2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems

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

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EQUIPPED WITH UNIROYAL TIRES, SIZE: 225/65R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING, THE TIRE SENSOR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND, UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS FLAT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FLAT TIRE WITH THE SPARE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OURISMAN CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (12430 AUTO DR, CLARKSVILLE, MD 21029 (301) 596-9990) WHERE THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM AND A TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR FAILURE IN THE REAR. ALSO, THE NUT VALVE STINT WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED FIVE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,725.

VALVE STEM BROKE WHEN REMOVING CAP TO CHECK PRESSURE

I WAS DRIVING OUR VAN ON VACATION IN OUT OF STATE ON THE EXPRESSWAY AT 70 MPH. MY LOW TIRE SENSOR CAME ON, ALONG WITH THE YELLOW EXCLAMATION POINT LIGHT IN THE DASH. I WAS CLOSE TO MY EXIT, PULLED OFF AND INTO A GAS STATION WHERE THERE WAS AN AIR PUMP, LOOKING TO ASSES THE SITUATION. WHEN I TRIED TO PUT AIR INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE, WHICH WAS NOW REALLY LOOKING FLAT, I PUSHED THE AIR NOZZLE AGAINST THE VALVE STEM WHICH PUSHED RIGHT INSIDE THE RIM. I HAD TO CALL MY INSURANCE TO HAVE A WRECKER COME, THEY PUT MY DOUGHNUT TIRE ON. I WENT AND HAD A TIRE PLACE PUT IN A REGULAR VALVE STEM. THE ORIGINAL VALVE STEM IS STUCK TO THE INSIDE OF THE RIM, AND APPARENTLY HAD COME LOSE BECAUSE WHATEVER HAD HELD IT THERE FAILED. WHEN I GOT HOME, I HAD THE VALVE STEM REPLACED WITH A NEW VALVE STEM WITH A PRESSURE SENSOR. I FEEL THIS IS UNSAFE, BECAUSE LOSING ANY OF YOUR TIRES PRESSURE AT THE RATE OF SPEED WE WERE DRIVING, COULD HAVE MADE US LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, HARMING OURSELVES OR OTHERS DRIVING NEAR US.

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

WHEN THE IGNITION SWITCH IS TURNED THE CAR WILL NOT START. I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY OVER 15 TIMES IN ORDER FOR THE VAN TO CATCH AND START, THE PROBLEM IS BECOMING MORE FREQUENT. ALSO, WHEN THE DVD PLAYER IS IN THE UP POSITION ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS COME ON IN THE DASH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CUT ON AND NONE OF THE DIALS WORK ON THE SPEED, GAS AND THERMOSTAT INDICATORS. THE DVD PROBLEMS OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND ON THE ROAD OPERATING. THE IGNITION PROBLEM IS WHEN YOU GO TO START THE VEHICLE.

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.

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON A SHALLOW LEFT-HAND CURVE WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, COMING OUT OF THE CURVE, ALL THE SUDDEN THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE (LFB) BEGAN TO CHATTER AS THOUGH THE LFB ABS WAS ENGAGING. THE ESP BAS AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON. THE VAN VIOLENTLY SWERVED TOWARDS THE ONCOMING LANE. LUCKLY, THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC COME AT ME. I WAS ABLE TO OVER CORRECT WITH THE STEERING AND REGAIN CONTROL. I TOOK THE VAN TO A LOCAL SHOP WHICH DIAGNOSED THE STEERING POSITION SENSOR INSIDE THE AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING TO BE BAD. IT WAS REPLACED AND THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY. I FEEL THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED WITH A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FUNCTIONED INDEPENDENTLY AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS STARTED TO FLICKER ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

FRONT RIGHT STRUT SPRING BREAKING AT THE UPPER TIP 2-3 INCHES. THIS IS THE 3RD OF OUR GRAND CARAVANS THAT THIS BREAK HAS HAPPENED TO IN THE EXACT SAME SPOT. IT'S HARD TO SEE SO YOU HAVE TO LOOK CLOSELY AT THE VERY TIP OR IT WON'T BE NOTICED.

