1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE from North America - Comments

Dead battery at 5 months. Warranty replacement.

Faulty chip causing all gear indicators to light at 14,000 miles.

Total brake components replacement (calipers, rotors, brake lines, etc.) at 40,000 miles.

Wipers turning on by themselves.

Clock spring faulty at 68,000 miles, also causing the horn and cruise control to stop working.

Belt tensioner and water pump at 70,000 miles.

Complete power steering rack replacement at 70,000 miles.

Replaced the emergency brake 2 times in the first 30,000 miles.

My first and last experience of owning an American made vehicle.

I gave you a chance Dodge to impress me, but I wouldn't walk across the street to get another, even if you were giving them away.

I recently bought a 96 Dodge caravan LE. Within the first week, I have had to replace the starter, clock spring, and on my way to the transmission shop :) Nice looking and eye appealing, but Dodge needs to do something about mechanical problems!

Oh boy...

I have the same problems.. Clock spring went at about 70k, transmission totally replaced at 37k (dealer would NOT warranty this, only 6mths old, but 1k mile over the warranty!)

Belt tensioner and belt at 60k, another tensioner at 70k, another belt at 90k..

Has ANYONE kept hubcaps on this vehicle? Got tired after the 6th set and bought wheels instead.

Electrical is totally weird.. wipers come on whenever, turn signal turns the flashers on..

AND...now at 160k.. engine has locked up, died.. replacement 3k...debating on what to do next...

Dodge...well... looks good, when things run good, it is smooth and fantastic to drive...

However, never again!

I have a 1996 Dodge Caravan LE and it is very expensive to maintain. The wipers still go on when I use the turn signal and dealer wouldn't replace it free because the VIN # wasn't on the recall list. I paid about $200 to get the clock spring replaced, but have since sent a copy of the work to the recall center. They are supposed to reimburse me, but I may have to send another follow up letter. I had the brakes done and the next day, I smelled something burning and eventually figured out that the brakes were improperly adjusted which heated the rotor and wheel to the point where the rubber tires were beginning to melt. Also, the parking brake wasn't attached to the rear drum after the work was completed.

My sister has a 1996 Grand Caravan that she bought last September. At that time it was good except needing the clock spring and an idler arm for the steering. So she bought it even though I was a little apprehensive being a Chevy man I was afraid of some of the quality things with these vans. Little did I know how right I would be. This year within the last 2 months the starter has needed to be replaced, the A/C didn't work on the hottest day and just last week the left axle shaft literally broke in half. The back hatch leaks water in the rain and the side door rattles in its track. We can only hope now that the tranny doesn't go. The Venture would have been a way better choice as far as reliabilty, but she couldn't find one in her price range. Good luck to all of you.

I have a 97 Caravan and whenever I use my left turn signal it turns both rear flashers on, and when I turn the headlights on the front light turn signal won't work. I see that someone else had I similar and was wondering if they had solved the problem. Dodge wants $70/hr to trace the wire. Please help me.

Thanks.

Wade.

I have been driving Chrysler products exclusively now for fifteen years. I have owned many vans, mini vans, LH platform cars, etc. Not only have I found all of these vehicles to be very easy to maintain, but the parts are plentiful and inexpensive. It amazes me to read stories about people who are eagerly awaiting to invest thousands of dollars more on a non-domestic because of a perceived superior product quality. Save your money, research how most of "drastic" problems can be repaired easily, and invest in your country. Buy American before it's too late.