This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 1996 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the head lights retained water and caused them to appear foggy. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle as needing new head lights. The current mileage was 175,000, and failure mileage was 98,000.
Consumer stated when driving at night it was very difficult to see the road. The service writer informed the consumer that the plastic on the outside of the headlight was clouded due to the heat of the head lamps.
No accidents yet. Headlights have foggy coating on them, which we have low light visibility at night. Also, when filling up tank with gas it runs out when completely full.
- Eclectic, AL, USA
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Plastic headlight covers on 1996 Dodge Caravan have deteriorated leaving a hazy covering. Illumination of the road by the headlights at night is not sufficient for driving.
The headlights on our 1996 Caravan are the type with a clear plastic or glass cover over the bulbs. Over time, the clear covering has become very cloudy to the point that the headlights do not illuminate well enough to safely see at night. The lights are not damaged, the lenses are just not at all clear anymore. I thought the problem might be the headlight adjustment but our local Dodge dealer tells us the problem is with the cloudy lens. They say the only repair option is to replace the light assemblies. Our vehicle warranty is long since expired but I do not see this issue as one of warranty but rather safety. Any reasonable person should be able to expect the headlights on a vehicle to illuminate a safe path as long as the vehicle is continued in service. I've contacted Chrysler corporation and they say it is out of warranty and disagree with my safety complaint.
Headlight lenses are burning from inside and causing poor visibility when driving at night. Dealer contacted. Feel free to provide any further information.
Headlight covers are made of plastic. Then, material develops a non removeable film that dulls headlight covers. Consumer is no longer able to drive vehicle at night, lights are no longer bright enough.
Headlights have a glare. Lights are dimmed like a film is over them. Also, it is hard to see at night. Contact dealer, and dealer stated there was no recall.
Socket for the light bulbs had melted the plugs. Also, serpentine belt was replaced 5 times due to breaking. Last belt was shredded to pieces. The tensioner gauge was replaced. In addition, air bag light kept coming on & the horn failed to work when used. Taking vehicle to dealer to check problems.
Since we purchased our van in August of 1997, we have had many repairs and visits to the dealer. As of today, they have not fixed or diagnosed the brake problems. When coming to a stop or applying my brakes, a crunching sound occurs, and I can feel it in the pedal. It is a fairly loud sound and the vibration is distracting because you lose your brake pedal for a period of 1-2 seconds. I have talked to other Dodge Caravan owners and plan to take a detailed survey on this matter, but, none to this point have had this problem. This leads me to believe this is a defect in the brake system or antilock brake computer system which is undetectable. This does not occur all the time, and not under the same conditions. This, also, leads me to the conclusion there is a major saftey defect here. I have had this to the dealer and they say they cant diagnose the problem. What am I supposed to do, get in an accident? I have asked that they recall my van, refund full purchase price or replace my vehicle with one similar to mine. This is not the only problem: Today it was in for brakes and a blown engine head gasket. Previously, catalytic converter/ blower motor/battery/ speed sensor and anti rattle bumpers that still havent corrected problem/fuel filter ground strap and fuel filler tube ground strap have been replaced. Also, deglazed brakes, but still brakes squeak.finally, headlights replaced w/housing/lamp, and whatever else they have done to it while in the shop right now. It has been there since Tuesday Feb.02. This van is no way worth the hassles that I have been put through and I dont think anyone should have this many problems so early on. I have done extensive research on this model and have found atleast 100 complaints for transmission problems and other major repairs and undiagnosed problems with the engine. I think it is time someone stepped in and took a good look at this 96 vehicle because it is not up to saftey standards by a long shot. Thank you.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Eldred, PA, USA