Model year record

1996 Dodge Caravan

9 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 2,178 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V293000

Air bags: frontal

Component
Air bags: frontal
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
1,500,521
Reported to NHTSA
2002-11-07
Owners notified
2002-11-18

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN WOUND INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V268000

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
1,163,000
Reported to NHTSA
2000-09-13
Owners notified
2002-01-25

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V216000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
Manufacturer
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
635,469
Reported to NHTSA
1999-08-09
Owners notified
2000-01-09

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE FUEL TANK AT THE INTERFACE OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ATTACHMENT.

Safety risk

IF A FUEL LEAK OCCURS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V185000

Child seat

Component
Child seat
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
157,000
Reported to NHTSA
1998-08-06
Owners notified
1998-11-30

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS CAN CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING A CHILD FROM THE RESTRAINT.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V136000

Seat belts: integrated child seat

Component
Seat belts: integrated child seat
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
200
Reported to NHTSA
1996-07-18
Owners notified
1996-08-27

Defect description

THE BOLTS WHICH SECURE THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT MODULES TO THE SEAT FRAME CAN BREAK.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THE OCCUPANT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT MODULE BOLTS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V002000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
265,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-01-16
Owners notified
1996-02-16

Defect description

A STATIC ELECTRIC CHARGE CAN BUILD UP ON THE UNGROUNDED METAL SECTION OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A SPARK TO OCCUR WHEN FUELING THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY IGNITE THE FUEL VAPORS.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND STRAP FOR THE FUEL FILLER TUBE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V006000

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline

Component
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
40,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-01-11
Owners notified
1996-04-22

Defect description

IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL IS NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINED.

Safety risk

INADEQUATE SEALING AND RETENTION OF THE PLUG CAN RESULT IN OIL LEAKAGE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN EXPANSION PLUG AND RETAINING BRACKET OVER THE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG.

Recall campaignNHTSA 95V236000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
80,000
Reported to NHTSA
1995-12-08
Owners notified
1996-01-02

Defect description

THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE CAN ALLOW FUEL TO PASS INTO THE VAPOR CANISTER RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE.

Safety risk

FUEL LEAKAGE INCREASES THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 95V225000

Seats

Component
Seats
Manufacturer
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
Vehicles affected
20,000
Reported to NHTSA
1995-11-28
Owners notified
1996-02-12

Defect description

THE BOLTS WHICH SECURE THE REAR BENCH SEATS TO THE SEAT RISERS MAY BE EMBRITTLED AND FRACTURE.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BENCH SEAT TO RISER BOLTS.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Air bags19680,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission13887,625 mi
Electrical system: horn111106,000 mi
Vehicle speed control10318,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly9972,943 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline88
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer7680,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine63100,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip6311,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch6113,000 mi
Air bags: frontal51123,511 mi
Structure: body: door49
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump42151,000 mi
Unknown or other4266,000 mi
Child seat39
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys36135,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner32
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system3090,193 mi
Fuel system, gasoline29125,000 mi
Electrical system28112,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor2696,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components25
Electrical system: ignition22
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash2060,000 mi
Seat belts: integrated child seat20
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control16
Exterior lighting: headlights1690,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap1576,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system1544,000 mi
Suspension1580,525 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor15
Engine and engine cooling1372,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery12
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system1275,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch12
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: wheel cylinders12
Tires12
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan11
Power train: manual transmission1183,000 mi
Steering1172,000 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar11
Seats10
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump10
Tires: tread/belt1099,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers9
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system9
Seats: front assembly: recliner947,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control987,600 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood8
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings846,411 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch8
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum8
Suspension: front896,000 mi
Suspension: front: macpherson strut897,000 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator7119,000 mi
Interior lighting7
Power train7
Power train: axle assembly7
Power train: driveline: driveshaft726,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc7
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads7
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly7
Visibility: windshield7
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module6106,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module6144,345 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery6
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter6
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly6
Seat belts: front: retractor6
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)6
Suspension: front: shock absorber6100,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor6
Visibility: power window devices and controls6
Electrical system: wiring5120,000 mi
Fuel system, other5
Parking brake5
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines575,000 mi
Seat belts: rear/other5
Service brakes, hydraulic592,875 mi
Equipment466,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: concealment devices485,055 mi
Parking brake: conventional4
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable4
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal4
Seat belts4
Seat belts: front: anchorage4
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper4
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/linings4
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder4
Structure: body4125,000 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate4
Suspension: rear4
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core4
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element4
Visibility: glass, side/rear4
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring450,000 mi
Child seat: tether: strap/webbing3
Electrical system: starter assembly3
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly3
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor3
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.3
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch3
Exterior lighting: turn signal3
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)3110,000 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit3
Seats: mid/rear assembly380,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: drum3
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings380,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion3
Structure3103,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm3
Suspension: rear: shock absorber3
Vehicle speed control: linkages3
Air bags: side/window2150,000 mi
Child seat: harness retainer/chest clip2
Electrical system: ignition: switch2
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings268,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)2
Equipment: electrical2
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift2
Exterior lighting: back up lights: switch2
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch2
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit2
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail2
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting2
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system2
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical2
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid2
Steering: rack and pinion: rack2
Structure: body: bumpers2
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar2106,562 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing2
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly2
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire2
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal2
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system2
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer218,000 mi
Child seat: handle (infant)1
Child seat: harness buckle: infant1
Child seat: retractor1
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables1144,345 mi
Engine172,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel1
Engine and engine cooling: engine: other fuel types: turbo/supercharger1
Exterior lighting1
Exterior lighting: back up lights1
Exterior lighting: brake lights1
Exterior lighting: tail lights1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: auxillary tank1
Fuel system, other: storage1
Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly: filling/charging1
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock1
Latches/locks/linkages: tailgate: latch1
Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid: lock1
Power train: axle assembly: banjo housing1
Seats: front assembly: head restraint1
Seats: front assembly: power adjust1
Service brakes1
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light185,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module1
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum1
Steering: column1
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections1
Steering: linkages1
Steering: linkages: arm: idler and attachment1
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments1
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments1100,631 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint1106,562 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint1106,562 mi
Suspension: front: springs: air suspension system1
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar1
Suspension: rear: springs168,126 mi
Tires: bead1
Tires: sidewall1
Unknown1
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior1
Wheels1106,562 mi
Wheels: rim1

The 1995 model has 3 times as many complaints as this one. The 1997 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Open investigations

An investigation is not a recall. It indicates that NHTSA is currently evaluating an alleged defect but has not reached a final determination.

DP96014DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR

Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.