2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Complaints

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 09/04/2023

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 NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 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.

STRUCTURE — Filed 01/01/2026

The rear power slide doors are opening on their own with vehicle in motion. The power switch on the roof is off. We have 5 children. No warming lamps or issues this is a known issues will caravans

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS — Filed 01/01/2020

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering, producing static electric shock, and the battery was overcharging. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted and was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had an ongoing issue with the local dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,107.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 11/30/2025

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 02/02/2026

The driver and passenger sliding door power lock actuator is not operating for my wife's 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan with about 44,000 miles. There is a Warranty Bulletin, number D-25-03, dated January 30, 2025 that extended the warranty to coverage to 10 years/ 100,000 miles. My wife's car should have been included in the cars with the problem and it is not included in the cars affected by the problem. Please include my wife's Dodge Grand Caravan in the recall for the extended warranty.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 03/02/2026

I am filing this complaint regarding the service department at Vaden Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. My complaint concerns a failure to properly diagnose a mechanical issue with my vehicle, misleading statements about the condition of the vehicle after repairs, and poor communication during the repair process. The vehicle is a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. Before bringing it to the dealership, the vehicle was jerking when slowing or coming to a stop. On February 19, 2026, a diagnostic scan showed code P0420 – Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). At that time the vehicle was still drivable. On March 2, 2026, I brought the vehicle to the dealership and reported the jerking issue. I also asked that the throttle body and transmission be inspected. The dealership stated that the technician could not determine the cause of the problem but recommended maintenance repairs including tires, brakes, and rotor service. Based on their professional recommendation, I approved the repairs. On March 6, 2026, I picked up the vehicle and paid 1,416.21. I was told the vehicle passed inspection and a safety test drive. However, within approximately thirty minutes of leaving the dealership, the vehicle began jerking violently and shut off while I was driving. The vehicle had to be returned to the dealership. After the vehicle was returned, I was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. This was concerning because I had asked the dealership to check that component during the initial inspection. I was originally quoted about 2,800, and after discussions with management including Jim Fife, I paid 2,165 on March 14, 2026 for the catalytic converter repair. Despite paying a total of 3,581.21, the vehicle continued to show drivability problems. A new diagnostic scan showed codes P0420 and P219B (air-fuel ratio imbalance), suggesting the underlying issue may not have been properly diagnosed before replacing the catalytic converter. I attempted to resolve the issue.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 03/10/2026

We purchased this car in 2019 at 55k miles. We had a transmission failed at 92k miles. My wife was left at a light and had to baby it home. It was replaced by a Mopar remanufactued unit that was supposed to be reinforced and have fixed parts from design flaws. A local dealership fixed it after several weeks and getting a loaned car. Next failure was 2 years later in 2023 at around 130k miles. This part was under Mopar 3 year 100k mile warranty and left my wife stranded on the road. The transmission was replaced by the local dealership this time cars were scarce and they didn't have a loaner. We had to get a rental and we're reimbursed. At 177k?miles it's happening again. I can't do this anymore. This transmission is defective and should be recalled. Timeline 92,000 miles – original transmission failed 130,000 miles – Mopar reman failed 180,000 miles – slipping, hard shifts, high RPM

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/04/2026

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 02/23/2026

I believe my door actuator on the driver’s side has failed as of 2/23/26 The door will not unlock. I cannot open or close it. The court case that was open has closed as of September 2025 and the recall is no longer active.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/13/2025

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.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 01/28/2026

I am writing to formally request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 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 NHTSA 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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/01/2021

Both of my sliding passenger doors have become stuck closed due to failed lock actuators. (The doors do not open when placed in the "manual" option either. They cannot be opened in any way.) This happened a few years ago, but my vehicle was past the original warranty period for any repairs, and there were no recalls existing. Last spring (2025), I received notification of an extended warranty period to have this problem fixed. The issue is that my vehicle was not eligible because by that point it was over 100,000 miles. Doors not opening renders the vehicle unusable or unsafe for any passengers besides the front seat passenger. I bought my Dodge Grand Caravan to be a family car, and I can only have one child ride safely with me. In the event of a wreck, passengers would be trapped in the vehicle. I have submitted this concern before, and I have written to the warranty company associated with Dodge. Dodge recognizes this is a common safety problem with the vehicles, as evidenced by the extended warranty for this issue. However, this is not a warranty concern; it is a recall concern due to safety.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 12/29/2025

On December 29, 2025, my wife put her van in park, turned off the vehicle and proceeded to exit the vehicle. The drive is on an incline after exiting the vehicle it began to roll backwards. She was caught in the door and attempted to press the brake to no effect. She was drug about fifty feet before separating from the vehicle. The vehicle then rolled down a steep embankment and continued another hundred feet or so where it struck a building. Upon entering the vehicle, the gear shift was in the park position and the engine was turned off. The vehicle sustained over $5,000 in body damage from the impact to the building. And an unknown amount of damage to the steering and exhaust system from rolling down the embankment.

ENGINE — Filed 12/06/2025

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!

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 11/18/2025

Check engine light codes match possible recall for vehicle now I'm having the same issues

SEATS — Filed 06/09/2023

The headrest on the front passenger seat randomly deployed due to design defect. The plastic housing that holds the pin broke under the regular stress of the spring causing the headrest to deploy without warning.