THIS IS THE 2ND OF OUR 2009 GRAND CARAVANS WITH THE SAME FAILURE IN THE EXACT SAME LOCATION. PASS SIDE STRUT SPRING BROKE OFF AT THE UPPER END ABOUT 2-3 INCHES OFF THE TIP. VERY HARD TO SPOT SO LOOK CLOSELY. 1ST ONE WAS CAUGHT ON A STATE INSPECTION AND THIS ONE WAS CAUGHT DURING ROUTINE PM. IS THIS A COMMON PROBLEM?

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND WAS SLOW TO RESPOND. THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SQUEALING NOISE DETECTED. THE PARKING BRAKE, TPMS, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SLIDING DOOR DETACHED FROM TRIM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 221,000.

MY VEHICLE WAS PUT IN PARK AND ABOUT 10 MINUTES LATER IT JOLTED BACKWARDS AND HIT A RETAINING WALL IN THE DRIVEWAY.

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.

THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AFTER I HIT A BUMP DURING A TURN, I RAN INTO A DITCH AND SOMETHING IS BROKE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. LOUD NOISES COMING FROM TIRE AREA. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THIS HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES AND REPLACED THE BEARING. BUT WHEN THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN EVERY TIME I HIT ANY SIGNIFICANT BUMP IN THE ROAD, EVEN WHEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND I'M BEING TOLD THERE ISN'T ANYTHING THEY WILL DO UNTIL THE RECALL IS FINALIZED? *TR

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.

WHILE DRIVING I FELT AND ALSO HEARD A CLUNK, THEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHILE DRIVING IT FELT LIKE MY CAR WAS STUCK IN 1ST GEAR (IT HAS AN AUTOMATIC/MANUAL TRANS). WE THEN REALIZED THE MANUAL WAS NOT WORKING, AND EVERYTIME WE PUT IT IN DRIVE THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE. NOW AS WE ARE DRIVING IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS STUCK IN 1ST GEAR LIKE THE MANUAL WENT OUT AND THE CAR THINKS IT IS STUCK, THE ENGINE REVS THE RPM'S GO UP AND THE AUTOMATIC KICKS IN BUT IT DOES NOT SHIFT RIGHT AND THE ENGINE DOES NOT STOP REVVING. SINCE I HAD THIS CAR I HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKES TWICE, THE BATTERY, THE WINDOW MODULE, THE WHOLE AC. THIS CAR IS COSTING MORE THEN IT IS WORTH AND CHRYSLER WILL NOT HELP WITH ANY OF IT. THE WINDOW MODULE TRANSMISSION AND AC SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE OUT SO EARLY. *KB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR INDEPENDENTLY OPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SLIDING DOOR MALFUNCTIONED AND WOULD NOT LOCK WHEN CLOSED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO PERFORMED A SOFTWARE UPDATE BUT THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE DEFECT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING JULY 2014 WHEN IT WAS PARKED UNDER A TREE DURING A BAD STORM. IT EVENTUALLY WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE AFTER THEY ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES TO HAVE ALL THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS REPAIRED. SEVERAL TIMES THEY REPAIRED IT AND PUT ME BACK INTO THE DANGEROUS VEHICLE WHICH WAS ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN AND SEVERAL TIMES WOULD NOT BRAKE. I INSISTED THEY DECLARE IT A TOTAL LOSS BEFORE SOMETHING TERRIBLE WOULD HAPPEN. THEY FINALLY AGREED IN OCTOBER 2014. HOWEVER, MY CONCERN IS THAT I WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD AT AUCTION AND THAT PUTS SOMEONE ELSE IN DANGER. THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT OF BEEN HANDED OVER TO SOMEONE ELSE.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURN ON AND OFF ERRATICALLY. HEADLIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF ERRATICALLY. GAUGES DON'T WORK, CAN'T OPEN OR CLOSE SIDE AND REAR DOOR. THIS IS DUE TO THE TIPM NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY