2018 Dodge Grand Caravan Electrical Problems

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts, with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was forced to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle may not start after being jumpstarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and DTC: C212A (Anti-Lock Brake System - ABS). The contact called several dealers, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

NHTSA ID

11755853

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

Mileage

132,000 mi

The Component that keeps failing on these vehicles is the Actuator for the sliding doors. When it comes to safety, this could be a huge problem in case of an accident or any time there’s a “rush” to get out of the vehicle. Especially having 3+ kids having to climb in and out. The problem has been inspected by my local dealership. The cause is the actuator, no doubt. This was a “warrantied” part but being my vehicle is at 160K miles, the dealership wants me to pay 2500 out of pocket. When I believe this should be taken care of free of charge.

NHTSA ID

11730000

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

•vehicle stalls when slowing down in traffic and cut off on freeway •happens while driving at low speed •vehicle restarts immediately after stalling •0–10 mph (coming to stop) •slowing from traffic speed •check engine light appeared •code P0128 was detected Vehicle stalled while driving and could have caused a crash if it happened in heavier traffic.” •I reported the issue to the dealership I bought it and went to dodge dealership because I seen 4 recalls •they checked the vehicle •they stated no recalls were open •blind spot warning system not functioning •lane assist button not responding •115-volt power outlet not working happened multiple times •started recently after purchase •intermittent issue “When searching by VIN earlier, recall campaigns were displayed describing engine stall that could increase crash risk.”

NHTSA ID

11722389

Incident

Feb 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and came to a stop in the middle of traffic. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a misfire and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign: 18V524000 (Electrical System). However, the VIN was not included. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start immediately while using the key. The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was advised that the vehicle was not the same as the vehicles listed in NHTSA Campaign: 18V524000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,817.

NHTSA ID

11720360

Incident

Feb 19, 2026

Mileage

98,817 mi

Am smells as if wires are burning and vehicle turns off whilst driving causing me to nearly hit a pole in one instance. Car will shut off also whilst parked or when reversing to park. Emergency Brake light come on at random times during driving as well. Or the seatbelt light will come on whilst seatbelt is engaged.

NHTSA ID

11716641

Incident

Jan 14, 2026

My sliding back doors do not open with the key fob AND they do not open using the handles on the INSIDE or OUTSIDE of the van. I was researching how to fix this, and this seems to be a pretty common issue. How has this put safety at risk - if there is an emergency, how do those people in the back seat get out? This is a HUGE issue! There are no other known failures with the vehicle - it has not been checked out by anyone other than myself.

NHTSA ID

11716214

Incident

Feb 4, 2026

When I’m driving, especially when I come to a stop or when I try to accelerate from a stop, the car kind of chokes or hesitates. It feels like it’s about to stall, but it doesn’t fully turn off. It keeps doing this off and on when I stop or try to go again. It's very scary and dangerous.

NHTSA ID

11689562

Incident

Aug 6, 2025

Voltage regulator malfunctioning inside ECM and having lights dim and electrical components bog down

NHTSA ID

11684324

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

Driver's side sliding door stays locked and will not open it also prevents me to lock the passenger side sliding door

NHTSA ID

11672130

Incident

Jul 6, 2023

I had recently decided to rotate my wheels and and I had gotten done I noticed that after a little while after I get down the road my speedometer, cruise control, abs, traction control stopped working and my parking brake light also came on now I do know the only thing that I done differently was kept my hub cap pieces off of the vehicle

NHTSA ID

11672128

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

As is a known issue in Dodge Caravans - the sliding door components have failed resulting in a safety hazard. One of the doors will not open sometimes which is a serious concern in the case of an emergency.

NHTSA ID

11665921

Incident

Jun 2, 2025

The front door passenger lock is not working. I think it is the actuator and hence auto-lock is not available for the front passenger door. The passenger door may get opened by mistake while on the highway.

NHTSA ID

11665327

Incident

Jun 6, 2025

Firstly my front door lock went out and wouldn’t work which i got fixed now both my back door locks do not work correctly which I have children that use this vehicle with me which can lead to danger the left back door locks make a nasty buzzing sound and will not lock or unlock from the back or key fob I have to open it from my door lock on my driver side and the right back passenger just doesn’t work at all this poses danger to my children and myself. This needs to be on the recall list with the amount of complaints and issues this is causing for dodge van owners!

