2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Owner Complaints

In August 2024, the airbag system in a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (VIN: [XXX] ) deployed unexpectedly while the vehicle was parked and not in operation. There was no collision, impact, or known external trigger at the time of deployment. The malfunction involved the airbag restraint system and/or related electrical or control components. An unexpected airbag deployment creates a serious safety concern because it could injure vehicle occupants or bystanders and indicates a potential defect in the restraint system. The vehicle was immediately taken to Banister Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Hampton, Virginia, where it has remained since the incident. To the best of our knowledge, the vehicle has remained in dealership/manufacturer custody and should be available for inspection. The manufacturer indicated they were reviewing the matter and determining the value of the vehicle; however, despite extended time passing, no repair, replacement, or written resolution has been provided. The issue has not been reproduced because the vehicle has remained out of service since the incident. It is UNKNOWN whether the precise cause has been formally confirmed by the manufacturer or dealership. No injuries occurred, but the incident placed the safety of the owners and others at risk because a critical safety restraint system deployed without warning while the vehicle was stationary. Documented NHTSA recalls affecting Dodge Grand Caravan airbag systems and related models demonstrate prior manufacturer awareness of airbag-related safety defects. Although this VIN currently shows no open recall, the spontaneous deployment raises concern regarding unresolved or inadequately corrected airbag system defects. No known warning lamps or dashboard messages were specifically recalled prior to the incident. Any additional warning indicators are UNKNOWN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11738233

Incident

Aug 18, 2024

Car will crank but not start. Can cannot be started intermittently which could be dangerous considering location of vehicle, adverse weather conditions, etc. There are no warning lamps or messages related to the problem. This is a known problem with other Chrysler models and model years. TIMP fuel pump relay has failed. Bypassing the fuel pump relay will allow car to start. See attached file of Vertical Vissions' bypass solutions to this problem.

NHTSA ID

11679016

Incident

Apr 5, 2023

While driving on major (multi-lane) city street (40 mph) the vehicle began to slow, steering became difficult and a single amber caution for the traction control was illuminated. Tachometer indicated 0 RPM. After pulling over, the vehicle was restarted and driven without further issue. Recall on the ignition switch was addressed in 2009. Unexpected engine shutdown could have significantly reduced safety margins in heavy traffic. No third party inspected vehicle after incident. Owner notes that key fob does not have anything hanging of it that could aggravate unwanted movement of ignition switch

NHTSA ID

11631919

Incident

Dec 20, 2024

I had a flat tire (drivers front). I Parked on a level parking lot. I put bricks behind other tires to prevent movement. Next I loosened lug nuts, I then removed the spare and original equipment jack. I began jacking the car up with the jack in the area indicated for jacking by the instructions. The tire was off the ground. I was beginning to spin off the lug nuts when the car dropped with a brrrrrt sound. The main screw in the scissors jack pulled through the threaded nut on the end. The jack was still upright but the screw threads failed. No one was hurt but the potential is high for the jack to fail suddenly and without warning. Note the van was not occupied or in any way loaded. The second picture attempts to show the screw threads deformed after pulling through the nut.

NHTSA ID

11590602

Incident

May 23, 2024

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while parked with the keys out of the ignition, the contact heard a loud pop coming from the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side deployed without impact. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to inform the manufacturer of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The contact stated that the vehicle was not inspected. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11559091

Incident

Oct 21, 2023

Mileage

160,000 mi

It started out as the van would not start almost everytime I got ready to leave and would have someone jump my battery, and it would start right back up. after a few weeks of having to do this, i had help jumping my battery once again but this time my wind shield wipers wouldnt shut off resulting in me having to take the fuse out and back in when it rains. when this happened the what i believe is called the "multi functional shift " (the stick on the left side of steering wheel that controls my wipers, wiper fluid, turn signals, bright lights, etc.) completely stopped working with no sign of it having problems previously. Along with that the stereo keeps flickering and switching channels on its own. Lastly, when i am pumping gas, i can barely pull up the trigger without the pump shutting off like as if my tank was full. This has all happened in the last 6 or 7 months or so and has not yet been investigated.

NHTSA ID

11511690

Incident

Jul 1, 2022

Key stuck in the ignition does not turn properly

NHTSA ID

11510924

Incident

Mar 8, 2023

Key in into slips from run to accsry and causes van to stall. Has happened a few times. Very dangerous to have van stall while driving

NHTSA ID

11505286

Incident

Jan 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle started to stall with the Anti-theft lock warning light illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled and failed to restart. The contact was able to push the vehicle into a gas station and the vehicle however, the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed a new computer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 180,000.

