1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › Grand Caravan › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
11 recalls name the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. Newest first.
On certain MINI vans, the clockspring assembly may have been wound incorrectly during the vehicle assembly process.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition will manifest itself through illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and could eventually result in a driver's air bag open circuit, if the part IS not replaced in a reasonable amount of time.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly on all vehicles with 70,000 miles or less. an extended lifetime warranty will also be placed on this component for all affected vehicles, regardless of mileage. daimlerchrysler will also reimburse owners who have paid to have the clockspring replaced on their vehicles. owner notification began november 18, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Vehicle description: MINI vans built with 3.3L and 3.8L engines have fuel rails with nitrole rubber o-ring seals that can degrade over time. fuel leakage from the underhood fuel injection fuel rail could result, increasing the likelihood of a vehicle fire.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a seal on the vehicle fuel rails to prevent external leakage of fuel from the fuel rail crossover tube, should the existing o-rings continue to degrade. owner notification began on january 25, 2002. due to the large quantity of vehicles involved in this campaign, the owner notification will be phased over the next several months. however, if a vehicle IS leaking fuel from the o-rings, the vehicle should be taken into a dealer to have this repaired as soon as possible. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Vehicle description: minivans. fuel can leak from the fuel tank at the interface of the fuel pump module attachment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If a fuel leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module attaching nut with a nut that includes tighter design tolerances. the sealing o-ring will also be replaced.
Vehicle description: MINI vans equipped with integrated child seats. the shoulder harness restraint on the integrated child seat can become difficult to extract when the safety belt latch plate becomes contaminated.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This can cause difficulty in releasing a child from the restraint.
Remedy
Dealers will clean the latch mechanism. an extender will be added to the emergency release anchor for the child seat safety belts so that the release clips are more visible and accessible to the operator in the event that the retractor mechanism can not be unlocked. in addition, an instructional owner's manual supplement card will be provided.
Vehicle description: multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped with integral child seats. this IS not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation 573. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. on the integral child seat, the shoulder belts restraining the child retract and lock in place after the belt buckle IS…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The latch plate located in the seat cushion area must be free to move back against its stop after the buckle IS removed to allow the shoulder belts to be pulled out. always be sure the area around the latch plate IS free of food or other items that might prevent the latch plate from moving back.
Remedy
Owners are being provided with a video tape and 2 harness clips. the video tape instructs owners on the proper use and maintenance of the child seats.
The bolts which secure the integrated child seat modules to the seat frame can break.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle accident, the child seat may not provide adequate protection to the occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the integrated child seat module bolts.
A static electric charge can build up on the ungrounded metal section of the fuel filler tube.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could cause a spark to occur when fueling the vehicle and possibly ignite the fuel vapors.
Remedy
Dealers will install a ground strap for the fuel filler tube.
In certain vehicles, the engine cylinder head oil galley plug does not seal properly and engine cylinder head oil IS not adequately retained.
Risk and remedy
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.
The fuel tank rollover valve can allow fuel to pass into the vapor canister resulting in the potential for fuel leakage.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage increases the potential for a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank filler tube with a filler tube that has an additional rollover valve. The associated rollover valve vapor hoses will be rerouted.
The bolts which secure the rear bench seats to the seat risers may be embrittled and fracture.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In case of an accident, the bolt may fail and can cause the seat to break away from the seat risers, which increases the potentialof injury to its occupants.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear bench seat to riser bolts.
Risk and remedy
Remedy
Chrysler dealers will replace both child seat assemblies with revised seats containing retractor improvements. The revised seats will also increase child comfort by incorporating protective seat belt wraps to prevent belt chafe.
Owner complaints
1,157 complaints31 involved a crash42 involved a fire41 injuries7 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Rubber fuel line in main engine bay is leaking fuel and cracked I have seen others that have burned down for this issue. Dodge fiat Chrysler needs to be aware that all 1996 to 2000 dodge caravans and Chrysler town and country’s could burn down if this fuel issue isn’t fixed I have already had to…
Rubber fuel line in main engine bay is leaking fuel and cracked I have seen others that have burned down for this issue. Dodge fiat Chrysler needs to be aware that all 1996 to 2000 dodge caravans and Chrysler town and country’s could burn down if this fuel issue isn’t fixed I have already had to pay out of pocket to fix one vehicle I’m not doing it again.. my phone number if anyone at you’re agency would like to call me my cell is [XXX] thanks PLEASE HELP!! INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Engine
My 1996 dodge grand caravan has the serpentine belt issue. It falls of if it rains. This problem IS due to a design flaw from dodge. They used smooth pulleys instead of groved. In addition gates had to make a kit to fix this one single issue because it IS so common. This IS a very common issue and chrysler refuses to do anything about it (like normal). This IS a very dangerous situation.
