7.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,130
Average Mileage:
125,450 miles
Total Complaints:
12 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (8 reports)
  2. no solution. 2 Dodge service departments could never solve it (3 reports)
  3. replace oxygen sensor (1 reports)
1996 Dodge Caravan engine problems

engine problem

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1996 Dodge Caravan Owner Comments

problem #12

May 012010

Caravan ES 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,847 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 1996 dodge caravan sometimes stalls while driving and have to park it on the side of the raod. sometimes it will start right away and somtimes i ahve to wait for a while. Its very frustating when it happens at the red light. PLEASE PLEASE if anyone has any solution for this problem

- Ahmad A., Surrey, BC, Canada

problem #11

Nov 232007

Caravan Sport

  • Automatic transmission
  • 136,000 miles

Tons of things have been replaced trying to figure out what the problem is and we can't figure it out. We get a PO300 (multiple random misfire) error but that doesn't help. Very frustrating.

- Amy A., Spanish Fork, UT, US

problem #10

Jun 102007

Caravan SE 3.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

Please help! I put in a new short block: $2500; all new parts for installation: $1000; transmission overhaul $1000. Still stops after driving or idling for max. 10 minutes. Will restart the next day but same thing happens again. Mechanically its basically a new car now. I'd like to get around town without looking at the back side of tow truck.

Its 12:30 am and I'm on my way, once again, to beg for mercy from a Quick-Stop night clerk to let me leave my car until tomorrow morning when I can have it towed again. Why doesn't Dodge have to address this chronic problem that plagues so many beleagured1996 Caravan owners???

- Frank T., Sacramento, CA, US

problem #9

Jul 112008

Caravan 3.3L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 170,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

As I read the other complaints, no one mentions the O2 sensor as a possible solution. i bet most people have there check engine light on during this problem and if they do they will receive a problem code PO140 O2 sensor is bad. Now there are two sensors for this van so I recommend changing the one closest to the engine first since it gets the most abuse. Autozone will run a free test for you and usually has the part in stock. i have had not one problem since i changed it a week ago. Hope this helps.

- Jason K., Ronkonkoma, NY, US

problem #8

Feb 062008

Caravan 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

who wants to buy it its a screaming noise coming from under the hood

- Melissa M., Cleveland, OH, US

problem #7

Jul 272007

(reported on)

Caravan SE 3.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 212,000 miles

About 10 minutes of driving and the engine dies. if I wait a minute I can re-start and drive another 5 miles and it does it again. I hooked up a fuel pressure gauge at the port near the injectors and it showed 50 psi EVEN WHEN IT DIED. So I know the problem is not fuel. I jumped the power wire to the coil/distributor pack to direct battery Positive and problem still occurs. Someone said it might be the crank sensor is there a way to bypass it?

Steve

- Steve N., Vacaville, CA, US

problem #6

Jan 162004

(reported on)

Caravan EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine just stops at odd times.70mph 5mph,just starting engine. In traffic out of traffic. Engine will restart. No clue as what is the matter.

- Bill M., Waco, TX, US

problem #5

May 182004

(reported on)

Caravan

  • 65,000 miles

Everything I have done amounts to nothing. I will never own another Chrysler product again. I had a problem with the A/C once, and the local dealer said I needed a new compressor. I took it to another place and they said all I needed was a gasket re-build. Total savings were $650. They also like to replace the serpentine belt tensioner when the only problem is the belt. Add $150 to the total cost out of the box. Chrysler can kiss my royal red ass!!!!!!!

- Steve H., High Point, NC, US

problem #4

Feb 032004

(reported on)

Caravan

  • 100,000 miles

I currently own a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan with 101,900 miles on it. When I drive on the highway for more than 5-10 minutes, the car starts to shut down, I have to pull over to the breakdown lane because no matter how much I step on the Gas.. I get nothing. The van then turns off.. i wait and it starts up again, only to hear a light pop pop sound coming from under the hood. I had to call tow truck. The first garage I bought it to said I needed a new transmission, so $2200.00 dollars later. I drive it on the highway again.. no luck same thing. I have to call a tow truck. I try to drive forward and i get a hesitation. Now Dodge certified technicians work on it and change my spark plugs, give the van a tune up. Same thing I find myself on the highway breakdown lane after driving 65mph for less than 5 minutes... at 65 mph... the van starts to shut down and I step on the gas and get nothing. Tow truck comes and sends the van back to the Dodge Dealership, they call me this morning and believe its the fuel pump... it will cost me another $ 500.00 for a new fuel pump. Do I think this will work?? I will keep you informed. Now close to $3000.00 in repairs... your asking why not buy another car, truck or van??? I am newly unemployed with wife and kids... I cannot afford it.. let alone this $3000.00 credit card bill I will be paying off for God knows how long.

- Michael C., North Haven, CT, US

problem #3

Mar 012007

(reported on)

Caravan 3.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,324 miles

Sometimes when the engine has been sitting for several hours the I turn on the engine the engine would ride rough and one time while idling at a light the engine stall out on me this only happen one time. The car has been running pretty fine recently.

- millerny, North Babylon, NY, US

problem #2

Mar 242006

(reported on)

Caravan

  • 185,000 miles

My brother is experiencing this problem with his vehicle and I'm doing the research to see if I can come up with any answers.

- chloreese, Dawson Creek, BC, Canada

problem #1

Aug 312003

(reported on)

Caravan

  • 185,000 miles

Over a period of 3 years I have had a problem with the engine stalling while driving and when idling. It stalls when crossing major thoroughfares, turning on to onramps and in heavy bridge traffic. The stalls are brief but very dangerous. By putting the rolling car into neutral, it will usually restart. Many trips to Dodge service have cost $250 to $350 each while they went on fishing trips trying this or that at my expense. The problem persists. I have heard that the knock sensor can cause such a problem. The local dealer claims to have replaced it, but the problems persists. There is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) issued on the knock sensor problem. I'm trying to locate it to see if it sheds any light. Any ideas?

- Bill N., New Orleans, LA, US

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