1996 Dodge Caravan Problems and Recalls (1,389 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 1996 Dodge Caravan is Fuel system (15% of 1,389 owner reports). There are 18 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Fuel system — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 1,389 complaints · 18 recalls

What problems show up on the 1996 Dodge Caravan?

204 of 1,389 filings named Fuel system (15% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Engine (166 reports).

There are 18 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Fuel system, Airbags, Lights, Seat belts, and Engine. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 1995 has 485 reports on file; this year has 1,389. Older years collect more reports just by being on the road longer. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 1996 Dodge Caravan

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 18 campaigns on file below.
  2. Fuel system. Check for fuel smell, leaks and whether it starts and idles cleanly.
  3. Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
  4. Airbags. Confirm the airbag light behaves normally and that open airbag recalls are closed.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Fuel system. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Fuel system 204 complaints · 14.7% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 56
  • Fires 47
  • Injuries 64
  • Deaths 9
All Dodge Caravan years →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) appears in 204 of 1,389 owner complaints (14.7%) in this vehicle snapshot. Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 204 complaints, 14.7% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 15 fire reports 204 · 14.7% Engine (ENGINE): 166 complaints, 12.0% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 2 crash reports 13 fire reports 166 · 12.0% Airbags (AIR BAGS): 146 complaints, 10.5% of reports Airbags (AIR BAGS) 24 crash reports 1 fire reports 146 · 10.5% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 138 complaints, 9.9% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 7 crash reports 1 fire reports 138 · 9.9% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 116 complaints, 8.3% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 1 crash reports 15 fire reports 116 · 8.3% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 99 complaints, 7.1% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 4 crash reports 2 fire reports 99 · 7.1% Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY): 77 complaints, 5.5% of reports Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 77 · 5.5% Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL): 61 complaints, 4.4% of reports Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 4 crash reports 61 · 4.4% Steering (STEERING): 47 complaints, 3.4% of reports Steering (STEERING) 1 crash reports 47 · 3.4% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 1,057 complaints, 76.1% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 46 crash reports 42 fire reports 1,057 · 76.1% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 204 14.7% 0 crashes · 15 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 166 12.0% 2 crashes · 13 fires
Airbags (AIR BAGS) 146 10.5% 24 crashes · 1 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 138 9.9% 7 crashes · 1 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 116 8.3% 1 crashes · 15 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 99 7.1% 4 crashes · 2 fires
Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 77 5.5% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 61 4.4% 4 crashes · 0 fires
Steering (STEERING) 47 3.4% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 1,057 76.1% 46 crashes · 42 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Apr 1995; the first recall shown was reported in Sep 1995. 1995-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 1995-Q3: 7 owner reports 7 1995-Q4: 19 owner reports 19 1996-Q1: 33 owner reports 33 1996-Q2: 29 owner reports 29 1996-Q3: 43 owner reports 43 1996-Q4: 34 owner reports 34 1997-Q1: 45 owner reports 45 1997-Q2: 35 owner reports 35 1997-Q3: 42 owner reports 42 1997-Q4: 29 owner reports 29 1998-Q1: 19 owner reports 19 1998-Q2: 23 owner reports 23 1998-Q3: 33 owner reports 33 1998-Q4: 42 owner reports 42 1999-Q1: 36 owner reports 36 1999-Q2: 31 owner reports 31 1999-Q3: 52 owner reports 52 1999-Q4: 38 owner reports 38 2000-Q1: 54 owner reports 54 2000-Q2: 67 owner reports 67 2000-Q3: 51 owner reports 51 2000-Q4: 34 owner reports 34 2001-Q1: 89 owner reports 89 2001-Q2: 40 owner reports 40 2001-Q3: 42 owner reports 42 2001-Q4: 19 owner reports 19 2002-Q1: 78 owner reports 78 2002-Q2: 41 owner reports 41 2002-Q3: 44 owner reports 44 2002-Q4: 37 owner reports 37 2003-Q1: 41 owner reports 41 2003-Q2: 25 owner reports 25 2003-Q3: 15 owner reports 15 2003-Q4: 20 owner reports 20 2004-Q1: 20 owner reports 20 2004-Q2: 16 owner reports 16 2004-Q3: 8 owner reports 8 2004-Q4: 9 owner reports 9 2005-Q1: 8 owner reports 8 2005-Q2: 4 owner reports 4 2005-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2006-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2006-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 