Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
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).
Windsheild wipers stop functioning in the middle of the winsheild. The wipers start functioning again after I operate the switch again, but they start and stop continiously. I have had the multi-function switch replaced (proven not-defective as per dealer), and the failure still persists. In fact, it seems that every Caravan owner I speak to has the same problem.
While driving, the wiper stopped working. Upon turning the windshield washer on, they will work for a minute and then stop again. The consumer has made several repairs which has not corrected the problem. Please provide any further information. The consumer stated that traveling at 65 MPH in a rain storm was dangerous. Problem still exists.
Windshield wipers intermittently turn on by themself while driving. This occurs more frequently when the turn signal is engaged. Dealership urged consumer to replace the wiper motor arms and the BCM. The failure progressed, and currently the windshield wipers were inoperative. TSB 083198a was issued.
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
Windshield wipers do not function properly; intermittent mode will sometimes run constant, or will stop completely in the middle of the windshield and will not immediately come back on. Twice, in the past month, I have had to abruptly pull off the road because of not being able to see through the windshield. This is extremely dangerous and will most certainly cause an accident at some point in time, if it already hasn't. The dealership (white bear Dodge, in mn) suggested I replace the multi function switch, which I did and paid $273.45, but it did not correct the problem. Also, after very little time researching this exact problem via message boards and forums on the internet, it is quite apparent to me that this is a common problem on many year, makes and models of Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler Mini vans. I purchased this car in nov. …
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.
Integrated child seat wont retract when pulled out. Weatherstripping on drivers door fell off found out the drivers door was not aligned properly. Constant belt noise especially during wet conditions. Dealer must repeatedly tighten them. Brakes pulsate when applying them. Replaced numerous components on rear brakes. Fuel tank would not read fuel level correctly. Dealer had to replace fuel tank, fuel pump, and other components and said the fuel tank was bowed. Dual sliding doors have to be repeatedly adjusted because they become difficult to slide. Driver's side window regulator broke for no apparent reason. Right rear child safety seat had hole in the buckle. Replaced battery once.installed child safety belt extensions due to recall. Van is now back in shop for unknown problems, will not start.
Wipers turn on unexpectedly, under various circumstances, without the switch being touched, runs for only a few swipes, then it shuts off again. This happens in wet or dry conditions, with the vehicle sitting still or in motion, occasionally occurs upon starting. Initially this would occur infrequently, maybe once a week, now almost daily. Usually it is only one swipe, but more recently this has gotten worse, with as many as 4 swipes without warning or demand. We suspect the operating switch is the culprit. This vehicle was bought "used" from the listed dealer and there is no readily apparent warranty or related factory recall.
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.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1996 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 111 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1996 Dodge Caravan, 8% of the model year's 1,403 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (76 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Caravan window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.