FaultScore report
Owners have filed 1,860 complaints about the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan with NHTSA between 1996 and 2022. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 28 worst.
FaultScore 65/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Dodge Grand Caravan.
How this is worked out1,860
Complaints
40
Crashes reported
68
Fires reported
26
Injuries reported
1 complaint reports a death.
97,926 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
10%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING
AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING
DC MINIVAN FUEL INJECTOR RAIL LEAK
POST COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM
POST-COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY
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 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 LE...
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.
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 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 HARNESS...
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN WOUND INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
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: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE FUEL TANK AT THE INTERFACE OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ATTACHMENT.
Risk: IF A FUEL LEAK OCCURS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
CHILD SEAT
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: THIS CAN CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING A CHILD FROM THE RESTRAINT.
SEAT BELTS:INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT
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 CONNECTED TO THE LATCH PLATE. THE LATCH PLATE MOVEMENT LOCKS THE BELTS TO MAKE SURE THE CHILD IS RESTRAINED IN THE CASE OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
SEAT BELTS:INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT
THE BOLTS WHICH SECURE THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT MODULES TO THE SEAT FRAME CAN BREAK.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THE OCCUPANT.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
A STATIC ELECTRIC CHARGE CAN BUILD UP ON THE UNGROUNDED METAL SECTION OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A SPARK TO OCCUR WHEN FUELING THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY IGNITE THE FUEL VAPORS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL IS NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINED.
Risk: INADEQUATE SEALING AND RETENTION OF THE PLUG CAN RESULT IN OIL LEAKAGE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the clockspring assembly may have been backwound during the vehicle assembly process. This could illuminate the air bag warning lamp and may eventually result in a driver's air bag open circuit. Correction: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly on vehicles with less then 115 000 kms. Owners of vehicles with over 115 000 kms will be offered extended lifetime warranty on the clockspring.
Fuel System
On certain vehicles equipped with the 3.3L or 3.8L engine the Nitrile "O-ring" seals used in the fuel rail may degrade over time and extended exposure to elevated temperatures. This could result in fuel leakage, and, in the presence of an ignition source, an underhood fire could occur. Correction: External seals will be installed at both of the fuel rail crossover tube joints. If the crossover tube joints are leaking or red rust exists in the area, the fuel rail assembly must be replaced.
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, fuel may leak from the tank at the interface of the fuel pump module attachment due to a combination of process and assembly variations. Fuel leakage could potentially cause a vehicle fire. Correction: The fuel pump module attaching nut will be replaced with a nut that includes tighter design tolerances. The sealing o-ring will also be replaced.
Seats And Restraints
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT. THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT SAFETY BELT LATCH MECHANISM MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED CAUSING THE SEAT BELT RELEASE MECHANISM TO STICK AND PREVENT THE RETRACTOR FROM RELEASING. THIS MAY RESULT IN DIFFICULTY REMOVING A CHILD FROM THE RESTRAINT. CORRECTION: CHILD SEAT LATCH PLATE MECHANISM WILL BE INSPECTED AND CLEANED. 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. NEW INSTRUCTION LABEL AND OWNER'S MANUAL SUPPLEMENT CARD WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE OPERATOR.
Structure
NOTE: RUNNING BOARD KITS SOLD IN THE 1996 CALENDAR YEAR AND USED ON 1996-97 CHRYSLER BUILT MINIVANS. A TIRE JACK TOP-ADAPTER, USED IN THE KITS TO PREVENT JACK AND RUNNING BOARD INTERFERENCE, MAY CREATE AN UNSTABLE VEHICLE CONDITION WHEN USED WITH THE JACK TO RAISE THE VEHICLE. THIS SITUATION MAY ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO FALL OFF THE JACK. CORRECTION: ADAPTER WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE JACK PACKAGE AND FOUR PERMANENT JACK LOCATOR EXTENSION PADS WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE.
Seats And Restraints
THE BOLTS WHICH SECURE THE CHILD SEAT TO THE SEAT FRAME MAY BREAK. THIS COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. CORRECTION: SEAT BOLTS WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED AS REQUIRED.
Engine
AN ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY RETAINED. INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE PLUG MAY RESULT IN OIL LEAKAGE WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CORRECTION: AN EXPANSION PLUG AND RETAINING BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED OVER THE SUSPECT CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG.
Fuel System
AN ELECTROSTATIC CHARGE MAY BUILD UP IN THE VEHICLE'S PLASTIC FUEL TANK AND UNGROUNDED FUEL FILLER TUBE DURING NORMAL OPERATION. UNDER THE RIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE, LOW HUMIDITY AND LOW FUEL LEVEL CONDITIONS, THE STATIC CHARGE ON THE FUEL FILLER TUBE MAY CAUSE A SPARK TO OCCUR WHILE FUELING THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. CORRECTION: A FUEL FILLER GROUND STRAP WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
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
NHTSA complaint #10735298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10276897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V268000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) IN 2005. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, HE SMELLED A MILD BURNING ODOR. MINUTES LATER, HE NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. SECONDS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE MAJORITY OF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND IT WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. AN INVESTIGATOR FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CONCLUDED THAT THE FIRE BEGAN NEAR THE FUEL LINES. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT STILL HAS POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10223788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH DOWNHILL IN THE SNOW, THE BRAKES LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE. THE CONTACT RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. SHE REAPPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THEY LOCKED AGAIN. THE CONTACT STRUCK A TREE HEAD ON AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE, BUT WAS STILL ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE ERROR CODES REVEALED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN A CRASH, WHICH IS POSSIBLY WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,552 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,500.
NHTSA complaint #10221428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
ON 12/5/2002, MY HUSBAND & I WERE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT IN OUR 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WHEN WE WERE REAR-ENDED BY A FORD TAURUS. BEING LOWER TO THE GROUND THAN THE CARAVAN, THE TAURUS HIT THE DEALER INSTALLED TOW BAR CAUSING THE FRAME TO BUCKLE ABOVE BOTH AXLES & MINIMAL DAMAGE TO THE BODY OF THE VAN. THE CASE FOR RECOVERY OF MEDICAL BILLS & WAGES LOST IS NOW COMING UP & WE FOUND OUT THAT THEY ARE CLAIMING THAT WE WERE HIT BETWEEN 8-10 MPH. I TALKED WITH SOMEONE IN YOUR LEGAL DEPARTMENT & SHE TOLD ME TO SEE IF CHRYSLER COULD GIVE ME INFO ON THE STRENGTH OF THAT FRAME & IF NOT, TO FILE A COMPLAINT. WE HEARD BACK FROM CHRYSLER THIS MORNING & THEY SAID THAT THEY COULDN'T HELP US.
NHTSA complaint #10145721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL
1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN CAUGHT ON FIRE. ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR FEUL RAIL LEAK CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10128077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
ENGINE
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).
NHTSA complaint #11459290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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).
NHTSA complaint #11459290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10846038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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?
NHTSA complaint #10787512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #10735298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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
NHTSA complaint #10691638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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
NHTSA complaint #10691638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10616919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK AND THE INJECTION BASE. START JANUARY 20 ,2014. I AM A NEW OWNER.
NHTSA complaint #10562047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10472513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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!
NHTSA complaint #10461142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10459460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10459460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10415241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10410655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10395315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10395315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10372161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10372161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10372161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10368178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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?
NHTSA complaint #10353220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10276897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10275319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10275319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.