Dodge Grand Caravan overheating problems

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · IL · fire

My vehicle caught fire on 10-14 after being parked for 2.5 hours. Three weeks prior I had bumped into a light pole while backing up and my airbag light triggered on. The airbag did not deploy and nothing seemed wrong with the van. Then my battery died so I had to have it jumped. It died 3-4 times before I replaced it with a fresh battery 10-7. I did smell heat, but I attributed it to my oil leak, but I think I was smelling wires, not oil. I went by an autoparts store and they read my old battery temp and it was at 173 and didn’t say it was hot or anything. I don’t think that was safe to put a new battery in when there was obviously a problem. The airbag light consistently dinged off and on but since the airbag didn’t deploy I didn’t think it was any problem. But now I think it was slow draining the battery and then the new one kept charging it causing something to overheat and catch fire.

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 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 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 Oct 11, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NV

I have the oil changed regularly and keep all records and receipts. I've had the coolant and transmission fluid flushed, the thermostat changed twice, the coolant temperature sensor changed, the oil cooler changed and i checkmy transmission fluid regularly. My van was over heating frequently and no one could figure out why. I changed the coolant our and the temp. Sensor. It doesn't overheat now, but the heater quit working the day it was changed out. It hard shifts from 40 mph and up. Transmission fluid is good. I reset the power module by unhooking the battery for an hour. Still hard shifts . Scanner doesn't bring up any codes. 98,800 miles on it. Back sliding doors won't lock and tire sensor and radio dont work. What can I do? I cant afford a new transmission. The van was bought 2020 and for $19,000. I'm broke.

Filed May 30, 2024 · Acceleration, Transmission · FL

May 30, 2024 To whom it may concern: This is to report a very serious matter on the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan. The vehicle vehicle has an issue with the transmission. It shifts very rough. To make it worse, when driving on bad traffic, the minivan gets stuck on one gear after several stops and goes, the transmission seems to overheating and gets stuck on one gear.

Filed Jun 15, 2023 · Engine · TX

Engine cooling system has failed multiple times causing the engine to overheat, it has been reproduced by an independent service provider and is available for inspection upon request. To attempt to remedy the issue, the following have been replaced or inspected: thermostat, thermostat housing, radiator, hoses, water pump, oil filter adaptor/coolant bypass, fan, wiring and other associated electrical components. There were no warning lamps or other symptoms of the problem prior to the system failure. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. I have attempted contacting Chrysler several times and have been given the run-around regarding a safety recall that matches the symptoms, year, make, and model of my vehicle and have been told that my vehicle's VIN is not part of the recall and that there is no way to get it evaluated and added to the recall. I am unable to upload the repair invoices I have amassed so far with this issue at this time, but can furnish them at a later date if required.

Filed Oct 29, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · OH

This vehicle always fails to start in the colder weather. After a review of this condition. It has been found that the fuel pump relay does not send proper signal. This relay is a part of the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). When it fails to operate, the vehicle will experience long crank times. With its ignition switch style, as soon as you turn the key, the vehicle will continue to crank UNLESS you manually turn the switch all the way back to the off position. This condition will cause the starter motor to overheat or burn up. Eventually the vehicle may start then die. Fuel delivery is too inconsistent when colder weather arises. You can't just replace a plug-in-style replacement fuel pump relay since it is a part of the whole TIPM. This vehicle has not yet died in traffic or on the highway thank God. There is never any CEL illumination or any stored fault codes. It started doing this the first winter I bought it. This is my second year and it's only just Fall and it is acting up again. This is a KNOWN issue among these TIPMs that are on more than just this vehicle but many other Dodge/Chryslers with this same TIPM. Someone needs to take accountability for a faulty product that needs redesigned before these issues continue to affect the consumers that trust in their product. I hope that this issue is addressed and resolved before others continue to complain about vehicle faults, or even worse experience any catastrophic conditions resulting in death of consumers based on this faulty TIPM, that controls most aspects of the whole vehicle.

Filed Mar 4, 2021 · Engine · 110,000 miles · CO

Left cylinder head failure. "pentastar tick" cylinder 2 missfire, random missfire. Loss of power in motion. No overheating. Just faulty mechanincal failure. This is covered up until 2014. Same engine. Same problems!