DODGE GRAND CARAVAN PROBLEMS

Common Complaints and Reliability

• 1. Door and Latch Issues:

  • Driver's side door having a defective hinge, causing the latch/lock to become inoperative, leading to the door not shutting and opening while driving. The door is cracking at the hinge and deteriorating.
    
  • Driver's side door hinges becoming unwelded.
    
  • Door locks not working, specifically the left front door not latching, and sliding and passenger front door handles opening from the outside but not the inside.
    
  • Drivers side rubber door seals deteriorating.
    

• 2. Frame and Structural Issues:

  • Firewall cracking.
    

• 3. Brake System:

  • Brake calipers needing replacement twice due to smoke.
    
  • Both front rotors breaking during heavy braking.
    

• 4. Transmission Issues:

  • Transmission mount breaking.
    
  • Transmission failing.
    
  • Transmission not shifting into reverse (second transmission in the vehicle).
    
  • Transmission slipping out of gear when making a turn, causing hesitation.
    
  • Automatic transmission failure, erratic function, with three transmissions installed failing, and a fourth being used.
    
  • Transmission needing replacement between 12,000 and 20,000 miles.
    
  • Transmission coming apart from the car.
    
  • Transmission needing rebuilding.
    
  • Transmission slipping, causing injuries, and potentially related to a recall (W48/NHTSA 20E-037 PTU input spline).
    
  • Transmission failing at just under 60,000 miles despite earlier inspections finding no problems.
    

• 5. Engine Issues:

  • Engine problems including valve guide, timing chain, and head gasket failures.
    
  • Motor mounts breaking, causing noise.
    
  • Thermostat replaced due to overheating.
    
  • Radiator replaced due to overheating.
    

• 6. Safety Features (Seatbelts & Airbags):

  • Seatbelt retractor not catching during a rear-end collision, causing injuries.
    
  • Airbag sensor light coming on.
    

• 7. Electrical System:

  • Side power door lock failing, preventing driver/passengers from exiting.
    

• 8. Other:

  • Vehicle not starting after being rear-ended.
    
  • Rear latch failing, causing the liftgate door to fly up unexpectedly.
    
  • Rear hatchback hydraulic lift strut failure, with the left side strut disengaging and going through the roof.
    
  • Struts that hold up the back liftgate breaking.