1996 Dodge Grand Caravan visibility problems

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 Nov 29, 2010 · Visibility · FL

For some time now my wipers had a mind of there own. They worked when ever they wanted. No as of 11/29/10 my wipers will not even come on at all.

Filed Aug 17, 2008 · Electrical, Visibility · 80,000 miles · CA

There are many problems with my 1996 dodge grand caravan. 1. The windshield and rear wipers will go on an off when they want too. Sometimes when you turn them on you can't turn them off. The back one will come on sometimes when starting the car. 2. The horn all of a sudden stopped working. 3. When my van hit around 80,00 miles the air cond. Stopped working and doesn't get cold. Took it to a place to check and they said it was a know problem with dodge. And that it would cost around 1,500.00 to repair.

Filed Jul 14, 2008 · Visibility · 125,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge grand caravan. While the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the rear tailgate glass spontaneously shattered. The contact has pictures of the failed component. He is in the process of having the vehicle repaired and notifying the manufacturer. The failure and current mileages were 125,000. Updated 07/29/08. *lj updated 07/29/08

Filed Mar 28, 2006 · Visibility · 167,000 miles · GA

Dt*: the contact stated over the past ten years the windshield wipers intermittently activated. The vehicle has been to the dealership where repairs have been attempted 4-5 times. The repairs made to the vehicle for the windshield wipers are unknown. The problem still persists.

Filed Jul 4, 2005 · Visibility · 95,000 miles · WI

My 1996 dodge grand caravan wipers goes on and off as they please. I was told it could either wiper motor or computer brain box or both that cost upwards of $500. I didn't repair due to cost. I think that should be covered under a recall when it's distraction on the windshield and a safety problem. Gm recalled thier wiper problems on the chevy trucks.

Filed Jan 19, 2005 · Visibility · KS

The windshield wipers do not operate making the ability to see the road during inclement weather difficult. The manufacturer was contacted by owner.

Filed Oct 28, 2004 · Visibility · 130,000 miles · VA

My windshield wipers on my 1996 dodge caravan quit working. It will not work on any mode. When I pressed the wiper washer, it squirted water and the wipers cycled once. I tried it again one time and it did not work at all. It worked one time but it cycled very fast. Also, it turns on anytime it wants to. It is so unreliable that I do not think that it is safe to drive cause you do not know when it is going to rain.

Filed Oct 26, 2004 · Visibility · 18,000 miles · OH

When the heat was on smoke came from under the dashboard and out of the vents until the consumer shut off the heat. Dealership was notifed, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Aug 24, 2004 · Engine, Suspension · 92,000 miles · AZ

There are two major problems with my 1996 dodge grand caravan. First there is a serious vibration in the front wheel/tires. I have replaced 8 tires (in 30000 miles!), both front axles, all three motor mounts, and had the transmission overhauled, as well as having three alignment checks. The vibration is still there. The second problem involves the windshield wipers. The front wipers were, for a time, coming on any time they felt like it; this was remedied by replacing the multi function switch on 09/21/01. Since then, the rear wiper will occasionally come on for one swipe when I first start the vehicle - annoying, but not an immediate hazard. But today, my windshield wipers quit working at all. They will only work if I put the wipers on interval - in which case they do nothing for a time, then make two to four swipes, then wait a while, make one or two swipes, wait a while, etc. They will make one high speed swipe across the windshield if I press the washer button in. I spent $80 today so the dodge dealer could tell me this was caused by a body control module failure. This repair costs over $400...and researching a used part online, I learned that both the wheel shimmy problem and the windshield wiper problems are not unique to my car but are very common issues with the dodge caravan/chrysler town & country/plymouth voyager family. Losing your wipers, having them come on at random when they take a notion to, and a non-stop shimmy in the front are each, by themselves, serious safety issues warranting a recall. Collectively, they spell out a lack of concern that daimler chrysler has for the safety of those who drive their products. It is my understanding from my online research that chrysler was aware of the problem as long ago as 1998 but deliberately ignored its own information. It is apparent that the only way these safety issues are going to be addressed is if the federal government takes them to task.