AIR BAGS — Filed 02/02/2023

Front driver head on collision passenger curtain airbags failed to deploy and passenger front air bag exploded also third row drivers side passenger seat belt failed. Passenger flew to passenger side of seat and head shattered window and sustained head injuries which could've possibly been prevented by curtain air bag deployment 55mph head on collision driverside focused due to veering vehicle hasn't been inspected by insurance company yet only personal mechanic.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 05/27/2021

I was sitting in my van, with it running at Sonic, and i started smelling a terrible smell. I thought the smell was coming form outside so I rolled up the windows and the van started filling up with smoke. My daughter looked at the back seat and noticed the back charger, USB, 12 volt area was the source of smoke and we got out immediately, saw that it was on fire from the inside, it could be seen through the charger, the usb ports, and the 12 volt plug because there was nothing plugged in. My daughter threw a pop on it to put it out and we called my husband to come help us. He pulled the cover off and all of the wires were melted all of the way down the inside of the panel. I have seen recalls for previous year models for this same type of occurrence, but not for this year model. I am thankful my other children and grandson were not in the car in the backseats where the fire started. This area is on the gas tank side as well and that was a scary thought as i was supposed to travel tomorrow in this van.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE — Filed 12/13/2020

MY WIFE HIT A DEER GOING 70 MPH DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON I65 RIGHT AFTER CROSSING THE TENN. STATE LINE. THE DEER HIT THE FRONT CENTER AND PASSENGER FRONT OF THE VAN AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE AIRBAG LIGHTS CAME ON AND STAYED ON BUT THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. THE FENDER MOLDING WAS RIPPED APART, RADIATOR WAS PUSHED INTO THE THE ENGINE BLOCK, PASSENGER LIGHT WAS DEMOLISHED AND PUSHED IN TO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, ALL THE ELECTRIC WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON EXCEPT THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE FENDER WELL WAS PUSHED BACK 1/4 INCH AND IN 1 INCH INTO THE PASSENGER DOOR. A RED LIGHTNING BOLT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING. TOW TRUCK CAME AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE — Filed 01/03/2020

THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR SLAMS REALLY HARD WHEN CLOSING WHILE ON A HILL AND THE SENSOR DOESNT STOP THE DOOR FROM SHUTTING. THE DOOR SLAMMED ON MY DAUGHTERS FOOT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVE FRONT FACING DOWNWARD.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 05/27/2019

VEHICLE PURCHASED USED 3/3/19, SUPPOSEDLY WITH NO PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE SYSTEM. TWO MONTHS LATER REAR BRAKES ARE GRINDING AWAY AT ROTORS, CALIPERS ARE GETTING STUCK, AND THERE WAS A FIRE ON DRIVER'S SIDE REAR BRAKES.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 04/07/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, IT ROLLED DOWN A HILL AND CRASHED INTO A HOME AND TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FERRARIO CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP (LOCATED AT 2463 CORNING RD, ELMIRA, NY 14903, (607) 733-9108), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *BF ..*JB *DT*JB

POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,WHEELS — Filed 10/18/2018

I WAS ON HIGHWAY 87 IN I WAS IN MOTION ALL OF A SUDDEN THE WHEEL JERKED TO THE LEFT I TRIED TO KEEP STREERING WHEEL STRIGHT AND THEN IT JERKED TO THE RIGHT, AND THEN IT GOT STUCK MOTOR STILLN RUNNING AND THEN IT WENT INTO REVERSE BY ITSELF WITHOUT ME TOUCHING ANYTHING THERE WAS A LOT OF DAMAGE DUNE TO MY VAN. COLLISION LOCATION SR-87 & MP-214 REPORT #2018-052783 DATE 10/24/18 THE AIRBAGS DID NOTE OPERATE AT ALL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 03/31/2018

THE REAR POWER OUTLET (BETWEEN THE MIDDLE REAR SET AND REAR SET ON DRIVER SIDE) CAUGHT FIRE. WE WERE DRIVING IN OCALA, FL ENTERING THE I75 HIGHWAY ON RAMP WHEN WE SAW SMOKE AND THEN FLAMES SHOOTING FROM THE REAR POWER OUTLET. WE GOT THE KIDS OUT OF THE VAN AND THE FIRE TOOK OVER THE ENTIRE VAN. I WAS TOLD AN INVESTIGATION WAS COMPLETED IN JUNE BY DODGE BUT HAVE NOT BEEN TOLD THE OPINION FROM THE INVESTIGATION. *TT*DT*TP

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 10/28/2017

I WAS SITTING IN TRAFFIC WAITING FOR THE RED LIGHT TO TURN GREEN. MY RIGHT FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE AND THE VAN IMMEDIATELY LUNGED FORWARD. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE ASAP, BUT THE CAR SITTING IN FRONT OF ME WAS HIT IN THE REAR. I HAVE NO IDEA WHY THIS RENTAL VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD QUICKLY FOR NO REASON. I RESEARCHED OTHER INCIDENTS WITH THIS SAME MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE AND FOUND LOTS OF INCIDENTS THAT WERE VERY SIMILAR. SOME SURGED IN SPEED FOR NO REASON AND SOME LUNGED FORWARD FOR NO REASON; AS WELL AS MANY OTHER SCENARIO'S THAT WERE SIMILAR. SOME SAY IT RELATES TO A PROBLEM WITH THE TIPM AND FUEL PUMP AND OTHER REASONS WERE CITED.