Dodge Grand Caravan 1996–2000 problems by year and mileage
3rd generation (NS)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20263,174 complaints, 898 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan
Close- Median failure report
- 100,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,157
- Recalls naming this year
- 9
Most reported on the 1996
- Airbag system211 reports
- Transmission and driveline209 reports
- Electrical system197 reports
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Fuel system, gasoline — fuel injection system · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
Close- Median failure report
- 103,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 583
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 1997
- Airbag system107 reports
- Electrical system104 reports
- Engine and its cooling system102 reports · median 94,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Fuel system, gasoline — fuel injection system · Child seat
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
Close- Median failure report
- 90,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 559
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 1998
- Engine and its cooling system129 reports · median 86,000 mi
- Airbag system104 reports · median 88,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline81 reports · median 78,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags · Air bags — frontal · Fuel system, gasoline — fuel injection system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
Close- Median failure report
- 87,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 432
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 1999
- Airbag system83 reports · median 79,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline72 reports
- Electrical system62 reports · median 89,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags · Fuel system, gasoline — fuel injection system · Exterior lighting — headlights
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
Close- Median failure report
- 80,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 443
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2000
- Transmission and driveline95 reports · median 51,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system77 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Suspension56 reports · median 100,000 mi
Recall areas Seats · Equipment adaptive/mobility · Air bags
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 1997; earliest: the 2000, and the 1997 is 3 years older (part of the gap is age).
The short answer
“Is the 1996–2000 Dodge Grand Caravan reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 91,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 156,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 898
- Recalls
- 18
Most reported
- Engine and its cooling system17.1% of complaints · median 89,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline17.0% of complaints · median 71,000 mi
- Airbag system16.8% of complaints · median 86,000 mi
Owners filed 3,174 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996–2000 Dodge Grand Caravan; the engine and its cooling system leads with 17.1% of them, and half of the 898 that record an odometer reading came by 91,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 65,000 to 120,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 1996–2000 Dodge Grand Caravan last?
On the 1996–2000 Dodge Grand Caravan, half of the 898 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 91,000 miles and 90% by 156,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
114 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 30 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Grand Caravan reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Dodge Grand Caravan 1996–2000 · 898 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 93 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 30 complaints (3.3%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 41,000
- 25%
- 65,000
- Median
- 91,000
- 75%
- 120,000
- 90%
- 156,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 16 | 1.8% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 16 | 1.8% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 21 | 2.3% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 26 | 2.9% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 55 | 6.1% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 53 | 5.9% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 72 | 8.0% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 76 | 8.5% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 93 | 10.4% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 81 | 9.0% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 88 | 9.8% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 50 | 5.6% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 70 | 7.8% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 44 | 4.9% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 23 | 2.6% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 33 | 3.7% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 18 | 2.0% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 13 | 1.4% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 12 | 1.3% |
| 190,000–200,000 | 8 | 0.9% |
| 200,000+ | 30 | 3.3% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Grand Caravan problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Dodge Grand Caravan 1996–2000
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Transmission and driveline538 reportsmedian 71,000middle half 50,000–100,000
- Airbag system534 reportsmedian 86,000middle half 66,000–113,000
- Engine and its cooling system542 reportsmedian 89,000middle half 64,000–120,000
- Throttle and speed control241 reportsmedian 89,000middle half 65,000–106,000
- Electrical system476 reportsmedian 96,000middle half 66,000–134,000
- Hydraulic brake circuit273 reportsmedian 99,000middle half 60,000–117,000
- Fuel system256 reportsmedian 108,000middle half 87,000–145,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and its cooling system | 542 | 17.1% | 89,000 | 64,000–120,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 538 | 17.0% | 71,000 | 50,000–100,000 |
| Airbag system | 534 | 16.8% | 86,000 | 66,000–113,000 |
| Electrical system | 476 | 15.0% | 96,000 | 66,000–134,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 273 | 8.6% | 99,000 | 60,000–117,000 |
| Fuel system | 256 | 8.1% | 108,000 | 87,000–145,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 241 | 7.6% | 89,000 | 65,000–106,000 |
| Suspension | 224 | 7.1% | 105,000 | 83,000–135,000 |
| Visibility equipment | 200 | 6.3% | 82,000 | 60,000–113,000 |
| Steering | 193 | 6.1% | 90,000 | 53,000–147,000 |
Known problems with the 1996–2000 Grand Caravan
Transmission
41TE / A604 Ultradrive automatic failure is the signature defect of this generation: solenoid pack faults, planetary and clutch pack failure, often well before 100,000 miles.