- Vehicle speed control
When driving my 1996 dodge grand caravan the speedometer goes crazy and the rpm gauge fluctuates a little and the rpms rap out around 40mph and wont shift its like it hit safety mode or something I think it IS my wheel speed sensor what do you think?
- Structure › Body
Purchased tire "as new" from grave's tire in carthage, tx. Come to find it was 6 yrs old when purchased and dry rotted as it blew in 2 months time of being on the vehicle. Tire shop owner (leo graves) says he isn't honoring his 60,000 mile/1 yr warranty, this happened to another customer of his and as far as he IS concerned, we both hit something in the road. ...Updated 10/15/15 *bf updated 11/30/2017*cn
- Service brakes · Suspension › Rear
TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge grand caravan. While driving approximately 10 mph, the brakes were depressed and failed to respond. The contact was able to avoid a crash. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the brake line was rusted and fluid was leaking. In…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge grand caravan. While driving approximately 10 mph, the brakes were depressed and failed to respond. The contact was able to avoid a crash. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the brake line was rusted and fluid was leaking. In addition, the contact stated that the rear axle was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. updated 3/31/15*cn
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the serpentine belt separated from the engine when the vehicle was driven in the rain. The serpentine belt was replaced twice, but the failure was not remedied. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 262,747.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel leaking from the fuel tank and the injection base. Start january 20 ,2014. I am a new owner. *tr
- Suspension
Nothing has happened yet, but fear of front end collapse IS mounting. The strut towers look severely rusted even though older and newer vehicles of the same make and model do not demonstrate this potential failure. It seems that if this fails that the strut would push through the tower causing front wheel to move up and back resulting in loss of control, sudden swerve, and potential catastrophic collision. *tr
- Visibility/wiper
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! *tr
- Service brakes · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the brakes were applied but the vehicle did not respond. The contact added brake fluid to the vehicle and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic discovered that the strut tower was rusted and the wheel…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the brakes were applied but the vehicle did not respond. The contact added brake fluid to the vehicle and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic discovered that the strut tower was rusted and the wheel cylinder had failed. the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified and told the contact to bring the vehicle in for repairs at the contact's expense. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,852.
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge grand caravan equipped with toyo spectrum tires size 215/65/r15 (na). The dot number was unknown. The contact stated that while driving under 5 mph, the steering wheel would wobble from side to side. The contact also stated that the tread was beginning to separate…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge grand caravan equipped with toyo spectrum tires size 215/65/r15 (na). The dot number was unknown. The contact stated that while driving under 5 mph, the steering wheel would wobble from side to side. The contact also stated that the tread was beginning to separate on all four tires and the rear passenger side tire was replaced once already. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but refused to replace the other three tires. The failure mileage of the tires was 12,000. The failure mileage of the vehicle was 163,462. The vin was unavailable.
