1996-2000 Dodge Caravan: Reliability
Updated: 11/23/08
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Our reliability study for this generation Dodge Caravan includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Dodge Caravan .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
Transmission may shudder when accelerating from a stop, thump when coasting down to a stop, or slip when shifting. (1996)
Blower motor:
Blower motor quits working and a new resistor and wiring repair kit is required. (1996-97)
Blower motor:
Blower motors make a whine in low and second speed. (1996)
Brakes:
The antilock brakes may activate at speeds under 10 mph due to one or more faulty wheel speed sensors. (1996)
Dashboard lights:
The instrument cluster, minitrip computer, and/or compass may show incorrect information or go completely blank due to a bad relay for the heated backlight. (1997)
Doors:
Sliding door and/or liftgate power locks fail to lock or unlock both manually or electrically. (1996)
Engine temperature:
Reprogramming the powertrain control module might correct overheating. (1997-98)
Radiator:
The radiator fan may run after the key is turned off, or may not run, leading to overheating because the fan relay attaching screws break and the relay overheats. (1996-97)
Rough idle:
Rough running in 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter V6 might be due to broken pedestals in the cylinder heads. (1996)
Rough idle:
Vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter or 3.8-liter V6 may lose power and/or buck and miss. Problem can be fixed by disconnecting the knock sensor. (1996-97)
Vehicle noise:
A thud or thump, which comes from the rear when accelerating or stopping, is caused by fuel sloshing in the tank. A foam pad and strap kit does not always fix the problem. (1996-97)
Wipers:
Windshield wipers come on by themselves or fail to stop when the switch is turned off due to a problem with the multifunction switch. (1996)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $490 |
| Alternator | $310 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,040 |
| Brakes | $390 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $605 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $385 |
| Exhaust System | $330 |
| Radiator | $480 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $330 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $230 |
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