Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
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 front passenger's side tire tread separated while driving 68 MPH. The driver was able to control the vehicle to the shoulder without injuries to herself. Tire- general, touring, p21565r/16. Three months prior, a different tire of the same model, completely separated on the interstate.
Tread separation, speed does not appear to be a factor, manufacturing statement everytime is overloaded or abused during use. These are in city use 15 passinger 1 ton vans. Both fords & Dodge. Latest incident was 5 days after asking Goodyear to check tires for balance or tread problems. At time of peeling there were 2 officers only in the vehicle, and speed was 60 MPH. Tires had less than 10K miles. Dealer again refused to honor replacement warranty, claiming tire was abused. These are load range e tires, on single tire axles, never more than rated caps. Seldom is the vehicle loaded to rated seating caps. Recommendations? Are there any recalls or safety bulletins ref. These tires with Goodyear? (tiresize: 245/75r16)( dot number: tire size: 245/75r16 )
Tread separation speed does not appear to be a factor, manufacture statement everytime is overloaded or abused during use. These are in city use 15 passinger 1 ton vans. Both fords & Dodge. Latest incident was 5 days after asking Goodyear to check tires for balance or tread problems. At time of peeling there were 2 officers only in the vehicle, and speed was 60 MPH. Tires had less than 10K miles. Dealer again refused to honor replacement warranty, claiming tire was abused. These are load range e tires, on single tire axles, never more than rated caps. Seldom is the vehicle loaded to rated seating caps. Recommendations? Are there any recalls or safety bulletins ref. These tires with Goodyear? (tiresize: 245/75r16)( dot number: tire size: 245/75r16 )
Purchased the tires on April 24,2004 from sears. I had my fiance take my vehicle back to sears approximately a month or month and a half ago and reported to them that there was a problem with the tires and all they did was rotate all 4 tires for me. Then tonight 12/4/04 we were driving home from outting with my children and driving 55m.p.h. And had to pull of the highway for a flat tire. Upon further inspection of the tire you could see where it looks to be the beading seperated. We are going to take the tire and the vehicle with the other 3 tires back to sears tomorrow, 12/05/04 and see what they are going to do about the problem with the tires. Tires are manufactured by Michelin and are road handler 215/65s16.
On 22 April 2002 at approximately 5:35 pm while driving on I-10 west near lordsburg, nm my van started to vibrate violently. I assumed it was uneven pavement however when I slowed down the vibration diminished but did not cease. Not sure what the problem was I exited and stopped for the day. The next morning while inspecting the car I noticed the passenger side rear tire was coming apart (badly). I had the damaged tire changed and the others inspected. The other tires appeared fine. I bought the tires new in April 1999. They have approximately 34,000 miles on them. I still have the damaged tire. Do you want it? Please feel free to contact me.
Tires had to be replaced at 20000 miles, serpentine belt failed on 4 seperate occasions, each occasion the power steering was lost causing a severe accident hazard, brakes failed without warning - replaced at 20000 miles, 2 freeze plugs failed without warning causing all antifreeze to leak out of car, front wipers go on without warning - at no specific speed, weather condition etc., all 12 lifters failed 2 times in the period of 1 month, turn signal will not turn off, and other minor miscellaneous problems.( dot number: )
Goodyear, conquest tires on Dodge, Caravan, 1996, size 215-65-r15, original equipment has given consumer problems. First tire, back left tire, went out about 4 months ago. Then, a few months later other three went out all at one time. Took vehicle to a gas station to get tires repaired, and attendent told consumer that he needed to get new tires because lining was not in good shape. Steel belt failure.
Orginial equipment on a 1996 Dodge, Caravan 1995, tire size p215/65r15, dot number m3t247x395, and tires have 49 thousand miles on them. 1 out of the 4 tires blewout when driving 60-65 MPH. Left rear tire tread peeled off 12 inch section, tread was flapping, three other tires have devoloped bubbles around the tread. Tires were inspected and noted there was 50% of tread left. The right rear tire blew out too.
Front drivers side Michelin radial x tires, p215/65r15, dot: hdt2472x215) on 1996, Dodge, Caravan experienced tread separation while driving at approximately 65 MPH. Consumer noticed crack in the sidewall of the left rear tire.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1996 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1996 Dodge Caravan, 2% of the model year's 1,403 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Caravan wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 107,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to wheels & tires 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.