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.
1996 Dodge Caravan acceleration problems
114 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 87,600. 4 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 114
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- typical mileage
- 87,600
- crashes
- 4
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Cruise control9
- Linkages3
- Accelerator pedal2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Dodge Caravan acceleration problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Dc minivan fuel injector rail leak
There is no summary currently available
RQ00008
Fuel tank leaks
This engineering analysis was opened on january 31, 1997 based on information gathered during preliminary evaluation (pe), pe96-051. The pe was opened on august 19, 1996, to investigate allegations of fuel leakage from the area where the fuel pump/sending unit joins the fuel tank.for brevidy, this area will be referred to as the pump/tank interface.these allegations were first received by odi on august 2, 1996 while investigating allegations of chrysler minivan throttle shaft hand-up, and uncontrolled engine speed, in pe96-036.while discussing that issue with a fleet, it was alleged that at least 10(out of 40) 1996 early production chrysler minivans leaked fuel from the pump/tank interface.analysis of the complaint and warranty data indicate fuel tank leakage incidents in the subject vehicles predominatly affected early production vehicles.the data involving confirmed incidents of tank/pump interface leaks suggest that those failures have been declining since july 1996.odi has received no reports of the subject condition involving original equipment pumps and tanks since september, 1997.currently this isssue does not reqresent a continuing field concern.odi will continue to monitor the subject vehicles for fuel leaks of any type.a safety related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resoured does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
EA97002
Fuel leaks from the gas tank
Analysis to date indicates that some of the subject vehiclescontinue to experience fuel leaks from the fuel tank at the sending unit interface.most often the leak involves the o-ring seal.
PE96051
What 1996 Dodge Caravan owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 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).
The airbag light is on, the horn does not work, and the crusie control does not function......a clockspring malifuntion from all reports....and definetly a safety issue and hazard. Will attempt to replace but at a high cost....
While driving horn/cruise control failed and air bag light illuminated. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
While driving air bag warning light came on and stayed on. When this occurred the horn and the cruise control became inoperative.
The horn on my 1996 caravan has stopped working; the air-bag warning light stays on all the time; the cruise control system is starting to fail.*ak I saw the report that there have been complaints on newer models. I think the range of model years needs to be broadened. I have also seen reports of other 1996/1997 models with the same problems on internet auto repair web sites.
While shifting gears transmission down shifted on its own. Driver took vehicle to the dealer for analysis, and mechanic replaced speed sensor.
Clockspring mechanism
Air bag light stays lit and cruise control no longer works.
Wipers turn on intermittently, inappropriately. Air bag light illuminated. Cruise doesn't work, horn doesn't work. Other than that, the car is in excellent condition and has been maintained well. *jb ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****769501
Questions about the 1996 Dodge Caravan acceleration
Does the 1996 Dodge Caravan have acceleration problems?
Owners have filed 114 complaints about the acceleration of the 1996 Dodge Caravan, 8% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Caravan acceleration problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 87,600 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Dodge Caravan acceleration?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Dodge Caravan have the most acceleration problems?
The Dodge Caravan model years with the most acceleration complaints are 1996 (114 complaints), 1997 (45 complaints) and 1998 (33 complaints).
Other 1996 Dodge Caravan problems
Airbags 251Fuel system 219Electrical 213Engine 211Transmission 184Brakes 151Visibility 120Steering 63Locks 60Body 56Suspension 51Lights 45Seat belts 42Tires 22Seats 21Wheels 2
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