Dodge Grand Caravan Complaints

13,518 consumer complaints on file.

#11491999November 2, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Superior Protection Plan Information for 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan Service Echelon Automotive [XXX] Wed, Nov 2, 2022 at 8:34 AM To: [XXX] Cc: [XXX],[XXX] [XXX], Here are some photos of the rear driver side brake system where it is locking up on you. I want to express my disappointment in whoever sold you this vehicle and not only sold it to you in this condition but if I heard you correctly, they said it was inspected? If it was inspected and this condition got through I would not be trusting the repair facility that “inspected” this vehicle for the “seller” of this car. Can you ask for the inspection report findings? Ma’am, we cannot even diagnose further issues until the brakes on this vehicle are brought up to a safe standard so it can be test driven properly. I reviewed your vehicle service contract through Superior Protection Plan and I found the mileage logged on the form dated 10/06/2022 (Thursday) as 87,158 miles when sold to you. Your current reading on your mileage on vehicle is 87,934 miles. That is about a 776 miles added to this vehicle from that purchase day to the date we received your vehicle during the week of October 24th through the 28th and it was left on our lot. This being said, I find it very difficult to believe you actually drove 776 miles from the 10/06/2022 purchase to this point with the vehicle in this very unsafe condition. If you did drive that much in this vehicle like it is you are much braver than I. As the pictures show this issue didn’t happen while this vehicle was in your possession, this was years of sitting and rusting on these parts and it was sold to you in this condition. Worries me very much. Your vehicle has been in a local repair facility several times already and another facility further north from here and again this issue was not spotted. So, I’m not sure what you want to do here on this issue. I’ll help as INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491817November 1, 2022
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle lost power while driving. Wasn’t responding to gas Pedal. Moved to a parking lot. Ultimately had to tow to a repair shop. First I thought maybe a belt but it came down to transmission issue. Mechanic diagnosed that transmission pump failed. Cost to replace the pump is more than $3100. There is a recall for same issue for same model year but I was told by the OEM that my vehicle is not included in the recall. I saw hundred of similar stories online for this issue but surprised that recall was issue for only few vehicles while the issue might be much bigger! I am the first owner and have completed all the required maintenance on time. Disappointed with vehicle OEM for refusing goodwill warranty!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491507October 30, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
my car was towed away from my parking space and given to a dodge dealer, i coulndt figure out where it was, i finally found where it was , the guy who took it in was already doing repairs and investigating with out, knowing whose car is it, he goes and does a repair not being on what we talked about and does his repair, then he tells me i payy up 1,400 for the repairs he did, before he repaired it i asked him to check the fluids makes sure everything is good and ready so i wont be left in the road stranded, i come back 2 day later cause i take my car for a drive, for 15 mins and head to the same dealer cause oil pressure light and battery light and oil light was on and the person who serviced me saw this when i took it in, before i asked him to check if everything with fluids is up to date, when he first was repairing it and didnt know what was wrong with it, so then i meet him and he says well we cant repair it because we dont know what could it be and the car needs more driving for it to see whats wrong with it, and or you can try coming with warranty, then my car breaks down after i leave the shop test driving it for 15 mins cause he advised me to drive it or get warranty,, instead of checking it for inspection. then iam left stranded in the road cause of this situation. i take the car back to the same dealer for repair and they say its the battery and starter, and now they saying pay it in this amount of time or my car will be towed away,.all that waste of money in repairs and me coming back and back, for me to have to pick up my car at a tow yard, cause they didnt want to take it in when i had my 2nd visit they, now my car is sitting in my car, i am still financing it , for a car that doesnt drive. and when i call a local mechanic he says my engine is blown up. and its not the battery and starter..i was young and it felt like i was being robbed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491458October 29, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
About 7 months ago the drivers side rear door would not open , after about 2 months I took my Van to Bryden's dealer in Beloit WI. The people in the repair area, said it would cost $800 or more to repair. I could not afford that. So the door still won't open, Family came to town and wanted me to drive them around, which I refused saying with the sliding door not working , that could be dangerous. Well today the passengers rear sliding door quit opening , so now anybody in the back would be in real danger if the Van got in an accident. I guess I will take the van back to the dealer and ask them to please fix it free of charge because of the danger it causes, I could use some help from you , to see that this van doors get repaired, thank you.Mike
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491408October 29, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491429October 29, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