2006-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2007-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2007-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2007-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2008-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2008-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2008-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2009-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2010-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2010-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2011-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2011-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2011-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2013-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2014-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2015-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2023-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 Owner reports Apr 1995 Jan 2023 Recall campaign 95I004000 ◆ Recall campaign 95I004000 Recall campaign 95V225000 ◆ Recall campaign 95V225000 Recall campaign 95V236000 ◆ Recall campaign 95V236000 Recall campaign 96V006000 ◆ Recall campaign 96V006000 Recall campaign 96V002000 ◆ Recall campaign 96V002000 Recall campaign 96V136000 ◆ Recall campaign 96V136000 Recall campaign 97I001000 ◆ Recall campaign 97I001000 Recall campaign 98V185000 ◆ Recall campaign 98V185000 Recall campaign 99V216000 ◆ Recall campaign 99V216000 Recall campaign 00V268000 ◆ Recall campaign 00V268000 Recall campaign 02V293000 ◆ Recall campaign 02V293000 Recall campaign 03E045000 ◆ Recall campaign 03E045000 Recall campaign 03E053000 ◆ Recall campaign 03E053000 Recall campaign 06E022000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E022000 Recall campaign 06E023000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E023000 Recall campaign 09E012000 ◆ Recall campaign 09E012000 Recall campaign 09E025000 ◆ Recall campaign 09E025000 Recall campaign 10E034000 ◆ Recall campaign 10E034000 Investigation PE95053 ● Investigation PE95053 Investigation PE96008 ● Investigation PE96008 Investigation PE96038 ● Investigation PE96038 Investigation PE96051 ● Investigation PE96051 Investigation SQ96016 ● Investigation SQ96016 Investigation EA96025 ● Investigation EA96025 Investigation DP96014 ● Investigation DP96014 Investigation EA97002 ● Investigation EA97002 Investigation EA97003 ● Investigation EA97003 Investigation PE99010 ● Investigation PE99010 Investigation EA99013 ● Investigation EA99013 Investigation RQ00008 ● Investigation RQ00008 Investigation PE00032 ● Investigation PE00032 Investigation EA01007 ● Investigation EA01007
  • Campaign 95I004000 was reported 146 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 95V236000 was reported 109 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 96V006000 was reported 157 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 96V002000 was reported 148 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 96V136000 was reported 443 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 97I001000 was reported 541 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 99V216000 was reported 1,449 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 00V268000 was reported 1,850 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 02V293000 was reported 2,569 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 06E023000 was reported 3,717 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 09E025000 was reported 4,872 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
1995-Q2 Owner reports 2
1995-Q3 Owner reports 7
1995-Q4 Owner reports 19
1996-Q1 Owner reports 33
1996-Q2 Owner reports 29
1996-Q3 Owner reports 43
1996-Q4 Owner reports 34
1997-Q1 Owner reports 45
1997-Q2 Owner reports 35
1997-Q3 Owner reports 42
1997-Q4 Owner reports 29
1998-Q1 Owner reports 19
1998-Q2 Owner reports 23
1998-Q3 Owner reports 33
1998-Q4 Owner reports 42
1999-Q1 Owner reports 36
1999-Q2 Owner reports 31
1999-Q3 Owner reports 52
1999-Q4 Owner reports 38
2000-Q1 Owner reports 54
2000-Q2 Owner reports 67
2000-Q3 Owner reports 51
2000-Q4 Owner reports 34
2001-Q1 Owner reports 89
2001-Q2 Owner reports 40
2001-Q3 Owner reports 42
2001-Q4 Owner reports 19
2002-Q1 Owner reports 78
2002-Q2 Owner reports 41
2002-Q3 Owner reports 44
2002-Q4 Owner reports 37
2003-Q1 Owner reports 41
2003-Q2 Owner reports 25
2003-Q3 Owner reports 15
2003-Q4 Owner reports 20
2004-Q1 Owner reports 20
2004-Q2 Owner reports 16
2004-Q3 Owner reports 8
2004-Q4 Owner reports 9
2005-Q1 Owner reports 8
2005-Q2 Owner reports 4
2005-Q3 Owner reports 2
2006-Q1 Owner reports 5
2006-Q2 Owner reports 5
2006-Q4 Owner reports 2
2007-Q1 Owner reports 1
2007-Q2 Owner reports 2
2007-Q3 Owner reports 3
2008-Q1 Owner reports 1
2008-Q3 Owner reports 2
2008-Q4 Owner reports 1
2009-Q1 Owner reports 1
2010-Q1 Owner reports 1
2010-Q3 Owner reports 1
2011-Q1 Owner reports 1
2011-Q2 Owner reports 1
2011-Q3 Owner reports 1
2013-Q3 Owner reports 1
2014-Q1 Owner reports 1
2015-Q2 Owner reports 2
2023-Q1 Owner reports 1
Recall campaign 1 95I004000
Recall campaign 1 95V225000
Recall campaign 1 95V236000
Recall campaign 1 96V006000
Recall campaign 1 96V002000
Recall campaign 1 96V136000
Recall campaign 1 97I001000
Recall campaign 1 98V185000
Recall campaign 1 99V216000
Recall campaign 1 00V268000
Recall campaign 1 02V293000
Recall campaign 1 03E045000
Recall campaign 1 03E053000
Recall campaign 1 06E022000
Recall campaign 1 06E023000
Recall campaign 1 09E012000
Recall campaign 1 09E025000
Recall campaign 1 10E034000
Defect investigation 1 PE95053
Defect investigation 1 PE96008
Defect investigation 1 PE96038
Defect investigation 1 PE96051
Defect investigation 1 SQ96016
Defect investigation 1 EA96025
Defect investigation 1 DP96014
Defect investigation 1 EA97002
Defect investigation 1 EA97003
Defect investigation 1 PE99010
Defect investigation 1 EA99013
Defect investigation 1 RQ00008
Defect investigation 1 PE00032
Defect investigation 1 EA01007
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-09-06 Open source record

