Dodge Grand Caravan Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Dodge Grand Caravan options? We analyzed 10 model years (2014–2023) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Dodge Grand Caravan has 2,529 owner complaints and 27 safety recalls across model years 2014–2023. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2016 drew the most complaints; 2020 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Grand Caravan
- Model years analyzed
- 2014–2023 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 2,529
- Safety recall campaigns
- 27
- Crash-related complaints
- 74
- Fire-related complaints
- 26
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2016 (1,155 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2020 (19 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Dodge Grand Caravan: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe DODGE GRAND CARAVAN has 2,529 NHTSA complaints and 27 recalls on record. 74 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 2,529 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 27 federal recall campaigns
- 74 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
27 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:
SEATS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:
EQUIPMENT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:
EQUIPMENT
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2014–2023. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 2,529 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
2,529 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The automatic transmission failed while driving, causing a loss of propulsion and leaving the vehicle stranded. This created a safety hazard because the vehicle could no longer accelerate or move out of traffic. This is the fourth Chrysler/Dodge vehicle I have owned that has experienced a substantially similar transmission failure.
catalytic convert failure No complaints from dealer ship No inspection was done warning light came on
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that on one occasion while driving at while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power. Additionally, the vehicle failed to steer as intended, with the front of the vehicle swaying. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator had frozen, the serpentine belt was missing, and the tensioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the EMC warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,749.
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, and the transmission failed to properly shift intermittently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,715.
3 year old 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan sxt had failed transmission pump and transmission. I was driving 30 mph and it lunged forward fast after not changing gears for 2 miles. My warranty company put the wrong replacement transmission that is a closed transmission. It was from a junk yard reject with crumbled gasket leaking everywhere. Then a year later December 2024 they replaced gasket with liquid gasket. Now it smells like burning metal. Please tell me which transmission is correct? Closed transmission? What kkbd comes from Mopar factory? I requested Mopar because it must work with ECU. AXIOM WARRANTY REFUSED. PLEASE HELP ME GET MOPAR CORRECT PART BECAUSE NO SERVICE DEPARTMENT WILL HELP ME CHANGE FLUID OR CHECK FLUID LEVEL. I can send copies of receipt. Most of all it should be a recall and a Mopar transmission should be installed free from Dodge.
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle and leaving the fuel station, it was noticed through the side view mirror that the fuel door was still open and was forgotten to be closed after refueling. The contact came to a stop and shifted into the Park position, she exited the vehicle and left the driver's side door open to quickly secure the fuel door however the vehicle began to roll away at 5 MPH. The parking brake was not engaged at the time of the failure. The contact jumped into the driver's seat to attempt to depress the brake pedal, landing on her stomach on the floorboard, and attempted to use her hand to depress the brake pedal but was unable. The contact's body slid out from the driver's side door and was hit by the open driver's side door. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a large steel signpost where it came to a stop. The contact stated that the driver's door was folded back on the driver's side front fender. In addition, the driver's side rear quarter panel, the sliding door, and the driver's front door all had been damaged and crushed by the impact of the large steel signpost. There was no damage to the large steel signpost The vehicle was still drivable and requested that the gasoline station attendants help her close the driver's side door. A police report was not filed. The contact was later driven to an emergency room by her daughter where medics confirmed she sustained bruising on her shoulders, bruising to her neck and shoulders, and the back of her head. The vehicle was taken to a collision center where it was repaired cosmetically. The contact later took the vehicle to a transmission repair center and advised the mechanic that there was a recall under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20E037 (Power Train) for Two-Speed Power Transfer Units (PTU) that could wear down and related the rollback failure to the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Read 14 more owner reports
While driving and all seat belts buckled the seat belt and air bag indicator chimes.
The transmission failed at just under 60k miles. Our air bag sensor light is now coming on and not sure why. I don’t have the money to continue to repair this vehicle plus make payments. We also have had issues with the front bolts on the driver side continuing to loosen.
I reported transmission issues to the dealership at 59,500 miles in March 2023 on my 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan. After inspection I was told that there was no problems found. On December 26th, 2023 at about 76000 miles my transmission catastrophically failed and required replacement, costing me $5800. There are numerous reports of transmission failure in this model online in help forums between 50k and 90k miles. I believe this is a widespread problem that the mechanic stated was common that should be subject to a recall.
