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Dodge Grand Caravan Problems

The Dodge Grand Caravan pioneered the minivan segment and served as affordable family transportation for millions of Americans. With 37,394 complaints and 58 reported deaths, the Grand Caravan's value proposition comes with reliability trade-offs. Understanding which years deliver on the promise of dependable family hauling is essential.

37,394
Total Complaints
67
Total Recalls
35
Model Years
58
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

2008 2005 1996
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1985 1987 1988

Common Problem Categories

Electrical System 8,756
Air Bags 3,386
Power Train 3,276
Structure 2,080
Engine 2,006

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2020 44 1 6 0 Good
2019 578 4 18 10 Average
2018 676 4 18 0 Average
2017 1,020 3 16 6 Average
2016 2,404 6 38 18 Below Average
2015 680 4 22 6 Average
2014 946 5 38 36 Average
2013 1,300 4 40 8 Average
2012 1,620 6 16 34 Below Average
2011 1,640 4 18 42 Below Average
2010 2,614 6 68 42 Below Average
2009 1,594 5 40 12 Average
2008 3,924 7 94 50 Avoid
2007 546 2 36 22 Average
2006 756 2 36 14 Average
2005 2,682 3 66 20 Avoid
2004 288 0 8 4 Good
2003 578 0 34 14 Average
2002 830 0 32 48 Average
2001 724 0 20 4 Average
2000 1,116 1 60 30 Average
1999 1,198 0 56 46 Average
1998 1,522 0 98 68 Average
1997 1,714 0 80 136 Below Average
1996 3,720 0 80 136 Avoid
1995 236 0 8 2 Good
1994 496 0 20 14 Good
1993 782 0 24 0 Average
1992 638 0 38 8 Average
1991 300 0 0 16 Good
1990 138 0 2 4 Good
1989 60 0 2 0 Good
1988 24 0 0 0 Good
1987 4 0 0 0 Good
1985 2 0 0 0 Good

Dodge Grand Caravan Years to Avoid

The 2008 Grand Caravan is the worst model year, sharing the TIPM electrical failures, transmission problems, and sliding door issues that plagued its Chrysler Town and Country sibling. The 2009-2012 models continued the TIPM nightmare with random stalling and electrical malfunctions. The 2005-2007 models had premature transmission failures with the 4-speed automatic that often occurred between 80,000-120,000 miles. The 2001-2004 Grand Caravans suffered from head gasket failures on the 3.3L V6. Avoid the 2008-2012 models unless you can verify TIPM replacement.

Best Dodge Grand Caravan Years

The 1985-1990 original Caravans were simple, reliable vehicles that created the segment. The 2014-2017 models represent the best of the breed with sorted-out electrical systems and improved transmission calibration. The 2013 model year showed improvement over earlier problematic years.

Frequently Asked Questions