Engine
3.3L and 3.8L head gasket and intake plenum gasket leaks causing coolant loss and overheating.
Before you buy a 1996–2000 Grand Caravan: the 3-minute check
Generated from 898 mileage-tagged complaints, 18 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 18 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check transmission. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check engine.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Grand Caravan problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi21% below | At 90k mi48% below | At 120k mi72% below | At 150k mi87% below | At 200k mi97% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and its cooling system | 64,000–120,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 50,000–100,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 66,000–113,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 66,000–134,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 60,000–117,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel system | 87,000–145,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Throttle and speed control | 65,000–106,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Dodge Grand Caravan 1996–2000 · 898 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 21% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 48% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 72% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 87% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
1996–2000 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls (18)
NHTSA records 18 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the fuel system (4), seats (2), the airbag system (2) (why one area can repeat).
Jun 2010 · 2000 · SeatsThe seat occupant may be injured if the seat base pin were to break.
The defect. Access options is recalling certain trucks and vans built on Ford e150, e350, Toyota sienna, and Dodge Grand Caravan chassis and equipped with vmi/ricon 6-way power seat bases. The six way power seat base may have a defective (cold) weld on the pivot pin…
What can happen. The seat occupant may be injured if the seat base pin were to break.
The free fix. The swivel plate will be replaced free of charge if necessary. The recall began on june 8, 2010. Owners may contact access option at 831-722-6804.
Jun 2010 · 2000 · Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThe seat occupant may be injured if the seat base pin were to break.
The defect. All in one mobility is recalling certain model year 1997 through 2008 conversion vans equipped with vmi/ricon 6-way power seat bases. There is a possibility of a defective weld at the joint between the pivoting plate and the pivoting plate pin.
What can happen. The seat occupant may be injured if the seat base pin were to break.
The free fix. All in one mobility will notify owners and the vehicles will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall began on june 22, 2010. Owners may contact all in one mobility at 1-503-255-5005.
Oct 2004 · 1998–2000 · Air BagsThis condition will manifest itself through illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and could eventually…
The defect. On certain minivans, the driver's air bag may become disabled due to a failure of the clockspring, which is located in the hub of the steering wheel.
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly on all covered vehicles with 70,000 miles or less. For those vehicles with more than 70,000 miles, daimlerchrysler will offer an extended lifetime…
Dec 2003 · 2000 · EquipmentImproperly loading your vehicle can cause tire failure and result in a crash.
The defect. On certain minivans and 4x2 pickup trucks, the vehicle certification label may have gross axle weight ratings (gawr) that exceed the maximum tire load capacity as defined in federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 120, "Tire selection and rims for motor…
What can happen. Improperly loading your vehicle can cause tire failure and result in a crash.
The free fix. Owners will be provided with vehicle certification label overlays containing corrected information relative to vehicle gawr and tire size. Owner notification began march 1, 2004. Owners should…
Mar 2003 · 2000 · StructureThis overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
The defect. Certain pickup truck, van, and MINI van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might…
What can happen. This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do…
Nov 2002 · 1996–1998 · Air BagsThis condition will manifest itself through illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and could eventually…
The defect. On certain MINI vans, the clockspring assembly may have been wound incorrectly during the vehicle assembly process.
What can happen. 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…
The free fix. 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…
Sep 2000 · 1996–2000 · Fuel System, GasolineFuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
The 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.
What can happen. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
The free fix. 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…
Aug 1999 · 1996 · Fuel System, GasolineIf a fuel leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The defect. Vehicle description: minivans. Fuel can leak from the fuel tank at the interface of the fuel pump module attachment.
What can happen. If a fuel leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The free fix. 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.
May 1999 · 1999 · Exterior LightingThese vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no.
The defect. Vehicle description: MINI vans built for fleet sales only. The headlamp module does not identify the park lamp as "drl" as requirement of fmvss 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
What can happen. These vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 108.
The free fix. All fleet owners/operators will be mailed non-removable decals with the required "drl" letters.
Aug 1998 · 1996–1997 · Child SeatThis can cause difficulty in releasing a child from the restraint.
The 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.
What can happen. This can cause difficulty in releasing a child from the restraint.
The free fix. 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…
Dec 1997 · 1998 · Child SeatThe child seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a collision.
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger minivans equipped with integrated child seats. The shoulder harness restraint webbing was incorrectly routed around the metal reinforcement bar on these seats.
What can happen. The child seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a collision.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the routing of the shoulder belt webbing and any found incorrect will be properly routed.
Nov 1997 · 1997 · TiresSudden tire failure could result in a loss of driver control of the vehicle.
