Equipment Problems of Dodge Grand Caravan - part 1

Recently while leaving home my van started to make a type of noise. I cant quite describe it as it wasn't very whistling or clicking it was just an abnormal sound that it had not been making and I could hear it more when turning my wheel to the left. It started to jump while I drove. Like it was fine then would just jolt forward. When putting it in park I noticed that it wasn't making noise in the neutral position. But then when I was going to drive again it did not want to go forward. And at the first few tries I was able to reverse it. It did not want to accelerate and when I tried it would make a revving noise like if I was trying to race. I reversed and parked and my husband put some transmission fluid thinking that was the problem. The noise stopped and I was able to drive it briefly without the issues but then as I got further if started again and I had to get back home. It completely stopped accelerating and my husband and son had to push it. And once it got some speed j was able to accelerate just a little enough to drive it home. At home it stalled on me again and I was stuck in the middle of the street trying to reverse. Thats when my husband and son got back to push. It was a very scary situation as I had all my little children with me. And not only that it was so hot and we got stuck in the heat with the vehicle stalling. Now we had a mechanic look at if and they say it's the transmission. So I of course googled transmission problems to find there have been other issues with transmission in the 2019 models but mine wasn't part of the recall according to the VIN #. Please look into this further as these vehicles should not be on the roads stalling out at random. Which had also happened to me previously but I did not think transmission at the time. And that time was even more terrifying I was getting onto the highway from the access road and it stalled right there.

See all problems of the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

This is the fourth time I am filing a complaint. My 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan completely dies and looses all power going over 50 miles per hour. No warning, no codes appear, nothing. Looses all power, power steering, brakes, etc. Have to get to side of road, wait 20 minutes, then car will start. This has happened now over 25 times. The latest time I was driving on the expressway and the vehicle behind me almost crashed into me. This continues to be a safety issue and it is unclear as to why Dodge is doing nothing about this despite multiple complaints by hundreds of drivers. I have spent $3000 so far trying to fix this to no avail, new battery, fuel pump, fuel filter, tpm relay, new keys, new programming, still happens. Case manager from 2023 told me to take to Dodge dealer, spent additional $800, but they had no root cause. Happened again. Case manager told me to take to a different Dodge dealer for second opinion. No codes, no root cause, but charged $400 diagnostic fee. When is Dodge going to do something about this? how many complaints are needed? does someone have to get injured? just tell me how to fix it, that is what I and thousands of others this happens to need to know before someone gets killed.

See all problems of the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

The driver's side sliding door on this minivan became stuck shut. I had to remove my disabled son through the open window. Not being able to remove him quickly in an emergency because the door has become sealed shut is unacceptable. I cannot believe there is no manual override. I was able to solve this issue by forcing the unlock lever while pressing 'unlock' on the keyfob. However, the main reason I write this complaint, numerous people on various forums report an actuator shorting out in their doors causing this issue, meaning they cannot open the door, by any means, without this actuator being repaired. I cannot for the life of me believe that a system was engineered to not have a simple manual override on a car door. This is beyond me how this got cleared by any sort of regulatory body. If that actuator gets cooked in a fire, I guess the occupants of the car will too.

See all problems of the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

The lock mechanism on the passenger side sliding door has failed. It is stuck in the locked position. This is a known defect that has recurred in this vehicle for years. The door is not able to be unlocked which is a safety concern if the vehicle needs to be exited or accessed in an emergency. The sliding door lock had been making a loud buzzing noise upon locking and unlocking for weeks but only became stuck yesterday. The front drivers side door lock also does not respond to the unlocking mechanisms (button inside or remote) but can be unlocked with the key being inserted into the lock and manually turned. This has been happening on and off for a year.

See all problems of the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Left sliding door latch is stuck in lock position. In case of emergency passengers (2 daughters) would be trapped inside. There is currently a class action lawsuit for previous models but it was only settled for 2017 and 2018 models. I was given a quote of $2000 from a Dodge dealer to fix the issue when it is a clearly known faulty design/part.