NHTSA ID

11496574

Incident

Dec 4, 2022

Mileage

180,000 mi

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the traction control, ABS, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact reset the PCM; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA ID

11494171

Incident

Nov 17, 2022

Mileage

113,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11491257

Incident

Oct 21, 2022

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

NHTSA ID

11491252

Incident

Oct 10, 2022

While driving all electrical systems fail, warning lights flash on and off, power steering and brakes fail, all lights go out. If I do not pull over and turn the car off as soon as it starts, I will stall out in the middle of the road. This has been happening for months and every mechanic I take my car to states everything tests fine.

NHTSA ID

11487948

Incident

Oct 5, 2022

While driving all electrical systems fail, warning lights flash on and off, power steering and brakes fail, all lights go out. Can shift to neutral and restart, drive on until it repeats.

NHTSA ID

11479287

Incident

Aug 15, 2022

Parked vehicle and put gear in park.Vehicle rolled down hill through chain link fence and did front end damage. No person was inside vehicle at time it rolled off.

NHTSA ID

11473652

Incident

Jul 11, 2022

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at his residence, a fire started from the drivers side tail light. The tail light, the rear bumper, and part of the rear seat were melted, additionally the rear windshield shattered. The fire department was called and they extinguished the fire using chemical powder and water. The fire marshal wrote an incident report. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact did not take the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ID

11455620

Incident

Mar 7, 2022

Mileage

95,000 mi

THE WINDOW TRACK BROKE ON THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. THE MOTOR WAS GOOD BECAUSE IT STILL WORKED TO ROLLS DOWN ALL WINDOWS EXCEPT THE WING WINDOWS! SO WE REPLACE THE TRACK GOT IT ALL IN EVERY WINDOW WORKED EXCEPT THE WING WINDOWS AGAIN! THEN IT BROKE 2 WEEKS LATER AGAIN SO WE BOUGHT THE WHOLE SET UP FOR DRIVER WINDOW TRACK & MOTOR, SILL WING WINDOWS WON'T WORK AND THE TRACK ON THE DRIVER WINDOW BROKE LESS THAN A WEEK AFTER PUTTING IT IN! NOW I HAVE WOOD HOLDING THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW UP AND MY WING WINDOWS STILL WON'T OPEN! I'M NOT SURE SPECIFIC DATES SO I'M GONNA GUESS BELOW I CAN GET RECORD FROM AUTOZONE TO PROVE I'VE BOUGHT THE PARTS 2 TIMES!

NHTSA ID

11398218

Incident

Jan 1, 2021

I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 MPH ON A TOWN ROAD AND THE CAR RANDOMLY SHUT OFF. THERE WAS A TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT THAT CAME ON. ALL ELECTRICAL STILL WORKED BUT NO ACCELERATION, POWER STEERING OR POWER BRAKES. I HAD TO SLOW DOWN, PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTART THE CAR. WHAT IF I WAS ON THE HIGH WAY? WHAT IF I WAS CROSSING AN INTERSECTION? MY WIFE DRIVES MY 3 CHILDREN AROUND IN THIS CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES THIS PAST WEEK. NEVER DID IT BEFORE. AND I'VE ALREADY HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED THAT DODGE SENT OUT A RECALL FOR.

NHTSA ID

11375148

Incident

Nov 17, 2020

Mileage

166,000 mi

THERE IS A LEAK IN THE HEATING COOLANT HOSE. THIS MAKES A TOXIC SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ID

11372864

Incident

Oct 30, 2020

Mileage

140,000 mi

AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHEN STARTED VEHICLE AND NEVER TURNED OFF. TOOK IT IN TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS MY BATTERY CAUSING THE LIGHT. REPLACED THE BATTERY AND THEY RE-DID THE DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY TOLD ME THE ORC MODULE IS BAD DUE TO THE BATTERY. THEY SAID MY BATTERY WAS CHARGING TO 1000 VOLTS AND WAS ONLY SUPPOSED TO BE 800VOLTS. SO NOW I AM STUCK WITH A BILL FOR $631. I WAS TOLD THAT THE SAME YEAR MODEL HAD A RECALL FOR THIS REASON AND MINE DIDN'T QUALIFY BECAUSE IT WAS MADE 23 DAYS AFTER THE RECAL NOTICE S07. THE VAN IS IN THE SHOP CURRENTLY WAITING ON THE PART.

