RecallRepo

1996 Dodge Caravan Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 1996 Dodge Caravan has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 3,861,190 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 2,178 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the air bags. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

AIR BAGS 02V293000 2002-11-07 1,500,521 affected
Defect

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN WOUND INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION WILL MANIFEST ITSELF THROUGH ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, AND COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A DRIVER'S AIR BAG OPEN CIRCUIT, IF THE PART IS NOT REPLACED IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL VEHICLES WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS. AN EXTENDED LIFETIME WARRANTY WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON THIS COMPONENT FOR ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL ALSO REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED ON THEIR VEHICLES. …

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 00V268000 2000-09-13 1,163,000 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS BUILT WITH 3.3L AND 3.8L ENGINES HAVE FUEL RAILS WITH NITROLE RUBBER O-RING SEALS THAT CAN DEGRADE OVER TIME. FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE UNDERHOOD FUEL INJECTION FUEL RAIL COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A VEHICLE FIRE.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ON THE VEHICLE FUEL RAILS TO PREVENT EXTERNAL LEAKAGE OF FUEL FROM THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE, SHOULD THE EXISTING O-RINGS CONTINUE TO DEGRADE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2002. DUE TO THE LARGE QUANTITY OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN, THE OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE…

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 99V216000 1999-08-09 635,469 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE FUEL TANK AT THE INTERFACE OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ATTACHMENT.

Consequence

IF A FUEL LEAK OCCURS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ATTACHING NUT WITH A NUT THAT INCLUDES TIGHTER DESIGN TOLERANCES. THE SEALING O-RING WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.

CHILD SEAT 98V185000 1998-08-06 157,000 affected
Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRATED CHILD SEATS. THE SHOULDER HARNESS RESTRAINT ON THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT CAN BECOME DIFFICULT TO EXTRACT WHEN THE SAFETY BELT LATCH PLATE BECOMES CONTAMINATED.

Consequence

THIS CAN CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING A CHILD FROM THE RESTRAINT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE LATCH MECHANISM. AN EXTENDER WILL BE ADDED TO THE EMERGENCY RELEASE ANCHOR FOR THE CHILD SEAT SAFETY BELTS SO THAT THE RELEASE CLIPS ARE MORE VISIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE TO THE OPERATOR IN THE EVENT THAT THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED. IN ADDITION, AN INSTRUCTIONAL OWNER'S MANUAL…

SEAT BELTS 96V136000 1996-07-18 200 affected
Defect

THE BOLTS WHICH SECURE THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT MODULES TO THE SEAT FRAME CAN BREAK.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THE OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT MODULE BOLTS.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 96V002000 1996-01-16 265,000 affected
Defect

A STATIC ELECTRIC CHARGE CAN BUILD UP ON THE UNGROUNDED METAL SECTION OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A SPARK TO OCCUR WHEN FUELING THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY IGNITE THE FUEL VAPORS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND STRAP FOR THE FUEL FILLER TUBE.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 96V006000 1996-01-11 40,000 affected
Defect

IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL IS NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINED.

Consequence

INADEQUATE SEALING AND RETENTION OF THE PLUG CAN RESULT IN OIL LEAKAGE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN EXPANSION PLUG AND RETAINING BRACKET OVER THE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 95V236000 1995-12-08 80,000 affected
Defect

THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE CAN ALLOW FUEL TO PASS INTO THE VAPOR CANISTER RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE INCREASES THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER TUBE WITH A FILLER TUBE THAT HAS AN ADDITIONAL ROLLOVER VALVE. THE ASSOCIATED ROLLOVER VALVE VAPOR HOSES WILL BE REROUTED.

SEATS 95V225000 1995-11-28 20,000 affected
Defect

THE BOLTS WHICH SECURE THE REAR BENCH SEATS TO THE SEAT RISERS MAY BE EMBRITTLED AND FRACTURE.

Consequence

IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, THE BOLT MAY FAIL AND CAN CAUSE THE SEAT TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE SEAT RISERS, WHICH INCREASES THE POTENTIALOF INJURY TO ITS OCCUPANTS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BENCH SEAT TO RISER BOLTS.

Complaints by component

AIR BAGS
196
5crashes1fires3injuries
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
138
2crashes1injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
111
1crashes
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
103
3crashes4injuries9deaths
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
99
5fires
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
88
1crashes21fires
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
76
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
63
2crashes1fires6injuries
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
63
4crashes2fires7injuries
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
61
Total complaints2,178

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“The contact owns a 1996 dodge caravan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, he opened the hood and noticed a fuel leak on top of the engine. No warning lights were…”

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · reported 2022-12-27

“While turning into a parking space I touched break and the van accelerated to full throttle. The van jumped the curb and was heading toward 3 people, I turned the steering wheel enough to hit a light pole instead of them. The van quit racing for a few seconds and then revved up again. The light…”

SERVICE BRAKES · reported 2015-05-09

“While turning into a parking space I touched break and the van accelerated to full throttle. The van jumped the curb and was heading toward 3 people, I turned the steering wheel enough to hit a light pole instead of them. The van quit racing for a few seconds and then revved up again. The light…”

STRUCTURE:BODY · reported 2015-05-09

“While turning into a parking space I touched break and the van accelerated to full throttle. The van jumped the curb and was heading toward 3 people, I turned the steering wheel enough to hit a light pole instead of them. The van quit racing for a few seconds and then revved up again. The light…”

