1996 Dodge Caravan Owner Complaints

The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, he opened the hood and noticed a fuel leak on top of the engine. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11499901

Incident

Dec 27, 2022

Mileage

130,000 mi

WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE I TOUCHED BREAK AND THE VAN ACCELERATED TO FULL THROTTLE. THE VAN JUMPED THE CURB AND WAS HEADING TOWARD 3 PEOPLE, I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ENOUGH TO HIT A LIGHT POLE INSTEAD OF THEM. THE VAN QUIT RACING FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN REVVED UP AGAIN. THE LIGHT POLE FELL AND I WAS AGAIN HEADED TOWARD THE PEOPLE. I PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BREAK AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VAN, BUT NOT BEFORE HITTING THE PEOPLE. LUCKILY THEY WERE JUST BRUISED BECAUSE I JUST BUMPED THEM AND DIDN'T RUN OVER THEM. THIS ALL HAPPENED IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. I ALMOST KILLED SOME PEOPLE AND NO LONGER HAVE TRANSPORTATION BECAUSE THE VAN WAS TOTALED.

NHTSA ID

10724131

Incident

May 9, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HORN FAILED TO FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE ODOMETER DISPLAYED AN INCORRECT READING AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V293000 (AIR BAGS), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID

10715313

Incident

Feb 1, 2015

I PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE FROM OWNER IN DEC. 2013 AND START HAVING PROBLEM THE OWNER I PURCHASE IT FROM PURCHASE IT FROM A BANK BACK IN 2006. THEY DID KNOW ABOUT AN RECALL OR ETC. ABOUT THIS VEHCLE. THE ELECTRIC HAS PROBLEM AND AIRBAGS, THE FUEL TANK IS LEAKING AND FUEL INJECTION AND ETC,. WHERE CAN I CAN GET HELP FOR THESE PROBLEMS.ETC.,. *TR

NHTSA ID

10562062

Incident

Jan 20, 2014

THIS VEHICLE HAS A CHRONIC DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THROWING ITS SERPENTINE BELT WHENEVER THE TENSION PULLEY GETS WET. SOON AS THE BELT IS THROWN THERE IS NO POWER STEERING, AND IT STEERS 10 TIMES WORSE THAN A MACK TRUCK. THE LACK OF STEERING IS A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD TO EVERY OTHER VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. AS IT HAPPENS SUDDENLY BY DRIVING THROUGH A WATER PUDDLE, ETC. THERE IS VIRTUALLY NO TIME TO REACT. IN ADDITION TO LACK OF STEERING THERE IS NO ALTERNATOR OUTPUT, RESULTING IN RAPID BATTERY DRAIN. ALSO THERE IS NO COOLANT SYSTEM FAN RESULTING IN RAPID ENGINE OVERHEATING. THIS DESIGN FAULT HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR WELL OVER A DECADE, NO MAKE THAT 2 DECADES, BUT CHRYSLER HAS NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED A PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM DATES BACK TO ALL CHRYSLER MINI-VAN DESIGNS FROM THE EARLY 1990S TO AT LEAST 2000. IF THE LACK OF STEERING IS NOT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS. WE HAVE A USED WHEELCHAIR CONVERSION CARAVAN VAN TO TRANSPORT MY WIFE. THIS LATEST INCIDENT WAS THE PAST SATURDAY NIGHT AS WE LEFT A RESTAURANT TO RETURN HOME. IT HAD BEEN RAINING PROFUSELY AND SUDDENLY I HAD NO STEERING. I KNEW IMMEDIATELY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS SINCE THIS IS THE 3RD OCCURRENCE IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. DO YOU EXPECT YOUR VEHICLE TO BECOME INOPERABLE JUST BECAUSE YOU DRIVE IN THE RAIN? WHY HAS NOT CHRYSLER BEEN MADE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM AND ISSUE A REPAIR RECALL? I DON'T CARE IF THE VAN IS OVER A DECADE OLD. THIS DEFECT IS ONE WHICH ENDANGERS EVERYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD AND WHICH CHRYSLER SHOULD HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO ADDRESS WELL OVER A DECADE AGO. *TR

NHTSA ID

10522678

Incident

Jun 30, 2012

Mileage

72,000 mi

STRUT TOWER CORROSION 10090457 RIGHT / LEFT STRUT TOWER RUSTED OUT ON 96 DODGE CARAVAN. TOOK VAN INTO REPAIR SHOP TO FIND OUT STEERING ISSUE THEY FOUND A COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT STRUT HOUSING SAID ITS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH VEHICLE AND SAFETY BULLETIN WAS ISSUED SINCE ITS A KNOWN PROBLEM. SUSPENSION/BODY - STRUT TOWER CORROSION NUMBER: 23-044-02 GROUP: BODY DATE: OCT. 14, 2002 SUBJECT: NS STRUT TOWER CORROSION . *TR