The sliding passenger door will not open with remote or manually. I have heard that there is a recall out for this. I need help finding it.

See all problems of the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Driving on expressway with cruise control engaged, approx 76 mph. Cruise control would not disengage by braking, canceling or turning off system. I was able to brake with the cruise fighting to accelerate the vehicle. The brakes were smoking and smelled burning during the incident. Drove approx 1/4 - 1/2 mile braking like this in order to safely get over to the right lane and exit the expressway. I did not try to use neutral because I needed the power to keep speed to safely change lanes in heavy traffice to get out of the middle lane on expressway. Was able to shift to park and turn car off. When restarted to tow vehicle the cruise system was still engaged but it was only put in neutral (not drive) to get vehicle on the tow truck. Towed to dealership. No report back yet from dealership. So terrifying!!!.

Went to open up driver side sliding door and it would not slide back. It is stuck due to the locking actuator. This can be dangerous. I have kids in my van and the door not sliding back can present different dangerous issues for different scenarios. The 2016-2017 Dodge Grand Caravan I believe has a recall on this issue but not the 20q8, and I dont know why.

The driver side window components made lots of noise then the window fell down into the door causing me to need a motel and find a window repair shop as I was traveling from NY to georgia when this happened, the resulting bills were close to $1000. Yes it is available for inspection I am [xxx] was [xxx] and this $ issue is very simply a terrible burden to my life, luckily I had a credit card with me that I could use but paying that balance will be a time consuming endeavor on the little I live on financially. The component was inspected by the glass repair shop as it was being torn apart to be fixed. No warnings were provided only horrible noise from the door just before the window dropped the next time I went to use it. The last Dodge Grand Caravan I owned was a 2005 and I had it 6 years with minimal expense so when I found this one, a 2010 with no power doors it was ideal for me financially or so I thought, has caused considerable problems in my financial life and now I am too scared to go back to NY with it for fear of the other windows breaking. I got a motel room because a storm was impending, called window repair shops in chambersburg va, the second one I called said bring it over, it was the weekend before July 4th of 2025 and I was very lucky to get the help as the shop owner was leaving for a week vacay soon, they ordered the part from the nearby dealership, but it cost me $583. For the part plus repair, truly devastating. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

It seems as though the transmission is failing. I read somewhere that 2016 Dodge Grand Caravans have been recalled for transmission issues. I'd like for my VIN be added to that recall list.

Driving down the road and my van cuts off. After leaving about 15 minutes it starts back up. I can go around 500 miles between cut offs. Had to 2 different garages with no solution. Replaced fuel pump, did not help. This is very dangerous especially on major highways.

The sliding door actuator to the driver's side is locked shut and this causes a large safety concern for my children in the back seat. If there was a car accident and this door is locked shut and unable to open it could be the difference between life and death for my children.

Driver side sliding door stuck in lock position. Cannot open it with fob or manually.

