Check a VIN

1996 Dodge Grand Caravan problems

The most common problem on the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan is airbags, typically around 96,000 miles. It has 3.2 times the complaints of a typical Grand Caravan model year.

Typical year3.2x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
1,146
Recalls
9
Service bulletins
8
Worst area
Airbags
Typical repair
$297

The worst 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan

Airbag light 123Adaptive cruise 115Wipers 98Fuel leak 65Stalling 51Transmission failure 50Door locks 36Fire or smoke 33Power steering loss 33Fuel pump 25Fuel smell 25Loss of power 20ABS 17Won't shift 17Slipping 15Grinding brakes 14Jerking 13Brake failure 11Harsh shifting 10Headlights 10Check engine light 9No deployment 8Steering lock-up 8Steering noise 8Tire blowout 8Won't start 8Engine failure 7Fuel gauge 7Coil spring 6Hesitation 6Misfire 6Overheating 6Power windows 6Seat belt 6Ball joint 5

Recalls 9

Air bags: frontalReported November 7, 2002 · 1,500,521 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain mini vans, the clockspring assembly may have been wound incorrectly during the vehicle assembly process.
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 02V293000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection systemReported September 13, 2000 · 1,163,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 00V268000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported August 9, 1999 · 635,469 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: minivans. Fuel can leak from the fuel tank at the interface of the fuel pump module attachment.
Risk
If a fuel leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 99V216000 · Recall details

Child seatReported August 6, 1998 · 157,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
This can cause difficulty in releasing a child from the restraint.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 98V185000 · Recall details

Seat belts: integrated child seatReported July 18, 1996 · 200 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The bolts which secure the integrated child seat modules to the seat frame can break.
Risk
In the event of a vehicle accident, the child seat may not provide adequate protection to the occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the integrated child seat module bolts.

Recall number 96V136000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and capReported January 16, 1996 · 265,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
A static electric charge can build up on the ungrounded metal section of the fuel filler tube.
Risk
This condition could cause a spark to occur when fueling the vehicle and possibly ignite the fuel vapors.
Remedy
Dealers will install a ground strap for the fuel filler tube.

Recall number 96V002000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasolineReported January 11, 1996 · 40,000 vehicles affected
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

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported December 8, 1995 · 80,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The fuel tank rollover valve can allow fuel to pass into the vapor canister resulting in the potential for fuel leakage.
Risk
Fuel leakage increases the potential for a vehicle fire.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 95V236000 · Recall details

SeatsReported November 28, 1995 · 20,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The bolts which secure the rear bench seats to the seat risers may be embrittled and fracture.
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear bench seat to riser bolts.

Recall number 95V225000 · Recall details

See all 9 recalls for the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan

Defect investigations

Air bag clockspringOpened February 21, 2001, closed November 22, 2002

There is no summary currently available

EA01007

Air bag clockspringOpened August 8, 2000, closed February 21, 2001

There is no summary currently available

PE00032

Dc minivan fuel injector rail leakOpened March 9, 2000, closed March 18, 2002

There is no summary currently available

RQ00008

Post collision fuel systemOpened June 11, 1999, closed August 10, 2001

EA99013

Post-collision fuel system integrityOpened February 3, 1999, closed June 11, 1999

There is no summary currently available

PE99010

Fuel tank leaksOpened January 31, 1997, closed February 10, 1998

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

Integrated child seat belt lockupOpened January 31, 1997, closed August 19, 1998

This investigation is closed.chrysler corporation has submitted a defect information report identifying a safety defect and outlining the proposed remedy.recall number 98v‑185 has been assigned to this safety recall.

EA97003

Integrated child seat belt lockupOpened September 18, 1996, closed February 4, 1997

Odi continues to receive complaints alleging latching/retractor mechanism problems.chrysler's assessment of the problem indicates that owners of the vehicles are not adhering to the cleaning requirements for the seat.the seat appears to malfunction if crumbs of food or beverage residue accumulates on the latching tongue in thewell located between the child's legs.odi has 19 complaints of retract lockup.seven of these complaints report cutting the straps to remove the child.two of the seven consumers allege the child was choking.chrysler reports 60 owner/field reports which indicated 19 harnesses were cut to remove the children.additional information is needed to fully assess the safety consequence of the alleged defect and to evaluate the chrysler corporation's rational for not conducting a safety recall campaign.

