Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
I own a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. I purchased the vehicle new. I have been experiencing problems with the wipers (front and rear) on this vehicle since I purchased it. The wipers come on "magically" while driving. The rear wiper sometimes comes on and stays on for prolonged periods, especially if the rear defroster is on. I have had the vehicle in three times to fix this problem, and it is still not fixed. The dealer now tells me that the main computer of the vehicle needs to be replaced....a $700 repair!!! This is absolutely ridiculous! I can not afford $700 for this repair, or should I have to. I have owned numerous cars over the years and have never had problems with the wipers like this. There is no doubt that there is a flaw in Dodge's design. These vehicles should be recalled immediately. This is definitely a safety concern. …
Our 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan's front windshield wipers one day went on, and stayed on whenever the engine was on {no matter what we did, nothing would shut the wipers off -- no way -- no how ! We tried everything electrical to get them to turn off.} I had to drive the vehicle for days/weeks while the front windshield wipers were on and couldn't be turned off, and nearly got in two accidents because I was so distracted. This went on for several days while I waited for the problem to automatically cease of its own accord, which it never did. The problem got worse with time. The front windshield wipers went on of their own accord intermittently in the beginning, then after days/weeks, we could not shut them off at all. …
The serpentine belt that runs the car jumped off track the first Monday in October when it was raining. I first noticed my power steering went out. Then a few minutes later it over heated. So when I got under the hood to find out what the problem was, it was the belt it was not broken just off track. Had it fixed. The same thing happened again on October 25, 2003 some 3-4 weeks later. Again it was raining. The person who fixed it the 2nd time states that every time it rains and if I get water in my undercarraige it is going to pop off. This is very discouraging, I am the single mother of four young girls and I should not be afraid to drive my van when it is raining. Can someone please make some sense out of this for me.
There are many problems with my 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. 1. The windshield and rear wipers will go on an off when they want too. Sometimes when you turn them on you can't turn them off. The back one will come on sometimes when starting the car. 2. The horn all of a sudden stopped working. 3. When my van hit around 80,00 miles the air cond. Stopped working and doesn't get cold. Took it to a place to check and they said it was a know problem with Dodge. And that it would cost around 1,500.00 to repair.
My windshield wipers on my 1996 Dodge Caravan quit working. It will not work on any mode. When I pressed the wiper washer, it squirted water and the wipers cycled once. I tried it again one time and it did not work at all. It worked one time but it cycled very fast. Also, it turns on anytime it wants to. It is so unreliable that I do not think that it is safe to drive cause you do not know when it is going to rain.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. While the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the rear tailgate glass spontaneously shattered. The contact has pictures of the failed component. He is in the process of having the vehicle repaired and notifying the manufacturer. The failure and current mileages were 125,000. Updated 07/29/08. Updated 07/29/08
My 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan wipers goes on and off as they please. I was told it could either wiper motor or computer brain box or both that cost upwards of $500. I didn't repair due to cost. I think that should be covered under a recall when it's distraction on the windshield and a safety problem. GM recalled thier wiper problems on the Chevy trucks.
Dt*: the contact stated over the past ten years the windshield wipers intermittently activated. The vehicle has been to the dealership where repairs have been attempted 4-5 times. The repairs made to the vehicle for the windshield wipers are unknown. The problem still persists.
The windshield wipers would not work, then every once in a while they will. I had them checked and the vehicle needs a 500 dollar body control module. It seems this is a very common failure, and in my opinion a defect!
Windshield wipers failed to function. They either quit working, worked only in one speed or engaged by themselves. Dealership replaced the body control module, which provided a temporary solution, but problem recurred.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 98 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan, 8% of the model year's 1,157 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (59 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.