10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
24 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 Grand Caravan electrical problems

electrical problem

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1996 Dodge Grand Caravan Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #21

Jul 012004

Grand Caravan 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 500 miles

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

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.

- Rockville, MD, USA

problem #20

Oct 061997

Grand Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Intermittently when left turn signal is activated windshield wipers come on. Dealer has inspected and repaired vehicle, however problem has reoccurred. 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.

- Stafford, VA, USA

problem #19

Jun 222002

Grand Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Battery exploded at first start, original part.

- Pittsburg, PA, USA

problem #18

Oct 071997

Grand Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Battery cracked and leaked acid into wiring cover and air cleaner housing causing vehicle not to start, battery was replaced and began to leak again approximately four months later, seven months later the battery had to be boosted to start vehicle, again dealer replaced the battery, battery was replaced a fourth time along with a faulty starter.

- Whittier, CA, USA

problem #17

Oct 071997

Grand Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Battery cracked and leaked acid into wiring cover and air cleaner housing causing vehicle not to start, battery was replaced and began to leak again approximately four months later, seven months later the battery had to be boosted to start vehicle, again dealer replaced the battery, battery was replaced a fourth time along with a faulty starter.

- Whittier, CA, USA

problem #16

Aug 041997

Grand Caravan

  • miles
DaimlerChrysler reference # 08756857 - battery has failed 4 times Chrysler has reimb. Twice and still refused to send me known service bulletins #082995 &08195 relating to problems with dead batteries. Also requested info on fluid bubbling over onto engine from June 97 and Sept. 99. I have written to Chrysler and have been told that "the information you are seeking is either unavailable from DaimlerChrysler motors corporation or considered proprietary" and was signed by glenn S. cameron, senior staff.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

problem #15

Sep 082000

Grand Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Battery failure.

- Fresno, CA, USA

problem #14

Aug 121999

Grand Caravan

  • miles
The battery exploded unexpectedly which caused acid to spray onto the engine and burned a hole. This could have a caused a fire. Common problem.

- Ft Wayne, IN, USA

problem #13

Jul 201998

Grand Caravan

  • miles
Fan relay continued to activate the fan after the ignition was turned off causing the need to replace 3 batteries stranding the family each time. Dealer assurred me that this diagnosis was hard to pin down due to the intermittent nature of the power drain. Numerous other electrical problems have occurred with this vehicle, including wiper motors and switches, automatic door lock soleniods and vent window motors.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #12

Jul 311999

Grand Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While turnning the key to start vehicle the battery exploded under the hood. Dealer has been contacted.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #11

Nov 011996

Grand Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Battery failed.

- Riverside, CA, USA

problem #10

Oct 011998

(reported on)

Grand Caravan

  • miles
Transmission/steering column/horn/struts/brakes/sway bars/battery/windshield wiper switch and A/C condensor failed.

- Bloomfield, MI, USA

problem #9

Sep 061998

Grand Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
When the ignition was turned on the battery exploded. The dealer has replaced the battery.

- Carol Stream, IL, USA

problem #8

Aug 301998

Grand Caravan

  • miles
The original equipment battery exploded when I turned on the ignition.

- Arlington, VA, USA

problem #7

May 021997

Grand Caravan

  • miles
While driving vehicle about 45 mph vehicle stalled on the road, causing lack of acceleration or power. Dealer and manufacturer were contacted. Windshield wipers come on by themselves, dealer replaced multifunction switch. Vehicle would not start up and run, dealer replaced battery. Steering wheel shakes while braking, dealer machined rotors.

- Palm Harbor, FL, USA

problem #6

Aug 141998

Grand Caravan

  • miles
While starting the vehicle the battery exploded, causing fumes and acid all over the vehicle. Dealer said it was a defective battery. Cause unknown. Dealer replaced battery.

- Ossining, NY, USA

problem #5

Apr 111997

Grand Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Wiring harness routed under battery, causing battery acid to eat through wires.

- Key Largo, FL, USA

problem #4

Jul 221997

(reported on)

Grand Caravan

  • miles
Defective electronic charging system caused over charging of the battery. This caused sulfuric acid to spew from the battery spilling onto the main electrical wiring harness that is routed under the battery. There was a complete failure of electrical items.

- Key Largo, FL, USA

problem #3

May 091997

(reported on)

Grand Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Battery blew up, resulting in an accident. Also fuel tank leak.

- Pembrook Pines, FL, USA

problem #2

Dec 011996

Grand Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Battery failed.

- San Diego, CA, USA

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