Dear fca 06/30/2025 as a Dodge owner I have to tell you about my situation, I’m a 2016 Dodge caravan owner and love the van, love the stow and go seating and both sides sliding doors and the room. We bought this van because our other vehicles didn’t fit all our grandkids in, so it’s our 3rd vehicle for that use. It was used gingerly and kept in our garage. Well maintained “all oil change, tires and brake record’s” as well as any recalls! and recommended services when recommended like the 2023 tranny flush and filter. Which we had to hunt for a dealership that did . We never had any symptoms or warning lights with the exception of low tire light. In late January 2025 we transferred ownership to my son and daughter in law who just welcomed another baby, boy number 4, so you can imagine they needed the room. At this time the van was around 76,000 for mileage. My daughter in law still on maternity leave takes the boys to the movies in April,2025 comes out and the van won’t move! mileage 80,686! this is just crazy and she has to get it towed and guess what they say the transmission is no good and here we are $6000. 00 later. I have since talked with several mechanics and fb people who have been in this very situation with Dodge products, Dodge has transmission issues! I have contacted Dodge no response! and the fca no response! please respond with what else I can do to further push for some kind of investigation into this! [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My rear passenger sliding door lock is stuck in the unlock position. My concern is my van is at all times unlocked. Also since it won’t lock at all even when I’m driving is that anyone could approach my van while I’m at a light or a parking lot and get inside. My biggest fear is that since it won’t lock it will just pop open one day while I’m driving. My grandchildren or my dogs could be severely injured if this happened. I’ve read online about this being an issue with the Dodge gcv. People suggested writing to you and try to get a recall done for this issue. The dealer wants around $1100 to fix problem. I don’t have that kind of money to spend. My other issue is if I disconnect the cable so I can lock the door is what if my passengers or animals need to get out of back of van in a emergency their going to be trapped back there. Also unrelated to the lock issues. My van is having a hard time shifting and has cut out multiple times on me. And when I turn on my blinkers it turns on the wipers. So possible electrical issue there.

The rear sliding door lock actuator on the passenger stopped working. The door will not open or unlock.

I first had this happen months ago and now I found another place to post about it. The locking and unlocking motor on the passenger sliding door is making a horrible noise and buzzing sound. This happens every time you lock or unlock it. It also happens when it locks automatically when you drive. It is horribly loud that it wakes up the baby and toddler every time. My mechanic has looked at it and knew exactly what was wrong right away. The motor is just and needs replaced. He said it's very common for the Dodge motor in the sliding doors to need replacing. He's shocked it hasn't been recalled yet. He's also had many people have kids locked in the vans due to the motor basically burning out. He said it definitely needs replaced and should've been recalled by now. Also be prepared to climb over seats to get the baby and toddler out when they finally stop working all together. The fact that my small mechanics shop has seen many issues with the locking motor definitely tells me Dodge isn't putting safety first at all.

Driver side rear sliding door is stuck closed. Cannot be operated manually, will not lock or unlock with the other car door locks which work fine. My children’s safety is at risk. I bought a van because I have 3 children, and in the event of an accident could delay their rescue. One of my children is a type 1 diabetic and in event of an accident he’s in even more danger if rescue teams cannot get to him. The problem has not been confirmed by a mechanic, as both Dodge dealerships I have reached out to told me I would have to pay a diagnostic fee, but it’s a known problem with their vehicles. The vehicle has not been inspected by police, or insurance. There was no warning to the part malfunctioning, just stopped opening and noticed when my children tried to use the door to get out at school. My car currently has 109,000 miles on it but there are is a recall for up to 100,000 miles but Dodge states it cannot extend the warranty although I’ve see ln that mopar extended the warranty for this exact issue but Dodge says it’s misinformation and “good luck”.

While driving my van it will randomly shut off, it starts back up right away after I get to a safe location to do so but this is very dangerous. I've taken it to shops and they cannot replicate it and there are no codes on the reader to indicate any issues.

Both sliding side doors buzz when locking and unlocking. A couple of times the left door has not locked while driving.

The driver's side sliding door would not open. It was like the door was stuck in the lock position. Unable to get my child out of the vehicle from that side. There were no warnings or symptoms indicating there was any issue at all prior to this occurring. Randomly a few days later it started to work like normal again, however now the door will not lock. When the other doors auto lock a loud noise comes from that door, but it does not lock. It does open when prompted. I have not had anyone inspect the problem as of yet.

When I pump gas in the tank. It keeps stopping and it will not allow me to put more gas in the tank. Also the gas hand on the dashboard stays at half full. I don’t know how much gas is really in the tank. And electrical the passenger window will not let down on the driver side. I can’t let the window down from the driver side.

