Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the brakes were depressed and failed to respond. The contact was able to avoid a crash. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the brake line was rusted and fluid was leaking. In addition, the contact stated that the rear axle was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 3/31/15
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the brakes were applied but the vehicle did not respond. The contact added brake fluid to the vehicle and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic discovered that the strut tower was rusted and the wheel cylinder had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified and told the contact to bring the vehicle in for repairs at the contact's expense. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,852.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving 25 MPH, the brake pedal slowly extended to the floor when depressed. The vehicle would stop three seconds longer than usual. The dealer stated that the failure was caused by dirty rear brake shoes. The knee pads, rotors, shoes, drums, and master cylinder were replaced. The hydraulic system was checked, but the failure continued. The purchase date was unknown. The failure mileage was 149,000 and current mileage was 150,198.
For 3 summers in a row, we have had to recharge the air condition system for it to only work 3-4 weeks at a time. Our mechanic says that it isn't that the air conditing unit has failed it seems to be loosing the freon some where.the locks on the van to the tail gate doesn't seem to work correctly, 90% of the time you have to beat on the lock from the out side for it to unlock. We have also replaced the brake pad approx 3 times and they still squeak and seem to grab at times.
While driving cruise control increased the speed of the vehicle. Consumer was unable to disengage the system. Vehicle went in access of 85 miles per hour. Vehicle was stopped by applying pressure to the brakes. The consumer stated that extreme pressure on the brakes was required to slow the vehicle over a distance of one mile. A large amount of smoke emitting from the front brakes for several minutes.
While driving vehicle lost brake power, and somehow the driver stopped the vehicle without incident. Consumer determined that a hole in the brake differential proportional valve caused the brake fluid to leak. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that valve was welded in the wrong spot, causing the valve to wear out over a period of time. Brake differential proportional valve was replaced .
Steering wheel locks after a 90 degree left/90 degree right turns, locks on second turn, causes loss of steering control, caused accident; also rear ABS brakes groan/vibrate, causing lack of braking power, decrease in stopping distance.
Body control module failure occurred during a move from maryland to georgia, resulting in failure of windshield wipers during rainstorm. Arrived at dealer only 451 miles after expiration of 75K warranty. However, neither the dealer nor Chrysler would assist in repair costs. Have submitted two lengthy voq's today as I am finally fed up with this Chrysler product and the failure of Chrysler and the NHTSA to enact additional forced recalls of these vehicles. The transmission, fuel tank, body control module, clock spring (which resulted in inoperative airbags), and suspension parts all failed long before they should have. Additionally, a cursory search of both NHTSA and other web sites reveals that these parts have a high failure rate. Despite being replaced by a dealer only two years ago, the steering rack on my minivan is already failing again. …
Two letters dated 05/23/98 and 06/08/98 addressed to mr. Robert eaton, ceo of Chrysler corp. Was sent with a repair history schedule containing 24 itemized occurences depicting the associated repair order number, nature of repair, mileage, date-in and date-out, remarks as to results, warranted repair or not, location of repair and cost if applicable. Also depicted was the number of times we repeatedly returned the vehicle for brake repair which was six times within first six months and six times regarding electrical within the first six months of possession which all is evidenced by the given information on the repair history schedule I provided with the letters. I received a response back from customer service to no avail. I would be delighted to provide you at your request a copy of both letters which includes the repair history schedule I eluded to earlier.
Front and back brakes were replaced due to being noisy, rear brakes began to vibrate, so dealer replaced rear shoes and rear wheel cylinders, right front brakes began making a metallic sound, dealer relined front disc brakes and resurfaced rotors, and cleaned and adjusted rear brakes, old parts removed from vehicle showed that one of the right front brake pads had failed, the brake liner on the pad had sheared or separated from the metal pad support, brakes began to make excessive screeching noises again and because of this the dealer replaced disc brake pads twice, consumer states front brakes are still noisy and have no brake pressure when driving 5-10 MPH, dealer advised consumer that the front brakes were already 50 percent worn after only 6000 miles and the back brakes only had 5 percent wear left.
Brake complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 106 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan, 9% of the model year's 1,157 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (32 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1996 Dodge Grand 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 Grand Caravan brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to brakes 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.