2017 Dodge Grand Caravan: jerking or lurching

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · GA

I am filing this complaint regarding the service department at Vaden Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. My complaint concerns a failure to properly diagnose a mechanical issue with my vehicle, misleading statements about the condition of the vehicle after repairs, and poor communication during the repair process. The vehicle is a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. Before bringing it to the dealership, the vehicle was jerking when slowing or coming to a stop. On February 19, 2026, a diagnostic scan showed code P0420 – Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). At that time the vehicle was still drivable. On March 2, 2026, I brought the vehicle to the dealership and reported the jerking issue. I also asked that the throttle body and transmission be inspected. The dealership stated that the technician could not determine the cause of the problem but recommended maintenance repairs including tires, brakes, and rotor service. Based on their professional recommendation, I approved the repairs. On March 6, 2026, I picked up the vehicle and paid $1,416.21. I was told the vehicle passed inspection and a safety test drive. However, within approximately thirty minutes of leaving the dealership, the vehicle began jerking violently and shut off while I was driving. The vehicle had to be returned to the dealership. After the vehicle was returned, I was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. This was concerning because I had asked the dealership to check that component during the initial inspection. I was originally quoted about $2,800, and after discussions with management including Jim Fife, I paid $2,165 on March 14, 2026 for the catalytic converter repair. Despite paying a total of $3,581.21, the vehicle continued to show drivability problems. A new diagnostic scan showed codes P0420 and P219B (air-fuel ratio imbalance), suggesting the underlying issue may not have been properly diagnosed before replacing the catalytic converter. I attempted to resolve the issue.

Filed Apr 14, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 95,500 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while coming to a complete stop on an incline or on a leveled roadway, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle jerked intermittently while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to Triple A, where the radiator was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the message "Oil Change" was displayed while there was sufficient oil in the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,500.

Filed Oct 22, 2022 · Acceleration, Suspension · NC

The van slid backwards then accelerated at a higher speed going from a stop to slowly with a light tap on the gas pedal. The speed does not go higher than 15mph with the rmp too high when this occurs. It jerks back when trying to drive it forward. Has not left the dealership parking lot. Drove out 3mile out with this occuring. 3 attempts to fix. Still not driving well and can't leave the dealership lot.

Filed Jun 30, 2019 · Steering, Wheels · 43,000 miles · LA

I drive a 2017 dodge grand caravan. Last week, as I was driving my children to their grandmothers house, I noticed the steering wheel shaking. I regained control and made it to my moms house and dropped off the children. As I left her house and made it back to the road, the van became hard to steer. It started jerking to one side and wobbling. I called the dealership where I purchased my van and was told to bring it in immediately. The day after bringing the van in, I returned to dealership and they showed me what was wrong with the van. It was lifted up into the air and I was showed that the rear axle on the driver side had been broken. There was 2 mechanics there and one suggested that I had been in a collision or hit a big pothole. The other said that it couldn't have been a driver error because of the way the break on the axle was bent as well as the lack of any scratches or damage to any other area of the van. My tires and rims show no damage, and the undercarriage of the van also shows no sign of hitting a pothole, as there are no scratches anywhere under the van. One of the mechanics said it could have been something wrong with the axle because of the bent way it was broken and he also noticed that it showed signs of it being already cracked because the metal appeared to be old on one spot and fresh on another. I highly deny hitting anything like a pot hole or having been in a collision there is absolutely no damage to any part of my vehicle save the broken axle. *dt

Filed Oct 30, 2018 · Airbags, Transmission · 52,000 miles · AZ · crash

I was on highway 87 in I was in motion all of a sudden the wheel jerked to the left I tried to keep streering wheel stright and then it jerked to the right, and then it got stuck motor stilln running and then it went into reverse by itself without me touching anything there was a lot of damage dune to my van. Collision location sr-87 & mp-214 report #2018-052783 date 10/24/18 the airbags did note operate at all