Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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 driving 45 MPH with two passengers, consumer noticed smoke coming from vent near the rear sliding door. Consumer pulled over to the curb and waited 2 minutes, then checked under the hood to try to find the problem for the smoke. No problem was found, but while getting back into vehicle, the consumer noticed smoke spewing from the rear right side wheels. Consumer barely removed passengers from vehicle when vehicle went up in flames. There were no injuries, but the vehicle was totaled. Police and fire department were notified. Flames started shooting from under the hood.
This vehicle has a chronic design problem with throwing its serpentine belt whenever the tension pulley gets wet. Soon as the belt is thrown there is no power steering, and it steers 10 times worse than a mack truck. The lack of steering is a definite safety hazard to every other vehicle on the road. As it happens suddenly by driving through a water puddle, etc. There is virtually no time to react. In addition to lack of steering there is no alternator output, resulting in rapid battery drain. Also there is no coolant system fan resulting in rapid engine overheating. This design fault has been known for well over a decade, no make that 2 decades, but Chrysler has never acknowledged a problem. The problem dates back to all Chrysler Mini-van designs from the early 1990s to at least 2000. If the lack of steering is not a safety related defect I don't know what is. …
The van caught on fire while we were getting gas,the engine was off.the fire department had to come and put out the fire.the fire chief said that the catalytic convertor got too hot, caught the wiring system on fire, and burned a hole in the fuel line. He said as we were getting gas we were feeding the fire.all my children were in the car while it was burning. The fire dept. Filed an official report. Chrysler investigated, kept us waiting for a month. Then said they were not responsible. They won't let us see the report. They won't let us speak to a supervisor. We have not touched the car since the accident because it May be evidence. The inspector told us off the record that there were holes burned in the top of the gas compartment. I don't know what that means.another mechanic questioned whether or not the convertor was shielded and was a safe distance from the gas compartment.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Dodge Caravan. While driving in inclement weather conditions, water, or with the air conditioner activated, the vehicle temporarily loses control. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the serpentine belt slipped off. No warning lights illuminated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was repaired approximately five times, however, the failures recurred two months later. The manufacturer was unable to provide assistance. The speed was unknown. The failure mileage was 119,000 and current mileage was 135,000. Updated 01-23-08. The dealer stated upper radiator loose, loose clamps, front brake pads, belt tensioner, oxygen sensor, and alternator bracket. Updated 01/23/08
The problem is with the serpentine belt. It can slip off. When it does, you power steering goes (safety) and your car can overheat within minutes. You are stranded. Putting the belt yourself is not easy, even with the diagram (thank goodness they have the diagram under the hood for other mechanics, do it yourselfers) there is a service bulletin, but not a recall. I think they put on a bracket which will help keep the belt on track in case of wet weather.
The consumer heard a rattle in the engine. The consumer was told the cover in front of the engine was removed and the tensioner bearing had fallen apart. The timing belt and tensioner was replaced. There was a delay in the shift, and the consumer had to take his foot off of the gas to get the shift up. When the transmission was cold, it would delay engaging in reverse from park. Scc
Right after I bought the van at 33,000 miles the bumper paint started peeling away and the paint on top of the back truck door, it's terrible and looks like hell. I don't think it's fair that I have to pay for it to be repaired! I have a warranty and they say it won't cover , I have heard Dodge has had a recall on some years of paint peeling
Pedestal connected to rocker arm which is connected to cylinder head broke for no reason. Since it is all one piece, it all had to be replaced at a great cost. Warranty gold extended warranty would not cover it as they said it was a well known problem with this engine. Dodge denies there have been any complaints.
Was pulling out of parking lot when vehicle jerked hard in driver's hand. Lost control & hit a curb. Towed vehicle to dealership & mechanic discovered that tensioner wheel broke, and serpentine belt fell off. Also, mounts to side of motor & shaft had broken in half. Tensioner wheel needed to be replaced.
Engine loses lots of oil at speeds over 60 MPH. Also smell burning smell when engine shuts off. Radiator loses coolant. Don't know if there is a recall for these things. Also oil light only comes on when you take a sharp turn. Engine light has been on for a year, since we got it.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
In certain vehicles, the engine cylinder head oil galley plug does not seal properly and engine cylinder head oil is not adequately retained.
Remedy: Dealers will install an expansion plug and retaining bracket over the cylinder head oil galley plug.
NHTSA investigations
Fuel leakeage from rollover valve
There is no summary currently available
Engine complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1996 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 216 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1996 Dodge Caravan, 15% of the model year's 1,403 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (88 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Caravan engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-006 (gasoline, Jan 11, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Dodge Caravan engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 14 fires and 6 injuries to engine & cooling 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.