SQ96016

Fuel leaks from the gas tankOpened August 19, 1996, closed January 31, 1997

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

Safety blt latch operationOpened January 25, 1996, closed June 28, 1996

There is no summary currently available

PE96008

Fuel leakeage from rollover valveOpened October 25, 1995, closed December 22, 1995

There is no summary currently available

PE95053

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan 8

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 8 bulletins for the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan

What 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 1, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

Rubber fuel line in main engine bay is leaking fuel and cracked I have seen others that have burned down for this issue. Dodge fiat Chrysler needs to be aware that all 1996 to 2000 dodge caravans and Chrysler town and country’s could burn down if this fuel issue isn’t fixed I have already had to pay out of pocket to fix one vehicle I’m not doing it again.. my phone number if anyone at you’re agency would like to call me my cell is [XXX] thanks PLEASE HELP!! INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Mar 10, 2016 · Engine · OH

My 1996 dodge grand caravan has the serpentine belt issue. It falls of if it rains. This problem is due to a design flaw from dodge. They used smooth pulleys instead of groved. In addition gates had to make a kit to fix this one single issue because it is so common. This is a very common issue and chrysler refuses to do anything about it (like normal). This is a very dangerous situation.

Filed Nov 1, 2015 · Acceleration · MI

When driving my 1996 dodge grand caravan the speedometer goes crazy and the RPM gauge fluctuates a little and the rpms rap out around 40mph and wont shift its like it hit safety mode or something I think it is my wheel speed sensor what do you think?

Filed Jul 20, 2015 · Body · 220,300 miles · LA · 1 injury

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 *bf updated 11/30/2017

Filed Mar 2, 2015 · Brakes, Suspension · 150,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge grand caravan. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the brakes were depressed and failed to respond. The contact was able to avoid a crash. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the brake line was rusted and fluid was leaking. In addition, the contact stated that the rear axle was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 3/31/15

Filed Jul 28, 2014 · Engine · 262,747 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the serpentine belt separated from the engine when the vehicle was driven in the rain. The serpentine belt was replaced twice, but the failure was not remedied. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 262,747.

Filed Jan 29, 2014 · Fuel system · AL

Fuel leaking from the fuel tank and the injection base. Start january 20 ,2014. I am a new owner.

Filed Aug 26, 2012 · Suspension · 156,000 miles · IL

Nothing has happened yet, but fear of front end collapse is mounting. The strut towers look severely rusted even though older and newer vehicles of the same make and model do not demonstrate this potential failure. It seems that if this fails that the strut would push through the tower causing front wheel to move up and back resulting in loss of control, sudden swerve, and potential catastrophic collision.

Filed Jun 10, 2012 · Visibility · 97,500 miles · NY

The windshield wipers would not work, then every once in a while they will. I had them checked and the vehicle needs a 500 dollar body control module. It seems this is a very common failure, and in my opinion a defect!

Filed May 23, 2012 · Brakes, Suspension · 97,852 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the brakes were applied but the vehicle did not respond. The contact added brake fluid to the vehicle and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic discovered that the strut tower was rusted and the wheel cylinder had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified and told the contact to bring the vehicle in for repairs at the contact's expense. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,852.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan before you buy

Compare the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan

Grand Caravan vs Chrysler Town and CountryGrand Caravan vs Honda OdysseyGrand Caravan vs Toyota SiennaGrand Caravan vs Chrysler PacificaGrand Caravan vs Kia Sedona

Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020

Questions about the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan

Is the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan reliable?

Owners have filed 1,146 complaints about the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan, 3.2 times a typical Grand Caravan model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan?

Airbags, with 211 complaints, typically around 96,000 miles. Next is transmission (208).

How many recalls does the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan have?

9 recalls, covering air bags, fuel system, gasoline and child seat.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan airbags?

Yes, 1 recall: 02V293000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Dodge Grand Caravan have bad airbags?

The Dodge Grand Caravan model years with the most airbags complaints are 2008 (294 complaints), 1996 (211 complaints) and 2010 (144 complaints).

Share your experience with the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN