2012 Dodge Grand Caravan: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Mar 17, 2025 · Electrical · 183,000 miles · NV · fire

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, unoccupied, and turned off at the residence, she noticed that sparks and flames were coming from the overhead console. The flames then spread to the front driver's and passenger's side seats. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The fire department filed a report, which determined that the fire was caused by an electrical wiring failure. The vehicle remained at the residence. The insurance company was not made aware of the fire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.

Filed Jan 17, 2025 · Engine · CA

Smoke comes out from the corner of the hood by the antenna and fumes come from the vents it makes my eyes burn and my throat sore. I'm afraid it might catch on fire. I have had the oil changed the power steering fluid changed I had the radiator changed. I don't know where it's coming from but I do know it is not safe.

Filed Sep 9, 2022 · Brakes, Electrical · PA

2017 I purchased my car. I had several problems with the key lock and car starting. Immediately tried to return the car but dealer wouldn’t allow it. I have now found out there were 2 recalls in 2017 I was not aware of this until now. Even though dodge has stated to me they were fixed as a consumer if my car was presenting issues so early on after these recalls I should have had a grace period to give the vehicle back if other issues were presented. Currently car is smoking on the drivers side with a heavy burning smell. Car is over heating as well as the car would not stop while I was driving it on8/23/22 in a mall. Car was shutting off a lot. I was under warantiy and took it to AAmco and found out there were transmission issues. My warranty company at the time let my car sitting at AAmco despite the major issue and refused to fix it as well as let my warranty expire. Now I am scared to drive this car concerned the vehicle won’t stop.

Filed Jun 14, 2021 · Engine · 108,000 miles · WI · fire

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the air conditioning independently turned off with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle started to lose motive power as he began to pull off to the shoulder of the highway. The contact stated that another unknown warning light illuminated and the vehicle shut-off. The contact pulled over and saw black smoke coming from the engine. After opening the hood, there was more smoke coming from the engine. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine had caught fire due to a defective oil pump. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that an inspector would be sent out to perform an investigation. The vehicle remained in the possession of the mechanic. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Filed Aug 12, 2020 · Electrical · 149,250 miles · AK · fire

I got an oil change and an inspection the inspection report was good, no major mechanical issues. Only recommendation was a power steering flush next time I came in for an oil change. I drove the van home 1/2 mile away. I parked the van. I saw light smoke coming from under the hood on the passenger side. It smelled like burnt rubber. I proceeded to drive back to shop 1/4 mile away. The van lost all power at a stop sign. I saw more darker smoke coming out. I got out of the van immediately. Within 2 minutes the vans front end was in flames.

Filed Nov 3, 2016 · Electrical · 82,000 miles · MN · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge grand caravan. While driving 30 MPH, the contact smelled smoke and noticed flames emanating from the vehicle door. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no injuries and a report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v234000 (electrical system). The cause of the fire was undetermined. The vehicle was not destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,000.

Filed Nov 2, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 82,000 miles · MN · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge grand caravan. While driving at low speeds the vehicle caught fire. The contact was not injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not towed to a local dealer. The contact called 911 when the vehicle burst into flames. The battery was disconnected on the scene. The vehicle was taken to a local body shop the following day, but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 82,000. Updated 05/10/17*lj car was taken to a service shop and the mechanic was convinced there was direct correlation between the recall and door fire. Updated 9/5/18

Filed Oct 19, 2016 · Body, Electrical · 82,000 miles · MN · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge grand caravan. While driving 40 MPH, the driver's side door caught fire. The contact smelled smoke coming from the driver's side door. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was not filed and there were no injuries. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 82,000.

Filed Jul 30, 2016 · Brakes · 48,660 miles · MA

On june 30th, 2016 my family and I were driving northbound on I-91 in massachusetts between exits 14 and 15. The rear brakes began to make a noise while driving at speed (~65 MPH) and not depressing the brake pedal. Minutes later a thump was heard similar to when an object or roadkill is run over. When the brake pedal was depressed, it went to the floor. I could see smoke coming from the rear passenger wheel. We later found out that one brake pad had broken through/been thrown from the rear passenger wheel, and brake fluid was pouring out from that brake assembly. We exited the highway at exit 15 and drove small low-traffic roads home. Dodge was contacted but refused to assist in towing the vehicle to a dealer for assessment. We replaced the brakes, calipers, and rotors in our driveway. Attached photos show the brake assembly before it was removed from the vehicle for replacement. The car was three years and 10 months old, with ~48,660 miles, and on its second pair of rear brake pads. This is at least the 21st complaint on the federal safety agency about the same component (rear brake pads on 2012 grand caravan wearing too quickly). Dodge refused assistance both at the time of the incident and after I followed up with our dealer, with no reason given for the refusal. (case #29615622) given the many official and hundreds of unofficial complaints about the 2012 dodge grand caravan rear brakes, I hope the federal safety agency will investigate further and pressure dodge to repair or replace this part. Thank you.

Filed Jun 16, 2016 · Body, Electrical · 110,000 miles · FL · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge grand caravan. While driving the vehicle, the door panel started melting and smoke filled the vehicle. The vehicle was pulled over, turned off, and the fuse was disconnected. The smoke dissipated and there were no flames. The contact researched that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v234000 (electrical system). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the interior of the driver door was severely damaged and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. There were no injuries that required medical attention. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Mar 27, 2015 · Brakes · 16,012 miles · IL

I started to smell burning brakes while driving on the highway. I got out when we parked and felt all the wheels. The rear wheels were so hot you couldn't touch them, the rear rotors were glowing red, and it smelled like burning brakes. Called the dealership since its only 2 years old and 16k miles. Was told its a wear item and they wont cover them, only the calipers, and no loaner since we don't have a service contract. Last dodge I ever buy.