Safety Recalls (18)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Fuel system, Airbags, Lights, Seat belts, and Engine.

  1. Recall campaign 00V268000

    Fuel system

    Report date
    Component:
    Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 02V293000

    Airbags

    Report date
    Component:
    Airbags (AIR BAGS)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 03E045000

    Safety recall 03E045000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    IF THIS CONDITION OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE COULD STALL. ALSO, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THE FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
    Remedy:
    AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 SHORT WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18232 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, OR 0252. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 LONG WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18230 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, 0251, OR 0304. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 2001-2004 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 28871 AND DATE CODE 0249. THESE PART NUMBERS AND DATE CODES APPEAR ON THE GOLD-TONE FILTER. DISTRIBUTORS AND RETAILERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO ISOLATE AND RETURN AFFECTED INVENTORY. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE FUEL FILTER SERVICED ON ONE OF THE APPLICABLE VEHICLES AFTER SEPTEMBER 17, 2002 SHOULD RETURN THEIR VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE FACILITY TO BE INSPECTED TO SEE IF THE FUEL FILTER THAT WAS INSTALLED IS ONE THAT IS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. IF SO, THE OWNERS SHOULD HAVE THE FILTER REPLACED. TO RECEIVE A FULL REFUND PLUS THE COST OF POSTAGE, OWNERS SHOULD CUT THE CONNECTORS FROM THE HOSES, RINSE THE CONNECTORS AND RETURN THEM TOGETHER WITH PROOF OF THE AMOUNT PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART AND LABOR, TO INTERCONTINENTAL AT INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS, INC., P.O. BOX 861, MAHWAH, NJ 07430, ATTN: FUEL FILTER RECALL. INTERCONTINENTAL WILL MAIL A FULL REFUND TO THE OWNER.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Recall campaign 03E053000

