2015 Dodge Grand Caravan Engine Problems

Transaxle pump failure for my vehicle. Recall S44 does not include my specific vin so I am not able to get assistance through Dodge

NHTSA ID

11753915

Incident

Jul 29, 2026

The 3.6L Pentastar engine for this year has been shown to be highly problematic. We have had the #2 and now the #1 cylinder heads fail, causing misfires, poor engine performance and complete failure. We’ve also had multiple injectors fail, #2 (twice), 4 & 5. The engine failure is a safety issue and has been proven as such.

NHTSA ID

11712686

Incident

Jan 14, 2026

Unknown: engine slips, got mechanic to look at it and he showed me where a part of the camshaft is ground down to almost nothing. He says it doesn't work like it is supposed, he has worked on many dodge vehicales that have this problem, and I need a new camshaft. Which entails taking timing chain off and an expensive repair.

NHTSA ID

11710842

Incident

Jan 5, 2026

Check Engine Light put out a code for Catalytic Converter failure and Emissions status is Red. The catalytic converter is responsible for converting harmful exhaust gases into less harmful ones, and a failing converter can lead to a check engine light.

NHTSA ID

11665470

Incident

Jun 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact stated while stopped at a stop light, the vehicle intermittently stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact made the dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11593469

Incident

Jun 3, 2024

Mileage

80,000 mi

The transmission on this van and pretty much after replacing it the hydraulic lifters are going out. I started to hear a noise and when the guy did my brakes and rotors he left me know that this is a very common issues with the Dodge vans and I feel like Dodge is making these vehicles unsafe as it can cause the engine to just stop and you can be on the highway and as I have kids in the car sometimes. Hydraulic lifters in all years of the dodge caravan causes major issues please have them fix this and they should have to do a recall on these and fix the lifters because they definitely are doing it on these vans. If people are driving and they don’t hear the noise it can be so unsafe.

NHTSA ID

11590847

Incident

May 5, 2024

I drove over a pot whole that hit the transmission. The transmission was replaced but 3 different times each one contuines to fail. Before the transmission incident. My car would lose power while driving. There was knocking noise from the engine. The transmission shifted slow before as well. But after the transmission being changed out there's been leakes power lost again and more knocking. The car been through insurance already.

NHTSA ID

11568531

Incident

Jan 5, 2022

Suden oil filter housing leak which lead to oil light eliminating within 8000 miles. Oil pools in engine crevice, hiding leak. Repair shop stated it’s a known Dodge issue seen monthly.

NHTSA ID

11567603

Incident

Jan 24, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the thermostat and spark plugs; however, the check engine warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.

NHTSA ID

11542618

Incident

Sep 4, 2023

Mileage

153,000 mi

Misfire cylinder 2

NHTSA ID

11516773

Incident

Apr 12, 2023

Check engine light came on and took to local mechanic. P0302 code, car has 113,000 miles so new plugs and coils. Drove car for two days and light came back on with same code. Mechanic was confused as to why it was occurring and we did some research to see this seems to be a somewhat common occurrence. Cylinder head needs to be replaced. These seems to be the same issue that was covered under service bulletin 09-002-14 REV. B but was not extended to include newer models that are experiencing the same issue. Apparently Chrysler did not fix the original issue it seems and will not update the service bulletin. Contacted the dealer from which we purchased the vehicle, Len Stoler Inc. 1001 Baltimore Boulevard, Westminster MD 21157. Upon talking to the service manager and explaining the issue I was told that the dealer nor Chrysler had any fiduciary responsibility and there was nothing they could do to help.

NHTSA ID

11501091

Incident

Jan 5, 2023

Premature failure of valve lifters and damage to exhaust and intake camshafts. Engine had 59074 miles on it and used appropriate Valvoline synthetic blend oil since approx 15,000 miles. Valve train started ticking and got progressively louder in less than a two week period. Engine oil system was flushed and reserviced with appropriate Valvoline synthetic blend oil once again. Valve ticking got progressively louder and the vehicle went in for repairs. Valve Lifters had premature bearing failure on multiple Lifters causing excessive wear on both the Exhaust and Intake Camshafts as well as the Valve Lash Adjusters. The vehicle was outside of the warranty window. Cost for repairs was $2,272.34. I was informed by the garage who did the repairs that this is a ongoing problem with the Pentar 3.6L

NHTSA ID

11497801

Incident

Dec 14, 2022

It’s not wanting to switch gears so when I’m trying to accelerate at times it will not accelerate.

