Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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
Car taken to dealership on two occasions for front end noise in the last 6 months. Dealership failed to properly diagnose problem. Upsold other service repair work as "needed" but not related to front end noise. Vehicle taken to outside service station for noise and told needed struts (previously done earlier in the year already) mechanic unable to perform repair due to rusting of both front strut towers. Vehicle brought back to dealer for further inquiry regarding rust of towers. Service manager acknowledged problem when I pointed it out. He had no explanation why his technicians failed to indentify on prior service visits. Chrysler contacted and willing to offer goodwill of 1/2 cost for body shop repairs. No loaner car provided. Waiting for adhesive needed to complete work, parts ordered 6/24/03, car left with dealership for 1 week. No repair done, no notification of delay. …
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan corrosion perforation condition at the top of the strut tower. The front driver side strut tower rusted. I am very concerned that the front end will collapse while driving. Driver's side strut tower completely rusted away. Making vehicle unsafe to be on the road. Someone is going to get hurt or killed if they don't recall these and fix them. Apparently Chrysler wants to be named after someone else once someone gets killed and then they sue Chrysler and win for Chrysler being careless and cheap when building a vehicle. …
96 Grand Caravan strut mount rust couldn't pass inspection and they said my kids could have died if I had a accident. This should be a major recall. The government involves in every aspect of our lives to keep our children safe until it makes corporation pay money to fix a known problem let see what you guys do with this. Sorry im upset just seems extremely dangerous and as I read on the internet tons of people with this problem and Chrysler knows about it caused I called the to and said if I had a issue to write to you guys but most likely nothing will be done. That is a quote from a Chrysler customer service rep.
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.
The strut tower did not fail at this time and no person was killed or injured, also no damage has occured. But I would like to report that the strut tower is rusting thru on the front right side of the Mini van. If this should rust completly through while the Mini van is moving at highway speeds, the driver could experience total loss of control and that could lead to serious injury and property damage including death of up to seven occupants of the minivan. What is chysler going to do to repair my minivan before a acident happens?
Nothing has happened yet, but fear of front end collapse is mounting. The strut towers look severely rusted even though older and newer vehicles of the same make and model do not demonstrate this potential failure. It seems that if this fails that the strut would push through the tower causing front wheel to move up and back resulting in loss of control, sudden swerve, and potential catastrophic collision.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. While inspecting the vehicle the contact noticed the front driver side strut tower was corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians informed the contact that there was a kit that could be installed to repair the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
Dt*: the contact stated there is an excessive amount of rust on both strut mounts. The rust was first noticed four years ago. The contact originally suspected the rust was surface rust however, it became progressively worse on the passenger side in the past year. The dealership offered a remedy however, no repairs have been made. Updated 04/11/06.
While getting having the vehicle serviced, the consumer noticed that the body strut mount tower had completely rusted out on the driver side. The consumer was told by a certified mechanic that after a few more miles the entire front suspension would collapse.
Suspension complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 60 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan, 5% of the model year's 1,157 complaints. The component named most often is front (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 7 injuries and 7 deaths to suspension 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.