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · reported 2015-05-09

“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the contact noticed that the horn failed to function. In addition, the odometer displayed an incorrect reading and the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent…”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN · reported 2015-02-01

“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the contact noticed that the horn failed to function. In addition, the odometer displayed an incorrect reading and the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent…”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2015-02-01

“I purchase this vehicle from owner in dec. 2013 and start having problem the owner I purchase it from purchase it from a bank back in 2006. They did know about an recall or etc. About this vehcle. The electric has problem and airbags, the fuel tank is leaking and fuel injection and etc,. Where can…”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2014-01-20

“I purchase this vehicle from owner in dec. 2013 and start having problem the owner I purchase it from purchase it from a bank back in 2006. They did know about an recall or etc. About this vehcle. The electric has problem and airbags, the fuel tank is leaking and fuel injection and etc,. Where can…”

AIR BAGS · reported 2014-01-20

Defect investigations

Investigation DP96014 Opened 1996-11-14 · open

DEFECTIVE AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR

CFAS SENT A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON DECEMBER 12, 1996, TO CHANGE THE INTENT OF THE PETITION TO AIRBAG AGGRESSIVITY AND DEPLOYMENT VARIABILITY.NHTSA RECEIVED THE LETTER ON 12/12/96; ACCORDINGLY, THE PETITION DUE DAY WAS CHANGED TO APRIL 12, 1997.CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER…

Investigation EA01007 Opened 2001-02-21 · closed 2002-11-22

AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING

There is no summary currently available

Investigation EA96025 Opened 1996-10-15 · closed 1998-07-30

SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILURE

ANALYSIS OF KNOWN INCIDENTS INDICATES A DECLINING TREND OVER THE LAST FIVE CALENDAR QUARTERS.EXTENSIVE TESTING OF INCIDENT VEHICLES HAS FAILED TO REPRODUCE OCCURRENCES OF FULL LATCH DISENGAGEMENT.NO FAILURE MODE WHICH COULD CAUSE A PROPERLY LATCHED DOOR TO LOSE FULL LATCH ENGAGEMENT WHILE DRIVING HAS BEEN VERIFIED AS…

Investigation EA97002 Opened 1997-01-31 · closed 1998-02-10

FUEL TANK LEAKS

THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS WAS OPENED ON JANUARY 31, 1997 BASED ON INFORMATION GATHERED DURING PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE), PE96-051. THE PE WAS OPENED ON AUGUST 19, 1996, TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE AREA WHERE THE FUEL PUMP/SENDING UNIT JOINS THE FUEL TANK.FOR BREVIDY, THIS AREA WILL BE…

Investigation EA97003 Opened 1997-01-31 · closed 1998-08-19

INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKUP

THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT IDENTIFYING A SAFETY DEFECT AND OUTLINING THE PROPOSED REMEDY.RECALL NUMBER 98V-185 HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THIS SAFETY RECALL.

Investigation EA97003 Opened 1997-01-31 · closed 1998-08-19

INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKUP

THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT IDENTIFYING A SAFETY DEFECT AND OUTLINING THE PROPOSED REMEDY.RECALL NUMBER 98V-185 HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THIS SAFETY RECALL.

Investigation EA99013 Opened 1999-06-11 · closed 2001-08-10

POST COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM

Investigation PE00032 Opened 2000-08-08 · closed 2001-02-21

AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING

There is no summary currently available

Investigation PE95053 Opened 1995-10-25 · closed 1995-12-22

FUEL LEAKEAGE FROM ROLLOVER VALVE

There is no summary currently available

Investigation PE96008 Opened 1996-01-25 · closed 1996-06-28

SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATION

There is no summary currently available

Investigation PE96038 Opened 1996-05-16 · closed 1996-10-15

SLIDING DOOR LATCH FAILURE

CHRYSLER MAINTAINS THAT THE COMMON FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO KNOWN SLIDING DOOR OPENING INCIDENTS IS PRIOR INCORRECT DEALER LATCH ADJUSTMENT.CHRYSLER ATTRIBUTES THIS PROBLEM TO AN INACCURATE SERVICE MANUAL PROCEDURE - SLIDING DOOR LATCH/LOCK CONTROL, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION.CHRYSLER FURNISHED INFORMATION SHOWING THAT…

Investigation PE96051 Opened 1996-08-19 · closed 1997-01-31

FUEL LEAKS FROM THE GAS TANK

ANALYSIS TO DATE INDICATES THAT SOME OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLESCONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE FUEL LEAKS FROM THE FUEL TANK AT THE SENDING UNIT INTERFACE.MOST OFTEN THE LEAK INVOLVES THE O-RING SEAL.

Investigation PE99010 Opened 1999-02-03 · closed 1999-06-11

POST-COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY

There is no summary currently available

Investigation RQ00008 Opened 2000-03-09 · closed 2002-03-18

DC MINIVAN FUEL INJECTOR RAIL LEAK

There is no summary currently available

Investigation SQ96016 Opened 1996-09-18 · closed 1997-02-04

INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKUP

ODI CONTINUES TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING LATCHING/RETRACTOR MECHANISM PROBLEMS.CHRYSLER'S ASSESSMENT OF THE PROBLEM INDICATES THAT OWNERS OF THE VEHICLES ARE NOT ADHERING TO THE CLEANING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SEAT.THE SEAT APPEARS TO MALFUNCTION IF CRUMBS OF FOOD OR BEVERAGE RESIDUE ACCUMULATES ON THE LATCHING…

Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1996 Dodge Caravan as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.