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1996 Dodge Grand Caravan visibility complaints

Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 101, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan visibility problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

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 · Visibility · TX

Without any indication windshield wipers stopped functioning regardless the time of usage.

Filed May 24, 2004 · Visibility · 47,000 miles · NY

Windshield wipers failed to function. They either quit working, worked only in one speed or engaged by themselves. Dealership replaced the body control module, which provided a temporary solution, but problem recurred.

Filed Mar 25, 2004 · Visibility · TX

Without any warning, the windshield wipers stopped functioning. Please provide details.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Visibility · 5,600 miles · CA

Our 1996 dodge grand caravan's front windshield wipers one day went on, and stayed on whenever the engine was on {no matter what we did, nothing would shut the wipers off -- no way -- no how ! We tried everything electrical to get them to turn off.} I had to drive the vehicle for days/weeks while the front windshield wipers were on and couldn't be turned off, and nearly got in two accidents because I was so distracted. This went on for several days while I waited for the problem to automatically cease of its own accord, which it never did. The problem got worse with time. The front windshield wipers went on of their own accord intermittently in the beginning, then after days/weeks, we could not shut them off at all. I was forced to bring the minivan to a chrysler authorized dealership where they had to replace the bcm (body controller or body control module) at a cost of $574 at our own expense. I have asked chrysler corporate twice if they will reimburse us; both times they refused. This is a factory defect that was not in any way caused by us. Chrysler is responsible for taking care of this defect, and doing the right thing by reimbursing us the $574. This is a safety issue. A person can not drive while the front windshield wipers are permanently on while it is not raining!

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Steering, Visibility · 85,000 miles · MI

The serpentine belt that runs the car jumped off track the first monday in october when it was raining. I first noticed my power steering went out. Then a few minutes later it over heated. So when I got under the hood to find out what the problem was, it was the belt it was not broken just off track. Had it fixed. The same thing happened again on october 25, 2003 some 3-4 weeks later. Again it was raining. The person who fixed it the 2nd time states that every time it rains and if I get water in my undercarraige it is going to pop off. This is very discouraging, I am the single mother of four young girls and I should not be afraid to drive my van when it is raining. Can someone please make some sense out of this for me.

Filed Nov 11, 2003 · Visibility · CA

Ur 1996 dodge grand caravan's front windshield wipers one day went on, and stayed on whenever the engine was on {no matter what we did, nothing would shut the wipers off -- no way -- no how ! We tried everything electrical to get them to turn off.}. I had to drive the vehicle for days/weeks while the front windshield wipers were on and couldn't be turned off, and nearly got in two accidents because I was so distracted. This went on for several days while I waited for the problem to automatically cease of its own accord, which it never did. The problem got worse with time. The front windshield wipers went on of their own accord intermittently in the beginning, then after days/weeks, we could not shut them off at all. I was forced to bring the minivan to a chrysler authorized dealership where they had to replace the bcm (body controller or body control module) at a cost of $574 at our own expense. I have asked chrysler corporate twice if they will reimburse us; both times they refused. This is a factory defect that was not in any way caused by us. Chrysler is responsible for taking care of this defect, and doing the right thing by reimbursing us the $574. This is a safety issue. A person can not drive while the front windshield wipers are on while it is not raining!

Filed Oct 17, 2003 · Visibility · TX

Consumer stated that while driving on the highway window on driver's side just fell down. Fortunately, it did not break, but it distracted from driving. Driver had to hold widow up so it would not fall on anyone in vehicle. Consumer called the dealer regarding this problem, and was told by that he could not repair the individual window, but would have to replace the whole window assembly, and such repairs would be very expensive. Consumer was unable to pay for it.

Filed Sep 30, 2003 · Visibility · 1,000 miles · OH

I own a 1996 dodge grand caravan. I purchased the vehicle new. I have been experiencing problems with the wipers (front and rear) on this vehicle since I purchased it. The wipers come on "magically" while driving. The rear wiper sometimes comes on and stays on for prolonged periods, especially if the rear defroster is on. I have had the vehicle in three times to fix this problem, and it is still not fixed. The dealer now tells me that the main computer of the vehicle needs to be replaced....a $700 repair!!! This is absolutely ridiculous! I can not afford $700 for this repair, or should I have to. I have owned numerous cars over the years and have never had problems with the wipers like this. There is no doubt that there is a flaw in dodge's design. These vehicles should be recalled immediately. This is definitely a safety concern. I know of others with similar problems and sometimes their wipers just stop working while driving in the rain or snow. I hope and pray that this doesn't happen to me....especially while driving at night in a rainstorm! Why haven't these vehicles been recalled for these problems? Will it take a certain number of fatalities before something is done? If dodge does not do something to fix my problem free of charge, this will be the last chyrsler product I will ever own. Paul bazil

Filed Sep 8, 2003 · Locks, Visibility · 109,000 miles · FL

Body module for 96 grand caravan part # 04686930 failed. *ak this module controls body elements: power windows, power locks, A/C, interior features, instruments (odometer specifically) and windshield wipers. Windshield wipers cease to operate upon failure of this module. This can occur at any time, at any place (parked or driving) under any driving conditions (sunshine or hurricane). I see this as a critical design flaw. Functionality of a vital safety component, windshield wipers,is tied to a part that cannot be repaired easily. Accoding to chrysler customer assistance, the part is not produced any more, it is not stocked. The order will not be filled. The part is not readily repairable. The module must be programmed with vehicle information (features, odometer readings) so the part is not stocked by dealers or distributors. Customers must wait for old part to come in and be reconditioned. Daimlerchrysler cannot deliver parts to be programmed and restore functionality and safety to vehicles.

