2019 Dodge Grand Caravan Body & structure Problems

MINIVAN HAS SLIDING DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILURE, DRIVER SIDE. UNABLE TO OPEN SLIDING DOOR MANUALLY OR WITH POWER DOOR MOTOR. LOCK/UNLOCK LATCH IS STUCK IN LOCKED POSITION. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN CASE OF VEHICLE CRASH OR FIRE. EXACT SAME ISSUE WITH OLDER MODELS. CHRYSLER HAS ISSUED A WARRANTY BULLETIN (D-21-15) FOR FACTORY REPAIR OF THIS SAME ISSUE FOR 2015-2017 MODELS. THE EXACT SAME ACTUATORS ARE USED IN 2018 AND 2019 MODELS.

NHTSA ID

11749568

Incident

Jun 30, 2026

Automatic sliding doors will not unlock or open at all- not manually, not with the inside door buttons, not with my key fob, and not with the automatic buttons on the front ceiling of the van. I have 3 young children all 5 and under. This is an EXTREMELY dangerous fault that puts all of their lives into danger! The inconvenience of a grown adult having to climb through the back hatch to lock her kids in is annoying yes but my concern is how I'm supposed to safely get to them if we were in an accident! My husband can not get to the kids at all as he is well over 6 foot and can not fit. I'm trying to get the dealership to fix the issue but they're telling me that there is no recall even though I thought I received something in the mail awhile back. The message that appears when we try to automatically open the door is that we should first unlock the doors to which we already have. The lock will not move when you manually try to unlock it either.

NHTSA ID

11740352

Incident

Apr 8, 2026

the sliding doors and sometimed the trunk door on this van unlocl and szlf open randomly. I took it to a mechanic and they said that it is the actuator failing. Dodge knows that this is a problem and extended the warranty, but the dealership in south audtin is difficult to work with. THIS JUSTIFIED A FULL RECALL BECAUSE THE DOORS COULD JUST SELF OPEN WHENEVER AND SOMEONE COULD FLY OUT OF THE VAN

NHTSA ID

11718888

Incident

Feb 17, 2026

09/26/2024 Transmission had to be replaced at 47,000 miles. Without warning, the van began lurching forward at a stop light almost causing a collision and then completely stalled having to be towed to the shop. Luckily, I bought a service plan and only had to pay $100, but the parts list was $6,000+. Sliding rear doors have the electric assist option. On several occasions myself and my children have nearly been closed in the door as it malfunctions and randomly starts closing. Once I was getting my child out of the car seat when the door began closing on me, it did not stop closing as it met the resistance of my body. I have not had this issue serviced, as it is very intermittent. 10/28/2025 My driver's side headrest exploded. Thankfully no one was injured and I wasn't driving at the time. This could have caused a really dangerous situation had the vehicle been in motion. I was in the parking lot with nothing touching the headrest. Looking at the headrest there are jagged pieces of plastic that just crumbled to bits. Upon further investigation, this is a known issue with this type of vehicle, but it's not a recall. 70,000 miles. I'm waiting to see what the bill for this repair will be, but I'm concerned it is going to be replaced with the same malfunctioning equipment and I may not be so lucky next time this happens.

NHTSA ID

11696230

Incident

Oct 28, 2025

Passenger side sliding door is stuck in the locked position. Nothing I do will unlock it. The lock doesn't respond to any buttons either on the key fob or on the overhead panel. Also cannot be unlocked manually. It is my belief that this is a serious safety issue for rear passengers.

NHTSA ID

11689287

Incident

Sep 22, 2025

Drivers side sliding door lock started to make some noise occasionally and shortly after the door locked shut and will not and can not be opened manually or with the buttons. A few days afterwards the passenger door has started to make this same buzzing noise and we fear it will lock itself also like the drivers side not bing able to open with the buttons or manually. I know this is a major safety issue and should be addressed by not only myself, but the manufacturer. I have read this being a common issue among many dodge caravans and I feel actions should be taken place to correct this issue to the tune of at the very least, when there is a malfunction that the door should be able to be opened and closed manually. I contacted my local authorized dodge dealership and they told me extended warranty for this issue is for 10yrs/100,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11668078

Incident

May 28, 2025

Rear sliding door actuators prematurely fails causing loud noises and door to not operate properly. This makes it unsafe to drive with children in the vehicle. Dodge refuses to reimburse extended warranty claim.

NHTSA ID

11654703

Incident

May 18, 2024

Power sliding Door lock actuators failed. First started experiencing problems with the doors at 75,000mi clicking noises and then at 90,000 miles the drivers side door became stuck shut. This poses a risk of my car seat aged and disabled children to be stuck locked in the vehicle in the event of a crash or fire. The second door began clicking near 93,000 miles and is now stuck locked as well. On 4/5/25 I received a warranty extension notice from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles stating a warranty extension on the part and repairs however my vehicle has passed the mileage upon receipt of their letter. When I contacted FCA US LLC Customer Care they refused to further extend the warranty for repair even after a supervisor agreed that this a safety concern and that he would not be comfortable with his family riding in a vehicle that risks them being trapped. Upon further research I have found that FCA has known about issues with the lock actuators dating back as far as model years 2015-2017 in which the warranty was extended to 15yrs/150,000 miles. This puts over 500,000 families at risk of being trapped in their vehicles in the event the lock actuators fail. This should be a safety recall with no mileage restriction as it puts millions of people at risk of death or serious injury if they were to be trapped in their vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11653930

Incident

Dec 10, 2022

The Driver side back door is stuck in the locked position. It can not be manually unlocked anywhere by key driver or passenger doors either. This is a huge risk with small children and only one exit in the back. And I have had this examined and they state it's not an issue it's a build issue. If there is a wreck or inability to enter or exit the car kids or passengers (which I help transport my grandparents) can not get out of the car except for the rear tail gate or climbing over seats through the front doors. This has happened before due to someone in a parking lot inhibiting people to enter the car safely. No warning that this was going to stop working either it just quit one day.

