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Dodge Caravan won't start problems

76 of the 10,018 owner complaints about the Dodge Caravan describe won't start, most of them for the 2011 model year.

owner complaints
76
worst model year
2011
typical repair cost reported
$1,130
typical mileage
80,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Jul 9, 2019 · Electrical, Suspension · 120,000 miles · MO

The 2008 dodge grand caravan is a lawsuit waiting to happen it somes with too many problems that I believe the creators if this vehicle knew about but put out for production any how for the love of money. Too many lives are put at risk. Im requesting a brand new car my vheicle has electrical issues that should not be common, ignition issues turn the key, car stalling, sliding door issues you would think a ghost is toiling with you its terrible, I demand some help my car wont start due to electrical concerns that I didnt cause I took good care of my vehicle but yet it still fails. This car stalled and stopped on the highway, wouldnt start on certain occasions its scary

Filed May 14, 2019 · Electrical · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge caravan. The contact stated that their vehicle would not start. They jump started the vehicle and it was able to restart. The following day the vehicle failed to start as a result, the contact replaced the battery and the vehicle was then able to start. However, the failure recurred and the driver side door was unable to be unlocked. The contact had to get a new key made. The locksmith that made the new key jump started the vehicle. The contact went to work, when they left the vehicle would not start again. They hooked the battery up to a battery charger and the battery was drained. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown (the contact can't get inside the vehicle).

Filed Aug 8, 2018 · Engine, Fuel system · 99,158 miles · TX

While coming to a red light the engine just stop without warning. The vehicle will not start after several attempts.

Filed Jul 26, 2018 · Electrical · IA

Ignition switche was replaced on a recall. But now this ignitin switches is not working right. Some times the van will not start. I had it check out and its the ignition switche that was replaced on my car because of the recall. What do I do now to get this replaced again. The van may shut off when driving.

Filed Apr 16, 2018 · Electrical · TX

"takata recall" fuel pump relay .... Problem: car will not start leaving me strainted....... Tipm problem this is a common problem for dodge and should be a dealers recall

Filed Mar 8, 2018 · Brakes, Engine · 80,000 miles · WI

Engine is leaking oil with a potential for fire. Vehicle dies while driving causing loss of control with a crash and injury hazard. No start issues. Transmission not shifting correctly.

Filed Dec 3, 2017 · Electrical, Lights · 158,000 miles · NY · crash

Was driving home at night when randomly my lights started flashing, horn started blaring, windshield wipers started going off, washer fluid was spraying everywhere. Locks were locking and unlocking. I ended up driving into someone's lawn as I could not see properly with poor lighting and all the distractions. Once I got home the vehicle continued to be possessed even without the key in the ignition. I was finally able to get everything to stop after unplugging the battery. Upon internet research it didn't take long to realize it was tipm fuse box issue, I have found several other customers with the same box having the same issues. I have gone to the junkyard 3 times and grabbed a used tipm fuse box replacement. The first replacement the car would not start. Second replacement there was a lot of trouble lights on the dash and the odometer did not work. With my most recent replacement the headlights don't work. So including my original tipm , that's 4 faulty tipms. Do you notice a problem or pattern here?

Filed Sep 19, 2017 · Airbags, Driver assistance · 60,000 miles · FL

Takata recall -- I have changed the alternator, starter , had the electrical box worked on by my mechanic. At this moment my vehicle does not start and hasn't started for a week. 3 years ago the vehicle stop in the middle of traffic while my daughter was driving. It would not start or turn over., had to be pushed into a parking lot.

Filed Apr 5, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · TN

Started missing at frist, then a no start. I've changed the timing chain, crank sensor, camshaft sensor, coil pack. Tried a new ECM. There's voltage to the coil pack, but no spark. I've checked wiring circuit, and auto shut down relay .

Filed Mar 30, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 149,000 miles · NC

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.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasolineReported January 11, 1996 · 40,000 vehicles affected
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: engineReported December 27, 1989 · 634,000 vehicles affected
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 won't start

Which Dodge Caravan years have won't start problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2011 (17 complaints), 2008 (10 complaints) and 1996 (7 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix won't start on the Dodge Caravan?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,130 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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