On [XXX] after filling van with gas I entered and started my van. I noticed the gas cap was open so I put the van in park, took my foot off the brake, took off my seat belt, opened the door and exited leaving the door open. After a couple minutes while I was putting the gas cap back on, the vehicle started to back up. With the drivers door open, I tried to jump back in to stop it but it was going too fast. I then got caught in the door which dragged me a couple hundred feet before I fell out. It continued in reverse until it hit a huge gas price sign doing over $12,000.00 in damages. I went to the er due to an enormous black bruise on my stomach. The performed 3 ct scans that totaled $19,000.00+. I immediately made an appt with a Dodge dealership to have it looked at, but they couldn't get me in until [XXX]. In the meantime, after 9 weeks of repairs were done (still not completed) I brought it to a reliable trans shop, Lee County Transmission in Ft. Myers Fl. and they have confirmed that it has a recall on it issued July 8, 2020, safety recall W48/NHTSA 20E-037 PTU input spline. It went into the Dodge repair shop today, that claims there are NO recalls on the vehicle and are currently inspecting it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Cylinder #2 misfire which mechanic says is an engine compression issue and will require the engine to be taken apart to be fixed. Mechanic says it makes no sense for a vehicle of this age and only 70k miles. I understand that this has been a consistent issue with all Dodge Caravans.
I AM GETTING A CODE FOR THE THORAX SQUIB SENSOR. THE DEALERSHIP STATES I NEED A DRIVER-SIDE SEAT WIRE HARNESS. WE WERE PUT AT RISK BY THE INTERMITTENT CONNECTION OF THE AIR BAG SENSOR. AS THE LINE BECAME FRAYED AND WIRES BROKE. THE AIRBAGS SYSTEM WAS COMPROMISED CAUSING THE SYSTEM TO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN I WAS MOVING MY SET BACK AND FORTH. THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT LIGHT CAME ON. THE LIGHT WOULD COME OFF AND ON. PUTTING MY FAMILY AT RISK.
Engine oil filter housing leaking. Oil leaking and pooling on top of engine. Could cause fire. Technician at Dodge Dealer said this is a common problem on this engine. It affects other Dodge/Chrysler vehicles as well. Component was inspected by our insurer Car Shield. No warnings or messages prior to the failure. Technician found the issue during routine oil change.
The vehicle display lights on the interior dash board fail to fully shut off after driving and waiting an appropriate amount of time, causing a drain on the battery over time which results in a failure to start. There may be other drains on the battery, as this is not an isolated incidence and has been happening since May 2022 approximately every two weeks or less.
seat belt incorrectly assembled making it impossible to fasten without twisting the belt
Vehicle was locked and off in the garage, which is underneath my home. Transmission was in park and the emergency brake was set. I was in the room directly above the garage. The key was in my front pants pocket and I inadvertently pressed some combination of the buttons on the key and the vehicle started. I had to go downstairs into the garage, unlock the vehicle, insert the key and turn off the engine.
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that after securing her infant child inside the vehicle, his wife started the vehicle and then exited the vehicle. After closing the door, it was discovered that all the doors had erroneously locked causing the child to become trapped inside the vehicle until her husband was able to open the door using a second key fob. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. Prior to the failure, the contact indicated that the key fob auto start feature had malfunctioned and failed to start the vehicle. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 13,000.
TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2020 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ANOTHER PERSON WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 45 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE BUT COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. BOTH THE DRIVER AND CONTACT WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AN AMBULANCE. THE CONTACT WAS TREATED FOR A BROKEN NOSE AND A MAJOR BRUISE TO HER LEFT THIGH. THE DRIVER WAS TREATED FOR THREE BROKEN RIBS ON HIS RIGHT SIDE, BRUISES TO THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS HEAD, AND A BROKEN LEFT ARM. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE WHEREABOUTS OF THE VEHICLE REMAINED UNKNOWN. THE RENTAL COMPANY STATED THAT A CLAIM HAD BEEN FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 19,000.
TL* THE CONTACT STATED HE RENTED A 2020 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A DEER RAN IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE DEER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED OR TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO AVIS CAR RENTAL (6405 US 49, HATTIESBURG, MS 39401 PHONE: (601) 264-2488). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,800. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air Bag light stays on. Mechanic found defect in driver's side headrest. Part was ordered in February 2026, still waiting for the replacement part 6 months later. Dodge has no idea when the part will be available. Extremely HAZARDOUS driving condition, driving without air bag protection because Chrysler/Dodge doesn't have replacement parts. This dangerous condition should be considered a SAFETY RECALL, that would get Chrysler/Dodge to take this more seriously and have the replacement parts. 08/06/26
Showing 20 of 2,529 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Dodge Grand Caravan
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Dodge Grand Caravan, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Dodge Grand Caravan has 2,529 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Dodge Grand Caravan has 27 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 74 of the Dodge Grand Caravan's 2,529 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Dodge Grand Caravan has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Dodge Grand Caravan stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Dodge Grand Caravan by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Dodge Grand Caravan.
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Keep researching before you buy
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Dodge Grand Caravan reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Dodge Grand Caravan reliable?
Poor. The Dodge Grand Caravan has 2,529 NHTSA owner complaints and 27 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Dodge Grand Caravan years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2016 (1,155 complaints), 2017 (411 complaints), 2014 (357 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Dodge Grand Caravan problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (763 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (510 complaints); STRUCTURE (433 complaints).
Does the Dodge Grand Caravan have recalls?
Yes — 27 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Dodge Grand Caravan. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.