Tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the driver's side sliding door seized and remained stuck. There were no warning indicators illuminated. When the contact attempted to open the door, "unlock door to open" appeared on the instrument panel. The dealer was not contacted, but the contact planned to take the vehicle to a dealer this week. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,000. The VIN was unknown.
Dodge Caravan engine failure problems
63 of the 10,018 owner complaints about the Dodge Caravan describe engine failure, most of them for the 1997 model year.
- owner complaints
- 63
- worst model year
- 1997
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,080
- typical mileage
- 86,396
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 8Steering lock-up 6ABS 5Check engine light 4Transmission failure 3Grinding brakes 3Airbag light 3Won't start 2
What owners say
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 dodge caravan. While driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized and caused the contact to crash into a guardrail. There were no injuries. The airs bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed by an independent towing company to a salvage lot where it was deemed destroyed. Blevins seaway motors (98 center st, massena, ny 13662, (315) 764-0283) was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 136,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 dodge caravan. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the power steering seized for the third time. After the previous failures, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the serpentine belt slipped off and needed to be replaced. After the recent failure, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 dodge caravan. While driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated without warning. The vehicle was taken to landmark dodge of morrow, georgia where it was determined that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. In addition, an independent mechanic (jd auto of decatur, ga, located on 2450 morrow drive) replaced the starter, alternator, and radiator prior to the engine failure diagnosis. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000. Updated 09/01/17*lj
My dodge caravan just stalls while driving. It has happened about 5 times this past year. The engine cuts off and I have to pull over and restart. It has only happened while driving between 20-40 miles per hour. It has not happened on the highway I had the ignition switch replaced so I know it is not that. Sometimes when my car will not start I have to put it in neutral and it starts. Our mechanic cannot find anything wrong but did see the engine failure while running a diagnostic.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge caravan. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle lost acceleration, the contact coasted to the side of the road, waited a few minutes, and attempted to start the engine. The engine failed to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 dodge caravan. While driving various speeds, the power steering seized without warning. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the serpentine belt failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired several times, but the failure was persistent. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the diagnosis was undetermined. The contact received a notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v373000 (air bags, electrical system) however the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v373000 (air bags, electrical system); however, the part needed to do the repair was not made available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide the part to do the repair. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the engine seized twice and the steering and brakes seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge caravan. While driving 40 MPH, the front end brakes and calipers seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front end brakes, calipers, and hoses needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline
- What is wrong
- In certain vehicles, the engine cylinder head oil galley plug does not seal properly and engine cylinder head oil is not adequately retained.
- Risk
- Inadequate sealing and retention of the plug can result in oil leakage which could cause a fire in the engine compartment.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install an expansion plug and retaining bracket over the cylinder head oil galley plug.
Recall number 96V006000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- The engine valve cover gasket may dislocate and allow an engine oil leak at the gasket.
- Risk
- The leakage of oil in the engine compartment could causea fire.
- Remedy
- Replace gasket cover with revised cover, and rtv sealant will be applied in place of a gasket.
Recall number 89V237000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge Caravan engine failure
Which Dodge Caravan years have engine failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1997 (7 complaints), 2000 (7 complaints) and 1992 (5 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the Dodge Caravan?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,080 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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