2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the roadway an dfailed to restart. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the engine bay. There was not warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to AAMCO Transmissions, where it was diagnosed that the water pump housing had split in half. The water pump was replaced. The contact stated that shortly after the repair, the thermostat gauge started fluctuating and the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was taken to JJ Auto Repair and Collisions, where it was diagnosed with catastrophic engine block failure. A new engine was purchased and installed on the vehicle; however, the vehicle suddenly stalled while driving 40 MPH. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with alternator failure. The alternator and the battery were replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where the battery was replaced. Additionally, AutoZone tested the newly installed alternator and determined that the alternator was faulty; however, several mechanics determined that the alternator was in good condition. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V278000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 18V524000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied reimbursement for the expenses. The failure mileage was approximately 90,489.

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering, producing static electric shock, and the battery was overcharging. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted and was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had an ongoing issue with the local dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,107.

The rear power slide doors are opening on their own with vehicle in motion. The power switch on the roof is off. We have 5 children. No warming lamps or issues this is a known issues will caravans

I purchased the vehicle on 9/15/2025 at approximately 103,900 miles. Around 10/6/25 at approximately 103,982 miles the driver side sliding door actuator has failed causing the door to get stuck in the lock position and creating a safety hazard. I reached out to Dodge today and spoke with a representative by the name of Lynn and they've declined to repair.

specifics unknown check engine light came on cpl seconds before it started overheating / leaking coolant and or transmission fluid and overheating. and I'm not sure what. started last year but I don't drive very often so the issue just started last year

I am filing this complaint regarding the service department at Vaden Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. My complaint concerns a failure to properly diagnose a mechanical issue with my vehicle, misleading statements about the condition of the vehicle after repairs, and poor communication during the repair process. The vehicle is a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. Before bringing it to the dealership, the vehicle was jerking when slowing or coming to a stop. On February 19, 2026, a diagnostic scan showed code P0420 – Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). At that time the vehicle was still drivable. On March 2, 2026, I brought the vehicle to the dealership and reported the jerking issue. I also asked that the throttle body and transmission be inspected. The dealership stated that the technician could not determine the cause of the problem but recommended maintenance repairs including tires, brakes, and rotor service. Based on their professional recommendation, I approved the repairs. On March 6, 2026, I picked up the vehicle and paid $1,416.21. I was told the vehicle passed inspection and a safety test drive. However, within approximately thirty minutes of leaving the dealership, the vehicle began jerking violently and shut off while I was driving. The vehicle had to be returned to the dealership. After the vehicle was returned, I was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. This was concerning because I had asked the dealership to check that component during the initial inspection. I was originally quoted about $2,800, and after discussions with management including Jim Fife, I paid $2,165 on March 14, 2026 for the catalytic converter repair. Despite paying a total of $3,581.21, the vehicle continued to show drivability problems. A new diagnostic scan showed codes P0420 and P219B (air-fuel ratio imbalance), suggesting the underlying issue may not have been properly diagnosed before replacing the catalytic converter. I attempted to resolve the issue.

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the sliding doors failed to open automatically and had to manually open the vehicle by using the interior and exterior door handles simultaneously. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under Chrysler Campaign Number: X98; and that any repair would be out-of-pocket. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

SEAT HEADREST EXPLODED RANDOMLY. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR CAUSE FOR THIS. IT JUST DEPLOYED OUT OF NOWHERE. THIS WAS THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HEAD REST. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS SITTING IN THE SEAT AT THE TIME.

We purchased this car in 2019 at 55k miles. We had a transmission failed at 92k miles. My wife was left at a light and had to baby it home. It was replaced by a Mopar remanufactued unit that was supposed to be reinforced and have fixed parts from design flaws. A local dealership fixed it after several weeks and getting a loaned car. Next failure was 2 years later in 2023 at around 130k miles. This part was under Mopar 3 year 100k mile warranty and left my wife stranded on the road. The transmission was replaced by the local dealership this time cars were scarce and they didn't have a loaner. We had to get a rental and we're reimbursed. At 177k?miles it's happening again. I can't do this anymore. This transmission is defective and should be recalled. Timeline 92,000 miles – original transmission failed 130,000 miles – Mopar reman failed 180,000 miles – slipping, hard shifts, high RPM

I am writing to formally request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review and consider an investigation into a potential safety-related defect affecting 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. My vehicle recently experienced a failure of the engine oil filter housing, which cracked and leaked oil and required an expensive repair. According to the repair facility, Pro Auto Service, this failure is not isolated. I was advised that the shop has repaired a significant number of identical failures over the past year, to the extent that replacement parts have at times been difficult to obtain. The repair facility also indicated that many similar failures have occurred in recent weeks, coinciding with extreme cold weather conditions. The oil filter housing is a critical engine component responsible for maintaining proper oil circulation and pressure. Failure of this component can lead to oil loss, reduced lubrication, engine damage, or potential engine shutdown if not immediately addressed. Because this defect directly impacts engine operation, it presents a powertrain-related safety concern. Based on the frequency of reported failures, the consistency across the same model year, and the apparent correlation with cold weather conditions, this issue appears to be the result of a design or material defect rather than normal wear and tear. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter for possible investigation and recall consideration to protect vehicle owners from unexpected engine failure and costly repairs. Thank you for your attention to this concern and for your continued commitment to vehicle safety.