NHTSA ID

11662710

Incident

May 1, 2024

i received communication, regarding my 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan, stating that the warranty has been extended for the Sliding Door Power Lock Actuators. My passenger door lock actuator does not work and needs to be locked manually. It seems Dodge knows there is a problem, but has not issued a recall. I feel this is a major safety hazard, especially when I travel with my young grandchildren. If I use the electric lock function but forget to lock the passenger door manually it presents a safety hazard to the children as the door is not fully secured. I have enclosed the letter from Dodge regarding the problem. This was also listed asDOT Phone complaint # 11651258 Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11658554

Incident

Apr 26, 2025

Left/drivers side automatic door actuator failed, door would not open and actuator had to be replaced. Mechanic notes available upon request. Safety risk as door could not be accessed for evacuating the vehicle in the event of an emergency. Notification was issued from the manufacturer that this has been a concern in this model, but manufacturer did not replace it. The vehicle was independently inspected before replacing, and replacing the actuator remedied the issue. There were no warning signs or symptoms prior to failure.

NHTSA ID

11656371

Incident

Sep 1, 2024

When I pump gas in the tank. It keeps stopping and it will not allow me to put more gas in the tank. Also the gas hand on the dashboard stays at half full. I don’t know how much gas is really in the tank. And electrical the passenger window will not let down on the driver side. I can’t let the window down from the driver side.

NHTSA ID

11644913

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

Passenger sliding door lock actuator is buzzing and going bad when you lock doors. A known problem in the dodge caravan.

NHTSA ID

11631691

Incident

Jul 1, 2023

The left sliding door of the van has an issue which started immediately after my last service more than a year ago (Around april 12, 2023) at Glendale CA Dodge. Initially the door wouldnt unlock and lock. I reported it to them but got no response. I had to manually unlock and lock to make it work and fixed the issue. Since then, it makes a lod buzzing noise whenever it's locked and unlocked. So, the issue now it just the loud buzzing noise and it's been that way since. I searched online and found forums with other users with the same problem who reported their issues here at NHTSA too. So, I'm reporting mine. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11607005

Incident

Apr 12, 2023

Driver side sliding door lock failed, same as the 2016 model that has a recall.

NHTSA ID

11604833

Incident

Nov 14, 2019

The lock mechanism to the sliding door failed and is stuck in the locked position. What the danger is, and an extreme safety concern, is that the door can not be opened manually. So neither the automatic function (both button on the car itself and key fob), nor the manual mechanism on the lock itself, is functional. The door is locked with no way to open it either from the inside or outside. This is a grave safety hazard and I am shocked that this has not already been made into a recall. I have researched this issue and it has been ongoing for many years now, specifically with the 2018 model and other models as well. Dodge needs to issue a recall and fix this problem.

NHTSA ID

11604763

Incident

Jul 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the sliding door on the rear driver’s side had seized in the locked position, and the key fob was unable to unlock the sliding door. The door was unable to unlock manually or with the key fob. The contact learned that the failure was a common failure caused by the door actuators. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the lock rod had detach from the door latch, causing the door latch, rods, and retainers to all need to be replaced. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,000.

NHTSA ID

11594998

Incident

Jun 18, 2023

Mileage

78,000 mi

There is a cyclinder 2 misfire which hundreds of people have been effected by. There is electrical issues causing the temperature to not read correctly, side door not working, and rear air vents do not work.

NHTSA ID

11588564

Incident

May 3, 2024

Passenger sliding door stuck in locked position cannot unlock manually or with key fob .. same as 2017 recall same issue. Cannot unlock very unsafe issue in case of emergency or accident door will not open.

NHTSA ID

11580446

Incident

Mar 28, 2024

Sliding Passenger Door Lock Is Stuck in the locked position and the door cannot be unlocked or opened manually or electrically. Have been told its the lock actuator that has failed (similar to the 2017 and below models that was recalled)

NHTSA ID

11579837

Incident

Mar 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was parked, the key fob was used to attempt to lock and unlock the vehicle however, the doors failed to open. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was parked, the door would not open as needed; however, the rear passenger’s side door would occasionally open unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on three occasions where it was diagnosed that the door lock actuator on the rear doors, batteries in the key fobs, and the driver's side door module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11572122

Incident

Jun 1, 2022