NHTSA ID

11484495

Incident

Sep 14, 2022

- Check engine light - code: P0302 (Misfire Cylinder) - This is a converted wheelchair mini-van and I am in a wheelchair. Break-down on freeway would leave me stranded. - Apparently this #2 cylinder problem was part of a recall for 2011-13 Pentar 3.6L engines and from what I have read online the problem still persist and in 01/2022 a class action lawsuit has been filed against FCA for this exact problem (See attached). - I have taken the van into both the dealer and independent service center - Heads need replacing due to known bad cylinder head problem with these engines. - Check engine light came on in 03/2022 and I paid to have plugs and head gasket replaced only for the P0302 light to come immediately back on. Took back in and 2nd experienced tech confirmed head problem and instructed me to go to dealer; dealer confirmed head problem but said no recall available as of yet. Dealer quoted repair cost to heads of $5,145!!!

NHTSA ID

11470517

Incident

Mar 1, 2022

When drive over 60mph I smell burn from front hood. I took to Dodge dealership. They said oil leaking so paid $950 , 3 weeks later car broke down like can't go over 30mph, Aqcell won't go up , I took to dealership again , he said transmission I paid $4600( October) it used transmission. After change transmission drive was uncomfortable, not smoothly like before. I took dealership he said It because differen transmission, so need takes a while to get use to it. (Idk it true or not) And engine light on over 7 times and still burning smell if drive over 60mph. Dealership kepts 3 days but they said car is fine. Im like how heck fine? If I drive 60mph now I can smell burn . Feel very uncomfortable to drive i have 3 kids always with me but can't sell car with this conditions . Any advice appreciate

NHTSA ID

11449560

Incident

Sep 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle revved up but, failed to shift into gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmission had failed and needed to be repaired or replaced. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V461000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.

NHTSA ID

11445434

Incident

Dec 28, 2021

Mileage

128,000 mi

Light came on (not flashing) took to Auto Zone for a diagnostic which the ASE Certified Technician said the error code was PO301 cylinder 1 misfire was detected and it was the #1 spark plug and it needed new one. However the spark plugs are not scheduled for maintenance until 100 k miles and my van is just over 60 k and I had my dealership do the 60k maintenance in March but didn’t include the spark plugs. We had a mechanic from out of town look at it per our dealership as we were out of town. He reset the code on 6-1-2021and it came back on after 7 days for two weeks it went off and came back on again on 6-11 and went off on the 14th. Today is the 15th of June, 2021.

NHTSA ID

11421093

Incident

May 30, 2021

I JUST MADE THIS SAME REPORT BUT WITH MY SON'S DODGE 06 VIN NUMBER. IGNORE THAT REPORT!! FOR MY DODGE 2015 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN HERE IS MY REPORT: PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG EXPLODED. LUCKILY NO INJURY. VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING. I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW IT COULD DO THAT! I'D LIKE THIS FIXED. ALSO, TWO LEAKS IN ENGINE. OIL LEAK/TRANSMISSION LEAK. IS THIS NORMAL? LEAKS ARE ONGOING. ANOTHER THING: NOTICING HEADLIGHTS GETTING SLIGHTLY DIMMER, THEN BRIGHTER, AT NIGHT AS IF SOME SORT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEM? THIS HAPPENS DURING DRIVING AND NOT DRIVING.

NHTSA ID

11416720

Incident

Mar 4, 2020

Mileage

110,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED OIL WAS DISCOVERED ON THE FLOOR OF THE GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SCREW ON OIL FILTER ADAPTER HAD FAILED CAUSING OIL TO LEAK FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER JAMES DODGE LOCATED AT 13007 WICKER AVE, CEDAR LAKE, IN 46303 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11399795

