 2000. If the lack of steering is not a safety related defect I don't know what is. We have a used wheelchair conversion caravan van to transport my wife. This latest incident was the past saturday night as we left a restaurant to return home. It had been raining profusely and suddenly I had no steering. I knew immediately what the problem was since this is the 3rd occurrence in the past 6 months. Do you expect your vehicle to become inoperable just because you drive in the rain? Why has not chrysler been made to acknowledge this problem and issue a repair recall? I don't care if the van is over a decade old. This defect is one which endangers everyone else on the road and which chrysler should have been required to address well over a decade ago. *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10522678
Suspension

Strut tower corrosion 10090457 right / left strut tower rusted out on 96 dodge caravan. Took van into repair shop to find out steering issue they found a completely rusted out strut housing said its a known issue with vehicle and safety bulletin was issued since its a known problem. Suspension/body - strut tower corrosion number: 23-044-02 group: body date: oct. 14, 2002 Subject: ns strut tower corrosion . *Tr

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10410393
Electrical system

CAR STOP HAVING ELECTRICAL OUTPUT. *TR

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10401400
Fuel system

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from his tank in large amounts. The vehicle was inspected by a independent mechanic and they advised him that he needed to replace the tank and the fuel pump. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised him that the recall was expired and could not assist him. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000. Updated 03/24/11*lj updated 05/02/11

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10383216
Fuel systemFire

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge caravan. The contact was driving 30 mph when he was advised by another motorist that fuel was leaking from the top of the fuel tank. The contact had just refueled the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and the contact was advised to replace the catalytic converter. The mechanic also stated that there was evidence of a small fire from the fuel tank. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer to inquire about a potential recall on the vehicle (nhtsa campaign id...

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number: 99v216000, fuel system, gasoline: delivery fuel pump). The dealer advised that the vehicle was included in the recall but the dealer refused repairs because of the damages from the small fire. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 156,398 and the current mileage was 156,432.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10356097
Steering

1996 Dodge caravan - ridiculous....Almost every puddle makes belt slip off and power steering becomes dangerous. This is the 14th time since I have owned the car. Should have a recall on all of these vans or a reimbursement plan for this or better yet.... A free final fix!!!!!! *Tr

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10319470
BrakesEquipment & accessories

I have a 1996 dodge caravan. The brake pads and rotors were replaced in june of 2009. Bendix brake pads and bendix rotors were used. On december 15, 2009, both brake rotors failed causing a total loss of braking. While slowing down a loud bang came from the front of the van. The brakes did not feel right at this point. While looking for a safe place to pull over and stop, another loud bang was heard. At that point the van had no brakes. The van was stopped using the parking brake. Upon investigation it was found...

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that both front brake rotors had failed. The middle hub section of the rotor had separated from the rotor. The failure was the same in both rotors. No other damage was present on the van. Both front rotors were replace on the van to correct the problem. I still have the old rotors. *Tr

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · EquipmentNHTSA 10296627
Electrical systemVisibility & wipersAcceleration & cruise controlEquipment & accessories

Bcm-1, (warranty) loss of dash functions 1996: bcm-2 estimate $1200 replaced chrysler p/n p4686727 lost 95,000 mile odometer for a working bcm from junkyard (2001), bcm-3, lost fuel gauge and speedometer bcm from junkyard fixed p/n p46867(2006) bad windshield replacement leaks water into cabin, bcm-3, failed again currently no wipers, not able to find a 1996/1997 bcm only 1998 plymouth voyager bcm p/n p04801062ae. Will try to validate compatibility tonight. Adel chrysler estimate $1,400 plus labor. Already gave...

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them $742 for tune up and trouble shooting what they said was a bad multi-switch ($110) did not fix and no discount for not knowing how to diagnose a problem properly. Their number is 515-993-4587 cory (karl is the service manager-owner's son). *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Visibility · Vehicle speed control · EquipmentNHTSA 10265009
Fuel system

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge caravan. The vehicle was repaired according to a recall, but the failure has resurfaced. Fuel is leaking from the fuel rail into the engine compartment, which is a fire hazard. The dealer stated that the contact would be responsible for the repair cost. Nhtsa campaign id number 00v268000 the failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 03/23/09. *Lj the consumer stated the dealer fixed the recall for recall. Updated 03/23/09.*Jb

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10257178
Brakes

Complete and sudden brake failure while approaching a stoplight. I was very lucky to be able to steer around the vehicle in front of me to avoid a serious accident. Prior to the incident the brakes were working fine. This is an extremely dangerous and serious failure mode. I have seen other reports of this on the web and it is only a matter of time before someone gets seriously injured or killed... *Tr

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10253395
Suspension

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the shocks underneath the driver's side of the vehicle were going straight through the metal, which holds the wheel in place. The failure causes the vehicle to hesitate at times. While driving over small bumps in the road at 15 mph, the vehicle suddenly veered to the opposite side of the road. The contact has taken the vehicle to the dealer a few times, but they stated that there was only a kit used to seal the shocks in place; however, it is a...

