The 1996 Dodge Caravan has 261 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 12% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
261
Engine complaints
12%
Share of year
4
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Defect
IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL IS NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINED.
Consequence
INADEQUATE SEALING AND RETENTION OF THE PLUG CAN RESULT IN OIL LEAKAGE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN EXPANSION PLUG AND RETAINING BRACKET OVER THE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG.
“WAS PULLING OUT OF PARKING LOT WHEN VEHICLE JERKED HARD IN DRIVER'S HAND. LOST CONTROL & HIT A CURB. TOWED VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP & MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT TENSIONER WHEEL BROKE, AND SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF. ALSO, MOUNTS TO SIDE OF MOTOR & SHAFT HAD BROKEN IN HALF. TENSIONER WHEEL NEEDED TO BE…”
NHTSA has 261 complaints about the 1996 Dodge Caravan engine — 12% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 96V006000.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.