I guess started with noticing oil being used at a faster pace then normal then a decent tick began along with AbS light which prevented cruise control from working. At this point We seemed Professional advice from a licensed Mechanic who then preformed a small job of dropping transmission pan to clean metal shavings out! And replacing tires and brake pads assured us routers were fine. He was concerned with the fact that the abs light continued to be on so we the paid to get wiring for abs redone (not sure what was called). After this the cruise control worked abs went off but we noticed the brake pads went quick! Then the insane knock out of nowhere began loud metal on metal had harmonic balancer pulley replaced didn’t do it any good. The. Was told cracked fly wheel was most likely the problem I continued to drive for about a month when the brake fluid light came on. I added fluid but every 3-4 days it came on again and of course brake pads again but this time the extremely loud knock went away and all was left was a quiet tick. That lasted couple months the out of no where wiring started shorting in dash and radio display. This lead to battery issues then out of no where motor is stuck in first gear and will not shift up but will shift between drive neutral and reverse. Idles extremely rough when in drive lights do not dim I had alternator checked. Now my family of six is with out a vehicle thank you for hearing my concerns
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491252October 28, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On 10 October 2022 @ 21:05 hours, I was driving home (to Waconia) from Academy College (Bloomington, MN). Upon entering I35 W North entrance ramp, I had engaged my left turn signal; looking in my driver-side mirror as I merged, I seen the headlights behind me & proceeded to accelerate on the freeway. I was partially in the lane when I heard a horn & wheels screeching to my left. I was close enough to the shoulder & quickly turned sharp then the vehicle blew by me, barely colliding with my vehicle. (I stayed steady & did box breathing as I tried to calm myself). The next day I was driving my van and when I used my left turn signal, I noticed on my instrument panel it was not reflecting my turn signal light, so when I had the near collision the night before, they did not see my turn signal light! The electrical problem with this 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan while driving; at 4-7 minute intervals, this happens while driving; headlights; wipers all instrument panel lights come on; chime rings all at the same time! Days before the near collision, I brought my van in to the mechanics shop and told the owner what was happening. He knew right away that it was the TIP Module needs replacement, due to corrosion under the fuse panel. He sends customers to the Chrysler dealer, which costs $3000 to install & there is a waiting period for the part.(had put $1900 into the ATV-multi vehicle reseal side cover; oil pan gasket & water pump; l/r & r/r calipers; brake fluid; engine coolant/conditioner kit & cooling system flush(which I had to borrow from a friend, as I am only on SSDI). I looked up the part # online & order it, from my friend again; $410. Since it has to be programmed; I watched a You tube video on how to do it. I have not gotten it fixed yet, as I hurt myself at my part-time Davanni’s pizza delivery job, involving my brakes failing, nearly rolling over me. I file Work comp, then made a PIP Claim with my auto insurance for lost wages. I have 2-weeks off/Doctor. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the d
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491257October 28, 2022
TIRES, TIRES:TREAD/BELT
225/65 R 16 100 My van is available for inspection; the left front driver’s-side tire was repaired (under warranty) on 6 August 2022; a plug was installed to repair a ticking sound, which ended up being a nail imbedded in the tire. Once on the road again, I still heard an annoying sound( I realized the mechanic may not have cut the plug flush). I intended to go back to have them cut it off, but forgot due to my recent part-time work activities & starting College at night.(as well as getting Covid on 28 September 2022. I was scheduled to work at Davanni’s on 21 October 2022. I got into work around 12:33. I use an App on my phone to deliver pizza’ & hoagies. I took a large order around 15:30. I was nervous driving, because my van(previously reported on this site)was having the electrical issues, even when I put my vehicle in park. I messaged my customer when I was 2-3 minutes away(I was extra cautious because my signals wouldn’t show drivers behind me that I was turning, so my 1st text would usually be at a semi-fore, then when I park in driveway, I send a text I am there. The customer had a pretty high incline when I parked. After sending the text I proceeded to exit my vehicle. (my phone was in my right hand). I stepped out with my left foot, then the right; I was fully standing when all of a sudden I felt my door pushing on my left side, I braced my left arm, looked down & noticed the van was rolling back. I felt the tire start to hit my toe then instantly brought my right foot up to step on the brake. In doing so I had my right buttocks wedged against my seat base. I slammed my elbow & ribs onto the threshold of the door and my right arm/pit against the seat. I looked up by the steering wheel where the shift stick is, & realized it was down. I reached up with my left arm & pushed up 2- notches, couldn’t reach park. I texted the person that I need help. He came out swiftly, put it in park & help me arise from my wedged position. I went to ER next day
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11491296October 28, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In July of 2022, the air conditioner failed. Called to make an appointment with DeLuca, the part did not come in so we did not bring the van in for repair. In August 2022 the van started stalling while driving on occasion. Brought into the mechanics but he could not see an issue of why the van would be stalling and could not diagnose when the van was stalling as it did not occur while he was inspecting the van. On October 17, 2022, the driver of the van called to say that the engine started smoking, there was a big puddle under the van and he could not move the van. He was stuck on the side of Tower Hill in Auburn, NH in a dangerous spot.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11490950October 26, 2022