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temporary remedy and the failure would most likely recur. There is currently not a permanent repair for this defect. The failure mileage was 90,000 and current mileage was 115,000.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10243875
Electrical systemFire

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge caravan. The contact attempted to drive her vehicle and noticed that there was a fire near the headlight switch. The fire was extinguished by the contact. There were no injuries and the fire department was not called. The vehicle was able to be driven back to the contact's residence. The vehicle has not been to the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 192,400.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10241026
Transmission & drivetrain

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge caravan. When the key is not in the ignition, the vehicle will shift out of the park position. The vehicle backed into a fence and then struck a tree. The dealer and manufacturer have not been notified. The vin and engine size were unknown. The failure and current mileages were 110,000.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10214485
Engine & coolingElectrical system

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge caravan. While driving in inclement weather conditions, water, or with the air conditioner activated, the vehicle temporarily loses control. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the serpentine belt slipped off. No warning lights illuminated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was repaired approximately five times, however, the failures recurred two months later. The manufacturer was unable to provide assistance. The speed was unknown. The...

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failure mileage was 119,000 and current mileage was 135,000. Updated 01-23-08. *Kb the dealer stated upper radiator loose, loose clamps, front brake pads, belt tensioner, oxygen sensor, and alternator bracket. Updated 01/23/08 *tr

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical systemNHTSA 10203219
Suspension10 injuries

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. Please cure this problem before and not after people are killed due to this structural front strut tower failure. *Tr

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10200639
Fuel system

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the fuel tank causes fumes to enter the passenger compartment of the vehicle, as well as fuel leakage. He stated that the fuel tank was replaced a year ago, but still emits fumes. The vehicle was previously repaired under recall # 99v216000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump). The incident and purchase dates were unknown. The current mileage is 165,000 and failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10196260
Wheels & tiresCrash

1999 Dodge caravan. While driving on the ohio turnpike in the left lane the right front tire separated from the axle . *Mc *jb

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 10194437
Lights

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the head lights retained water and caused them to appear foggy. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle as needing new head lights. The current mileage was 175,000, and failure mileage was 98,000.*Ak

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10187543
Airbags1 injury

Tl* - the contact owns a 1996 dodge caravan. The contact was pulling into a parking lot doing 3 or 4 mph, when the drivers side and passenger side front air bags unexpectedly deployed. The contact stated that she never hit anything. The contact sustained bruises on her forearm. The contact didn't know if anything could be, and got rid of the van. *Ak

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10180595
Transmission & drivetrainFire

Tl* - the contact was stopped at the light when she saw smoke coming from her car. She pulled her car over and got out and the car burst into flames. The contact said that she can get a fire and police report. The contact also said that there is a safety recall on the engine cylinder head. The safety recall number is 96v006000.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10176649
Steering

Rain cause belt to slip off losing power steering. Can not use vehicle in rain of snow! 1996 Dodge caravan has happened at least ten times. *Jb

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10174971

Dodge Caravan: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
200049413655Transmission & drivetrainF
1999555144612AirbagsF
1998641144623Engine & coolingF
1997720154537AirbagsF
19961,402185747AirbagsF
19954934558Transmission & drivetrainF
19946675937Body, doors & structureF
199396210687BrakesF
1992929114813BrakesF
All Caravan years

1996 Dodge Caravan vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 1996 Dodge Caravan

Does the 1996 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 18 recalls for the 1996 Dodge Caravan: equipment (August 2010); headlights (May 2009); exterior lighting (April 2009); headlights (March 2006) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Dodge Caravan?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (250), fuel system (212), electrical system (205).

How many complaints has the 1996 Dodge Caravan had?

1,402 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 2, 1995 and the latest on January 3, 2023. Of these, 57 describe a crash and 47 a fire, and together they report 67 injuries and 9 deaths.

Is the 1996 Dodge Caravan a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 6 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Dodge Caravan year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Dodge Caravan years have the most complaints?

1996 (1,402), 1993 (962), 1992 (929). See every Dodge Caravan year compared.

What should I do if my 1996 Dodge Caravan has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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