    Safety recall 03E053000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    A POSSIBLE FIRE CAN OCCUR IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
    Remedy:
    WIX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. NOTE: THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT WIX AT 704-864-6711.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Recall campaign 06E022000

    Safety recall 06E022000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Recall campaign 06E023000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Recall campaign 09E012000

    Safety recall 09E012000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Recall campaign 09E025000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  9. Recall campaign 10E034000

    Safety recall 10E034000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    IF THE AREA IN QUESTION FRACTURES OR BREAKS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN UNSTABLE DRIVING CONDITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE THE HITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG AT 1-715-831-8713.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  10. Recall campaign 95I004000

    Seat belts

    Report date
    Component:
    Seat belts (SEAT BELTS)
    Consequence:
    Not available in the source record
    Remedy:
    CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH CHILD SEAT ASSEMBLIES WITH REVISED SEATS CONTAINING RETRACTOR IMPROVEMENTS. THE REVISED SEATS WILL ALSO INCREASE CHILD COMFORT BY INCORPORATING PROTECTIVE SEAT BELT WRAPS TO PREVENT BELT CHAFE.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  11. Recall campaign 95V225000

    Safety recall 95V225000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  12. Recall campaign 95V236000

    Fuel system

    Report date
    Component:
    Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  13. Recall campaign 96V002000

    Fuel system

    Report date
    Component:
    Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  14. Recall campaign 96V006000

    Engine

    Report date
    Component:
    Engine (ENGINE)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  15. Recall campaign 96V136000

    Seat belts

    Report date
    Component:
    Seat belts (SEAT BELTS)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  16. Recall campaign 97I001000

    Seat belts

    Report date
    Component:
    Seat belts (SEAT BELTS)
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    OWNERS ARE BEING PROVIDED WITH A VIDEO TAPE AND 2 HARNESS CLIPS. THE VIDEO TAPE INSTRUCTS OWNERS ON THE PROPER USE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE CHILD SEATS.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  17. Recall campaign 98V185000

    Safety recall 98V185000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  18. Recall campaign 99V216000

