2011 Dodge Grand Caravan: engine failure

Filed May 23, 2025 · Engine, Steering · 130,000 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the water pump was replaced. The contact stated that several months later, while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where a power steering flush was performed; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic replaced the steering pump, which seemed to correct the failure. The contact then stated that the whining sound returned without warning. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the valves inside the engine connected to the fuel injector were defective and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that after the diagnostic tests, the vehicle failed to start up after several attempts. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Apr 23, 2024 · Fuel system · 300,000 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The contact stated that the battery was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic as battery failure due to extended use of the fuel pump. The contact stated that the fuse had to be unplugged for the fuel pump to shut off. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.

Filed Jun 29, 2020 · Engine · 138,000 miles · FL

These vehicles have an ongoing issue of having the cylinder 4 misfire. You can have the spark plug, spark plug wire, the coil pack, cylinder head valve, fuel injector, vacuum, shafts and everything else replaced and the check engine light will still come on saying that this cylinder is misfiring. I have heard and read many articles that say this is a common issue with these vehicles and everyone is surprised that there has not been a recall to repair this issue. At this point, your only option to have a re-manufactured engine installed which can end up costing more than you owe on the car which many people cannot afford. How can you allow a vehicle to have this issue and not have a solution to fix it? This code appeared on march 2019 after a week of purchasing this vehicle. I have replaced every part that would cause this error code and the only option it to replace the engine. This is just not feasible as this is a common issue with this car and should be replaced.

Filed Nov 5, 2019 · Engine · 153,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the engine failed. She noticed smoke under the hood while driving and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who located failure code: p0302, which indicated that the engine solenoid head needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in the warranty extension for the engine replacement and the repair only covered 150 miles and 10 years. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The failure mileage was 153,000.

Filed Jan 9, 2019 · Body, Electrical · 126,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge grand caravan. While driving various speeds, both of the sliding doors on the driver and passenger side opened and the power steering seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Filed Jun 22, 2018 · Brakes · 105,703 miles · NJ · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted an abnormal odor and the brakes seized while driving various speeds. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the passenger side brake caliper was smoking. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic and the calipers were replaced. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,703. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jan 27, 2018 · Acceleration, Engine · 179,000 miles · WI

Driving down the road at 55 MPH van started making weird clunking sounds lights began to dim lost accelerator control, brakes pulled to side of road manage to come to a stop vehicle still was making sounds and lights were flashing I put it in park vehicle stalled out I tried to restart and nothing wouldn't even turn over just clicked. Had it towed only came back as low voltage they replaced battery tried to restart engine still made clunking noise van still wouldn't start, oil pan was dropped and had chunks of metal in it. Final conclusion engine blown I have seen some recalls on this engine 3.6 vvt also previously had a problem with tipm I also see has an ongoing. Possible recall and is recalled in other vehicles that use same part. Would really love my van fixed as this engine is known to have problems

Filed Dec 3, 2014 · Engine · 77,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine seized. The vehicle was able to be restarted 10 minutes later. The contact believed that the totally integrated power module malfunctioned. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the totally integrated power module needed to be replaced. However, the parts needed to do the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.

Filed Sep 26, 2014 · Body, Electrical · 38,000 miles · NJ · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the engine failed to start. In addition, the contact stated that the driver side door interior panel caught fire. The dealer replaced the door and panel wires. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the initial failure. The contact stated that the vehicle continued to experience electrical failures with the rear door motor. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 38,000.