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering, producing static electric shock, and the battery was overcharging. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted and was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had an ongoing issue with the local dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,107.

The air bag for passenger tubes going off and on. I don't know why sometimes it will stay off and then other times it will ding all day long while I'm driving? I don't know if it's safe. Enough for anyone to write in it or not

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the roadway an dfailed to restart. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the engine bay. There was not warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to AAMCO Transmissions, where it was diagnosed that the water pump housing had split in half. The water pump was replaced. The contact stated that shortly after the repair, the thermostat gauge started fluctuating and the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was taken to JJ Auto Repair and Collisions, where it was diagnosed with catastrophic engine block failure. A new engine was purchased and installed on the vehicle; however, the vehicle suddenly stalled while driving 40 MPH. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with alternator failure. The alternator and the battery were replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where the battery was replaced. Additionally, AutoZone tested the newly installed alternator and determined that the alternator was faulty; however, several mechanics determined that the alternator was in good condition. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V278000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 18V524000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied reimbursement for the expenses. The failure mileage was approximately 90,489.

specifics unknown check engine light came on cpl seconds before it started overheating / leaking coolant and or transmission fluid and overheating. and I'm not sure what. started last year but I don't drive very often so the issue just started last year

The van slid backwards then accelerated at a higher speed going from a stop to slowly with a light tap on the gas pedal. The speed does not go higher than 15mph with the rmp too high when this occurs. It jerks back when trying to drive it forward. Has not left the dealership parking lot. Drove out 3mile out with this occuring. 3 attempts to fix. Still not driving well and can't leave the dealership lot.

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH and attempting to accelerate to overtake another vehicle, the vehicle accelerated abruptly. The contact depressed the brake pedal but the vehicle continued to accelerate independently. The contact stated that the cruise control light fluctuated on and off. There was smoke detected coming from the brakes. The contact shifted into neutral. The contact stated that the tachometer display revved up and the vehicle was idling; then revved up to 4000 RPM and then back to idle. The contact was able to shift the vehicle to drive and the vehicle drove as designed. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 62,500.

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's side headrest unexpectedly deployed. The contact stated that there was no impact to the vehicle that caused the headrest to deploy. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,244.

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while her sister was driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's side headrest restraint system activated, causing the front passenger's side headrest to deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.

I tried to stop the van and had no brakes. I went right through the intersection, luckily it was early in the morning with light traffic. It could have been deadly. The front flex brake line fitting rusted away and the brake line separated. There was no warning prior to the incident. I had it fixed and still have the part.

Travelling at the speed of 55 miles per hour the vehicle seemed to completely shut off on its own, thus causing immediate loss of power steering and power brakes. I was able to very carefully bring the vehicle to a complete stop after a half a mile or so. Fortunately, I was travelling on a long straight county road without any surrounding traffic. Once I turned the ignition totally off and back on again at the side of the road, everything seems to operate as normal. No check engine light, no other warnings came on thereafter. After doing some research online I found customer complaints experiencing the very same issues with certain Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles, however Dodge doesn’t seem to have any sort of recall for this extremely hazardous issue. It seems like it may be a faulty ignition switch problem!

As I was driving home on a city street, the entire car locked. I had no steering control. My brakes didn’t work the Entire vehicle locked. In the middle of the street. I turned the ignition off, put it in park and restarted the car only then did it work properly. This is the second time this vehicle has locked. This is very dangerous as I had a child in the car with me and I was in traffic. My brakes didn’t work, I had to use two feet really hard then I was able to stop the vehicle. The steering wheel didn’t work. Nothing worked. I don’t know What’s the problem. The very first time this happened, while dropping the child off at school, I put the car in park, I was not able to get the shifter out of park. The car locked. I sat in my car, wondering what to do decided to go on the web and check out problems with this particular vehicle, then I noticed there is a little door leading to the shifter to change it manually. But when you are in traffic, there is no time to look for a screwdriver to open the door to do anything manually. This is a safety hazard and I really don’t know why there is not a recall on this vehicle.

