Both cylinder towers cracked,they fixed but van still wouldnt run right,now we're talking a whole new engine,we declined since transmission hasnt been replaced and I'm sure thats next. Dodge dealer also wants us to pay $1080 because they couldnt find the problem !
1996 Dodge Caravan: engine failure
5 of the 1,394 complaints about the 1996 Dodge Caravan describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 0%
- recalls
- 1
Engine failure by model year
What owners say
Intermittent stalling due to engine failure. *ak a couple of months after purchase, the vehicle shut down while in motion. The dealer had the vehicle on many occasions and changed different electrical parts and the problem could not be found. The consumer found the dealer/manufacturer was aware of the electrical problems in this make/model. *scc
The engine is just the most recent problem. We went ahead and bought the extended warranty even though it is usually never used. This time we used it numerous times. We have had problems with the electric windows, the starter has been replaced, the fuel pump, the engine head, the electronic locks currently do not work. It has just been a real lemon. We just do not know what to do. This time the engine blew and there was no clue that anything was wrong. We have been stranded several times and last night just barely made it home.
Since we purchased our van in august of 1997, we have had many repairs and visits to the dealer. As of today, they have not fixed or diagnosed the brake problems. When coming to a stop or applying my brakes, a crunching sound occurs ,and I can feel it in the pedal. It is a fairly loud sound and the vibration is distracting because you lose your brake pedal for a period of 1-2 seconds. I have talked to other dodge caravan owners and plan to take a detailed survey on this matter, but, none to this point have had this problem. This leads me to believe this is a defect in the brake system or antilock brake computer system which is undetectable. This does not occur all the time, and not under the same conditions. This, also, leads me to the conclusion there is a major saftey defect here. I have had this to the dealer and they say they cant diagnose the problem. What am I supposed to do, get in an accident? I have asked that they recall my van, refund full purchase price or replace my vehicle with one similar to mine. This is not the only problem: today it was in for brakes and a blown engine head gasket. Previously, catalytic converter/ blower motor/battery/ speed sensor and anti rattle bumpers that still havent corrected problem/fuel filter ground strap and fuel filler tube ground strap have been replaced. Also, deglazed brakes, but still brakes squeak.finally, headlights replaced w/housing/lamp, and whatever else they have done to it while in the shop right now. It has been there since tuesday feb.02. This van is no way worth the hassles that I have been put through and I dont think anyone should have this many problems so early on. I have done extensive research on this model and have found atleast 100 complaints for transmission problems and other major repairs and undiagnosed problems with the engine. I think it is time someone stepped in and took a good look at this 96 vehicle because it is not up to saftey standards by a long shot. Thank you.
Engine failed.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Valve Body
- Subject regarding camshaft / bearing service. tt
- Concerns with the pcv valve freezing under extremely cold conditions. tt
- Emissions recall stating that the radiator fan relay may not turn on the radiator cooling fans. tt
- Concerns with serpentine belt slipping off idler pulley. tt
- Subject regarding sags / hesitation / stumble / start & stall. tt
- Subject regarding oil seepage at cam position sensor / misinterpreted head gasket leak. yc
- A new multi-layer steel ( mls ) head gasket has been developed and is being implemented into production...
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline
- What is wrong
- In certain vehicles, the engine cylinder head oil galley plug does not seal properly and engine cylinder head oil is not adequately retained.
- Risk
- Inadequate sealing and retention of the plug can result in oil leakage which could cause a fire in the engine compartment.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install an expansion plug and retaining bracket over the cylinder head oil galley plug.
Recall number 96V006000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1996 Dodge Caravan engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 1996 Dodge Caravan?
5 of 1,394 owner complaints about the 1996 Dodge Caravan (0%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Dodge Caravan?
There is 1 recall and 19 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Dodge Caravan
Airbag light 165Adaptive cruise 110Wipers 102Fuel leak 64Stalling 58Fuel pump 40Door locks 39ABS 34Fire or smoke 33Brake failure 32Fuel smell 27Transmission failure 27Headlights 24Loss of power 21Power steering loss 21No deployment 19Overheating 19Grinding brakes 16Check engine light 16Coil spring 10Jerking 10Ball joint 9Hesitation 9Seat belt 9Slipping 9Tire blowout 9Oil consumption 8Premature wear 8Knocking 7Fuel gauge 7Won't shift 7Won't start 7Steering lock-up 5
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