general problems of the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan

I am filing this complaint regarding the service department at vaden Dodge Chrysler Jeep ram. My complaint concerns a failure to properly diagnose a mechanical issue with my vehicle, misleading statements about the condition of the vehicle after repairs, and poor communication during the repair process. The vehicle is a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. Before bringing it to the dealership, the vehicle was jerking when slowing or coming to a stop. On February 19, 2026, a diagnostic scan showed code p0420 – catalyst system efficiency below threshold (bank 1). At that time the vehicle was still drivable. On March 2, 2026, I brought the vehicle to the dealership and reported the jerking issue. I also asked that the throttle body and transmission be inspected. The dealership stated that the technician could not determine the cause of the problem but recommended maintenance repairs including tires, brakes, and rotor service. Based on their professional recommendation, I approved the repairs. On March 6, 2026, I picked up the vehicle and paid $1,416. 21. I was told the vehicle passed inspection and a safety test drive. However, within approximately thirty minutes of leaving the dealership, the vehicle began jerking violently and shut off while I was driving. The vehicle had to be returned to the dealership. After the vehicle was returned, I was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. This was concerning because I had asked the dealership to check that component during the initial inspection. I was originally quoted about $2,800, and after discussions with management including jim fife, I paid $2,165 on March 14, 2026 for the catalytic converter repair. Despite paying a total of $3,581. 21, the vehicle continued to show drivability problems. A new diagnostic scan showed codes p0420 and p219b (air-fuel ratio imbalance), suggesting the underlying issue may not have been properly diagnosed before replacing the catalytic converter. I attempted to resolve the issue.

Specifics unknown check engine light came on cpl seconds before it started overheating / leaking coolant and or transmission fluid and overheating. And I'm not sure what. Started last year but I don't drive very often so the issue just started last year.

Check engine light codes match possible recall for vehicle now I'm having the same issues.

It started off as the can stalling occasionally when I came to a stop. Then it became more and more frequent. Video is available to see the rpm move and then drop to 0. I then have to restart the vehicle which causes a delay which other drivers are not patient about. They immediately want to go and I have to flash my hazards and restart the van. Mechanical issue is unknown by the mechanic and dealer service department.

I have 2017 Dodge caravan, I loves this van I recently went to the shop to do routine repairs. Also get the engine light checked, the mechanic stated I need a tune up. A few days later after getting the tune up check engine light came back on, and van begin to ride rough and shake. The van was struggling to keep up with city speed limit and engine light came back on so I took the van back to the shop they checked engine light and it read cylinder 2 is back firing and get a tune up. That did't seemed right so the mechanic checked previous work, there was no problems with the parts they used for the tune up, the mechanic looked a little further to find out why the engine light still on. The mechanic said I need a cylinder, they told me to go to the dealer because they don't have that special tools to fix the cylinder. I said how much to replace the cylinder the mechanic said about 2,000 dollars or depending on the damages to the engine because of bad cylinder. They also said there were some coolant and other substance leaking onto the coil, wires causing damage to the engine, also in a short time the spark plugs and coils will be effected again. The mechanic said this can be very expensive to repair and I can't use my remote starter while the engine light is on this is so inconvenience. I am so upset I worked hard at keeping up repairs, keeping van nice and clean inside and out, I was just to the point of paying off my car loan off finally owning the van. Now this situation forcing me to make a decision keep my investment or trade it off, get back into debt and having a large car note, I don't want that I am so heart broken over this situation and not having the money to fix the van it's just to much. I was blind sided never, I would never thought this would happen to me and my family of six. Omg!.

In Dec, the engine light came on. The car would do like going over speed tacks, shake, when it was between 45 to 60 mph. Took to dealership for reading, they couldn't get a good reading, it stopped. Then I paid extra for them to take transmission pan off. Told I need a new transmission. This vehicle is a 2017. This was Dec 2020. Had transmission done. About 3 weeks later, engine light came on again. When I came back , 180 miles to visit family, I had it looked at again. Showing 6 coil, misfire. The car had 85000 miles. Had the 6 coil replaced, all plugs and wires. Left, drove 180 miles , next day light came on. I wasn't driving the car much and was coming back , engine light on, car ran find. Next day, was at a red light, gave gas and the car sputter like it wasn't getting gas and wanted to died. I push on the gas paddle and hurried to get to my dad's. Had a reading saying it was catalytic converted. After the weekend I took it to muffler shop. Said it wasn't giving them that reading, but misfire and 6 coil. Took to a mechanic, he replace 6 coil and said plugs where good, that they were new. But, I did need an air filter. Got car. Few hours later, engine light was back on. Reading showed coil and misfire. Going back to mechanic, again. After a red light stop, it felt like it was going to died as if it wasn't getting gas. I gave it more gas. They change everything again, even cross parts to make sure. It idles hard in park or sitting in drive. More gas it seems to do ok. Also, about 6 months after buying it, had to replace battery. 2013 was in it. So, much for wanting to retire, this car has put me into debt. I wish I had stayed with a Toyota. Own 6 and never , cost me more than regular service. And again, misfire reading, coil 6. Within a month ,twice its been replaced and plugs and still back like it was. Since end of Dec, been in shop 4 xs, same reading,same crap.

Smell of gas emitting from under vehicle. When stopped at a light and windows up, it can be smelled, when parked after driving can smell gas all the way around the vehicle, when idle to cool off interior. Fuel can be smelled on first approach. My wife and kids have all smelled it in various locations of vehicle.

While entering freeway onramp engine power reduced and vehicle following had to swerve to avoid collision. Believe engine output lessened by cylinder 2 misfire issue common with Dodge engines creating failures and loss of compression and reduced power with sporadic loss of acceleration when needed.

The rpm is inestable, the transmission hard shift, coolant sistem of engine have problem.