Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Transmission locked-up on 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. When we contacted someone about obtaining a transmission, we were informed that the manufacturer had already sent letters to Dodge dealerships to expect to be contacted about transmission problems on the 1996 & 1997 Grand caravans; the dealerships were told that the transmissions in these vehicles were defective, but that they(manufacturer) would not have them repaired. My husband was traveling on I-40 business outside of winston salem, nc, when this happened. He had with him our 8 year old daughter and my step-daughter, they were stranded on the side of the road for over 4 hours, and at night. …
The differential pin came loose making a hole through the transmission case. Transmission fluid leaked into the torque convertor area and then onto my garage floor. This vehicle has only 74,789 miles. The mechanic told me that this is very common with these transmissions. He said it occurs when one wheel spins while the other wheel is stopped. In other words, if you live in a climate with snow or ice, this failure can occur at any time to your vehicle. I have contacted the manufacturer and they tell me this is not a defect and that they do not know of any problems with their differential pins. I contacted the service manager at the local dealership, he said that he has certainly seen this problem before, but since it occured outside of warranty, I am on my own. …
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan se. Transmission completely failed. Third owner at 155,000 miles. Happened to first owner as well. Leaked transmission fluid everywhere, rear gate was covered with fluid. Went through over 2 quarts of fluid a day for a 5 mile drive to work. Diagnosed as a loose pin which wore a hole in the transmission case. Could not have been prevented. A hole the size of a fist was blown through the top of the case when it finally failed. Also, this part is in such demand due to the number of failures with this model that a rebuilt transmission was almost $2000. Chrysler was contacted and refused to provide any assistance with the cost of this repair. Was on the road in a snow storm when transmission failed, which could have in turn caused a serious accident while stuck in the middle of the road.
- 96 Dodge Grand Caravan w/3.8 v6 and 41te 4spd transmision - 2 transmission failures - 1st went to about 125000, then kept hitting the "limp home mode" - 2nd has "torque converter lockup" problem, shops say rebuild again, after only 38000 miles. - fan relay went out before recall was issued, had to replace the radiator out of pocket. - had clock spring replaced after component failure relating to it (horn, cruise etc) - union city ga dealer attempted to fix the fuel return line issue, botched it up and caused major leak when refueling. They re-fixed it after much complaining.
1996 Dodge Grand Caravan se. Transmission completely failed (parked and running in driveway) with no advance warning. 81,000 miles, meticulously maintained. Diagnosed as a loose pin which wore a hole in the transmission case. A hole the size of a fist was blown through the top of the case when it finally failed. Also, this part is in such demand due to the number of failures with this model that a rebuilt transmission was almost $2000. Chrysler's chairman's office was contacted (case #11518366) and refused to provide any assistance with the cost of this repair.
I have a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan and it has had 4 transmission failures. Currently, the 5th transmission is in the vehicle. We have owned the Caravan since 1/97 when it was purchased with about 50K miles on it. It was a lease turn in vehicle used by a salesman not hauling heavy loads but making tobbacco sales calls. I have spoken with other similar vehicle owners and there has been an issue with the transmission failing. I feel that daimler Chrysler should recall the transmission for replacement with a satisfactory one.
Dodge '96 minivan stalling problem while in operation. Start up time 5-10 minutes later (very dangerous). Transmission slipped out of gear; problem escalated to full replacement. Not satisfied with replacement -"bumps" on second and third gears up and down. These have been costly repairs. Service engine soon light would not go out no matter what repairs were performed - full fuel and electrical systems. Rps raced to 15K. Replaced cam sensor, harness, hoses etc.
1st date of transmission replacement was in April 1999. Stuck in second gear. Still under warrantly, still had to pay deductible. Mileage was 35,000. Now 2nd transmission replacement at 96,000 stranded on the freeway with my children in the car. Transmission stuck and leaking fluid. Was not driveable. For a wopping cost of $2700.00
As I brought down speed of my vehicle from 65 MPH to stop today, just stopped dead at the stop sign and the transmission of my vehicle failed. When I searched the internet, I found a tons of people having the same problem. With so many people out there with the same problem there has to be a recall or a class action law suit .
Transmission failure. Numerous repair shops report that premature transmission failure is a near-certainty on this make and model year vehicle, due to a design flaw in the differential gear lubrication system. The manufacturer is aware of the problem but denies responsibility.
Transmission complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 209 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan, 18% of the model year's 1,157 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (168 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.