Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
As a precaution to other drivers.my 1996 Dodge Caravan 125000 miles,upon leaving a parking lot after a highway speed and city speed trip the vehicle would not move forward.a police officer waved me to stop.upon inspection of the passenger front tire we found the outer tie rod joint broke seperating at the ball socket causing the wheel to not move with the steering.by the grace of god it did not happen on the way with my family aboard.we were able the change the tie outer tie rod so we could return home.the other driver side outer tie rod was replaced the next day as a precaution.is there a recall about these tie rods? …
Transmission at 91,000 miles essentially exploded without warning. Chysler refused to help me I also had to call them back to be informed of the denial. I asked for the name and number of the zone manager and was told I could only get that from the dealer. Tom addis Dodge refuse to identify the zone manager or give me his number. I was then informed the zone manager does not talk to customers, and unless I could produce reciepts for routine maintance from the previous owners (who I cannot identify) there was no discussion, eveb if I had that proof I was told due to the mileage there would be no assistance. I asked to see thier TSB's and the service manager refused to allow me access to them, stating she was concerned about my motive to read them.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle would only go into reverse on two occasions. When the vehicle was turned off and restarted it worked properly. After the second incident the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. They determined the codes needed to be reset. The vehicle performed properly for a short period of time and then it started having problems again. However, this time the transmission would not go into drive until the vehicle was restarted. The manufacturer has not been alerted.
Lower left ball joint failed without warning during low speed (2 MPH) driving, causing the wheel to fall off, also destroying part of the sway bar and the left drive shaft. At highway speed, such a failure would have resulted in complete loss of control. The vehicle was in the dealership the prior day for routine maintenance and the dealership also performed state safety inspection four months prior. There was no evidence of ball joint wear or damage prior to the failure.
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
The transmission on my 1996 Dodge Caravan has failed again for the third time. It was replaced once in 1997 at 7,000 miles by Chrysler. It was reconditioned in 2000 at 56,000 miles by Chrysler. The most recent failure at 81,000 miles in December of 2002. Chrysler refuses to acknowledge a problem with the transmission and refuses to perform any "good will" repairs.
Tl* - the contact was stopped at the light when she saw smoke coming from her car. She pulled her car over and got out and the car burst into flames. The contact said that she can get a fire and police report. The contact also said that there is a safety recall on the engine cylinder head. The safety recall number is 96V006000.
Vehicle leaked transmission fluid. The vehicle was taken to a service station where it was determined that the transmission case was breached by a drive pin which was coming loose from the assembly. The consumer contacted the manufacturer but since the vehicle was no longer under warranty they refused any assistance.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Dodge Caravan. When the key is not in the ignition, the vehicle will shift out of the park position. The vehicle backed into a fence and then struck a tree. The dealer and manufacturer have not been notified. The VIN and engine size were unknown. The failure and current mileages were 110,000.
While driving between 25-35 MPH vehicle stopped accelerating. Transmission fluid leaked out. This was due to the differential shaft not being properly bolted at the factory. As a result, it blew a hole in the housing. The transmission case was breached by a drive pin that had come loose from the assembly.
Transmission complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1996 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 185 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1996 Dodge Caravan, 13% of the model year's 1,403 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (138 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Caravan transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 88,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.