Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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 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.
1996 Dodge Caravan - ridiculous....almost every puddle makes belt slip off and power steering becomes dangerous. This is the 14th time since I have owned the car. Should have a recall on all of these vans or a reimbursement plan for this or better yet.... A free final fix!!!!!!
I have taken the vehicle to three different dealers with complaints about the front end, the rubbing & clunking noise when making turns, the steering wheel shimmy and transmission problems (ie. Applying brake and trans not backing down, vehicle lurches).
The brake pedal goes to the floor. It has been almost 3 months trying to get fixed. The first dealer replaced the master cylinder twice and bled air to try to repair. The second dealer performed a brake inspection. They found a lot of air in the left rear line and also bled the ABS system. I also had them check the steering because the air bag light came on when I turned the steerring wheel and steering was noisey, like a groaning sound. They reported the clock spring clicking when the steering wheel was turned causing the air bag light to come on - and there is a moan or a honk noise when turning which would take new p/s hoses to repair. One week later the pedal was once again going to the floor and the ABS still coming on. The dealer said they would order a pump. Which took 2 weeks to get in. …
Power steering fails when water splashes of inside of tires on a slow turn entering through drain holes in boot installed to stop slush or snow from dilodging serpentine belt. 3.8 v6 engine. Chrysler has no cure said would change engine to a 3.0. I use vehicle for heavy loads sometimes and want large engine prchased. I found that by covering the two drain holes with duct tape the water stoped squirting into belt that caused belt to spin by power steering pully. Belt tension bearing has failed 3 times and the bolt that holds pulley on has sheared off once. Loss of steering and no belt to run engine
The air bag warning light will go out shorthly after engine starts. But then will come on at various times while driving to indicate that there is an air bag failure. I don't know if there is a failure in the air bag system of if there is a failure in the air bag warning light only. Will the air bag work if the light is out as one would expect and not work if the light is on which one would also expect. The indicator light will come on then after a bit go out. Please advise.
This vehicle has gone through 5 alternator/power steering belts (serpentine) and 3 belt tensioners over a period from 1/30/98 (12,858 miles) to 9/29/00 (39,761 miles). This seems to be far too many problems from this component and could be a safety hazard if it fails while driving (no power steering).
Aftering finding stains on the pavement van was driven to the dealership. Power steering pump was found rusted all the way through, causing power steering fluid to leak. Pump was being replaced by the dealership free of charge. Please list any further information.
The consumer has been experiencing problems with power steering. While driving their steering wheel locked up, causing a total loss of control when maneuvering. Investigation number ie 98054 "power steering loss." the manufacturer has not been contacted.
Steering complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 65 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Dodge Caravan, 5% of the model year's 1,403 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Caravan steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries to steering 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.