Randomly shuts off Says key is in the ignition when it isnt
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan engine problems
121 complaints (21% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 107,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 121
- of this car's complaints
- 21%
- typical mileage
- 107,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Engine: oil/lubrication: pipes, hoses, and fittings1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Dodge Grand Caravan engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Stalling 88Won't start 54Check engine light 32Loss of power 28Engine failure 13Knocking 8Misfire 8
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 chrysler vehicles, including 200 and town and country models, dodge vehicles, including charger, durango, grand caravan and journey models and jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured from august 31, 2011, through september 13, 2011, that are equipped with 3.6l engines. These engines may experience connecting rod bearing failure due to debris inside the engine block.
- Risk
- Connecting rod failure may lead to engine seizure which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about november 18, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 11V487000 · Recall details
What 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The fuel pump would run all night and going down the road the van would cut off...had it checked the tipm was bad
While driving, the vehicle will periodically shut down/lose all power. This appears to occur when a slight bump in the road occurs. The loss of power to the vehicle is obviously a significant safety issue. We have been able to restart it when switching to neutral and turning the key; however, this obviously isn't a safe solution while traveling down the highway with no power to the vehicle. This has occurred multiple times at varying speeds (30-70 mph) over the last few years - I am reporting it now as I was assuming/anticipating there would be a recall on this safety issue.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on the highway, the vehicle inadvertently shut off. The contact stated that the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact was able to pull over safely and restated the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure progressed over time and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were flashing on and off. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
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.
After talking to others and researching and reading reports this seems to be another ghost problem: Driving around town this issue doesn't usually occur but, on a long drive and coming to a stop or near stop such as a traffic light and/or in traffic my van starts to die. Depending on how long I am going to be stopped or slowed down to a crawl I either have to keep one foot on the brake while accelerating or switch to neutral. When switched to neutral I have to keep a foot on the accelerator while switching back into drive. Sometimes turning the ignition off and back on helps, usually not. The danger is the risk of being rear ended or stalling when pulling into traffic.
On my Grand Caravan the engine randomly dies when my headlights are on bright. I haven't been able to find the problem. I have read where others are having the same problem but not sure they have associated the problem to the high beam lights. Last year when the dealership supposedly did the T33 recall it stopped doing it for two months then started happening again. It only happens with my high beams. The dangers are that, unable to use my high beams, I may not see wildlife running out into the road on dark highways until it is too late. Also, if this happens in traffic, especially in turns or curves, there is temporary loss in propulsion, power steering, power brakes, etc. I believe this to be a widespread problem that most haven't associated with the headlights. When it happens all of the dash lights come on as if the ignition was just turned on. I guess one more danger is that a driver, unaware of what is happening, may try accelerating when the engine has died which could cause sudden acceleration when the engine power restores.
Van stalls while driving it has happened serval times and getting worse. I have had it to mechanic they can not figure out what's wrong. Two of these incidents of this van stalling while driving almost caused me to get hit. Am scared now to even drive it I have my grandbabies with me quit a bit and refuse to take chances with them. Something needs to be done. Dodge needs to FIX this issue.
The van shut down from the sudden. No steering or power. Did it twice on a parking lot and big street
Engine stalls soon after I start driving. Lights are still on on the dashboard. I put the car in Park, turn the key to the off position, and turn the key to ignition. Engine starts without issue. This problem happens irregularly. Sometimes happens after a few months, sometimes after a few weeks.
Questions about the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan engine
Does the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan have engine problems?
Owners have filed 121 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan, 21% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 107,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 11V487000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Dodge Grand Caravan have bad engine?
The Dodge Grand Caravan model years with the most engine complaints are 1996 (175 complaints), 2010 (161 complaints) and 2008 (145 complaints).
Other 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan problems
Electrical 337Fuel system 74Transmission 48Brakes 38Acceleration 24Body 19Airbags 18Driver assistance 18Steering 14Visibility 13Seats 9Lights 7Tires 5Wheels 4Seat belts 3Suspension 3Locks 1
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