NHTSA ID

10410393

Incident

Jul 2, 2011

CAR STOP HAVING ELECTRICAL OUTPUT. *TR

NHTSA ID

10401400

Incident

May 14, 2011

Mileage

141,775 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM HIS TANK IN LARGE AMOUNTS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TANK AND THE FUEL PUMP. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED AND COULD NOT ASSIST HIM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 151,000. UPDATED 03/24/11*LJ UPDATED 05/02/11

NHTSA ID

10383216

Incident

Feb 17, 2011

Mileage

151,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN HE WAS ADVISED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT HAD JUST REFUELED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF A SMALL FIRE FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE MECHANIC REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER TO INQUIRE ABOUT A POTENTIAL RECALL ON THE VEHICLE (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V216000, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY FUEL PUMP). THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BUT THE DEALER REFUSED REPAIRS BECAUSE OF THE DAMAGES FROM THE SMALL FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,398 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 156,432.

NHTSA ID

10356097

Incident

Sep 11, 2010

Mileage

156,398 mi

1996 DODGE CARAVAN - RIDICULOUS....ALMOST EVERY PUDDLE MAKES BELT SLIP OFF AND POWER STEERING BECOMES DANGEROUS. THIS IS THE 14TH TIME SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON ALL OF THESE VANS OR A REIMBURSEMENT PLAN FOR THIS OR BETTER YET.... A FREE FINAL FIX!!!!!! *TR

NHTSA ID

10319470

Incident

Mar 12, 2010

Mileage

46,000 mi

I HAVE A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED IN JUNE OF 2009. BENDIX BRAKE PADS AND BENDIX ROTORS WERE USED. ON DECEMBER 15, 2009, BOTH BRAKE ROTORS FAILED CAUSING A TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING. WHILE SLOWING DOWN A LOUD BANG CAME FROM THE FRONT OF THE VAN. THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL RIGHT AT THIS POINT. WHILE LOOKING FOR A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER AND STOP, ANOTHER LOUD BANG WAS HEARD. AT THAT POINT THE VAN HAD NO BRAKES. THE VAN WAS STOPPED USING THE PARKING BRAKE. UPON INVESTIGATION IT WAS FOUND THAT BOTH FRONT BRAKE ROTORS HAD FAILED. THE MIDDLE HUB SECTION OF THE ROTOR HAD SEPARATED FROM THE ROTOR. THE FAILURE WAS THE SAME IN BOTH ROTORS. NO OTHER DAMAGE WAS PRESENT ON THE VAN. BOTH FRONT ROTORS WERE REPLACE ON THE VAN TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I STILL HAVE THE OLD ROTORS. *TR

NHTSA ID

10296627

Incident

Dec 15, 2009

BCM-1, (WARRANTY) LOSS OF DASH FUNCTIONS 1996: BCM-2 ESTIMATE $1200 REPLACED CHRYSLER P/N P4686727 LOST 95,000 MILE ODOMETER FOR A WORKING BCM FROM JUNKYARD (2001), BCM-3, LOST FUEL GAUGE AND SPEEDOMETER BCM FROM JUNKYARD FIXED P/N P46867(2006) BAD WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT LEAKS WATER INTO CABIN, BCM-3, FAILED AGAIN CURRENTLY NO WIPERS, NOT ABLE TO FIND A 1996/1997 BCM ONLY 1998 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER BCM P/N P04801062AE. WILL TRY TO VALIDATE COMPATIBILITY TONIGHT. ADEL CHRYSLER ESTIMATE $1,400 PLUS LABOR. ALREADY GAVE THEM $742 FOR TUNE UP AND TROUBLE SHOOTING WHAT THEY SAID WAS A BAD MULTI-SWITCH ($110) DID NOT FIX AND NO DISCOUNT FOR NOT KNOWING HOW TO DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM PROPERLY. THEIR NUMBER IS 515-993-4587 CORY (KARL IS THE SERVICE MANAGER-OWNER'S SON). *TR

NHTSA ID

10265009

Incident

Jan 15, 2009

Mileage

18,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO A RECALL, BUT THE FAILURE HAS RESURFACED. FUEL IS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL RAIL INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH IS A FIRE HAZARD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V268000 THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 03/23/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER FIXED THE RECALL FOR RECALL. UPDATED 03/23/09.*JB

NHTSA ID

10257178

Incident

Oct 15, 2008

Mileage

150,000 mi

COMPLETE AND SUDDEN BRAKE FAILURE WHILE APPROACHING A STOPLIGHT. I WAS VERY LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO STEER AROUND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME TO AVOID A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT THE BRAKES WERE WORKING FINE. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND SERIOUS FAILURE MODE. I HAVE SEEN OTHER REPORTS OF THIS ON THE WEB AND IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED... *TR

