Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge grand caravan. While driving 30 MPH, the contact smelled an abnormal odor and noticed smoke coming from the automatic window buttons. The contact stated that the driver's door caught on fire and was extinguished by the fire department. Neither a fire nor a police report was filed. The fire department indicated that it was an electrical fire. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
2009 Dodge Grand Caravan: fire, smoke or burning smell
6 of the 544 complaints about the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan describe fire, smoke or burning smell.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 73,866
- recalls
- 2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 4 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year
What owners say
Driving on the hwy 485 toward airport when I heard a sudden sound in my dashboard. It was a etc (electronic throttle control light) and the ESC (electronic stability control light) that came out and, my temperature control gauge needle dropped from mi-range to zero. I slow down the car pulled it on the side of the highway so I can check to see what was happening and the next thing I know was a heavy smoke coming out of the hood and that was it.
Tl* the contact owned a 2009 dodge grand caravan. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact noticed smoke rising from the engine. When the contact pulled the vehicle into the driveway, it caught fire. There were no injuries and the fire department extinguished the flames. A police report was filed. The contact's residence sustained fire damage. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a salvage yard. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 12/09/14*lj updated 6/1/2015
Exited highway (70 MPH) then drove 55 MPH for 3 miles to our home. Noticed heavy brake burning smell that stayed with me until arrived at home. Noticed smoke coming from driver side rear wheel/brake assembly. Husband(ex-ase master tech) came out to inspect and noticed all other brakes seemed ok in temp but left rear was extremely hot, smoking and rotor was discolored from over heat(black/blue). No metal on metal van was just in less than 1000 miles and dealer replaced front pads, rotors under tsb with $100 deductible. I was told at this time that rears had approx 20% pad left. Way to soon for rear brakes to wear out (before 36k miles?) took van into rochester hills chrysler dodge and they stated issue was left rear brake pad stuck in slides causing overheat. They stated that the brake bracket/clip/pads clearance is too tight and doesn't take much corrosion or brake dust collecting to cause sticking pads. I am aware of a new chrysler brake bracket design for these vans and that they are on national backorder at the time of this report and that the redesign has additional clearance to eliminate this problem. But instead I was charged $174.80 for new pads and turn both rotors. I fear that this issue will happen again and wonder if it will be worse next time (pad/brake fire, brake/wheel lock up or possible loss of control). This is not safe especially on a vehicle that is primarily used to transport kids, people etc. Lots of families out there with these. Please help! Thank you.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge grand caravan. The contact noticed smoke coming from the engine. After inspection, he noticed that the heater had fractured and was causing water to leak onto the engine compartment. The contact took the part to the dealer where he was informed that the heater hose would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, offered no assistance. No repairs were performed. The current and failure mileages were 73,866.
The van had squealing noise (at times) while driving. Then we noticed the strong smell of the brakes,like you are going down a steep hill,the burning smell.must be the brake caliper sticking...so I took it to the dealer(where I bought it new) and was told that I needed new brake pad,new rotors at a cost of $777.00. The van only had 38,282 miles on it.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 dodge grand caravan and chrysler town & country passenger vehicles manufactured from february 2007 through september 2009. Some of the vehicles may have been built with an improperly routed wire harness that may have a condition where the lower sliding door hinge bracket can make contact and wear through the wire insulation.
- Risk
- A short circuit could occur inside the sliding door, overheating the latch, possibly resulting in a fire.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on november 15, 2010. Owners may contact chrysler toll-free at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 10V235000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling 6,138 my 2009 town and country and dodge grand caravan vehicles. Unused electrical connectors for the blind spot detection system may become corroded and could short circuit, which can cause a variety of conditions.
- Risk
- If the fuse for this circuit does not blow, the connectors could overheat and potentially catch fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will seal the power circuit at the subject connector and replace the fuse for this circuit if necessary free of charge. The recall began on march 9, 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 09V046000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan fire or smoke
Is fire, smoke or burning smell a common problem on the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan?
6 of 544 owner complaints about the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (1%) mention fire, smoke or burning smell. The model year with the most reports is 1996.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan?
There are 2 recalls and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
Stalling 77Wipers 16Won't start 15Warning lights 10Check engine light 9Key fob 9Loss of power 9ABS 8Grinding brakes 8Overheating 8Door locks 7Premature wear 7Airbag light 6Brake failure 6Engine failure 6Headlights 6Power steering loss 6Tire blowout 6No deployment 5
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