- Suspension › Front
TL* the contact owns a 1996 dodge grand caravan. While inspecting the vehicle the contact noticed the front driver side strut tower was corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians informed the contact that there was a kit that could be installed to repair the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
- Engine and engine cooling · Steering
Wife was driving 96 grand caravan LE to college in the rain. when she arrived in the parking lot steering became impossible to turn so she pulled it straight into parking spot. looked underneath and saw belt had come off. this happened once before but car was parked in driveway at home. as she…
Wife was driving 96 grand caravan LE to college in the rain. when she arrived in the parking lot steering became impossible to turn so she pulled it straight into parking spot. looked underneath and saw belt had come off. this happened once before but car was parked in driveway at home. as she started to reverse out of driveway steering became tough and car would not move. it was also raining at this time. this happened early january 2011. around march 2010, again while it was raining, as my wife approached a stop sign the car began to become unresponsive and she had to guide it to the side. since it was blocking the road police did come by and help push if off the road until the tow truck came to take it to the garage. new belt, idler pulley and tensioner was installed by mechanic. the most recent incident (april 2011) pulley and tensioner was replaced. don't know if it will solve the problem. luckily the speed was slow in all instances and no injury or damage was done...yet. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train › Driveline · Steering
I have a 1996 dodge grand caravan LE 3.8. In the last 2 months the serpentine belt slipped off 2 times when it IS raining outside or the van goes through a puddle of water. I have almost been killed twice. I have read that other dodge owners have also had this problem. The wheel cannot be…
I have a 1996 dodge grand caravan LE 3.8. In the last 2 months the serpentine belt slipped off 2 times when it IS raining outside or the van goes through a puddle of water. I have almost been killed twice. I have read that other dodge owners have also had this problem. The wheel cannot be controlled when this happens, and my wife IS scared to drive this car now. I think that dodge has some explaining to do as they have been made aware of this defect, and are not taking any responsibility for this repeated serious safety fault. *Tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
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. *Tr
- Steering
1996 dodge grand caravan - lifetime lubricated tierod end separated resulting in a loss of steering - the rubber seal deteriorated the grease was gone and the ball joint corroded to the point it fell apart - wife was parking the van at the time - could have been much worse she was 150 miles from…
1996 dodge grand caravan - lifetime lubricated tierod end separated resulting in a loss of steering - the rubber seal deteriorated the grease was gone and the ball joint corroded to the point it fell apart - wife was parking the van at the time - could have been much worse she was 150 miles from home at the time less than a month later I saw another dodge caravan broke down on a highway right front tire not facing as it should - I suspect another tie rod end failure - now I know these bearings can be manufactured so they can not separate - aircraft rod end bearings come to mind - isn't a loss of steering a good enough reason to make a part so it cant fail? *Tr
- Tires
On jan 2, 2009 I bought 4 kenda tires (cooper tire) from a dealer in watsonville ca. first, I had a blowout on one. it was replaced. then a second tire blew out on the highway. close call. hit tree, totaled vehicle, airbags off etc. I am holding the tire for your inspection if you wish...i have photos. *Tr
- Structure › Body · Suspension › Front
96 grand caravan strut mount rust couldn't pass inspection and they said my kids could have died if I had a accident. This should be a major recall. the government involves in every aspect of our lives to keep our children safe until it makes corporation pay money to fix a known problem let see…
96 grand caravan strut mount rust couldn't pass inspection and they said my kids could have died if I had a accident. This should be a major recall. the government involves in every aspect of our lives to keep our children safe until it makes corporation pay money to fix a known problem let see what you guys do with this. sorry im upset just seems extremely dangerous and as I read on the internet tons of people with this problem and chrysler knows about it caused I called the to and said if I had a issue to write to you guys but most likely nothing will be done. that IS a quote from a chrysler customer service rep. *Tr
- Suspension › Front
Front strut towers rusted through. nothing has been done to correct the failure yet, but if it completely rusts, I'm sure an accident will happen because nothing will be supporting the front of the vehicle. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
When ever it rains or snows and a lil bit of moisture gets up in the engine the serpentine belt comes off and I lose everything, power steering, fan, you name it its gone, and I have almost wrecked 5 out of 8 times this has happened..2 times I found myself having going in to a field to stop due to…
When ever it rains or snows and a lil bit of moisture gets up in the engine the serpentine belt comes off and I lose everything, power steering, fan, you name it its gone, and I have almost wrecked 5 out of 8 times this has happened..2 times I found myself having going in to a field to stop due to steering was gone, and possible burn/ fire could have resulted from engine over heating and liquids boiling/ and steam rising. leading to be a very dangerous problem to anyone near the vehicle, I have 3 children and they were with me 3 of the 8 times the belt came off. I searched online and apparently im not the only one having this problem.. There IS alot more people out there with this complaint. I did however replace the belt once again, along with pulley/ tensioner its getting to be quite expensive for me as a single mom. *Tr
