2012 Dodge Grand Caravan: jerking or lurching

Filed Jul 30, 2020 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 91,000 miles · NY

1st problem erratic ignition stalling while in park. Battery was replaced and taken to shop, the auto technician assumed based on p0128 p0520 p0441 it was gas fuel cap, switch oil pressure, housing thermostat, gasket intake manifold they replaced o2 sensors vacuum line read a sensor with evapo system causing check engine light came on and a host of other items checked gas cap totaled me $779. Car refuse to started next mornings for pass two weeks every morning several attempts to start car after parked overnight no start only stalling first. Then waited an hour put car in neutral see if car starts it did. After driving that day while driving car acceleration began to go fast by itself on a highway then jerk RPM dropped down while driving my children in the car. I thought maybe gear was out of place so I looked to see if it was in drive, it was in drive. Went back to auto shop they said since car is working now can't hook up system to check p codes because it won't show up if it's working.told me drive 60 miles to see prob continue. Next morning car didn't start, no fuse signal shows. Then car was dead one click sound ,no stall. Called roadside assist and tried to jump battery. Guy said it's not battery he said it's the fuel pump. Contacted the auto mechanic spoke with mgr of shop and said it can be a tipm and cost $1200. This is a very unstable and unsafe issue my family and I drive in this van don't feel safe 2nd issue car hesitated to stop two months ago when I pressed the brakes to stop car while driving on road to stop at red light, no stop I had to pump brakes and I thought it was brakes I paid for replacement of brakes and pads as well. This electrical module has been the cause of known incidents. It can cause accidents. The van is dangerous safety hazard. Tipm and electrical system is creating unsafe braking and ignition fuel conditions causing malfunction

Filed Nov 12, 2019 · Body · 129,000 miles · MI

Both rear passenger sliding doors will not open. They are unlocked (using both the fob and the interior manual lock/unlock). The van is always in an off/not running or parked state when attempting to open doors. Whether using the fob or manual door handle, the doors make a clicking sound and attempt to open (jerks and moves a negligible amount) but does not open. The doors cannot be opened manually. I carry 2 small children and only 1 has the ability to release himself from his car seat and find a front door to exit out of. In an emergency the 2 children would be difficult to extricate without climbing through an open back hatch (if accessible) or over the front seats. This is a known issue. Https://www.cargurus.com/cars/discussion-t41910_ds866499 https://www.cargurus.com/cars/discussion-t41909_ds650359

Filed Feb 9, 2019 · Transmission · 58,000 miles · CA

I purchased this vehicle used from carmax in april 2108. It has had continued rough transmission issues especially in and out of 2nd after multiple adjustments by carmax and chrystler/dodge dealership. It jerks roughly and makes loud clunking sounds. I am fearful this vehicle is becoming unsafe to drive. Not only that but with less than 60k miles the transmission should not be going out. I have found myself walking and taking the bus in fear of my car breaking down on me. This is not a reputable vehicle. Please nobody buy these vans!

Filed Sep 1, 2016 · Transmission · 60,525 miles · IL

As I was driving home on wednesday, august 24, 2016 at approximately 4:45 pm. As I was driving south on fairview in downers grove, il my vehicle started to jerk and at one point, I thought someone hit the trunk. I began to worry as there was a lot of cars in front and next to me. The vehicle's RPM started to go crazy and then as I pressed the gas the car was not moving, it was extremely difficult for me as I was alone. I then put my hazards on because I had to try to get to a safe place. After about 30 minutes, I managed to move my car into the parking lot of a cvs but not before it shut off on me. I had to wait for 1 hour before the tow truck came and he took me to the jack phelan dealership in countryside, il. My car has been there since then. I have a rental for 7 days but after that I have no car. I just want to know what chrysler can do for me as I am not able to have my car because of the faulty transmission. The dealership communicated to us that this transmission should have been recalled and they will do what they can to remove them from the shelves. At this moment, I have no documentation but the dealership can be contacted, jack phelan dodge, 5859 s. Lagrange road, countryside, il 60525 (708) 352-5300. I would like someone to contact me and I will definitely be contacting chrysler corporation to see if there is anything they can do for me.

Filed Feb 5, 2016 · Transmission · 53,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge grand caravan. While driving at any speed, the vehicle jerked and slammed hard when placed in gear. For the same failure, a local dealer rebuilt the transmission on august 4, 2014. The failure recurred after 4,000 miles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 53,000. Updated 04/07/16*lj

Filed Sep 29, 2015 · Engine · 40,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a loud clunking noise and the vehicle jerked forward. The failure recurred each time the vehicle was started. The contact also stated that the engine warning indicator intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was informed that the engine failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v487000 (engine and engine cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

Filed Feb 12, 2015 · Acceleration, Engine · 32,300 miles · NJ · crash

On january 4th, while pulling into a neighbor's driveway, I tapped the brakes to stop (I was going less than 5mph, so I didn't need to press hard) the engine suddenly accelerated hard. I immediately slammed on the brakes harder to stop the acceleration, and my van ended up five to ten feet in my neighbor's yard. Two weeks later, I was pulling into a parking space at my son's work. I was moving slow and straightening the wheel approximately two to three feet from the sidewalk curb, when the engine acceleration surged and my van lurched forward. I again slammed on the brakes in order to not slam into the building wall just past the sidewalk, the van stopped on top of the sidewalk after hitting the car parked next to my van (as my wheels were still turned from turning into the parking space. The damage to my van and the car hit by my van totaled over $10,000. If a pedestrian had been on the sidewalk in front of my van, they would have been seriously injured or killed. Both times the engine unexpectedly surged, my foot was on the brake, and the van was traveling less than 2 to 3 miles per hour. When the acceleration surged the van forward, it was extremely hard and fast as if the accelerator had been pounded to the floorboard. I have checked with my local dodge dealer, who states there is no problem with this van and they have had absolutely no complaints about unexpected and powerful acceleration on the dodge grand caravan. I find this hard to believe as there are many other reports on dodge forum boards stating this exact unexpected and dangerous acceleration. I am afraid to drive my 2012 dodge grand caravan.

Filed Jul 1, 2014 · Brakes · 35,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that while applying the brakes, the front end of the vehicle jerked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear brake pads and rotors were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 35,000.