NHTSA ID

11361289

Incident

Sep 20, 2020

Mileage

71,800 mi

THE WIN MODULE WAS REPLACED UNDER A SAFETY RECALL IN 2017 FOR ABRUPTLY SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING. THE MODULE WORKED FINE UNTIL THIS MONTH, THE CAR SUDDENLY DIED TWICE IN THE SPACE OF APPROXIMATELY TWO MILES. I WAS ABLE TO START IT AND IT DID NOT FAIL AGAIN ON THE WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE WIN MODULE AND REPLACED IT FOR $582. I REQUESTED IT BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND WAS TOLD CHRYSLER WOULD NOT HONOR IT A SECOND TIME. I CONTACTED CHRYSLERS CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THE RECALL REPLACEMENT PART HAD A 2 YEAR WARRANTY AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER REPLACEMENT. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE ORIGINAL DEFECT IS STILL IN THE MODULE OR THERE IS ANOTHER NEW DEFECT IN THE MODULE. IN ANY EVENT THE PROBLEM OF UNEXPECTED SHUTDOWN OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING STILL EXISTS. I WOULD HOPE YOU COULD SHOW CHRYSLER THE WISDOM IN FIXING THIS ISSUE AND MAKING THEIR CUSTOMERS WHOLE.

NHTSA ID

11360242

Incident

Sep 14, 2020

Mileage

95,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STOPPING AND PLACING THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE IGNITION FAILED TO GO IN THE OFF POSITION. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED DUE TO THE FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, THE GEAR SHIFTER ALSO CEASED IN THE PARK POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER NOR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.*DT*JB

NHTSA ID

11339473

Incident

Aug 9, 2018

Mileage

150,000 mi

KEEP HAVING ISSUES WITH TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID

11323980

Incident

May 9, 2020

Mileage

174,000 mi

AT APPROX 182000 MILES THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CONTROLLING MY DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS,SPEEDOMETER,TACHOMETER,WIPERS,LIGHTS AND SWITCHES FOR POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS WENT COMPLETELY HAYWIRE. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING UPON STARTING VEHICLE. AT THE MOMENT OF START UP WIPERS BEGAN TO SWIPE WITHOUT TURNING ON SWITCH, HEADLIGHTS BEGAN TO FLASH AND ALL WARNING LIGHTS ON DASH LIT INDICATING FAILURE OF ALL SAFETY SYSTEMS. AFTER CAREFULLY DRIVING AROUND A PARKING LOT I WAS IN TO SEE IF THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE AND DRIVEABLE I THEN NOTICED THAT MY SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER WOULD CYCLE ON AND OFF AT RANDOM INTERVALS.THEY WOULD INDICATE PROPER FUNCTIONING FOR MINUTES AND THEN GO COMPLETELY OFF WITH ALL WARNING LIGHTS ACTIVATING. THIS ON AND OFF SCENARIO LASTED ALL THE WAY HOME A JOURNEY OF APPROX 20 MILES. UPON REACHING HOME I ALSO FOUND THAT I COULD NO LONGER CONTROL THE ELECTRIC WINDOWS OR LOCKS FROM MY DRIVERS POSITION. I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH WHEN I GOT HOME ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO FIND A YOUTUBE VIDEO FROM AN OWNER OF A 2008 CHRYSLER TOWN&COUNTRY MINIVAN SIMILAR TO MINE WHO HAD ENCOUNTERED THE SAME SAFETY ISSUE. APPARENTLY THIS OWNER HAD DONE SOME INVESTIGATING OF THEIR OWN AND FOUND THAT A WIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT INTO THE DRIVERS DOOR EITHER BREAKS OVER TIME FROM OPENING AND CLOSING OF DOOR OVER THE YEARS, OR A WIRE CHAFES AND SHORTS OUT INTERMITTENTLY THUS CAUSING THIS ISSUE. IN ORDER TO FIX THIS PROBLEM THE DRIVER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR SKIN MUST BE REMOVED AND THE WIRE LOOM GOING TO THE DRIVER DOOR CONTROLS MUST BE EXAMINED IN ORDER TO FIND THE PROPER WIRE TO REPAIR.THIS REPAIR WAS ACCOMPLISHED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR ME BASED ON MY SHOWING HIM THE VIDEO. IN MY OPINION THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE AS IT INVOLVES,SPEEDOMETER, TACH, WARNING LIGHTS,WIPER CONTROL,HEADLIGHTS THAT FLASH AND USE OF POWER LOCKS AND WINDOW CONTROLS.

NHTSA ID

11321570

Incident

Feb 2, 2020

Mileage

182,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BUT HESITATED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11318316

Incident

Nov 20, 2019

Mileage

150,000 mi