Eight problems related to alternator/generator/regulator have been reported for the 1996 Dodge Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
This vehicle has a chronic design problem with throwing its sepentine belt whenever the tension pulley gets wet. Soon as the belt is thrown there is no power steering, and it steers 10 times worse than a mack truck. The lack of steering is a definite safety hazard to every other vehicle on the road. As it happens suddenly by driving through a water puddle, etc. There is virtually no time to react. In addition to lack of steering there is no alternator output, resulting in rapid battery drain. Also there is no coolant system fan resulting in rapid engine overheating. This design fault has been known for well over a decade, no make that 2 decades, but Chrysler has never acknowledged a problem. The problem dates back to all Chrysler Mini-van designs from the early 1990s to at least 2000. If the lack of steering is not a safety related defect I don't know what is. We have a used wheelchair conversion Caravan van to transport my wife. This latest incident was the past Saturday night as we left a restaurant to return home. It had been raining profusely and suddenly I had no steering. I knew immediately what the problem was since this is the 3rd occurence in the past 6 months. Do you expect your vehicle to become inoperable just because you drive in the rain? why has not Chrysler been made to acknowledge this problem and issue a repair recall? I don't care if the van is over a decade old. This defect is one which endangers everyone else on the road and which Chrysler should have been required to address well over a decade ago.
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Caravan. While driving in inclement weather conditions, water, or with the air conditioner activated, the vehicle temporarily loses control. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the serpentine belt slipped off. No warning lights illuminated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was repaired approximately five times, however, the failures recurred two months later. The manufacturer was unable to provide assistance. The speed was unknown. The failure mileage was 119,000 and current mileage was 135,000. Updated 01-23-08. The dealer stated upper radiator loose, loose clamps, front brake pads, belt tensioner, oxygen sensor, and alternator bracket. Updated 01/23/08.
This vehicle has gone through 5 alternator/power steering belts (serpentine) and 3 belt tensioners over a period from 1/30/98 (12,858 miles) to 9/29/00 (39,761 miles). This seems to be far too many problems from this component and could be a safety hazard if it fails while driving (no power steering).
Starter wire shorted out and started a fire inside under the hood, fire department came and has a report. Dealer contacted and repair work done, vehicle under warranty.
Alternator belt failed.
Fuel filler neck of tank assmbly needs to be replaced due to leakage, cause unknown. Alternator failed. Parking brake pedal keeps falling off.
While driving the vehicle engine shuts down at low and high speeds. The dealer is attempting to fix the vehicle, but has not been successful yet. Alternator was replaced in September of 1997. Consumer is in process of purchasing a 1998 from dealer, colonial fitzgerald Dodge has been helping consumer negotiate a buyback.
Transmission/alternator/belts/power windows/shock absorbers/battery/coil/spark plugs and radio failed.