IllustrationCHILD TRAPPED IN SEAT UNABLE TO RELEASE CHILD RESTRAINT. *AK
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Grand Caravan years
Owner complaints for the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan are substantially higher than the model-year median of 284.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Grand Caravan years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 125 of 1,157 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Air Bags. Review the 211 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 209 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 197 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
31 crash reports42 fire reports25 injury reports
Child Seat complaints
32 reportsTHE BUILT-IN CSS HARNESS LATCH PLATE IS BROKEN. IT FAILS TO STAY LOCKED IN THE BUCKLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP & WAS INFORMED NO WARRANTY ON BUILT-IN CSS. WOULD NEED TO REPLACE ENTIRE SEAT IN VEHICLE. *AK
LEFT SIDE INTERGRATED CSS BELTS NO LONGER STAY TIGHT WHEN BUCKLED. ONCE BUCKLED AND PULL ON BELTS, THEY WILL RELEASE. CHILD IS NO LONGER SECURE. DEALER SAYS TO FIX, PART ALONE (WHOLE NEW ICSS MODULE) WILL BE $409. VERY UNREALISTIC PRICE WHEN FOR $100 CAN EASLIY BUY A CAR SEAT . HAVE TWO CHILDREN STILL USING BOTH ICSS. DO N…
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LEFT SIDE INTERGRATED CSS BELTS NO LONGER STAY TIGHT WHEN BUCKLED. ONCE BUCKLED AND PULL ON BELTS, THEY WILL RELEASE. CHILD IS NO LONGER SECURE. DEALER SAYS TO FIX, PART ALONE (WHOLE NEW ICSS MODULE) WILL BE $409. VERY UNREALISTIC PRICE WHEN FOR $100 CAN EASLIY BUY A CAR SEAT . HAVE TWO CHILDREN STILL USING BOTH ICSS. DO NOT FEEL ICSS SHOULD HAVE FAILED AFTER 3 1/2 YEARS OF USE AND THEN BE SO UNREASONABLE TO FIX. *AK
THE BUILT-IN CHILD SEAT GETS STUCK WITH THE CHILD IN THE SEAT AND WHEN THE SEATS ARE CLOSE AND THEN A CHILD CANT GET IN THEM. CHRYSLER DID A RECALL AND INSTALLED A SAFTY CLIP TO ADDRESS GETTING THE CHILD OUT. BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES THAT YOU CANT USE THE SEAT WHEN THE GET STUCK IN THE CLOSED POSITION SO YOU CANT PUT A CHILD I…
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THE BUILT-IN CHILD SEAT GETS STUCK WITH THE CHILD IN THE SEAT AND WHEN THE SEATS ARE CLOSE AND THEN A CHILD CANT GET IN THEM. CHRYSLER DID A RECALL AND INSTALLED A SAFTY CLIP TO ADDRESS GETTING THE CHILD OUT. BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES THAT YOU CANT USE THE SEAT WHEN THE GET STUCK IN THE CLOSED POSITION SO YOU CANT PUT A CHILD IN THE SEAT. ALSO NOTE CHRYSLER HAS CHANGE THE MECHINISM ON NEWER VANS. THEY GAVE A AN ESCAPE ROUTE NOT A FIX TO THE PROBLEM OF THE BELTS GETTING STUCK DUE TO FOOD FALLING IN THE LOCK AREA. REMEBER WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A CHILD SEAT. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO REPORT I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES TO UNLOCK THE SEAT BELTS WHEN THE GET STUCK PERMINANTLY CLOSED. THIS TIME I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO CALL CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE WHICH I CALL OVER 25 TIME AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND FROM MY HOME AND WORK ONLY TO RECEIVE A BUSY SIGNAL EVERY TIME. I ASK THE DEALERSHIP TO CALL SINCE THEY GAVE ME THE NUMBER AND THEY DECLINED. PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN ISSUED ON THIS CHILD SEAT SYSTEM. *AK
CHILD SEAT REPLACEMENT DOES NOT RECOIL
BOTH INTEGRATED CHILD SAFETY SEATS CAUSE CHILDS' LEGS TO FALL ASLEEP. IN ONE CASE, CHILD SUSTAINED NERVE DAMAGE . PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
MY DAUGHTER WHO IS 23MOS, 35INCHES, 31LBS, IS ABLE TO REMOVE THE TODDLER CHEST CLIP AND PUSH HER ARMS OUT OF THE SHOULDER STRAPS. CENTURY HAS A LOCKING CLIP BUT FISHER-PRICE DOES NOT. F-P HAS OFFERED TO TAKE THE SEAT BACK FOR A FULL REFUND SINCE IT IS NO LONGER SAFE FOR MY CHILD, AND THEY DO NOT HAVE A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM.…
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MY DAUGHTER WHO IS 23MOS, 35INCHES, 31LBS, IS ABLE TO REMOVE THE TODDLER CHEST CLIP AND PUSH HER ARMS OUT OF THE SHOULDER STRAPS. CENTURY HAS A LOCKING CLIP BUT FISHER-PRICE DOES NOT. F-P HAS OFFERED TO TAKE THE SEAT BACK FOR A FULL REFUND SINCE IT IS NO LONGER SAFE FOR MY CHILD, AND THEY DO NOT HAVE A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. I WORRY ABOUT OTHER CHILDREN BEING ABLE TO DO THIS. UP UNTIL NOW I WAS QUITE SATISFIED WITH THE DESIGN OF THE SEAT. *AK
INTEGRATED CHILD SAFETY SEATS LOCKING MECHANISMS ON THE SEATBELTS JAM REPEATIDLY FROM DEBRIS THAT ENTERS INTO RECEPTICLE, DUE TO DESIGN FLAW. CHILD SUFFERED WHEN BELT TIGHTENED AND WAS TURNING BLUE/COULD NOT BREATH. RECALL ON COMPONENT DUE TO DEFECT, NOT NOTIFIED IN TIME.
