general problems of the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan - part 1

57 problems related to air bag have been reported for the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 11/14/2004

- 96 Dodge Grand Caravan w/3. 8 v6 and 41te 4spd transmision - 2 transmission failures - 1st went to about 125000, then kept hitting the "limp home mode" - 2nd has "torque converter lockup" problem, shops say rebuild again, after only 38000 miles. - fan relay went out before recall was issued, had to replace the radiator out of pocket. - had clock spring replaced after component failure relating to it (horn, cruise etc) - union city GA dealer attempted to fix the fuel return line issue, botched it up and caused major leak when refueling. They re-fixed it after much complaining.

2 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 02/17/2004

"air bag" light is illuminated (known problem), the cruise control will activate upon pushing the button, but the cancel button when pushed does not deactivate the cruise control. . . The deactivation of the cruise control requires the brake to be applied. Control of the vehicle on wet roads, using cruise control, and having to deactivate the cruise control via the brakes. . . . Can be a bit of a challenge. . . Thanks!! - steve dowling.

3 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 05/06/2003

The van will start then immediately turn off. It does this more when it is hot outside. If you let the vehicle sit for about 4 hours in the shade it will start and get you to your next destination. If the weather is too hot it won't start until the weather changes to cooler. I have replaced the starter, two computers, got the circuit board cold soldered. Replaced the battery and can't remember all the rest. It still has this problem. It seems to be very common. There is a web site topix. Com that has a forum just for this problem. No one has been able to fix it completely. Some one some where has got to know how to fix this problem. Also the clock spring is under recall. Once you get the recall done after a few years the spring breaks again and they don't fix it again. So I no longer have a horn or airbags that work.

4 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 01/17/2003

Consumer is having problems with the clock spring. Ts.

5 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 08/18/2002

Request for reimbursement for recall clockspring repair on Dodge Grand Caravan. The vehicles experienced clock spring failure prior to recall notification. The consumer requested reimbursement and received it but the consumer also wants to be compensated for other expenses.

6 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2002

Failure of the clockspring that controls three safety devices, the air bag. The horn and the speed control.

7 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 06/19/2002

At 57k miles, the light came on for the airbag. This caused failure of horn & airbag. The manufacturer said it wasn't their problem. Dealer said they have had multiple cases of this. But each refused to repair it at no cost and charged over $300 for the safety repair. I am deeply concerned that this safety issue is not covered. It can cause financial hardships for not only us, but others as well. This vehicle has never been wrecked and I am the original owner. It appears that Chrysler has put a price on safety allowing those who cannot afford to repair their defective airbags to risk injury or death. Please let us know what can be done for the manufacturer to assume responsibility. Thanks, I appreciate your help.

8 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 05/25/2002

Airbag clockspring located in steering colum has gone bad causing horn and cruse control as well as air bag not to work. Nlm.

9 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 04/23/2002

The three components have ceased to work, apparently due to the clockspring. From information on the internet this is a frequent problem with theses vehicles.

10 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 02/10/2002

All 3 component failures listed in complaint due to failure of clock spring assembly. Chrysler is well aware of this problem as they have replaced over 124,000 of them but refuses to pay for the repair. My dealer qouted me $250 cost to repair. This is in line with research results for cost of this repair. Hopefully NHTSA can exert pressure on Chrysler to cover this defect as it is clearly a safety issue. Thanks for listening.

11 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 02/06/2002

The clockspring acts as an electrical conduit for the driver's air bag, horn and cruise control. When it breaks one or more of these systems fails without warning. I feel that it is a very dangerous defect. I have never had a clockspring fail on any other car that I have owned, several of which have gone well beyond 100,000 miles.

12 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 01/02/2002

Horn, cruise control, airbag have stopped working - clock spring problem???.

13 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 10/10/2001

The aibbag light is on, the horn and the cruise control do not work.

14 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2001

Clock spring connector providing vehicle with horn, driver air bag, and cruise control have worn out prematurely leaving vehicle with no horn, drivers air bag, and cruise control.

15 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 07/30/2001

Clockspring failed - airbag, horn, cruise control will not operate. Very serious safety problem. Part should be recalled.

16 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 07/25/2001

Was driving vehicle when air bag would flash on/off before becoming solid. This problem affected the horn and cruise control. Have taken to dealership, and was informed by mechanic that clockspring was broken.

17 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 07/11/2001

No summary listed for abov evehicle.

18 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 07/06/2001

Air bag clockspring failure.

19 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 07/03/2001

Clockspring failed causing airbag, horn, cruise control to be inoperable.

20 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2001

I am among the thousands of Dodge minivan owners whose clock springs were defective.

21 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2001

No summary listed for this vehicle.

22 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2001

Clock spring failure from dealer diagnosis. Appears to be common problem. Airbag is safety item.

23 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 06/15/2001

Clockspring problem -- "airbag" light on, no cruise control or horn failed.

24 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2001

Clockspring assembly failure/ airbag, horn failed to work. Dealer advised recall on same assembly for trucks, not effecting Mini-vans.

25 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 03/19/2001

Started car air bag dash light on , horn does not work, cruise control does not work. Had seen news paper story about investigation on this problem for my car, took car to dealer on 03/22/2001, dealer serviced car replaced clockspring,part cost $120. 00 labor to install part was $84. 60, which I had to pay outof my pocket, dealer said was not a recall as of this date. Please include me with theother 164 people that are complaining of a problem with the clockspring on 2. 8 million daimlerchryler ag minivans,thank you bill courtney.

26 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2001

A piece inside steering wheel control unit broke. Also, air bags/ horn, and cruise control do not work. Has not contacted dealer yet.

27 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 02/27/2001

Failing clocksprings allow for a dangerous cruise control mode as well as air bag failures.

28 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 02/15/2001

The airbag and horn are no longer fundtional. The airbag failure light remains on most of the time. An intermittant wiring problem in the dash is suspected. I understand that this is a common problem.

29 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 02/02/2001

Clock spring fatigued completely disabling drivers airbag, horn and cruise control.

30 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2001

The clockspring failed one year prior to recall# 02v293000. The consumer filed for a refund with Chrysler which he hasn't received.

31 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2001

This vehicle had an air bag readiness light that stayed on, as well as the cruise control and horn failing. The clock spring mechanism was relaced by the dealer on 3-22-01 at a cost of roughly $200 to me (the owner). I have heard you are investigating this problem and would like to know if I am able to get reimbursed for this cost. Thanks.

32 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2001

Air bags/horn, and cruise control all went out. Manufacturer has fixed problem. Consumer states spring in the steering column broke.

33 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 12/20/2000

Uges on dash would float up or down and not give a true consistent reading. Dealer fixed but I was not satisfied with the result - this appeared to be a manufacturer defect.

34 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 12/15/2000

I repored this clock spring issue a long time ago, never heard back, I see there are other people that have reported this safety issue and wonder where it stands.

35 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 12/15/2000

The airbag, horn, & cruise control failed. Took to dealer - told clock spring assembly failed. Will cost about $400 to fix. Was told this is a very common defect. Would like some assistance from Chrysler. This is our family car for a family of six. Unsafe to drive in this condition.



Safety Ratings of Grand Caravan Cars
Fuel Economy of Grand Caravan Vehicles
Grand Caravan Service Bulletins
Grand Caravan Safety Recalls
Grand Caravan Defect Investigations