1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES review from North America

Transmission leaks... seems to be a bad seal.

Wipers have a mind of their own, sometimes.

Rear power vent window on the driver's side won't open when the van is hot.

Driver's tail light, upper portion, will not work... no power gets to it, but it works when the brakes are applied.

Has a "clunk" in suspension when going over speed bumps or potholes. The problem also is causing the van to be out of alignment.

Plastic seat base breaks where screwed in due to the force of sitting on the seat... I only weigh 180 lbs.

Although Dodge does make good motors, and I have had no problems in that department, I am disappointed with the many squeaks and rattles.

Plus, the transmission is leaking where it meets the engine... probably a seal. I went to take my aging parents to see a childhood friend, and the van would not go. I discovered it was almost completely out of tranny fluid... I had just filled it a couple of weeks prior. I've had Chevy van trannies last 150,000. I knew the older Caravans had tranny problems... I guess they haven't fixed them yet.

Also, the clunk in the suspension is puzzling. It seems to affect the alignment, too, as it is pulling fairly hard to the left. I hope this one doesn't cost me too much. If I ever buy a van again, it will be a Honda Odyssey.