Filed Jun 30, 2003 · Visibility · WA

There is a defect with the multi-function switch. The windshield wipers come on and off without touching the switch.

Filed Jun 10, 2003 · Visibility · UT

Windshield wipers stop working without any indication. Vehicle was serviced, technician replaced body control module.

Filed Apr 21, 2003 · Visibility · 74,800 miles · VA

The computer module for the windshield wipers failed.

Filed Apr 9, 2003 · Engine, Visibility · NJ

The windshield wiper motor was intermittent. Mr the problem with the wipers occurred shortly after purchase. The consumer had taken the vehicle in for the wipers on several occasions and was told they worked fine. The engine light was intermittent as well. Scc

Filed Mar 27, 2003 · Transmission, Visibility · MI

Nar 03-27-2003 mr the consumer experienced problems driver side windows, and the transmission died out.

Filed Feb 20, 2003 · Visibility · CO

The windshield wipers worked intermittently. Faulty circuit on body control module.*jb

Filed Dec 31, 2002 · Suspension, Visibility · 60,000 miles · WI

Front struts are rusting through, resulting in windshield cracking. Dealer contacted. Please provide additional information. Ts...

Filed Nov 6, 2002 · Visibility · CO

Intermittently the windshield wipers become inoperable obstructing the drivers view. A recall has been issued on similar makes and models, however this vehicle is not include due to the VIN dealer notified. Please provide further information. Ts

Filed Oct 15, 2002 · Visibility · MN

Consumer states having problems with windshield wiper. Please add more details. Mr

Filed Aug 27, 2002 · Acceleration, Airbags · CA

Horn, cruise control, windshield wipers stopped working same time air bag light illuminated.

Filed Aug 21, 2002 · Brakes, Engine · FL

Air conditionercondenser/driver side window regulator/tie rod, transmission shift cable, and o2 sensor were replaced. Also, there was a noise coming from front of vehicle, and from the exhaust area. Engine check light appeared. In addition, serpentine belt and water pump were replaced. *jb.

Filed Jul 29, 2002 · Visibility · AL

While driving under rainy condition windshield wipers suddenly stopped working. Took vehicle dealer, and the stated that windshield wiper switch was defective. Please provide any further information.

Filed Jul 5, 2002 · Body, Electrical · VA

Intermittently when left turn signal is activated windshield wipers come on. Dealer has inspected and repaired vehicle, however problem has reoccurred. *ak the vehicle would not start due to battery failure. The sliding door does not shut properly. Passenger door does not lock due to door lock motor failure. Drivers window makes noise due to regulator failure.

Filed Jun 6, 2002 · Visibility · MD

Power window motors and regulators are defective. Have had to replace driver's side power window motor & regulator on 1/26/01 and again on 3/15/02. Have had to replace passenger side power window motor and regulator on 6/4/02. Manufacturer should be held liable for defective power window motors and regulators. These defects are all too common.

Filed Mar 7, 2002 · Airbags, Brakes · NC

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Filed Mar 1, 2002 · Visibility · NV

Windshield wipers intermittently go on and off at various speeds. Found to be common in this model, when conferring with other owners. Wipers may fail during periods of heavy rain, causing driver to lose sight of roadway.

Filed Jan 15, 2002 · Visibility · MA

While using windshield wipers they would work intermittently. Dealer replaced wiper motor. A year later, wiper motor needed to be replaced again. Please provide further information.

Filed Dec 5, 2001 · Visibility · NV

Whenever it starts to snow or rain would turn on windshield wipers to clear windshield, windshield wipers would sometimes work, and other times would stop working after being on for a while. Sometimes, windshield wipers would not be able to turn off. This causes havoc with driver's visibility on the road. Problem is intermittent. Had taken vehicleto dealership many times. Dealer informed consumer no problem found. Told to bring vehicle back when it happens again.

Filed Sep 12, 2001 · Visibility · CA

The windshield wipers stopped working. The dealer said it was the bcm module. They would replace it with a rebuilt module because dodge did not make the part anymore. The part has failed again, now the wipers don't stop coming on on their own. The dealer said we would have to replace it again. I believe the part is defective and should be replaced by the manufacturer. The dealer kept the van for 3 weeks to fix it. They refused to give a copy of the work order. I wanted to know why it took so long to find the problem and fix it. They would not give me any information.

Filed Aug 3, 2001 · Visibility · NY

Windshield wipers come on intermittetnly without warning. Please add VIN.

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