The vehicle was running on idle parked after being driven and on for less than 20 minutes. I started the van at 8:35. Drove away at 8:41, let it run on idle for 5 minutes, drove away, let it idle for 2 minutes at 9:04, drove away, let it idle at 9:06 and was smoking and had flames by 9:23 when we noticed it. The heat gauge didn't change, there was no indication that my engine was on fire or there was any issue. It drove fine, no smell, nothing. We have zero idea what happened other than it started in the engine compartment. Is it currently still sitting in the parking lot that it was pushed to away from the building as to not cause more damage to the building. It was sitting outside a building, so everyone inside and outside were in the area of smoke and flames. There is not a police report, but there is a fire report. I can email that over if needed. I'm still waiting for the fire marshalls final report. I also have active videos of it with flames shooting out of the engine and from under the hood if needed that I can email over.

I was driving in town when the active head restraint deployed. There was no accident. Just driving and I heard it pop.

Driver side sliding door stuck locked. Not able to open the door. Extreme safety issue. Passenger is not able to exit the car in emergency situation.

Both back doors have failed lock actuators. I’ve gotten a repair quote of over $1400 per door to get fixed. Both doors buzz and one has actually locked shut. Extremely inconvenient with children.

My airbag light goes on intermittently. I have no idea why. I took it to an independent repair shop and they said that they could not help me, I needed to check with the dealer to see if there was a recall. I checked for recalls, and there was no recall. Additionally, the tire pressure sensors also turn on intermittently even when tire pressure is correct.

Cylinder 2 misfire code p0302. I replaced the spark plugs, coil, and injector. Code still remains. Vehicle seems to run fine.

It won’t start right away,takes a lot of attempts to start and worse part is vehicle is running and suddenly turns off totally or die and it scares me and my family. That way it’s really hard what to do because steering is out of balance and just stop wherever you at. This happens many times.

My two side doors make a buzzing sound when I try to lock and unlock doors. The doors are not locking when I push the lock button. This is a safety hazard for my children.

Closed the driver side sliding door and the headrest on the driver seat exploded open. Car was not in motion. Door shut and head rest adjacent to it just popped apart and hit the head of the person in the driver seat.

The back door on my 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan on the driver side will not open from the inside or the outside I can't get my infant out if there was a fire or an accident vehicle only has 47,000 miles on it.

While driving around 30mph, the van completely shut down. With nowhere to pull over on the right, and to avoid an accident, I turned left onto a side road. I quickly realized I had no power steering or brakes. I had 2 children in the vehicle and school had just let out. Luckily there was no accident. With no brakes, I just coasted until I came to a stop on the side of the road. I wasn’t able to move the shifter into park. After a few minutes, everything came back to life. I was able to shift to park, start it up and drive away. No warning lights came on. No check engine light. This situation could have become really bad, really quick.

See all problems of the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

I have a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan whose door lock actuators are failing in the rear sliding doors. This is accompanied by loud buzzing. Sometimes they don’t unlock which causes some problems for backseat passengers. After looking online, I found there is a recall for this same problem in model years 2016-2017. I’m having the same issue but my vehicle is not covered under the recall. I just want you to know that the problem is still happening.

When leaving for a family outing on Saturday, I noticed the driver headrest did not look right. It was separated in 2 pieces and would not go back together. When trying to find a resolution I learned that this unexpected deployment is a common problem that apparently Dodge is not yet willing to fix. I called the dealer where the van was purchased and they confirmed that there are no recalls for this vehicle and the repair would be out of my pocket. They would not even quote a price without bringing the vehicle to the dealer to diagnose (for $119). I am willing to provide photos for anyone that needs it to confirm this separation to include drivers door label and VIN number. It should not take $119 for anyone to confirm this ahs deployment. Frankly, I am appalled that the manufacturer is not choosing to recall vehicles with this complaint or that there is an active investigation about this matter but no recall. How are these vehicles considered safe? and how long will we have to drive a vehicle that cannot protect us because safety mechanism has already activated (without a crash until there is one)?!.