← New search

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 →

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

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

177 reports
Clear category filter
98,100 miles · Jul 21, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering

CAMSHAFT ON 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN FAILED (BROKE INTO TWO PIECES) WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE OHIO TURNPIKE WITH FAMILY (TWO YOUNG CHILDREN) IN THE VAN - FAILURE OF ALL POWER ASSIST AND FOWARD MOTION (OTHER THAN COASTING) WAS IMMEDIATE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE AT THE TIME AND IF THE ROAD HAD BEEN BUSIER THE POTENTIAL EX…

Read full complaint

CAMSHAFT ON 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN FAILED (BROKE INTO TWO PIECES) WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE OHIO TURNPIKE WITH FAMILY (TWO YOUNG CHILDREN) IN THE VAN - FAILURE OF ALL POWER ASSIST AND FOWARD MOTION (OTHER THAN COASTING) WAS IMMEDIATE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE AT THE TIME AND IF THE ROAD HAD BEEN BUSIER THE POTENTIAL EXISITED FOR A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND POSSIBLE INJURY/DEATH. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 98,100 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME (3.3L ENGINE). THIS FAILURE MAY BE RELATED TO CHRYSLER TSB 09-008-01 WHICH DISCUSSES CAMSHAFT FAILURE WITH CAMSHAFT BEARING WEAR. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE DAIMLER/CHRYSLER "STEP UP TO THE PLATE" ON THE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND CORRECT THE PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE FAILURE OCCURING. I WILL BE CONTACTING D/C TO PURSUE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE NEW ENGINE AS AN EVENT LIKE THIS SHOULD NOT OCCUR.

NHTSA ODI #10028717

Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingFire

VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF WHEN WITHOUT WARNING, THEN VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10024200

Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR THE DRIVER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10017248

Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingVisibility

THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WAS INTERMITTENT. MR THE PROBLEM WITH THE WIPERS OCCURRED SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE. THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE WIPERS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND WAS TOLD THEY WORKED FINE. THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS INTERMITTENT AS WELL. SCC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10014882

163,451 miles · Mar 22, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SERPENTINE BELT, WHEN IT RAINS THE BELT COMES OFF THE PULLEY SYSTEM. THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES, AND IS BECOMING COSTLY, SO NOW I AM CONSIDERING THE HONDA ODYSSEY!. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10010869

100,000 miles · Mar 9, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

DODGE '96 MINIVAN STALLING PROBLEM WHILE IN OPERATION. START UP TIME 5-10 MINUTES LATER (VERY DANGEROUS). TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR; PROBLEM ESCALATED TO FULL REPLACEMENT. NOT SATISFIED WITH REPLACEMENT -"BUMPS" ON SECOND AND THIRD GEARS UP AND DOWN. THESE HAVE BEEN COSTLY REPAIRS. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WOULD NOT…

Read full complaint

DODGE '96 MINIVAN STALLING PROBLEM WHILE IN OPERATION. START UP TIME 5-10 MINUTES LATER (VERY DANGEROUS). TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR; PROBLEM ESCALATED TO FULL REPLACEMENT. NOT SATISFIED WITH REPLACEMENT -"BUMPS" ON SECOND AND THIRD GEARS UP AND DOWN. THESE HAVE BEEN COSTLY REPAIRS. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OUT NO MATTER WHAT REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED - FULL FUEL AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. RPS RACED TO 15K. REPLACED CAM SENSOR, HARNESS, HOSES ETC. *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10010188

Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE VEHICLE STALLED, WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO PULL OVER ABRUPTLY.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10008764

84,000 miles · Feb 12, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

THE METER READ LESS THAN HALF A TANK OF GAS, THE VAN RAN OUT OF GAS, THEN THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE AND BEGAN TO DRIVE WHEN SOON AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS A MISFIRED CYLINDER, THE FUEL FUEL PUMP WAS BURIED INSIDE THE GAS TANK, AND WHEN THE FUEL L…

Read full complaint

THE METER READ LESS THAN HALF A TANK OF GAS, THE VAN RAN OUT OF GAS, THEN THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE AND BEGAN TO DRIVE WHEN SOON AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS A MISFIRED CYLINDER, THE FUEL FUEL PUMP WAS BURIED INSIDE THE GAS TANK, AND WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL DROPPED BELOW THE FUEL PUMP, THE PUMP HEATED UP AND SUCKED IN AIR INSTEAD OF THE GASOLINE. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10006175

82,890 miles · Feb 1, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

SUPPORT FOR ROCKER ARM BROKE OFF AT 82,890 MILES. FROM REVIEW OF THE NHTSA RECORDS, THIS HAS OCCURRED FOR NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS, BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. AS THIS IS PART OF THE HEAD CASTING, I WOULD EXPECT IT TO LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. TS

NHTSA ODI #10005084

Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling

CONSUMER EXPERIENCED VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. DEALER CONTACTED. *MR

NHTSA ODI #8019647

Official recalls

9

02V293000 · 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

11

EA01007 · 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