1996 Dodge Grand Caravan airbags problems

Filed Jul 10, 2008 · Airbags, Electrical · 80,000 miles · CA

The van will start then immediately turn off. It does this more when it is hot outside. If you let the vehicle sit for about 4 hours in the shade it will start and get you to your next destination. If the weather is too hot it won't start until the weather changes to cooler. I have replaced the starter, two computers, got the circuit board cold soldered. Replaced the battery and can't remember all the rest. It still has this problem. It seems to be very common. There is a web site topix.com that has a forum just for this problem. No one has been able to fix it completely. Some one some where has got to know how to fix this problem. Also the clock spring is under recall. Once you get the recall done after a few years the spring breaks again and they don't fix it again. So I no longer have a horn or airbags that work.

Filed Mar 17, 2008 · Airbags · 200,500 miles · OH · crash

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge grand caravan. While driving approximately 5 MPH downhill in the snow, the brakes locked and the vehicle began to slide. The contact released the brake pedal and the vehicle accelerated. She reapplied the brakes, but they locked again. The contact struck a tree head on and the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle sustained major damage, but was still able to be driven. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the error codes revealed that the vehicle was not in a crash, which is possibly why the air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The current mileage was 200,552 and failure mileage was 200,500.

Filed Feb 18, 2005 · Airbags, Engine · 165,000 miles · GA

- 96 dodge grand caravan w/3.8 v6 and 41te 4spd transmision - 2 transmission failures - 1st went to about 125000, then kept hitting the "limp home mode" - 2nd has "torque converter lockup" problem, shops say rebuild again, after only 38000 miles. - fan relay went out before recall was issued, had to replace the radiator out of pocket. - had clock spring replaced after component failure relating to it (horn, cruise etc) - union city ga dealer attempted to fix the fuel return line issue, botched it up and caused major leak when refueling. They re-fixed it after much complaining.

Filed Nov 2, 2004 · Airbags, Engine · 130,000 miles · VA · crash · fire

While driving 55 MPH the consumer hit a deer. When getting out of the vehicle the owner notice a fire in the engine compartment. No report of air bag deployment. As a result the vehicle burned to the ground. No injuries reported. Please provide additional information.

Filed Jul 29, 2004 · Airbags, Body · 500 miles · MD

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. Have had to have the window motor and assembly replaced on drivers side twice and 5 times on the passenger side. Most recent was 4/04, which was replaced 7/04 again. The side sliding doors on both side do not lock, if you push the button down, you can't get it back up. The rear hatch is damaged from closing the door, looks like I was hit in the rear, but have not been. Check engine light was on for months in fall '03, no mechanic could say why. Wanted to get the A/C charged but it wouldn't hold a charge. Dealer couldn't figure it out. Took it to another mechanic who said the A/C unit was totally melted. Had it replaced and then the computer reset. Replaced the transmission at 100000, the "plantatary gears" were cracked. Check engine light is on again in 7/04, failed emisions, replaced o2 sensor, light still on, tack sticks and car won't accelerate at times - I can push it to the floor and it won't go?? Feels like it's choking, no power. Have a 3.8l, should have power. There is no panel/door for pass. Airbag to come out. If I ever got in an accident, what would it do...just bust through my dash? Over time, the dash on that side has gotten soft and mushy, what's that about? My dad bought the same year caravan I did, but he doesn't have the grand caravan le and he doesn't have the 3.8l and he hasn't had a single problem...I guess I got all of them.

Filed Jun 23, 2004 · Airbags · IL · crash

While traveling at 20 MPH vehicle was involved in a frontal collision. Upon impact, none of the airbags deployed. Manufacturer was notified.

Filed Jun 23, 2004 · Airbags · 40 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

Driver side airbag did not deploy. After the dodge caravan sustained a head on collision. 96 dodge g. Caravan.

Filed Mar 31, 2004 · Airbags, Electrical · IL

While driving SRS light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Also, horn didn't not work. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the clock spring needed to be replaced.

Filed Feb 22, 2004 · Acceleration, Airbags · 114,800 miles · WA

"air bag" light is illuminated (known problem), the cruise control will activate upon pushing the button, but the cancel button when pushed does not deactivate the cruise control...the deactivation of the cruise control requires the brake to be applied. Control of the vehicle on wet roads, using cruise control, and having to deactivate the cruise control via the brakes....can be a bit of a challenge...thanks!! - steve dowling.

Filed Jan 4, 2004 · Acceleration, Airbags · 96,000 miles · NC

I have a 1996 dodge grand caravan and my airbag light stays on, horn and cruise control has gone out. I have 3 other friends with the same problem and I feel this should be a recall fix if so many other same year vehicles have the same exact problem. I even found a website with many others listed having the same problem. I have recently returned from kuwait in the middle east and when I began driving my van again this problem was identified. This is definitely a safety hazard. Please let me know if I can take to a dealer near me to have fixed free of charge?