Dodge Grand Caravan engine failure problems

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 Aug 11, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · 160,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact shifted the gear shifter into neutral. The vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V373000 (Electrical System, Air Bags); however, the recall was not associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · 90,489 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the roadway an dfailed to restart. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the engine bay. There was not warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to AAMCO Transmissions, where it was diagnosed that the water pump housing had split in half. The water pump was replaced. The contact stated that shortly after the repair, the thermostat gauge started fluctuating and the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was taken to JJ Auto Repair and Collisions, where it was diagnosed with catastrophic engine block failure. A new engine was purchased and installed on the vehicle; however, the vehicle suddenly stalled while driving 40 MPH. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with alternator failure. The alternator and the battery were replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where the battery was replaced. Additionally, AutoZone tested the newly installed alternator and determined that the alternator was faulty; however, several mechanics determined that the alternator was in good condition. The contact related the failures to the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers:Â 20V278000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 18V524000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied reimbursement for the expenses. The failure mileage was approximately 90,489.

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 11, 2026 · Electrical · MN

The driver's side sliding door lock has seized up and will not let you open the door at all. It won't open with a remote or manually it is solid as a rock. The passenger side sliding door motor makes a horrible sound every time it locks or unlock. It did get stuck at one point , but then it unlocked. This is very dangerous when you have small children in car seats that you cannot get to. And because the door locks on the dodge grand caravans keep malfunctioning , you have to crawl through the back end of the vehicle , put the seats down to get to children in car seats to get them out of the vehicle. The cost to fix this is outrageous. Dodge grand caravan sliding door locks have thousands and thousands of complaints about malfunctioning, and not working. And needing to be replaced. Why are you not recalling this? This is a safety issue. Also , if this would have locked up when I was sitting in the back seat , I wouldn't have been able to get out because I am disabled. I would've been stuck in this dodge grand caravan. This is a safety issue that dodge needs to address immediately. When the door lock smell function and you can't get disabled adults out of a vehicle or small children out of a car seat that is a serious issue.

Filed Feb 14, 2026 · CT

Seized sliding door latch. In an emergency we cannot exit threw the door. There was a recall on the door lock latch. Dealer will not repair do to the mileage.

Filed Jan 29, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · WI

I am writing to formally request that the federal safety agency review and consider an investigation into a potential safety-related defect affecting 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. My vehicle recently experienced a failure of the engine oil filter housing, which cracked and leaked oil and required an expensive repair. According to the repair facility, Pro Auto Service, this failure is not isolated. I was advised that the shop has repaired a significant number of identical failures over the past year, to the extent that replacement parts have at times been difficult to obtain. The repair facility also indicated that many similar failures have occurred in recent weeks, coinciding with extreme cold weather conditions. The oil filter housing is a critical engine component responsible for maintaining proper oil circulation and pressure. Failure of this component can lead to oil loss, reduced lubrication, engine damage, or potential engine shutdown if not immediately addressed. Because this defect directly impacts engine operation, it presents a powertrain-related safety concern. Based on the frequency of reported failures, the consistency across the same model year, and the apparent correlation with cold weather conditions, this issue appears to be the result of a design or material defect rather than normal wear and tear. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review this matter for possible investigation and recall consideration to protect vehicle owners from unexpected engine failure and costly repairs. Thank you for your attention to this concern and for your continued commitment to vehicle safety.

Filed Jan 22, 2026 · Engine · CA

The 3.6L Pentastar engine for this year has been shown to be highly problematic. We have had the #2 and now the #1 cylinder heads fail, causing misfires, poor engine performance and complete failure. We’ve also had multiple injectors fail, #2 (twice), 4 & 5. The engine failure is a safety issue and has been proven as such.

Filed Dec 6, 2025 · Engine · NC

My engine has begun the "Pentastar tick", which is surprisingly well-known, but not recalled. This is a serious safety issue because it can cause engine failure, which would cause an accident. Dodge has known about this problem for years, but refuses to fix it. I cannot afford to replace the engine and my van is sitting at the dealership, as of today. Please make them fix this! Why is there not a recall on these engines!?! Thankfully, there was no accident and I had the vehicle towed to the dealership, only to be told they are aware of it and I'm looking at $3,000-5,000 to "fix" it. However, the replacement parts would be the same as the original parts, so it's just going to keep happening. They are willfully and knowingly endangering families by not fixing this!

Filed Oct 26, 2025 · MO

The lock actuators on my 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan sliding passenger doors are both frozen, so the doors are not able to be opened at all. The doors for the backseat are unusable, and passengers must climb in through the back hatch door of the van. My car began smoking from the engine (visible from the hood), and I had to pull my vehicle over. My children were unable to exit the vehicle in a swift manner, because they had to leave through the rear hatch of the vehicle instead of opening the doors next to their seats. This is extremely unsafe and seems to be a widespread safety risk with this vehicle. The company issued an extended warranty in 2025, but because my vehicle was purchased in 2018 and I commuted to my job, my vehicle is over the 100,000 mile qualifier now. It wasn't at 100,000 miles when the doors seized up. Dodge/Chrysler should recall this lock actuator part, because passenger safely should come first. An extended warranty that excludes drivers now over 100,000 miles is not acceptable. This defect could have caused my children to become trapped in a burning vehicle.