NHTSA ID

10253395

Incident

Dec 24, 2008

Mileage

125,850 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SHOCKS UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WERE GOING STRAIGHT THROUGH THE METAL, WHICH HOLDS THE WHEEL IN PLACE. THE FAILURE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO HESITATE AT TIMES. WHILE DRIVING OVER SMALL BUMPS IN THE ROAD AT 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY VEERED TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER A FEW TIMES, BUT THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS ONLY A KIT USED TO SEAL THE SHOCKS IN PLACE; HOWEVER, IT IS A TEMPORARY REMEDY AND THE FAILURE WOULD MOST LIKELY RECUR. THERE IS CURRENTLY NOT A PERMANENT REPAIR FOR THIS DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

NHTSA ID

10243875

Incident

Nov 1, 2007

Mileage

90,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE HER VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FIRE NEAR THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE CONTACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 192,400.

NHTSA ID

10241026

Incident

Sep 2, 2008

Mileage

192,400 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. WHEN THE KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE WILL SHIFT OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE BACKED INTO A FENCE AND THEN STRUCK A TREE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 110,000.

NHTSA ID

10214485

Incident

Dec 30, 2007

Mileage

110,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS, WATER, OR WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE TEMPORARILY LOSES CONTROL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT SLIPPED OFF. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES, HOWEVER, THE FAILURES RECURRED TWO MONTHS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000. UPDATED 01-23-08. *KB THE DEALER STATED UPPER RADIATOR LOOSE, LOOSE CLAMPS, FRONT BRAKE PADS, BELT TENSIONER, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND ALTERNATOR BRACKET. UPDATED 01/23/08 *TR

NHTSA ID

10203219

Incident

Apr 10, 2006

Mileage

119,000 mi

FRONT STRUT MOUNTS ON EVERY 96 THRU 00 CARAVAN, VOYAGER, CHRYSLER MINIVANS THAT I'VE LOOKED AT,HAVE SERIOUS RUST PROBLEMS, ESPECIALLY THE LEFT SIDE, RESULTING IN THE STRUT ITSELF BREAKING THROUGH AND HITTING THE BOTTOM OF THE HOOD, AND RESULTING OF LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THE REPAIR COST TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED IS VERY COSTLY,$300-1000 TO MAKE THE VEHICLE SAFE TO DRIVE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE NHTSA LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM ON ALL 96 THRU 00 MINI-VANS BEFORE SOMEBODY HAS A FAILURE WHILE DRIVING WITH THEIR FAMILY, AND HAVE A FATAL ACCIDENT. PLEASE CURE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND NOT AFTER PEOPLE ARE KILLED DUE TO THIS STRUCTURAL FRONT STRUT TOWER FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ID

10200639

Incident

Aug 22, 2007

Mileage

50,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK CAUSES FUMES TO ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE, AS WELL AS FUEL LEAKAGE. HE STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED A YEAR AGO, BUT STILL EMITS FUMES. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER RECALL # 99V216000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP). THE INCIDENT AND PURCHASE DATES WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 165,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID

10196260

Incident

Jul 13, 2007

Mileage

100,000 mi

1999 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE IN THE LEFT LANE THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE AXLE . *MC *JB

NHTSA ID

10194437

Incident

Apr 29, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD LIGHTS RETAINED WATER AND CAUSED THEM TO APPEAR FOGGY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING NEW HEAD LIGHTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.*AK

NHTSA ID

10187543

Incident

Feb 3, 2007

Mileage

98,000 mi

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT DOING 3 OR 4 MPH, WHEN THE DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAGS UNEXPECTEDLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NEVER HIT ANYTHING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES ON HER FOREARM. THE CONTACT DIDN'T KNOW IF ANYTHING COULD BE, AND GOT RID OF THE VAN. *AK

NHTSA ID

10180595

Incident

Dec 16, 2006

Mileage

180,000 mi

TL* - THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED AT THE LIGHT WHEN SHE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM HER CAR. SHE PULLED HER CAR OVER AND GOT OUT AND THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES. THE CONTACT SAID THAT SHE CAN GET A FIRE AND POLICE REPORT. THE CONTACT ALSO SAID THAT THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL ON THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD. THE SAFETY RECALL NUMBER IS 96V006000.

NHTSA ID

10176649

Incident

Dec 1, 2006

RAIN CAUSE BELT TO SLIP OFF LOSING POWER STEERING. CAN NOT USE VEHICLE IN RAIN OF SNOW! 1996 DODGE CARAVAN HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST TEN TIMES. *JB

NHTSA ID

10174971

Incident

Jan 21, 2006