Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
The plastic headlight cover has turned opaque and has reduced the output of the headlights by approximately 50%. Due to the reduction of headlight output I have stopped driving the car at night due the low output. I have tried to use auto cleansers but the have not been effective..I think the headlight plastic lenses should be replaced.
The headlights lens developed a discoloration that reduced the lights illumination. This caused the vehicle not to pass state inspection. The state inspector charged consumer $155.00 to clean the lens. The cause of the discoloration was due to the type of plastic material being used.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the head lights retained water and caused them to appear foggy. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle as needing new head lights. The current mileage was 175,000, and failure mileage was 98,000.
Consumer stated when driving at night it was very difficult to see the road. The service writer informed the consumer that the plastic on the outside of the headlight was clouded due to the heat of the head lamps.
The headlights on our 1996 Caravan are the type with a clear plastic or glass cover over the bulbs. Over time, the clear covering has become very cloudy to the point that the headlights do not illuminate well enough to safely see at night. The lights are not damaged, the lenses are just not at all clear anymore. I thought the problem might be the headlight adjustment but our local Dodge dealer tells us the problem is with the cloudy lens. They say the only repair option is to replace the light assemblies. Our vehicle warranty is long since expired but I do not see this issue as one of warranty but rather safety. Any reasonable person should be able to expect the headlights on a vehicle to illuminate a safe path as long as the vehicle is continued in service. I've contacted Chrysler corporation and they say it is out of warranty and disagree with my safety complaint.
During the normal operation of this vehicle the windshield wipers will turn on randomly and stop without any driver interaction. It happened today as I was backing out of my driveway. It happens at all speeds and even standing still in park. It happened last weekend as I was passing a truck on the interstate at approx. 70mph. When it occurs it distracts me from my driving and sometimes startles me. The turn signal/wiper multi function switch has been replaced three times. The last time it was replaced was on 08/13/97 by landmark Dodge, inc., 6823 mt. Zion blvd, morrow, ga 30260, tel:770/968-4900 under invoice #docs22788.
Turn signals would work intermittently in hot/humid weather. Sometimes would not work with indicator turned on. Had changed the fuses each time problem happened. Also, sliding door lock does not regularly release with the lock/unlock switch. Further, it is unreliable with the manual lock/botton. The headlights, in hot/humid weather May or May not go off when switch is turned off. Been in contact with dealership.
The warning light came on for the EGR valve. Dealer has replaced the EGR valve. Vehicle uses less fuel now. Van shakes left and right at 37mph, and up/down at 48 MPH. At first, dealer denie dproblem. However, after they checked other vans and found same problem. Consumer believes shaking has to do with a faulty torque converter. Also , multi-function switch malfunctioned.
Socket for the light bulbs had melted the plugs. Also, serpentine belt was replaced 5 times due to breaking. Last belt was shredded to pieces. The tensioner gauge was replaced. In addition, air bag light kept coming on & the horn failed to work when used. Taking vehicle to dealer to check problems.
Windshield wipers would work intermittently. Would come on or go off on their own. This caused visibility problems for driver. Also, turn signal sometimes activated windshield wipers. Speed was not a factor. Taken vehicle to dealership & informed to contact manufacturer. No repairs done.
Headlight complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1996 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 46 complaints about the lights of the 1996 Dodge Caravan, 3% of the model year's 1,403 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Caravan headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
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.