1996-2000 Dodge Caravan: Reliability

Updated: 11/23/08

1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES
2000 Dodge Caravan
View the Photo Gallery

1996-2000 Dodge Caravan 

  • Price Range:  $1,100 - $4,200
CG Rating

59

out of 100

About our Road Test

Pricing

Explore

Related to Dodge Caravan

View Another Vehicle

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
Advertisement

Car Buying Resources

Trade-in Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth.

Trade-in Calculator

Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer.

Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. The first...

Get a CARFAX report

What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn Things

Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance

Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers.

Sell Your Car

Search
Local Listings


to

submit

Vehicle
History Report

CARFAX

FREE CARFAX Record Check

Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.

Go
Advertisement
Advertisement