RoadVitals

2018 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
269
Latest Aug 10, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
8

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

92
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 10, 2026

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 · filed Apr 8, 2026
All 92 reports naming electrical

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

59
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Passenger side sliding door can't be unlocked manually or by the fob, will not open by the handle inside or out. Passengers are unable to exit vehicle through passenger sliding door.

NHTSA ID 11687214 · filed Sep 14, 2025

Our driver side back sliding door door has seized and will not open. This looks to be a common issue with the grand caravan. The lock is stuck in an in between state and will not open automatically or manually. This is a safety hazard for back passengers.

NHTSA ID 11683760 · filed Aug 28, 2025
All 59 reports naming body & structure

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-70 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly slowed down and then abruptly stopped. The contact stated that it felt as if a part had fallen from the bottom of the vehicle. While attempting to drive off, the vehicle hesitated. While at a YIELD sign, the vehicle shut off and was restarted. The driver's side door failed to open. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called an undisclosed local dealer, who confirmed there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The vehicle was diagnosed, and a tune-up and thermostat replacement were advised. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID 11683065 · filed Aug 26, 2025
All 35 reports naming engine

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 8, 2026

The headrest airbag on the driver's side was deployed without any explanation.

NHTSA ID 11697143 · filed Nov 3, 2025
All 26 reports naming interior & seats

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

23
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The van started to make a loud whining sound while going down the highway around 60 miles an hour. When we slowed down and turned onto a smaller road and tried to accelerate the rpm’s went to around 5,000 and it was barely moving. Had to stop for a long time and was able to drive it the last couple of miles home very slowly. Several children in the car were at risk if someone had hit us at hwy speed

NHTSA ID 11663015 · filed May 25, 2025

The vehicle began to shake and sputter on the highway. We were lucky enough to be able to pull over safely. This could have caused a major accident on a very busy highway. The check engine light came on. Called roadside assistance and had car towed to a mechanic. The mechanic shop said there was a recall on the vehicle and I needed to take it to the dealership. The car was towed to the dealership and the dealership said while there is a "general" recall, the recall was vin number specific and my vin number was not included. The recall number is 18v-524 related to the PCM Voltage. This is a KNOWN defect but Dodge did not include all vin numbers. The recall needs to be expanded to include this vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11658927 · filed May 5, 2025
All 23 reports naming powertrain (other)

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The headrest airbag on the driver's side was deployed without any explanation.

NHTSA ID 11697143 · filed Nov 3, 2025

BOTH FRONT HEADRESTS ACTIVATED WITHOUT REAR COLLESION WHICH POSED A DANGER TO THOSE OCCUPANTS LOACATED IN EITHER FRONT SEAT. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE HEADRESTS RESET, WAS NOT ABLE TO DO A RESET, WILL HAVE TO PURCHASE NEW HEADRESTS AND HAVE THEM INSTALLED AT A GREAT COST TO THE CUSTOMER.

NHTSA ID 11624263 · filed Nov 8, 2024
All 12 reports naming airbags

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH and attempting to slow for a traffic signal, the vehicle was not slowing down as intended. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake lines needed to be flushed and the brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V523000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact called and made the dealer to aware of the failure but was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID 11613794 · filed Sep 10, 2024
All 11 reports naming brakes

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 9, 2026

Van is driven a few thousand miles per year since we purchased. Routine maintenance up kept and has just over 100K miles. Replaced coils, plugs as routine for maintenance but having a Cylinder 2 misfire, then it became #6 and now is "multiple random misfire" codes. vehicle shutters dangerously when driving and engine light comes on intermittently. EVERY person I know with this pentastar v6 has had identical problems!

NHTSA ID 11660593 · filed May 13, 2025
All 8 reports naming fuel system

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

•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 · filed Mar 6, 2026

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 · filed Jul 8, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 9, 2026

My Transmission failed. My odometer reading is 92901. Dealership said not manufactured coverage. No message on dash. Happened while driving with children. Mechanic said needed to be replaced. This is a expensive repair. I believe manufacture should have told drivers about problems with transmission.

NHTSA ID 11582257 · filed Apr 10, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the contact became aware that the driver's side headrest had deployed without impact. The local dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,600.

NHTSA ID 11686845 · filed Sep 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat headrest had exploded while the vehicle was turned off. On another occasion, while driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact heard a loud explosion and the driver's side seat headrest exploded. The contact stated that no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID 11611331 · filed Aug 28, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AT 48,000 MILES RATTLES IN REAR END GETTING LOUDER. SOUNDS LIKE COMING FROM REAR SUSPENSION. NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AFTER 36,000 MILES. HEAR RATTLING WHEN IN MOTION.

NHTSA ID 11307800 · filed Feb 7, 2020

REAR SUSPENSION RATTLES EVEN OVER LITTLE ROAD IMPERFECTIONS. BROUGHT TO DEALER ONLY FOR THEM TO TELL ME ALL NEW GRAND CARAVANS RATTLE OVER BUMPS. CONCERNED OVER PREMATURE SUSPENSION FAILURE MAYBE BY FAULTY OR DODGE NOT USING APPROPRIATE SHOCKS OR OTHER MEANS OF DAMPENING REAR SUSPENSION. ING BETTER NEW SHOCKS

NHTSA ID 11142389 · filed Oct 24, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I went to the store and put my purchases in the trunk of the Grand Caravan. I pushed the button to close the rear door and turned to put my cart away. I then heard breaking glass and saw the glass in the rear door busting out. The door then lifted and came down again, this time busting more glass and ripping off the top panel that has the third brake light on it. When it was over, the back panel was hanging by the brake wiring. It looks like one of the pistons that hold the rear liftgate open detached from the inside of the car and hung there, busting the back out. I have had to tape plastic over the window and have been given a warning for a missing brake light. I can't have my vehicle inspected until this is fixed and I can't afford to get it fixed. This seems to be a design flaw. Can I get some assistance in having this repaired?

NHTSA ID 11562093 · filed Dec 27, 2023

SPRAYER FOR THE WIPERS DOES NOT SPRAY CORRECTLY. LEFT SIDE IS VERY WEEK AND RIGHT SIDE DOES NOT SPRAY AT ALL.

NHTSA ID 11415342 · filed May 5, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEELS SPIN DURING ACCELERATION, POOR TRACTION ON ROAD. RENTAL CAR FROM PORTLAND, OREGON AIRPORT FROM THE ENTERPRISE. DON'T KNOW THE VIN. PERHAPS AN ISSUE WITH ALL DODGE GRAND CARAVANS. *TR

NHTSA ID 11100770 · filed Jun 10, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .