10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,941 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1996 Dodge Caravan engine problems

engine problem

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1996 Dodge Caravan Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #23

Oct 101998

Caravan

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Intermittent overheating caused by faulty valve. Dealer was contacted but stated he hadn't heard of the problem. Fixed at other location. Could (and almost did) cause fire in engine.

- Weston, FL, USA

problem #22

Jun 101998

Caravan

  • miles
Tensioner rod broke. This happened while driver was pulling into a parking space. The problem has been corrected by the dealership.

- Kingwood, TX, USA

problem #21

Feb 161999

(reported on)

Caravan

  • miles
Engine galley plugs are leaking fuel which could result in a fire, cause unknown.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #20

Feb 021999

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Since we purchased our van in August of 1997, we have had many repairs and visits to the dealer. As of today, they have not fixed or diagnosed the brake problems. When coming to a stop or applying my brakes, a crunching sound occurs, and I can feel it in the pedal. It is a fairly loud sound and the vibration is distracting because you lose your brake pedal for a period of 1-2 seconds. I have talked to other Dodge Caravan owners and plan to take a detailed survey on this matter, but, none to this point have had this problem. This leads me to believe this is a defect in the brake system or antilock brake computer system which is undetectable. This does not occur all the time, and not under the same conditions. This, also, leads me to the conclusion there is a major saftey defect here. I have had this to the dealer and they say they cant diagnose the problem. What am I supposed to do, get in an accident? I have asked that they recall my van, refund full purchase price or replace my vehicle with one similar to mine. This is not the only problem: Today it was in for brakes and a blown engine head gasket. Previously, catalytic converter/ blower motor/battery/ speed sensor and anti rattle bumpers that still havent corrected problem/fuel filter ground strap and fuel filler tube ground strap have been replaced. Also, deglazed brakes, but still brakes squeak.finally, headlights replaced w/housing/lamp, and whatever else they have done to it while in the shop right now. It has been there since Tuesday Feb.02. This van is no way worth the hassles that I have been put through and I dont think anyone should have this many problems so early on. I have done extensive research on this model and have found atleast 100 complaints for transmission problems and other major repairs and undiagnosed problems with the engine. I think it is time someone stepped in and took a good look at this 96 vehicle because it is not up to saftey standards by a long shot. Thank you.

- Akron, OH, USA

problem #19

Dec 181998

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The tensioner belt drive pulley broke a piece of metal from it and hit vehicle behind.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #18

Nov 251998

Caravan

  • miles
While driving up the driveway vehicle cuts off. Had no warning. Also, the gauges on dashboard do not work like they should, especially, odometer/fuel and pressure gauges. In addition, brake rotors had to be replaced twice/sliding doors cannot be opened properly with or without key. Vehicle towed to dealer to check out problems.

- Littleton, CO, USA

problem #17

Sep 011995

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine seals failed resulting in leakage.

- Encinitas, CA, USA

problem #16

Oct 211998

Caravan

  • miles
Engine head oil galley plug not adequately retaining, causing oil to leak, which can result in an engine compartment fire. Dealer/manufacturer notified, and refused to repair because vehicle does not meet NHTSA recall # 96V-006 specifications.

- Poughquag, NY, USA

problem #15

Sep 241997

Caravan

  • miles
Fan relay failed and was replaced under warranty.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #14

Jul 111997

Caravan

  • miles
Valve cover gasket failed.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #13

Aug 141996

Caravan

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Right rear brake cylinder, springs, shoes and linings failed.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #12

Dec 221997

Caravan

  • miles
Oxygen sensor failed.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #11

Dec 221997

Caravan

  • miles
Dashboard and overhead lights emit smoke and there is a strong smell of an electrical component burning.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

problem #10

Jun 241998

Caravan

  • miles
Serpinetine belt tensioner pulley bracket broke, flew into power steering pulley and broke it. Power steering pulley is plastic. Chrysler says this is normal wear and tear.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #9

May 031998

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving appiled the brakes and the ABS kicked in, and there was no brakes. Driver hit the emengency brake so that the truck could stop. Also the tension belt mount snapped on the truck which caused truck to be inoperable.

- Mt. Penn, PA, USA

problem #8

Jan 011998

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Serpentine belt failure.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #7

Feb 181998

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving about 65 mph the van went completely dead. The steering became real hard and locked up. Driver was able to coast to the side of the road safely. When van was towed, mechanic found timing belt and tensioner broke. The timing belt and tensioner had been replaced.

- Glen Burie, MD, USA

problem #6

Jun 301997

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving down the highway the oil light came on. The consumer then pulled over and waited for the engine to cool. After the engine cooled, the consumer checked the oil stick and it read nothing. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer and they said that they had a recall on the galley plug. Dealer said it could have been a fire hazard. Dealer repaired the problem.

- Scotch Plains, NJ, USA

problem #5

Jun 271996

Caravan

  • miles
Failed crank seal leaks oil.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #4

Jun 081997

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer was driving about 25 mph when she heard a snap. She then was not able to control the steering, the tension pulley had sheared completely from rod and it was just sitting inside the engine compartment.

- Tiburon, CA, USA

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