What's Wrong with the 3rd Generation (1996–2000) Caravan?

Caravan owners have made 270 complaints about the 1996–2000 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 31st out of 54 Dodge generations in overall reliability, with some transmission and engine concerns.

Compare With Other Caravan Generations

Common 1996-2000 Dodge Caravan Problems

Some of the worst issues 3rd generation Caravan owners have to deal with.

  1. Stuck in Park

    Can't shift the car into reverse or drive! Now what? This is most commonly reported from Dodge Avenger owners, but there have also been similar complaints about other Dodge makes as well as other Chrysler and Jeep vehicles having a similar …

    Continue reading article "Stuck in Park" Red arrow points at a disassembled gear shifter

  2. What Are We Missing?

    We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.

    Continue Red arrow points at a disassembled gear shifter

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

3rd Generation (1996–2000) Caravan Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 270 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 31st in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 54 eligible generations.