- Electrical system › Horn · Visibility
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.…
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. *tr
- Steering · Structure › Frame and members · Suspension › Front
Strut tower, driver's side IS extremely rusted - a hard bump will certainly push the suspension spring assembly through the top causing loss of vehicle control. *Tr
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
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
- Air bags · Electrical system · Electrical system › Horn
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…
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. *Tr
- Structure › Body · Suspension › Front
1996 dodge grand caravan corrosion perforation condition at the top of the strut tower. The front driver side strut tower rusted. I am very concerned that the front end will collapse while driving. Driver's side strut tower completely rusted away. Making vehicle unsafe to be on the road. Someone…
1996 dodge grand caravan corrosion perforation condition at the top of the strut tower. The front driver side strut tower rusted. I am very concerned that the front end will collapse while driving. Driver's side strut tower completely rusted away. Making vehicle unsafe to be on the road. Someone IS going to get hurt or killed if they don't recall these and fix them. Apparently chrysler wants to be named after someone else once someone gets killed and then they sue chrysler and win for chrysler being careless and cheap when building a vehicle. I am very upset because it IS going to cost me $1200 to fix my driver side strut tower because of the massive rust my kids ride in this vehicle and I didn't build it I think the people who did should recall it and fix it for us, minivans are kid vehicles we don't buy them just to ride and look cool in them they transport precious cargo our kids I have three and if something were to happen to them because of a bad company making cheap stuff someone would have to answer to me for it. I bought the minivan thinking dodge was a responsible company and good company but I am now having second thoughts about it with this happening. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Air bag clockspring
There is no summary currently available
- Air bag clockspring
There is no summary currently available
- Dc minivan fuel injector rail leak
There is no summary currently available
- Post collision fuel system
- Post-collision fuel system integrity
There is no summary currently available
- Integrated child seat belt lockup
This investigation IS closed.chrysler corporation has submitted a defect information report identifying a safety defect and outlining the proposed remedy.recall number 98v-185 has been assigned to this safety recall.
- Fuel tank leaks
This engineering analysis was opened on january 31, 1997 based on information gathered during preliminary evaluation (pe), pe96-051. The pe was opened on august 19, 1996, to investigate allegations of fuel leakage from the area where the fuel pump/sending unit joins the fuel tank.for brevidy, this area will be…
This engineering analysis was opened on january 31, 1997 based on information gathered during preliminary evaluation (pe), pe96-051. The pe was opened on august 19, 1996, to investigate allegations of fuel leakage from the area where the fuel pump/sending unit joins the fuel tank.for brevidy, this area will be referred to as the pump/tank interface.these allegations were first received by odi on august 2, 1996 while investigating allegations of chrysler minivan throttle shaft hand-up, and uncontrolled engine speed, in pe96-036.while discussing that issue with a fleet, it was alleged that at least 10(out of 40) 1996 early production chrysler minivans leaked fuel from the pump/tank interface.analysis of the complaint and warranty data indicate fuel tank leakage incidents in the subject vehicles predominatly affected early production vehicles.the data involving confirmed incidents of tank/pump interface leaks suggest that those failures have been declining since july 1996.odi has received no reports of the subject condition involving original equipment pumps and tanks since september, 1997.currently this isssue does not reqresent a continuing field concern.odi will continue to monitor the subject vehicles for fuel leaks of any type.a safety related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resoured does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
- Integrated child seat belt lockup
Odi continues to receive complaints alleging latching/retractor mechanism problems.chrysler's assessment of the problem indicates that owners of the vehicles are not adhering to the cleaning requirements for the seat.the seat appears to malfunction if crumbs of food or beverage residue accumulates on the latching…
Odi continues to receive complaints alleging latching/retractor mechanism problems.chrysler's assessment of the problem indicates that owners of the vehicles are not adhering to the cleaning requirements for the seat.the seat appears to malfunction if crumbs of food or beverage residue accumulates on the latching tongue in thewell located between the child's legs.odi has 19 complaints of retract lockup.seven of these complaints report cutting the straps to remove the child.two of the seven consumers allege the child was choking.chrysler reports 60 owner/field reports which indicated 19 harnesses were cut to remove the children.additional information IS needed to fully assess the safety consequence of the alleged defect and to evaluate the chrysler corporation's rational for not conducting a safety recall campaign.
- Fuel leaks from the gas tank
Analysis to date indicates that some of the subject vehiclescontinue to experience fuel leaks from the fuel tank at the sending unit interface.most often the leak involves the o-ring seal.
- Safety blt latch operation
There is no summary currently available
- Fuel leakeage from rollover valve
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10175735Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
- 10169247Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 6089744Emissions recall stating that the radiator fan relay may not turn on the radiator cooling fans.
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