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the passenger’s side sliding door could not be opened electronically or manually. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11490419October 22, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVER SIDE REAR PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK OR OPEN. MANUAL LOCK/UNLOCK LEVER ON DOOR IS STUCK IN LOCKED POSITION. THIS CREATES A SAFETY ISSUE IF THERE ARE REAR PASSENGERS THAT NEED TO EXIT IN A CRASH OR OTHER EMERGENCY. THIS VAN SEATS 4 REAR PASSENGERS AND HAVING BOTH DOORS AVAILABLE CAN BE CRITICAL. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THROUGH RESEARCH I FOUND IT POINTS TO A SEIZED DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK ACTUATOR. THERE HAVE BEEN PRIOR NHTSA ACTIONS ON 2015-2017 DODGE AND CHRYSLER MINIVANS RESULTING IN CHRYSLER EXTENDING THE WARRANTY PERIOD FOR THIS ISSUE. MY VAN USES THE EXACT SAME ACTUATORS AS THE EARLIER VANS. I AM FEARFUL THAT THE OTHER DOOR ACTUATOR MAY FAIL WITHOUR WITHOUT WARNING, RENDERING MY VEHICLE USELESS FOR TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11490429October 22, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SUSPENSION, POWER TRAIN
The van slid backwards then accelerated at a higher speed going from a stop to slowly with a light tap on the gas pedal. The speed does not go higher than 15mph with the rmp too high when this occurs. It jerks back when trying to drive it forward. Has not left the dealership parking lot. Drove out 3mile out with this occuring. 3 attempts to fix. Still not driving well and can't leave the dealership lot.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11490287October 21, 2022
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle with a faulty fuel pump relay for the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11489942October 19, 2022
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving approximately 6 MPH and crossing a railroad track, the driver's side front and driver's side rear passenger’s side air bags deployed. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the police were on scene and filed a police report. The contact stated that the air bags deployed with force and damaged the side sliding door. The contact stated that the sliding door could not be opened. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that his insurance provider was sending an appraiser to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11490012October 19, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving up a hill, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the catalytic converter to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the catalytic converter to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact stated he had replaced the catalytic converter four times. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11489708October 18, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SHIFT LEVER PLACED IN TO PARK WILL NOT RELEASE KEY FOB, KEEPING THE VEHICLE IN ACCESSORY MODE AND DRAINING BATTERY. OCCASSIONALLY SHIFTING BACK AND FORTH FROM 'PARK' TO OTHER POSITIONS AND BACK TO 'PARK' WILL CAUSE THE IGNITION TO RELEASE KEY FOB AS NORMAL. EVENTUALLY FOUND ON FORUMS THAT FLICKING THE SHIFTER BUTTON ONCE IN PARK WILL HELP DEPRESS MICROSWITCH AND ALLOW IGNITION TO TURN OFF, THUS RELEASEING FOB. EVENTUALLY THIS STOPPED WORKING AS WELL. MY FIRST FIX WAS REMOVING THE DASH AND BENDING THE MICROSWITCH LEG SO THAT MORE FIRM CONTACT WAS MADE BY SHIFT ARM WHEN PLACED IN 'PARK.' THIS EVENTUALLY STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. I FINALLY REMOVED DASH AND DISPLACED MICROSWITCH SO THAT IT PROTRUDES THROUGH IGNITION RING AND HANGS OUT NEAR THE KEY FOB. NOW WHEN I PARK, I MANUALLY PRESS THE MICROSWITCH AND THE IGINITION RELEASES THE FOB FULLY EVERY TIME! OTHERWISE YOU'RE STUCK REPLACING THE ENTIRE SHIFT ASSEMBLY FOR OVER $200 FOR PARTS AND MORE FOR WHATEVER LABOR IS CHARGED! ALL FOR A $2 MICROSWITCH THAT IS POSITIONED WRONG.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11489745October 18, 2022
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that upon shifting from park(P) to drive(D) and depressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission remained in first gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The independent mechanic replaced the transmission for a second time; however, the failure reoccurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V461000 (Power Train) due to the vehicle manufacture date. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11489624October 17, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY
Passenger door lock actuator stuck in the unlock position. When manually locked, actuator began buzzing when unlocking using electric methods. The van will not always unlock the doors via key fob since this has happened. I have small kids, and in the event of an emergency, it is important to be able to reliable unlock the rear doors if vehicle evacuation were necessary. I am in the processes of ordering a replacement actuator and will self install, but will keep the original on hand if the need arrises for it to be inspected. The vehicle has not been looked at by anybody other than myself as I do my own mechanic work.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11489401October 15, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The driver rear sliding door locking mechanism failed in the locked position preventing the door from functioning. The passenger front door lock actuator has failed preventing normal functioning of the door lock causing the car to remain unlocked after pressing the door lock buttons as well as preventing the door from unlocking if the door lock was manually locked. The van is available upon request for inspection and has not been repaired due to high cost and repair time necessary. We’ve also been unable to find replacement parts locally. Malfunctioning of the locking mechanisms puts passengers of the vehicle at risk if there was to be an emergency or accident and the door is unable to be opened. We are concerned about experiencing further issues with locking mechanism failures in the unaffected doors. We have not had the issue inspected by the dealer as our vehicle is outside of the warranty period. There are no warning lights or indicators for this problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11489016October 12, 2022
SEAT BELTS
seat belt incorrectly assembled making it impossible to fasten without twisting the belt
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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