Incident

Feb 1, 2021

Mileage

150,000 mi

CAR PURCHASED BRAND NEW MARCH 2015. FEBRUARY 2021 AT APPROXIMATELY 93,000 MILES EXTENSIVE OIL LEAKING DAMAGE. CAR IS LEAKING OIL FROM THE OIL FILTER HOUSING UNIT INCLUDING THE GASKETS AROUND. AT THIS POINT, THE CORRECT PART IS ON BACK ORDER FROM CHRYSLER, PER THE DEALER WHERE PURCHASED THE CAR, I AM NUMBER 28,000 PLUS IN THE LINE TO RECEIVE THIS PART. THERE IS NO ETA FOR WHEN THE PART WILL BE AVAILABLE. THE VAN LEAKS WHEN PARKED AND IN DRIVE. I GOT AN OIL CHANGE END OF DECEMBER 2020 AND WAS DOWN TO TWO QUARTS OF OIL IN A MONTH TIME AND 1000 MILES SINCE OIL CHANGE. THE CAR IS NOW UN DRIVEABLE AND CHRYSLER IS DOING NOTHING TO ASSIST WITH GETTING A LOANER VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11396834

Incident

Feb 18, 2021

Mileage

93,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE OF VIRGINIA BEACH LOCATED AT 3152 VIRGINIA BEACH BLVD, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23452 AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND ENGINE VALVE WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

NHTSA ID

11373426

Incident

Oct 25, 2020

Mileage

95,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH NO WARNING THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED TO BLINK THEN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK AND IT WAS LOOSING POWER AND WOULD NOT GO OVER 20 ON THE CITY STREET.

NHTSA ID

11372742

Incident

Oct 13, 2020

Mileage

102,000 mi

(AUTOMATIC) HIGHWAY, LOCAL ROADS, UPHILL OR STRAIGHTAWAY. CAR HAS DIFFICULTY ACCELERATING PAST START UP SPEED. WHEN STARTING FROM A RED LIGHT INTO 2ND GEAR THE CAR WILL QUICKLY SLOW THEN GO FROM 1ST GEAR TO 3RD. SPUTTERING, HESITATION. AFTER I'VE ALREADY REACHED SPEED LIMIT. THIS HAS CAUSED MANY ISSUES WITH CLOSE 'REAR ENDING ' ISSUES. PEOPLE REAR ENDING ME OR MY REAR ENDING THEM BECAUSE OF THE QUICK/HARD SHIFTING. CAR HAS BEEN SEEN 2X SINCE FEB. 2020 GOING ON 3X. SAME COMPLAINTS. EXHAUST HAS THICK WHITE SMOKE, SMELLS SLIGHTLY OF GAS. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT DIAGNOSTIC: 2ND CYLINDER MISFIRE. 1ST SERVICE FIX FOCUSED ON THERMOSTAT AND REPAIRED IT. 2ND SERVICE DIAGNOSTIC SHOWED CYLINDER 2MISFIRE AGAIN. REPAIRS FOCUSED ON CHANGING SPARK PLUGS AND FUEL INJECTION DECARBONIZER. LAST SEEN 8/2020 TODAY IS NOV 1ST. I HAVE ANOTHER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITH SAME ISSUES. 2ND CYLINDER MISFIRE. I FEEL AS MANY UNSAFE ISSUES THIS CAR HAS I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. SO IT IS SITTING IN MY DRIVE WAY. I'VE READ IT COULD BE THE TRANSMISSION OR IT COULD BE A COIL. I'VE HEARD THE REPAIRS COULD COST UPWARD OF $2500 AND THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS TYPE OF ENGINE.

NHTSA ID

11372700

Incident

Feb 5, 2020

TOOK CAR TO DEALER THIS IS WHAT WAS FOUND. REPLACE INTAKE CAM EXHAUST CAMSHAFT 24 ROCKERS AND 24 LIFTERS (FOUND CYLINDER 3 ROCKER INTAKE AND EXHAUST COMING APART DAMAGING INTAKE AND EXHAUST CAMSHAFT) I WAS TOLD THIS IS DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR. THE CAR IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD $2,700.00 DOLLAR REPAIR.

NHTSA ID

11362348

Incident

Sep 12, 2020

Mileage

100,000 mi

BLEW HEAD GASKET IN MOTION - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE PO302 FAULTY VALVE CYLINDER #2

NHTSA ID

11350628

Incident

Aug 12, 2020

Mileage

84,300 mi