Travelling at the speed of 55 miles per hour the vehicle seemed to completely shut off on its own, thus causing immediate loss of power steering and power brakes. I was able to very carefully bring the vehicle to a complete stop after a half a mile or so. Fortunately, I was travelling on a long straight county road without any surrounding traffic. Once I turned the ignition totally off and back on again at the side of the road, everything seems to operate as normal. No check engine light, no other warnings came on thereafter. After doing some research online I found customer complaints experiencing the very same issues with certain Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles, however Dodge doesn’t seem to have any sort of recall for this extremely hazardous issue. It seems like it may be a faulty ignition switch problem!

Transmission

The rear sway bar mount on frame had completely broken off and the sway bar was making a loud clunking sound as we were driving which caused difficulty to control the vehicle. Upon inspection, mechanic found that the sway bar had broken away from the bottom axle area. This caused the body of the vehicle to be off center which caused the vehicle to rub the left tire which in turn rubbed the fuel neck and rubbed off the protected rubber coating. It was advised to not drive the vehicle as it was not safe. We have an independent mechanics report.

I bought my 2017 dodge grand caravan in 2019 with 20,000 miles on it. Shortly after I had problems with the key not doing the automatic start. Then the wipers no longer sprayed fluid, then I noticed the van used some radiator fluid when we went drivingg any distance. Then the door locks stopped working.then the passenger slide door stopped shutting and locking or would close on the kids getting in the van. Now when I took it to the dodge dealership about a month th ago to fix the front seat trim that fell off, they said I had a leaky transmission hose. They fixed it a d charged for the flush and hose. One month later I'm getting an error code for the tranny. Had it flushed and paid again. They said they don't know maybe I need a new transmission. I ha e always done the up keep on this van oil changes and such. I looked up recalls a d everything happening to my van happened to the 2016 models. They were recalled for the same transmission problems. It only has 90000 miles. Now the dealership wa ts me to buy a transmission. Please help.

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the driver's side window collapsed into the door panel and failed to roll up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the window regulator. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 29,800.

I WAS DRIVING DOWN LOCAL HIGHWAY WHERE SPEED LIMIT IS 50MPH AND ROAD CONDITIONS ARE BUMPY AND UNEVEN. ALSO THERE IS A RAILWAY CROSSING. I WAS GOING ABOUT 48MPH WHEN MY LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON. I DID NOT FEEL A DIFFERENCE IN THE WAY MY VEHICLE WAS DRIVING OR HEAR ANYTHING SUCH AS FLAT. I WENT DIRECTLY TO THE GAS STATION STRAIGHT AHEAD OF ME. WHEN I GOT OUT TO INSPECT MY VEHICLE I NOTICED MY BACK DRIVERS SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. AFTER FURTHER EXAMINATION I NOTICED IT LOOKED TO ALMOST HAVE A SLIT LIKE PUNCTURE TO THE SIDE WALL. NOTE I HAD NOT HIT ANY CURBS AND MY VEHICLE IS KEPT IN A GARAGE.

I DRIVE A 2017 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. LAST WEEK, AS I WAS DRIVING MY CHILDREN TO THEIR GRANDMOTHERS HOUSE, I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKING. I REGAINED CONTROL AND MADE IT TO MY MOMS HOUSE AND DROPPED OFF THE CHILDREN. AS I LEFT HER HOUSE AND MADE IT BACK TO THE ROAD, THE VAN BECAME HARD TO STEER. IT STARTED JERKING TO ONE SIDE AND WOBBLING. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED MY VAN AND WAS TOLD TO BRING IT IN IMMEDIATELY. THE DAY AFTER BRINGING THE VAN IN, I RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SHOWED ME WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VAN. IT WAS LIFTED UP INTO THE AIR AND I WAS SHOWED THAT THE REAR AXLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE HAD BEEN BROKEN. THERE WAS 2 MECHANICS THERE AND ONE SUGGESTED THAT I HAD BEEN IN A COLLISION OR HIT A BIG POTHOLE. THE OTHER SAID THAT IT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN A DRIVER ERROR BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE BREAK ON THE AXLE WAS BENT AS WELL AS THE LACK OF ANY SCRATCHES OR DAMAGE TO ANY OTHER AREA OF THE VAN. MY TIRES AND RIMS SHOW NO DAMAGE, AND THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VAN ALSO SHOWS NO SIGN OF HITTING A POTHOLE, AS THERE ARE NO SCRATCHES ANYWHERE UNDER THE VAN. ONE OF THE MECHANICS SAID IT COULD HAVE BEEN SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE AXLE BECAUSE OF THE BENT WAY IT WAS BROKEN AND HE ALSO NOTICED THAT IT SHOWED SIGNS OF IT BEING ALREADY CRACKED BECAUSE THE METAL APPEARED TO BE OLD ON ONE SPOT AND FRESH ON ANOTHER. I HIGHLY DENY HITTING ANYTHING LIKE A POT HOLE OR HAVING BEEN IN A COLLISION THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO DAMAGE TO ANY PART OF MY VEHICLE SAVE THE BROKEN AXLE. *DT*JB