Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Called NHTSA via 888 line to check on a recall of an air bag switch transferred to "rowland". He took the make and model info and said there was a "recall" but that NHTSA did not have the VIN #s effected. He gave me the recall number for Chrysler [phone]. "beverly" asked demographic info and after repeated requests she finally did give some info. She says there is "no official" request but that Chrysler is conducting an investigation (she did not give me any expected date of completion). I was given a case # 10626557. I asked to speak with "someone" who could answer my questions about a timeline. I was on hold for approx. 5 minutes and "sharon crenshaw" (supervisor) came on the line and repeated that no timeline is available. I thanked her but told her that NHTSA told me that there was a recall. Sharon said that cars that are included will receive a notice via the mail. …
Dodge compromised with me on the cost of repair for this problem. However, I believe that within a year I will have the same problem again with the evaporator coil leaking. There are many people who have experienced this same problem. I hope that they will report it so that you become aware of the severity of the problem. Dodge needs to either recall or at least replace for free these expensive components that are failing prematurely.
Consumer was driving 50 to 55 MPH and the transmission locked up, causing the vehicle to stop instantly and the occupant was pushed in the the windshield. Also ABS brakes pulsated under heavier braking applications/child safety seat locked up, and it was nearly impossible to get 2-year old out/heater hose developed a hole and leaked/replaced power window fuse, and driveshaft broke, vehicle lost control, driver sustained injuries.
I was pulling out of a parking lot from a stop and the transmission went out. We had no warning whatsoever.the transmission cost us $1800. To replace. The air conditioner has been nothing but problems, we had a new compressor put in and have had the freeon replaced several different times. The clock spring which controls the airbag,cruise control and horn quit working and cost us $200. To have fixed.
While driving about 20 MPH heard a loud explosion with a bang in front of vehicle. Later, found out that transmission had a big hole in it, causing vehicle to lose all power. Had contacted dealer, and they were aware of situation which had not been solved. Consumer is requsting reimbursement for towing, rental car, motel, and repair expenses. Air conditioner failed.
1. Airbag light stays on, horn quit working. We were told this is the clock spring failure. 2. Engine check light on - computer code indicates this is a coil pack failure. 3. Transmission replaced at 55,000 mi. 4. Windshield wipers come on for no reason 5. A/C freon charge at 98,000 6. Water pump failure at 98,000
Air bag light on the dashboard has come on and will not go off. Dealership has not examined vehicle, but informed consumer he would be responsible for any repairs to vehicle. Consumer states horn also is inoperable. Air conditioner evaporator coil failed. Door locks do not go down automatically.
We now have a van that is basically falling apart and we can't enjoy it and still have to pay to fix it. So if there is something we can do then please let us know we havent had it even 18 months before it was to be parked and now we can't use it at all
The vehicle experiences problems with the turn signals and windshield wipers coming on unexpectedly. Also problems with steering column vibration, and odor that comes from the air conditioner. Please provide further information.
Blower motor resisted blocking and connecting harness was melted, which caused fan to operate on high speed only. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that repairs would only be made at owner's eexpense.
AC & Heater complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are ac & heater problems on the 1996 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the a/c & heater of the 1996 Dodge Caravan, 3% of the model year's 1,403 complaints. The component named most often is appliance › air conditioner (32 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Caravan ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for the 1996 Dodge Caravan, though it has 9 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to a/c & heater problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.