Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
BCM-1, (warranty) loss of dash functions 1996: BCM-2 estimate $1200 replaced Chrysler p/n p4686727 lost 95,000 mile odometer for a working BCM from junkyard (2001), BCM-3, lost fuel gauge and speedometer BCM from junkyard fixed p/n p46867(2006) bad windshield replacement leaks water into cabin, BCM-3, failed again currently no wipers, not able to find a 1996/1997 BCM only 1998 Plymouth voyager BCM p/n p04801062ae. Will try to validate compatibility tonight. Adel Chrysler estimate $1,400 plus labor. Already gave them $742 for tune up and trouble shooting what they said was a bad multi-switch ($110) did not fix and no discount for not knowing how to diagnose a problem properly. Their number is [phone] cory (karl is the service manager-owner's son).
The horn on my 1996 Caravan has stopped working; the air-bag warning light stays on all the time; the cruise control system is starting to fail. I saw the report that there have been complaints on newer models. I think the range of model years needs to be broadened. I have also seen reports of other 1996/1997 models with the same problems on internet auto repair web sites.
Wipers turn on intermittently, inappropriately. Air bag light illuminated. Cruise doesn't work, horn doesn't work. Other than that, the car is in excellent condition and has been maintained well. ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****769501
When putting vehicle in gear and leaving gas station the engine acted as though the accelerator pedal was stuck to the floor, vehicle accelerated extremely fast and would not stop until it hit a concrete post. Vehicle is being repaired at a body shop.
Consumer was traveling about 70mph on highway and vehicle started picking speed and landed in a ditch. Driver had to turn vehicle off. Brakes burned up and vehicle had to be towed. Nothing was being done, and consumer will talk with a lawyer.
Was braking vehicle to stop when it suddenly accelerated into a field. Took vehicle to dealer for repairs. Picked vehicle up. Went to church & vehicle accelerated, again. Vehicle's engine was racing when tow truck driver turned vehicle on.
Since I have had this vehicle, the air bag light comes on and will stay on thus I do not know if the air bag would work or not if needed. My cruise control alternates working and not as does the check engine light. Most of the time the check engine light is on and everytime I have had it checked, I have been told they reset it and everything look good. The computer does not show anything wrong. The cruise will come on sometimes and it will not at others. I think this vehicle as well as others I have talked to has a defect and I would like to see you check it out and have them do a recall and correct the electrical problems. I took my vehicle back several times during the first few months I had it for repairs and the same type probles keep occurring. My wipers will also at times come on with out being turned on. My sisters Caravan does the same thing.
Airbag light came on and stayed on, no horn or cruise control. A few days later I read about Chrysler minivans being investigated because of faulty clockspring assemblies. After reading that, I called our dealer and asked if there was a recall on it. None! This is definitely a safety issue. No airbag, no horn means dangerous driving conditions. We had to pay to have the part replaced. After reading through 96 complaints about this part on your website, I thought I would add my complaint. Chrysler paid for our new transmission, but we had to pay labor. Also paid for the new elect. For ac knob.
Clockspring failed also disabling the horn and the cruise control. After contacting the dealer about the airbag light being on and describing the symptoms I was told it was going to be the clockspring. The service department acknowledged this is a common failure in the Caravan but refused to warrant it as veh out of manufacturers warranty. Contacted daimler-Chrysler customer service and they acknowledged the problem is widespread but no recall issued and they are unwilling to reimburse me at this time.
NHTSA investigations
Dc minivan fuel injector rail leak
There is no summary currently available
Fuel leaks from the gas tank
Analysis to date indicates that some of the subject vehiclescontinue to experience fuel leaks from the fuel tank at the sending unit interface.most often the leak involves the o-ring seal.
Fuel tank leaks
This engineering analysis was opened on January 31, 1997 based on information gathered during preliminary evaluation (pe), pe96-051. The pe was opened on August 19, 1996, to investigate allegations of fuel leakage from the area where the fuel pump/sending unit joins the fuel tank.for brevidy, this area will be referred to as the pump/tank interface.these allegations were first received by odi on August 2, 1996 while…
Acceleration complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1996 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 115 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1996 Dodge Caravan, 8% of the model year's 1,403 complaints. The component named most often is cruise control (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Caravan acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration 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.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Caravan acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 88,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries and 9 deaths to speed control & acceleration 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.