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Dodge Grand Caravan check engine light comes on

428 of the 13,443 owner complaints about the Dodge Grand Caravan describe check engine light, most of them for the 2016 model year.

owner complaints
428
worst model year
2016
typical repair cost reported
$2,180
typical mileage
90,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Stalling 97Misfire 69Transmission failure 29Jerking 26Loss of power 23Won't shift 21Wipers 20Won't start 19

Trouble codes mentioned

P0302 10P083B 2P0740 2P0305 2P0128 2U0141 1P1698 1P0883 1P084B 1P076A 1

What owners say

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 138,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and jerked slightly before accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission pump failure. The contact was informed that transmission pump needed to be replaced. The mechanic declined to repair the vehicle after discovering the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V461000 (Power Train) for the issue. The mechanic referred the contact to the manufacturer, who was informed of the issue and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Engine · CA

The vehicle has experienced repeated serious engine/cooling-system problems. It ran hot/overheated and would lose some power on even very slight inclines; when this occurred, the temperature gauge would rise. It never completely lost power or stalled. The vehicle developed an engine ticking noise that continues. An oil-pressure warning appeared, and the check-engine light repeatedly came on. In approximately March 2026, the engine failed and was replaced with a used engine reportedly having approximately 40,000 miles. Within approximately six months, the replacement engine developed additional oil-pressure/oil-system problems and continues to make a ticking noise. The vehicle has required substantial additional repairs. These problems create a safety concern because overheating, loss of power and possible engine failure could occur while driving and could leave the vehicle unable to safely maintain speed or operate normally in traffic. The problems have been diagnosed and repaired by independent automotive service facilities. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or an insurance representative. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The symptoms began after we purchased the vehicle used on September 2, 2023, at approximately 68,000 miles. It now has approximately 109,000 miles. We have limited driving to very short trips because of these ongoing concerns. I HAVE RECIEPTS FOR the MOST RECENT 2026 REPAIRS , However the system here wont allow my picture/files

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Engine · 140,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · AL

specifics unknown check engine light came on cpl seconds before it started overheating / leaking coolant and or transmission fluid and overheating. and I'm not sure what. started last year but I don't drive very often so the issue just started last year

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Engine, Seats · WA

1) At D/S Stow and Go seat malfunctioned and was repaired by CarMax Service Center Jan 2023 - 2) Around 97,000 so - Engine started ticking on or about JUL/SEP 2023, enstate Lloyds Automotive in Spokane Valley replaced out engine due to manufacture defect in Oct 2023. 3) At 103,672mi - P/S stow and Go seat was repaired for same issues as D/S stow & Go Seat by Lloyds Automotive Oct 2023 when engine was replaced out. 4) Around 116,000mi the Transmission was flushed when I got the oil changed because I noticed jerking shifting at times, this was Aug 2024 there was no check engine or diag faults. 5) Around 132,720 Fell under CXLHX982 / CXLHX981 Actuator Sliding Door D/S & P both repaired and Transmissioned serviced again because my van started stalling out at stops and the jerking happened again no check engine or diag faults 6) Around 138,000 - D/S Sliding door hatch pin repair by Coos Bay Area Dodge. On 24Mar2026 - Around 142,000mi my transmission overheat warning came on and my van would not go any faster than 45 to 50mi, the RPMs went from 1.5 to 4 to 5 then 7 and back down, I immediately pulled over and sat for about 40min turned my van back on there was no overheat warning so I drove around 50mi per hour in the emergency lane to the next exit which was Hood River, Or and trailer towed my van from Hood River, Or to AAMCO, North Spokane Wa for transmission service. - I believe my vehicle 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T model - transmission was built with some underlying transmission serious safety defects and should have been recalled and a part of Part 573 Safety Recall Report 16V‑461. My vehicle malfunctioning could have caused an accident if not for my quick thinking that day and keeping my vehicle maintained at a high standard. I do keep all my service records.

Filed Mar 6, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · CA

•vehicle stalls when slowing down in traffic and cut off on freeway •happens while driving at low speed •vehicle restarts immediately after stalling •0–10 mph (coming to stop) •slowing from traffic speed •check engine light appeared •code P0128 was detected Vehicle stalled while driving and could have caused a crash if it happened in heavier traffic.” •I reported the issue to the dealership I bought it and went to dodge dealership because I seen 4 recalls •they checked the vehicle •they stated no recalls were open •blind spot warning system not functioning •lane assist button not responding •115-volt power outlet not working happened multiple times •started recently after purchase •intermittent issue “When searching by VIN earlier, recall campaigns were displayed describing engine stall that could increase crash risk.”

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Transmission · 80,950 miles · HI

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and drove into the gas station parking lot. The mechanic was able to restart the vehicle, and an abnormal sound was coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and DTC P084B (Pressure Switch Rationality - TCM Detects Abnormal Hydraulic Pressure in a Specific Circuit). The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with a solenoid pack failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,950.

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · Electrical · 98,817 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and came to a stop in the middle of traffic. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a misfire and the failure was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign: 18V524000 (Electrical System). However, the VIN was not included. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start immediately while using the key. The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was advised that the vehicle was not the same as the vehicles listed in the federal safety agency Campaign: 18V524000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,817.

Filed Feb 15, 2026 · Engine · NC

Engine loss of power, failure to accelerate, sudden forward lurch when stopped, Check engine light diagnosed by dealership and independent shop as Cylinder 2 failure. Purchased from Carvana 11/2024 with just over 70,000 miles on it. Currently has about 77,000. Cylinder head is currently being replaced at a cost of $6,500.00

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Transmission · OH

I purchased this van from a used car lot in December of 2025. After driving it for a little over 2 weeks the check engine light came on. My mechanic did a computer check on it and it showed that the transmission is bad. Apparently, through much investigation work on my part, the warranty I paid for on the vehicle is “void” because the dealer that I purchased it from was well aware that it needed a transmission! They reset the computer according to what I was able to find out, and then sold it to me. It’s a 2019 model and for the transmission to be in need of replacement already, I’m questioning why! I’m surprised that no other owners have evidently had this issue. Please let me know if there have been other owners that have experienced transmission issues in this van. Thank You

Related recalls

Engine and engine coolingReported September 29, 2011 · 667 vehicles affected
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

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasolineReported January 11, 1996 · 40,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
In certain vehicles, the engine cylinder head oil galley plug does not seal properly and engine cylinder head oil is not adequately retained.
Risk
Inadequate sealing and retention of the plug can result in oil leakage which could cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy
Dealers will install an expansion plug and retaining bracket over the cylinder head oil galley plug.

Recall number 96V006000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Grand Caravan check engine light

Why does the check engine light come on in the Dodge Grand Caravan?

Owners who report it most often also describe engine stalls while driving, misfire or rough idle and complete transmission failure, and the codes they mention most are P0302, P083B and P0740.

Which Dodge Grand Caravan years have check engine light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2016 (66 complaints), 2008 (35 complaints) and 2013 (34 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the Dodge Grand Caravan?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,180 (median of 48 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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