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1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE

The 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan LE is a 158-hp 3.3-liter V6 with a 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $24,385 MSRP and is rated at 18 mpg combined.

It makes 158 horsepower at 4,850 rpm and 203 lb-ft of torque at 3250 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).

The Grand Caravan measures 199.6 inches long on a 119.3-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,952 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeMinivan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$24,385 ($50,511 *)
Engine
Engine Type3.3L EGA V6
Displacement3.3 L
Horsepower158 hp @ 4,850 rpm
Torque203 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
Injection TypeMulti-port fuel injection (MPI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission4-Speed Automatic with Overdrive, Electronic Control (41TE)
1st Gear2.84
2nd Gear1.57
3rd Gear1
4th Gear0.69
Reverse2.21
Final Drive3.62
Fuel Economy
City16 MPG
Highway22 MPG
Combined18 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded gasoline (87 octane)
Tank Capacity20 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent strut (Iso-Strut)
Rear SuspensionParallel leaf spring w/ rigid beam axle
Front Stabilizer Bar1.0 in
Rear Stabilizer Bar0.75 in
Brakes
Front Brake Disc11.07 x 0.94 in vented rotor
Rear Brake DiscN/A -- rear drum brakes, 9.84 x 2.87 in
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front15 x 6.5 in
Wheels Rear15 x 6.5 in
Tires FrontP215/65R15
Tires RearP215/65R15
Dimensions & Weight
Length199.6 in
Width76.8 in
Height68.5 in
Wheelbase119.3 in
Front Track63 in
Rear Track64 in
Ground Clearance5.4 in
Curb Weight3,952 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39.8 in
Headroom Rear40 in
Legroom Front40.6 in
Legroom Rear39.6 in
Shoulder Room Front62.5 in
Shoulder Room Rear63.7 in
Hip Room Front57.7 in
Hip Room Rear61.3 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan

Recalls

11 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1996 Dodge GRAND CARAVAN. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Nov 7, 2002 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 18, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

NHTSA campaign 02V293000

Sep 13, 2000 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

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 PHASED OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

NHTSA campaign 00V268000

Aug 9, 1999 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

NHTSA campaign 99V216000

Aug 6, 1998 · CHILD SEAT

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 SUPPLEMENT CARD WILL BE PROVIDED.

NHTSA campaign 98V185000

Oct 24, 1996 · SEAT BELTS:INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRAL CHILD SEATS. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. ON THE INTEGRAL CHILD SEAT, THE SHOULDER BELTS RESTRAINING THE CHILD RETRACT AND LOCK IN PLACE AFTER THE BELT BUCKLE IS CONNECTED TO THE LATCH PLATE. THE LATCH PLATE MOVEMENT LOCKS THE BELTS TO MAKE SURE THE CHILD IS RESTRAINED IN THE CASE OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Consequence: THE LATCH PLATE LOCATED IN THE SEAT CUSHION AREA MUST BE FREE TO MOVE BACK AGAINST ITS STOP AFTER THE BUCKLE IS REMOVED TO ALLOW THE SHOULDER BELTS TO BE PULLED OUT. ALWAYS BE SURE THE AREA AROUND THE LATCH PLATE IS FREE OF FOOD OR OTHER ITEMS THAT MIGHT PREVENT THE LATCH PLATE FROM MOVING BACK.

Remedy: OWNERS ARE BEING PROVIDED WITH A VIDEO TAPE AND 2 HARNESS CLIPS. THE VIDEO TAPE INSTRUCTS OWNERS ON THE PROPER USE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE CHILD SEATS.

NHTSA campaign 97I001000

Jul 18, 1996 · SEAT BELTS:INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT

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.

NHTSA campaign 96V136000

Jan 16, 1996 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

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.

NHTSA campaign 96V002000

Jan 11, 1996 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

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.

NHTSA campaign 96V006000

Dec 8, 1995 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

NHTSA campaign 95V236000

Nov 28, 1995 · SEATS

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.

NHTSA campaign 95V225000

Sep 25, 1995 · SEAT BELTS:INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT

Remedy: CHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH CHILD SEAT ASSEMBLIES WITH REVISED SEATS CONTAINING RETRACTOR IMPROVEMENTS. THE REVISED SEATS WILL ALSO INCREASE CHILD COMFORT BY INCORPORATING PROTECTIVE SEAT BELT WRAPS TO PREVENT BELT CHAFE.

NHTSA campaign 95I004000

1,167 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1996 Dodge GRAND CARAVAN

Owner Complaints

1,167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Dodge GRAND CARAVAN (32 mention a crash, 42 a fire, 26 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Air Bags210
Power Train204
Electrical System191
Fuel System175
Gasoline169
Engine And Engine Cooling167
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Apr 1, 2022 · Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System
“Rubber fuel line in main engine bay is leaking fuel and cracked I have seen others that have burned down for this issue. Dodge fiat Chrysler needs to be aware that all 1996 to 2000 dodge caravans and…”
Mar 10, 2016 · Engine
“MY 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN HAS THE SERPENTINE BELT ISSUE. IT FALLS OF IF IT RAINS. THIS PROBLEM IS DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW FROM DODGE. THEY USED SMOOTH PULLEYS INSTEAD OF GROVED. IN ADDITION GATES HAD…”
Nov 1, 2015 · Vehicle Speed Control
“WHEN DRIVING MY 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN THE SPEEDOMETER GOES CRAZY AND THE RPM GAUGE FLUCTUATES A LITTLE AND THE RPMS RAP OUT AROUND 40MPH AND WONT SHIFT ITS LIKE IT HIT SAFETY MODE OR SOMETHING I…”
Jul 20, 2015 · Structure, Tires 1 injury
“PURCHASED TIRE "AS NEW" FROM GRAVE'S TIRE IN CARTHAGE, TX. COME TO FIND IT WAS 6 YRS OLD WHEN PURCHASED AND DRY ROTTED AS IT BLEW IN 2 MONTHS TIME OF BEING ON THE VEHICLE. TIRE SHOP OWNER (LEO GRAVES)…”
Mar 2, 2015 · Suspension, Service Brakes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO AVOID A CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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