13 problems related to engine have been reported for the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
There are two major problems with my 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. First there is a serious vibration in the front wheel/tires. I have replaced 8 tires (in 30000 miles!), both front axles, all three motor mounts, and had the transmission overhauled, as well as having three alignment checks. The vibration is still there. The second problem involves the windshield wipers. The front wipers were, for a time, coming on any time they felt like it; this was remedied by replacing the multi function switch on 09/21/01. Since then, the rear wiper will occasionally come on for one swipe when I first start the vehicle - annoying, but not an immediate hazard. But today, my windshield wipers quit working at all. They will only work if I put the wipers on interval - in which case they do nothing for a time, then make two to four swipes, then wait a while, make one or two swipes, wait a while, etc. They will make one high speed swipe across the windshield if I press the washer button in. I spent $80 today so the Dodge dealer could tell me this was caused by a body control module failure. This repair costs over $400. . . And researching a used part online, I learned that both the wheel shimmy problem and the windshield wiper problems are not unique to my car but are very common issues with the Dodge caravan/Chrysler town & country/Plymouth voyager family. Losing your wipers, having them come on at random when they take a notion to, and a non-stop shimmy in the front are each, by themselves, serious safety issues warranting a recall. Collectively, they spell out a lack of concern that daimler Chrysler has for the safety of those who drive their products. It is my understanding from my online research that Chrysler was aware of the problem as long ago as 1998 but deliberately ignored its own information. It is apparent that the only way these safety issues are going to be addressed is if the federal government takes them to task.
Rocker arm pedistal sheared off cylinder head causing internal engine damage. Multiple repair centers believe cause is design flaw of cylinder head.
Support for rocker arm broke off at 82,890 miles. From review of the NHTSA records, this has occurred for numerous customers, but it has not been recalled. As this is part of the head casting, I would expect it to last the life of the vehicle. Ts.
Consumer had to put excessive amounts of antifreeze into vehicle. Consumer took vehicle into a private mechanic that looked at engine and found a hole, pin sized near cylinders of the engine which is where antifreeze is leaking. Mechanic stated this could have been a factory defect because appeared to be in molding of engine. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
The fuel rail started leaking after removal; trying to change valve cover gaskets & using a certified auto mechanic, he verified the proper instructions for removal w/ the mitchell's service manual & now they are leaking fuel that could cause a fire; talked to Dodge parts counter & they are aware of problem & said they have modified the part but will cost me $160 for replacement of their poorly designed part. No recalls are listed and now a small job has turned into an expensive one.
At the dealership, they called them the valve retainer seals. I have heard repeatedly that it is a common problem with 3. 0 l engines, and I would love to have the person that chose to put these engines in, knowing they would have this very expensive problem down the road, to pay for it. I was assured that I was getting a good van when I bought it used and it has numerous problems. I have 3 kids to worry about, I don't need to fork out $500 to fix a "common problem". And I also hate to think that I'm polluting the environment immensley in the mean time.
Engine cylinder head broke, causing the engine to knock. A recall has been issued on these vehicles, however this vehicle was not included due to VIN. Manufacturer has been notified.
The cylinder head replaced because of rocker arm shaft failure. Yh.
Broken engine mount failed.
Rocker arm within the engine broke, causing vehicle to become inoperable. Consumer has contacted dealer. Please provide any further details.
Pedestal holding the rocker arm broke causing rocker arm shaft to break, also the transmission has broken this is still a new vehicle and these two items should not have broken the rocker arm and pedestal should not have broken I fill this is a design defect because of the way it broke and could have caused serious problems are damages. I also would like for this to be looked into. The local dealer told me that.
The piston ring in the engine had excessively worn.
Bolt that secures the rocker arm to the engine head were not drilled deep enough to allow even tension to secure the rocker arm shaft properly causing it to break and resulting in violent vibration. Nlm.