The defect. Vehicle description: passenger minivans equipped with p215/65r15 goodyear conquest tires mounted on steel wheel. The tires can experience a sudden air pressure loss without warning.
What can happen. Sudden tire failure could result in a loss of driver control of the vehicle.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the tires that were mounted on steel wheels.
Oct 1996 · 1997 · Service Brakes, HydraulicAs the hydraulic fluid in the master cylinder reservoir decreases, the level sensor will detect the loss of…
The defect. The master cylinder rear seal, between the hydraulic fluid and the vacuum reservoir, may not seal adequately allowing hydraulic fluid to be drawn into the power assist vacuum reservoir.
What can happen. As the hydraulic fluid in the master cylinder reservoir decreases, the level sensor will detect the loss of fluid and illuminate the instrument panel brake warning lamp. Continued operation of the…
The free fix. Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder on all affected vehicles. Addendum (4-14-97): vehicles inspected per Chrysler recall no. 707 And found to be outside the listed suspect master cylinder…
Jul 1996 · 1996 · Seat BeltsIn the event of a vehicle accident, the child seat may not provide adequate protection to the occupant.
The defect. The bolts which secure the integrated child seat modules to the seat frame can break.
What can happen. In the event of a vehicle accident, the child seat may not provide adequate protection to the occupant.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the integrated child seat module bolts.
Jan 1996 · 1996 · Fuel System, GasolineThis condition could cause a spark to occur when fueling the vehicle and possibly ignite the fuel vapors.
The defect. A static electric charge can build up on the ungrounded metal section of the fuel filler tube.
What can happen. This condition could cause a spark to occur when fueling the vehicle and possibly ignite the fuel vapors.
The free fix. Dealers will install a ground strap for the fuel filler tube.
Jan 1996 · 1996 · Engine and Engine CoolingInadequate sealing and retention of the plug can result in oil leakage which could cause a fire in the engine…
The defect. In certain vehicles, the engine cylinder head oil galley plug does not seal properly and engine cylinder head oil is not adequately retained.
What can happen. Inadequate sealing and retention of the plug can result in oil leakage which could cause a fire in the engine compartment.
The free fix. Dealers will install an expansion plug and retaining bracket over the cylinder head oil galley plug.
Dec 1995 · 1996 · Fuel System, GasolineFuel leakage increases the potential for a vehicle fire.
The defect. The fuel tank rollover valve can allow fuel to pass into the vapor canister resulting in the potential for fuel leakage.
What can happen. Fuel leakage increases the potential for a vehicle fire.
The free fix. 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.
Nov 1995 · 1996 · SeatsIn case of an accident, the bolt may fail and can cause the seat to break away from the seat risers, which…
The defect. The bolts which secure the rear bench seats to the seat risers may be embrittled and fracture.
What can happen. 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.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the rear bench seat to riser bolts.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 3,174 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 154 (4.9%)
- Fires
- 127
- Injury reports
- 102
- Fatality reports
- 6
Grand Caravan problems by model year
The 1996 drew the most complaints of this generation, 1,157, most of them about the airbag system, and the 1999 the fewest, 432. A typical year drew about 559.
That makes the 1996 stand out at roughly 2.1 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 1,157 | 124 | 100,000 | Airbag system (211) | 9 |
| 1997 | 583 | 132 | 103,000 | Airbag system (107) | 5 |
| 1998 | 559 | 215 | 90,000 | Engine and its cooling system (129) | 4 |
| 1999 | 432 | 179 | 87,000 | Airbag system (83) | 3 |
| 2000 | 443 | 248 | 80,000 | Transmission and driveline (95) | 6 |
What Grand Caravan owners reported
The contact owns a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, there was an abnormal noise and noticed that the vehicle's windshield wiper and blinkers had become inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was…
2000 · 110,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist and then stalled. Additionally, the odometer failed to display the correct mileage and the speedometer failed to display the correct speed…
1998 · 152,000 miles · Electrical system
the contact owns a 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shutoff and stalled without warning. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the front headlights became inoperable and the instrument cluster malfunctioned. The cause of the failures were not…
1999 · 39,000 miles · Electrical system
My van was parked out side luckys on mitalda near w maude avenue in sunnyvale ca 94086 i was using the water refilling station and started to smell smoke when i turned around i imideatlly noticed that the drivers side rear taillight was on fire. Not having a fire extinguisher i took the bottle of water i had in my…
1997 · 158,000 miles · Electrical system
Built from 898 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Grand Caravan generations
- Grand Caravan 2001–2007 1,932 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system
- Grand Caravan 2008–2020 4,707 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system