    Fuel system

    Report date
    Component:
    Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07
Safety incident filters
Showing 8 of 1,389 complaints · page 1 of 56
2023-01-03Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11499901
CrashFireInjuryDeath
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, he opened the hood and noticed a fuel leak on top of the engine. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
2015-06-08Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL)
NHTSA ODI 10724131
CrashFireInjuryDeath
WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE I TOUCHED BREAK AND THE VAN ACCELERATED TO FULL THROTTLE. THE VAN JUMPED THE CURB AND WAS HEADING TOWARD 3 PEOPLE, I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ENOUGH TO HIT A LIGHT POLE INSTEAD OF THEM. THE VAN QUIT RACING FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN REVVED UP AGAIN. THE LIGHT POLE FELL AND I WAS AGAIN HEADED TOWARD THE PEOPLE. I PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BREAK AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VAN, BUT NOT BEFORE HITTING THE PEOPLE. LUCKILY THEY WERE JUST BRUISED BECAUSE I JUST BUMPED THEM AND DIDN'T RUN OVER THEM. THIS ALL HAPPENED IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. I ALMOST KILLED SOME PEOPLE AND NO LONGER HAVE TRANSPORTATION BECAUSE THE VAN WAS TOTALED.
2015-05-08Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 10715313
CrashFireInjuryDeath
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HORN FAILED TO FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE ODOMETER DISPLAYED AN INCORRECT READING AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V293000 (AIR BAGS), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
2014-01-29Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 10562062
CrashFireInjuryDeath
I PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE FROM OWNER IN DEC. 2013 AND START HAVING PROBLEM THE OWNER I PURCHASE IT FROM PURCHASE IT FROM A BANK BACK IN 2006. THEY DID KNOW ABOUT AN RECALL OR ETC. ABOUT THIS VEHCLE. THE ELECTRIC HAS PROBLEM AND AIRBAGS, THE FUEL TANK IS LEAKING AND FUEL INJECTION AND ETC,. WHERE CAN I CAN GET HELP FOR THESE PROBLEMS.ETC.,. *TR
2013-07-01Engine (ENGINE)
NHTSA ODI 10522678
CrashFireInjuryDeath
THIS VEHICLE HAS A CHRONIC DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THROWING ITS SERPENTINE BELT WHENEVER THE TENSION PULLEY GETS WET. SOON AS THE BELT IS THROWN THERE IS NO POWER STEERING, AND IT STEERS 10 TIMES WORSE THAN A MACK TRUCK. THE LACK OF STEERING IS A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD TO EVERY OTHER VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. AS IT HAPPENS SUDDENLY BY DRIVING THROUGH A WATER PUDDLE, ETC. THERE IS VIRTUALLY NO TIME TO REACT. IN ADDITION TO LACK OF STEERING THERE IS NO ALTERNATOR OUTPUT, RESULTING IN RAPID BATTERY DRAIN. ALSO THERE IS NO COOLANT SYSTEM FAN RESULTING IN RAPID ENGINE OVERHEATING. THIS DESIGN FAULT HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR WELL OVER A DECADE, NO MAKE THAT 2 DECADES, BUT CHRYSLER HAS NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED A PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM DATES BACK TO ALL CHRYSLER MINI-VAN DESIGNS FROM THE EARLY 1990S TO AT LEAST 2000. IF THE LACK OF STEERING IS NOT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS. WE HAVE A USED WHEELCHAIR CONVERSION CARAVAN VAN TO TRANSPORT MY WIFE. THIS LATEST INCIDENT WAS THE PAST SATURDAY NIGHT AS WE LEFT A RESTAURANT TO RETURN HOME. IT HAD BEEN RAINING PROFUSELY AND SUDDENLY I HAD NO STEERING. I KNEW IMMEDIATELY WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS SINCE THIS IS THE 3RD OCCURRENCE IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. DO YOU EXPECT YOUR VEHICLE TO BECOME INOPERABLE JUST BECAUSE YOU DRIVE IN THE RAIN? WHY HAS NOT CHRYSLER BEEN MADE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM AND ISSUE A REPAIR RECALL? I DON'T CARE IF THE VAN IS OVER A DECADE OLD. THIS DEFECT IS ONE WHICH ENDANGERS EVERYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD AND WHICH CHRYSLER SHOULD HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO ADDRESS WELL OVER A DECADE AGO. *TR
2011-07-04SUSPENSIONUnclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 10410393
CrashFireInjuryDeath
STRUT TOWER CORROSION 10090457 RIGHT / LEFT STRUT TOWER RUSTED OUT ON 96 DODGE CARAVAN. TOOK VAN INTO REPAIR SHOP TO FIND OUT STEERING ISSUE THEY FOUND A COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT STRUT HOUSING SAID ITS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH VEHICLE AND SAFETY BULLETIN WAS ISSUED SINCE ITS A KNOWN PROBLEM. SUSPENSION/BODY - STRUT TOWER CORROSION NUMBER: 23-044-02 GROUP: BODY DATE: OCT. 14, 2002 SUBJECT: NS STRUT TOWER CORROSION . *TR
2011-05-18Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 10401400
CrashFireInjuryDeath
CAR STOP HAVING ELECTRICAL OUTPUT. *TR
2011-02-18Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 10383216
CrashFireInjuryDeath
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM HIS TANK IN LARGE AMOUNTS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TANK AND THE FUEL PUMP. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED AND COULD NOT ASSIST HIM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 151,000. UPDATED 03/24/11*LJ UPDATED 05/02/11

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 1996 Dodge Caravan?

Owners named Fuel system most often — 204 of 1,389 reports (15%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 1996 Dodge Caravan?

NHTSA lists 18 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Fuel system, Airbags, Lights, Seat belts, and Engine. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 1996 Dodge Caravan?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Check for fuel smell, leaks and whether it starts and idles cleanly. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources