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Dodge Grand Caravan knocking problems

71 of the 13,443 owner complaints about the Dodge Grand Caravan describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 2012 model year.

owner complaints
71
worst model year
2012
typical mileage
106,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2019
    2
  • 2018
    1
  • 2017
    3
  • 2016
    6
  • 2015
    4
  • 2014
    8
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    8
  • 2011
    3
  • 2010
    2
  • 2009
    1
  • 2008
    3
  • 2007
    1
  • 2006
    2
  • 2005
    4
  • 2004
    2
  • 2002
    1
  • 2001
    2
  • 2000
    2
  • 1999
    6
  • 1998
    1
  • 1997
    2
  • 1996
    3
  • 1995
    1
  • 1992
    1
  • 1991
    1

What owners say

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 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 Sep 4, 2025 · Engine · OH

The engine began stalling and reving while driving. It is at the shop with an estimate of 2500.00 to 4000.00 to repair due to faulty cylinder #2. Researching this, we are not the first to have issues. As stated by my repair place, it’s a ticking time bomb waiting for it to cause a serious major incident and possible injuries. Vehicle is less than 8 years old and less than 100,000 miles

Filed Aug 21, 2025 · Body, Electrical · NY

First, the back hatch would just open itself even if you were going 30 miles an hour or under. Had it checked out couldn’t afford the diagnostics so I took out the fuse. Second, there is a ticking in my right back corner. It doesn’t happen when you’re going down the road, but it happens while you’re parked or just starting out. Mechanic friend of mine checked into it we would have to trace the electrical from front to back and again, I cannot afford that. So there’s 135,000 miles on my vehicle now and this happened about six months ago. I forgot there was a place to report it. I’m not very car savvy. Also, I had to replace my entire starting my starter, my alternator, a battery actually too and now I’m going to have to replace the switch for the ignition that’s all happened within one year or less. Just thought somebody should report these each time I fixed an ignition issue, the problem was fixed for at least a month or two and then the next one would happen. Very aggravating.

Filed May 31, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · MO

When I’m driving my blinkers and windshield wipers turn on and off randomly and the stereo shuts off ac quits working and the windows lock and can’t be rolled down and when I’m at idle it has very loud ticking noise coming from dash board I think it’s the middle area behind stereo this happens multiple times a day and some days it doesn’t stop till vehicle is turned off and I’ve also noticed that hitting bump in road seem to make the issues worse all of the above mentioned happens together at same time

Filed Jan 29, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · FL

I drove over a pot whole that hit the transmission. The transmission was replaced but 3 different times each one contuines to fail. Before the transmission incident. My car would lose power while driving. There was knocking noise from the engine. The transmission shifted slow before as well. But after the transmission being changed out there's been leakes power lost again and more knocking. The car been through insurance already.

Filed Apr 30, 2023 · Engine · OH

Ticking in engine, engine seized

Filed Mar 8, 2023 · Engine · 140,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the engine was making abnormal ticking sounds while driving at various speeds, and while at a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Dec 16, 2022 · Engine · OH

Premature failure of valve lifters and damage to exhaust and intake camshafts. Engine had 59074 miles on it and used appropriate Valvoline synthetic blend oil since approx 15,000 miles. Valve train started ticking and got progressively louder in less than a two week period. Engine oil system was flushed and reserviced with appropriate Valvoline synthetic blend oil once again. Valve ticking got progressively louder and the vehicle went in for repairs. Valve Lifters had premature bearing failure on multiple Lifters causing excessive wear on both the Exhaust and Intake Camshafts as well as the Valve Lash Adjusters. The vehicle was outside of the warranty window. Cost for repairs was $2,272.34. I was informed by the garage who did the repairs that this is a ongoing problem with the Pentar 3.6L

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 knocking

Which Dodge Grand Caravan years have engine knocking or ticking problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2012 (8 complaints), 2014 (8 complaints) and 1999 (6 complaints).

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