Check a VIN

Dodge Grand Caravan fuel smell problems

72 of the 13,443 owner complaints about the Dodge Grand Caravan describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 1996 model year.

owner complaints
72
worst model year
1996
typical repair cost reported
$809
typical mileage
115,100
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2019
    2
  • 2017
    1
  • 2015
    1
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    2
  • 2010
    1
  • 2009
    1
  • 2005
    8
  • 2004
    4
  • 2003
    1
  • 2002
    3
  • 2000
    5
  • 1999
    2
  • 1998
    6
  • 1997
    2
  • 1996
    25
  • 1995
    1
  • 1992
    1
  • 1991
    4
  • 1990
    1

What owners say

Filed May 15, 2024 · Fuel system · 24,447 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor detected. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the fuel tank onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the fuel tank and fuel pump assembly were replaced. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V278000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,447.

Filed Nov 6, 2022 · Fuel system · PA

I have been tracking an evap leak with a fuel smell at the rear of my vehicle. I found a burn hole in the top of my fuel pump. This is the original fuel pump. I feel that this could have caused an explosion.

Filed Sep 12, 2022 · Fuel system · 112,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start-up after multiple attempts. The contact had the battery replaced; however, the failure continued. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the alternator and fuel pump were replaced. The contact was then alerted by her grandchildren that an abnormal fuel odor was coming from the back seat of vehicle. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who referred her to a dealer for assistance. An appointment was made for the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jan 19, 2021 · Brakes, Fuel system · TX

Passenger seat belt not operating smell of gas rear brakes not functioning

Filed Jul 27, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 146,097 miles · AZ

Took my 2012 dodge grand caravan to the tempe dealership to have the recalls fixed. Soon after they did the recalls my car would not drive off the lot they told me that the fuel pump was bad and it would cost $806 to fix it. So I told them lets do it. I get a call an the said its the tipm ! $1400 dollars later my car is still running pretty rough and not getting power and completely shut down while driving. So I call the dealer and they tow it in to tell me it is my fuel pump. So $800 they said its fixed and I should have nothing going wrong. 3 days later my check engine light comes on and a code p0456 evac leak! So I call the dealer and let them know . I then purchased a gas cap just to make sure that was not the problem. Light stayed on. So I get the van to the dealer and they had my van allday to say its my gas cap . Let me remind you I just purchased one. So they get the check engine light to go off and now everytime I fill the tank up gas fumes are soo strong in the vehicle and is running very poorly. Honestly im scared to have them look at it . I just want my van safe I have kids . Its my only vehicle.

Filed Jul 12, 2020 · Fuel system · 81,000 miles · NV

Smell of gas emitting from under vehicle. When stopped at a light and windows up, it can be smelled, when parked after driving can smell gas all the way around the vehicle, when idle to cool off interior. Fuel can be smelled on first approach. My wife and kids have all smelled it in various locations of vehicle

Filed Sep 4, 2019 · Fuel system · 260,000 miles · WV

Hairline cracks in fuel pump outlet just before connecting to fuel line leads to strong fuel smell and fuel vapors all around vehicle. Fuel pump needs replacement to repair this dangerous condition. Highly suggest different fuel pump design that is not prone to hairline cracks and potential fire hazard as fuel leak is about one foot away from a hot muffler and a tossed cigarette or other spark could cause a fire or explosion.

Filed Oct 26, 2018 · Engine, Fuel system · 32,500 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge grand caravan. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the failure occurred while pulling into a handicap parking space. The contact noticed fuel leaking from underneath the vehicle in large quantities and the fire department was contacted to push the vehicle into the parking space. In addition, the contact stated that a fuel odor entered the cabin of the vehicle directly after the fuel tank was filled. The contact suffered from chemical sensitivity and was ill due to the strong odor of fuel. Medical attention was not required. The contact stated that a vehicle modification company modified the vehicle prior to the failure. The contact stated that a mobility center was also made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 32,500. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jun 29, 2018 · Fuel system · 108,000 miles · MO

Strong fuel smell entering the cabin at low speed or idle coming from vehicle when running.

Filed Nov 13, 2016 · Fuel system · 154,300 miles · TX

Have fuel smell at back middle of van, found fuel leaking at middle of fuel tank, replaced fuel line connected to fuel pump output connector. Did not stop fuel leak, found cracked fuel pump at the output area. Leaks as long as the high pressure side of fuel pump is pressurized.

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported May 15, 2020 · 122 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain Vantage-modified 2016-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. The fuel pump gasket may deteriorate, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Vantage will notify owners, and will provide parts and reimbursement to owners for repair facilities to replace the fuel tank gasket, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2020. Owners may contact Vantage customer service at 1‑800‑488‑9082.

Recall number 20V278000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported October 8, 2002 · 116,029 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain mini vans, the fuel tank control valve weld joint could separate resulting in a possible fuel leak.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underbody fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and replace it if necessary. Owner notification began october 28, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 02V274000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection systemReported September 13, 2000 · 1,163,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: mini vans built with 3.3l and 3.8l engines have fuel rails with nitrole rubber o-ring seals that can degrade over time. Fuel leakage from the underhood fuel injection fuel rail could result, increasing the likelihood of a vehicle fire.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a seal on the vehicle fuel rails to prevent external leakage of fuel from the fuel rail crossover tube, should the existing o-rings continue to degrade. Owner notification began on january 25, 2002. Due to the large quantity of vehicles involved in this campaign, the owner notification will be phased over the next several months. However, if a vehicle is leaking fuel from the o-rings, the vehicle should be taken into a dealer to have this repaired as soon as possible. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 00V268000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported August 9, 1999 · 635,469 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: minivans. Fuel can leak from the fuel tank at the interface of the fuel pump module attachment.
Risk
If a fuel leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module attaching nut with a nut that includes tighter design tolerances. The sealing o-ring will also be replaced.

Recall number 99V216000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and capReported January 16, 1996 · 265,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
A static electric charge can build up on the ungrounded metal section of the fuel filler tube.
Risk
This condition could cause a spark to occur when fueling the vehicle and possibly ignite the fuel vapors.
Remedy
Dealers will install a ground strap for the fuel filler tube.

Recall number 96V002000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported December 8, 1995 · 80,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The fuel tank rollover valve can allow fuel to pass into the vapor canister resulting in the potential for fuel leakage.
Risk
Fuel leakage increases the potential for a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank filler tube with a filler tube that has an additional rollover valve. The associated rollover valve vapor hoses will be rerouted.

Recall number 95V236000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Grand Caravan fuel smell

Which Dodge Grand Caravan years have gas smell in the cabin problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1996 (25 complaints), 2005 (8 complaints) and 1998 (6 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix gas smell in the cabin on the Dodge Grand Caravan?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $809 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Dodge Grand Caravan?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history