While driving engine failed. Dealer diagnosed that engine's main computer would not fire the #2 and #5 spark plugs, resulting in failure. Consumer has had 2 other main engine computer failures since vehicle ownership.
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan: engine failure
7 of the 1,146 complaints about the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 7
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 2 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Engine failure by model year
What owners say
Camshaft on 1996 dodge grand caravan failed (broke into two pieces) while driving down the ohio turnpike with family (two young children) in the van - failure of all power assist and foward motion (other than coasting) was immediate. The vehicle was in the middle lane at the time and if the road had been busier the potential exisited for a major accident and possible injury/death. The vehicle had approximately 98,100 miles on it at the time (3.3l engine). This failure may be related to chrysler tsb 09-008-01 which discusses camshaft failure with camshaft bearing wear. I would like to see daimler/chrysler "step up to the plate" on the potentially dangerous situation and correct the problem prior to the failure occuring. I will be contacting d/c to pursue reimbursement for the new engine as an event like this should not occur.
Part breaks off at shoulder. It is obvious that the part was cracked in the heat treating process when it was made based on the discoloration in the area where the crack was located. Failure of the part , which is sudden, dissables the power steering and the water pump. Engine failure will follow.
Please look into this problem. We have had this van only 7 months!!! We have a 1996 dodge grand caravan se that has 97,000 miles on the odometer. We took a trip in the last week to california to see our daughter when the engine check light came on. Even though we could not see or hear any problems, we took it to a dealer in reno, nevada - (3223 mill st, reno, nv 89502 -- #(775)-323-3106). They said that the spark plugs needed replacing. At a cost of 300 dollars, we agreed in hopes that the light problem would be cured even though nothing seemed wrong. After picking up the vehicle the next morning, we noticed that the van was running terribly and would die when stopped. Frustrated that "no" problem with our van progressed to worse we returned to the dealer and asked them to check it again. After testing it again, they said the camshaft had to be replaced. Since we had to return home for work, we could not wait to get it fix. On returning home we took it into our trusted mechanic immediately. He checked the vehicle and said that we will need a new engine. Our complaint is that our engine should not of failed only after only 97,000 miles - it is ludicrous.
Belts became badly frayed and tattered prematurely; 3 days after replacement of the belts, the engine died on the freeway at 65 MPH. The engine would not restart and we needed to be towed from the freeway to the dealer. The dealer claimed that they could not locate any problem and that the vehicle started right away.
While driving on highway and turning right on exit, loud noise occurred. Power steering was loose, no steering control with the vehicle. Dealer contacted, and stated the power steering belt tensioner had seized., repairs were done under warranty, no gaurantee that it would't happen again.
Engine died 3 times. Called customer service rep. Audrey who was very rude and unhelpful.
Service bulletins that may apply
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 Grand Caravan engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan?
7 of 1,146 owner complaints about the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan (1%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2008.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan?
There is 1 recall and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms 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 8Fuel gauge 7Coil spring 6Hesitation 6Misfire 6Overheating 6Power windows 6Seat belt 6Ball joint 5
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