WHILE TRYING TO GET THE CHILD OUT OF THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT IN THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER COULD'NT GET THE CHILD OUT DUE TO THE HARNESS STRAP BUCKLE WOULD'NT COME OFF. THE CONSUMER HAD TO TAKE THE CHILD TO THE DEALER SO THEY COULD GET THE CHILD OUT OF THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT. *AK
VEHICLE EQUIPED WITH CHILD INTEGRATED SAFETY SEATS, HOWEVER STRAP RESTRAINTS FAILED SEVERAL TIMES CAUSING THEM TO GET JAMMED WHILE THE SPRING MECHANISM THAT TIGHTENS THE SHOULDER STRAPS KEPT GETTING TIGHTER AND TIGHTER.
Official recalls
902V293000 · Air Bags:frontal
Nov 7, 2002
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN WOUND INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
00V268000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
Sep 13, 2000
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
99V216000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Aug 9, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE FUEL TANK AT THE INTERFACE OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ATTACHMENT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
98V185000 · Child Seat
Aug 6, 1998
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
96V136000 · Seat Belts:integrated Child Seat
Jul 18, 1996
THE BOLTS WHICH SECURE THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT MODULES TO THE SEAT FRAME CAN BREAK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
96V002000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
Jan 16, 1996
A STATIC ELECTRIC CHARGE CAN BUILD UP ON THE UNGROUNDED METAL SECTION OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
96V006000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline
Jan 11, 1996
IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL IS NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
95V236000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Dec 8, 1995
THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE CAN ALLOW FUEL TO PASS INTO THE VAPOR CANISTER RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
95V225000 · Seats
Nov 28, 1995
THE BOLTS WHICH SECURE THE REAR BENCH SEATS TO THE SEAT RISERS MAY BE EMBRITTLED AND FRACTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
11EA01007 · Air Bag Clockspring
Opened Feb 21, 2001 · Closed Nov 22, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
PE00032 · Air Bag Clockspring
Opened Aug 8, 2000 · Closed Feb 21, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags
There is no summary currently available
RQ00008 · Dc Minivan Fuel Injector Rail Leak
Opened Mar 9, 2000 · Closed Mar 18, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
EA99013 · Post Collision Fuel System
Opened Jun 11, 1999 · Closed Aug 10, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
No summary supplied.
PE99010 · POST-COLLISION Fuel System Integrity
Opened Feb 3, 1999 · Closed Jun 11, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
There is no summary currently available
EA97002 · Fuel Tank Leaks
Opened Jan 31, 1997 · Closed Feb 10, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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.
EA97003 · Integrated Child Seat Belt Lockup
Opened Jan 31, 1997 · Closed Aug 19, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Child Seat
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Child Seat
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.
Child Seat
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.
SQ96016 · Integrated Child Seat Belt Lockup
Opened Sep 18, 1996 · Closed Feb 4, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:integrated Child Seat
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.
PE96051 · Fuel Leaks From The Gas Tank
Opened Aug 19, 1996 · Closed Jan 31, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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.
PE96008 · Safety Blt Latch Operation
Opened Jan 25, 1996 · Closed Jun 28, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
There is no summary currently available
PE95053 · Fuel Leakeage From Rollover Valve
Opened Oct 25, 1995 · Closed Dec 22, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
There is no summary currently available