Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
Headlights have steadily become fogged/ discolored. Believe this is caused by some kind of oxidation of the material from being exposed to the sun and other elements. Replaced one headlight with used partially clear unit 2 years ago. It to now is fogged to the point I can drive with my high beams on and no one knows it. My Caravan headlights on bright are considerably less bright than my 10 yr old civic on normal setting. Luckily I have not had an accident from this inadequacy but only because I drive around with my high beams on to help project some light on the road due to these defective lenses.
While driving, the front headlights lens fogged up, which made it difficult for the consumer to see during night hours. Ak the consumer was aware that this was a big problem with Dodge per Dodge dealers. The entire head light assembly would have to be replaced in order to resolve the problem.
Consumer complains about a headlight problem. The lens is not giving off enough light when driving at night. It appears that the lens is filled with condensation, and limits the amount of light being projected during night driving.
! State annual car inspection 2. Failed inspection due to headlight assembly plastic cover faded and would not allow sufficient light to pass inspection. This I believe is a manufacturer defect as it is common on all Dodge Grand Caravan (1996) and neon cars. This defect is something I believe should have been known to the manufacturer. It is certainly a safety defect affecting many Chrysler vehicles. 3. The part quoted from the dealer was #281.00 plus tax and installation I was told by my auto mechanic that this was a common problem with May 1996 Dodge Caravan vehicles. I am sure there are many other vehicles produced by Chrysler that have the same problem. I believe the manufacturer should be responsible for making all repairs.
Dealer replaced the multifunction switch on three occasions and tightened nut for ground eyelet once due to windshield wipers coming on by themselves and not working properly, door ajar light would illuminate while driving for no reason, dealer replaced body computer, however door ajar lights continue to sound and illuminate, interior lamps would come on and off for no reason, interior lights would flicker, dealer found a bad contact in the drivers door switch and repaired it, dealer could not find reason for other lights erratic operation, car alarm sounds by itself, remote alarm and lock does not cause vehicle to honk to let consumer know it has worked, dealer reprogrammed remote.
Windshield wipers still engage by themselves originally repaired 05/99. Transmission went out at30904 miles. Airbag light came on and horn stopped working had to replace click spring. Car stall while driving said it needed tune-up. When using ac or driving in rain and making a turn steering gets stiff and cannot control. Interior lights flash dealer could not duplicate. Power door locks lock and unlock by themselves. Had to replace axle due to it being bent when new transmission was put in. Had to get new tires because axle threw off balance. Keep replacing batteries. Drove car for 10 minutes and fan came on and stayed on after car was turned off.
The turn signal is an intermittant problem that has been with the van since I have owned it. They just all of a sudden won't work. No lights, no flash, no nothing. Then for some unknown reason they decide to work. We just bought a 2000 Chrysler sebring and my wife is experiencing the same thing. Her dealer can't seem to find anything wrong with the sebrings turn signal either. I consider this a safety issue only because, during a rain storm I could not signal other drivers of my intent to change lanes before I got to my exit. This was not a pleasant experience. And yes, you guessed it, the next day they worked fine. Thank you for your help in this matter.
We have had multiple problems in most components of this vehicle including but not limited to both rear sliding doors, front and rear wipers, coolant leakage, engine fan & belt malfunctions, intermittent stalling, transmission failure and continuous malfunction, multiple parking brake malfunction and adjustment problems, multiple interior light malfunction, rear quad seat attachment problem, and other more cosmetic related problems with cracking door panel & poorly installed carpet & seat covers.
Intermittently when left turn signal is activated windshield wipers come on. Dealer has inspected and repaired vehicle, however problem has reoccurred. The vehicle would not start due to battery failure. The sliding door does not shut properly. Passenger door does not lock due to door lock motor failure. Drivers window makes noise due to regulator failure.
While driving vehicle about 45 MPH vehicle stalled on the road, causing lack of acceleration or power. Dealer and manufacturer were contacted. Windshield wipers come on by themselves, dealer replaced multifunction switch. Vehicle would not start up and run, dealer replaced battery. Steering wheel shakes while braking, dealer machined rotors.
Headlight complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the lights of the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan, 3% of the model year's 1,157 complaints. The component named most often is turn signal › switch (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles.
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.