3.1
definitely annoying- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 44,111 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
The headlights are a plastic and they have clouded over so that very little light penetrates. Safety hazard at night due to reduced visibility.
- San Antonio, TX, USA
! state annual car inspection 2. failed inspection due to headlight assembly plastic cover faded and would not allow sufficient light to pass inspection. This I believe is a manufacturer defect as it is common on all Dodge Grand Caravan (1996) and neon cars. This defect is something I believe should have been known to the manufacturer. It is certainly a safety defect affecting many Chrysler vehicles. 3. the part quoted from the dealer was #281.00 plus tax and installation I was told by my auto mechanic that this was a common problem with May 1996 Dodge Caravan vehicles. I am sure there are many other vehicles produced by Chrysler that have the same problem. I believe the manufacturer should be responsible for making all repairs.
- Palmyra, VA, USA
Consumer complains about a headlight problem. The lens is not giving off enough light when driving at night. It appears that the lens is filled with condensation, and limits the amount of light being projected during night driving.
- Lenexa, KS, USA
Headlights have steadily become fogged/ discolored. Believe this is caused by some kind of oxidation of the material from being exposed to the sun and other elements. Replaced one headlight with used partially clear unit 2 years ago. It to now is fogged to the point I can drive with my high beams on and no one knows it. My Caravan headlights on bright are considerably less bright than my 10 yr old civic on normal setting. Luckily I have not had an accident from this inadequacy but only because I drive around with my high beams on to help project some light on the road due to these defective lenses.
- Tipp City, OH, USA
I recently reported the following defect to Dodge: "the head light assemblies on my 1996 Grand Caravan have become fogged over. I've noticed reduced night visibility as a result. I've noticed the same degradation in head light assemblies on other Caravan in our neighborhood. I took the vehicle to our local dealer who acknowledge the problem but said Dodge hadn't issued any recall as of yet. This loss of clarity in the headlight assembly material will lead to night time accidents if not corrected. Is Dodge aware of this defect and if so are there plans to correct this manufacturing shortcoming in the same manner you corrected the recent clockspring defect?". Dodge replied: "thank you for your recent E-mail to DaimlerChrysler motors corporation regarding the headlights on your 1996 Grand Caravan." There are no incomplete recalls or pending recalls involving your vehicle for the problem you have described. Your concerns, particularly in view of the expense and inconvenience involved in this issue, are understandable. However, your request for consideration in this matter must be declined, because the vehicle in question has exceeded the time or mileage limitations of the manufacturer's warranty at the time the expense was incurred. Although a more favorable reply could not be provided, sharing your concerns with us is appreciated. Sincerely, nicole kalish senior staff representative DaimlerChrysler customer assistance center I feel the response is in adequate and does not address the issue. There are several indentical complaints for the Caravan listed on the NHTSA web site. I am certain an extensive search of all Chrysler minivan products would find numerous identical complaints. This materail defect needs to be investigated and corrected. It will, if it hasn't already, kill or injury innocent people due to reduced night lighting capability.
- Chesapeake, VA, USA
The clear lenses have become cloudy with age and greatly reduces the amount of light that reaches out in front of the car making night driving difficult.
- Lynn Haven, FL, USA
While driving speed control activated without manual operation. Air bag warning light remained illuminated, and headlights could not be manually turned off.
- North Rose, NY, USA
The headlight plastic cover has become "foggy" on the outside which is distorting the actual headlight coverage.
- Hartsville, SC, USA
- Carlsbad, NM, USA