NHTSA ID

11647414

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while pulling into the top of a driveway on an incline in 8-degree weather, the contact became aware of an abnormal odor. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rear bumper had melted significantly and was dripping big fragments of plastic onto the ground, causing the passenger's side taillight to be pulled 1/4 inch down. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA ID

11644173

Incident

Feb 21, 2025

Mileage

96,000 mi

Driver side rear door is stuck in the lock position and will not unlock with the manual button on the front doors, key fob, or the button on the door itself. So, it is therefore stuck in that position.

NHTSA ID

11624971

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

10/2020 - Bought this van at Findlay Honda in Henderson, relied upon Carfax report provided by the dealer that No Manufacture Recalls Reported to Carfax. Vehicle Qualifies for the Carfax Buyback Program. [XXX] - @ around 1am I was driving at [XXX] towards [XXX] when the van lose power and was forced to parked near a safety zone. Waited out for an hour and was able to arrived home safely. 02/24/24 - Called Findlay Honda about the incident but was told it was not covered by an extended warranty. Was told to call Towbin Dodge Henderson. The van was towed by Agero Towing to Towbin Dodge for diagnosis. 02/29/24 - Towbin Dodge Henderson confirmed that the Automatic Transmission failed and must be replaced and fix for $8,100+ coz it's no longer covered by a manufacturer's warranty for driving 60,298 miles. The vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives. [XXX] - I noticed a dashboard warning to change oil so I went to a mechanic friend for change oil that day. Went back to mechanic on 02/21/24 because the warning for change oil still popping up. Ask to check the transmission oil and showed me the oil level is proper and color is red. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11622209

Incident

Feb 24, 2024

2019 Dodge Grand Caravan driver side left rear sliding door locks and will not unlock with electronic or manual methods. Have to disassemble the door panels to unlock.

NHTSA ID

11622024

Incident

Oct 18, 2024

Driver side passenger door is stuck in locked position. Cannot manually open door. This is a huge safety risk as all rear passengers must exist passenger side rear door. I am learning that this is a very common safety issues with these vehicles and Dodge will not do anything about it. Extremely unacceptable that they will not fix it. Simply profits over people.

NHTSA ID

11598085

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

I put my 18 month old into the van and closed the door with no issue using the button above the front center console. We drove to the elementary school to pick up my daughter and back. The car stayed on the entire time, and the trip there and back took about 20 minutes. When we returned I pressed both buttons for both sliding doors, and only the right side opened. When I went to open the door manually it wouldn’t budge. When I tried to move the lock manually to unlocked it felt as if there was something preventing it from moving all the way to unlocked. I googled the issue and discovered that this is a common problem and that the lock actuator needs to be replaced. A costly and time consuming repair is necessary, but what is worse is the safety issue. It’s not unheard of for cars to be hit, ind tipped over to one side. If that door was the only side that was accessible it could pose a significant safety risk to anyone in the back seat as it is completely jammed and cannot even be manually opened. Upon researching the issue further, it appears earlier models had a recall due to this door issue, but later models are not covered for this recall.

NHTSA ID

11586544

Incident

May 1, 2024

Without any warning or problems leading up to this, the sliding door on my passengers side has become “locked” and cannot be opened. I used my keys, and buttons in the car, the door will not open. I even tried to use force and pull it open, but it has not worked. It is stuck in “lock”. This is a safety hazard because my children have to enter and exit on the drivers side now which is often the side facing the open street. Also makes it harder for me to get my child on that side strapped into his car seat. I have to reach back OR reach through his window to get him secured. I have not taken the car to a dealership for repairs because I don’t want to be charged for fixing a manufacturer defect

NHTSA ID

11539609

Incident

Aug 7, 2023

The driver's inside door handle broke off during routine use. This could pose an egress hazard. No accident happened; the handle broke while the vehicle was parked. The handle was replaced by the dealer at our cost (warranty was expired). We still have the broken handle in our possession, and are providing pictures.

NHTSA ID

11527864

Incident

Jun 6, 2023

Vehicle failed inspection, AIR BAG LIGHT ON. Driver seat wire harness open left thorax squib must replace entire harness, air bag circuits cannot be repaired due to high resistance splicing causes. Part on Back order until August 2023!! Car cannot be repaired and is out of service, unable to drive, illegal to drive, I have a $20,000 car loan, Thrifty Car Sales of Westfield, [XXX], violated Massachusetts Lemon Law and refused the car while under the 60 day, 2500 mile Used Car Warranty. Exhaust Leak, Muffler clamp rusted through, not holding pipes together. Driver Front Marker Light Bulb open circuit, bulb needs to be replaced. Air Bag light noted to be out by Firestone on February 25th, 2023. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11516233

Incident

Mar 22, 2023

The Air Bag Light remains on. I was told that it is responsible for the Driver's Side Air Bag. It was formally documented on February 25th, 2023 by Firestone on King St. in Northampton, MA 01035. It has been brought to LIA DODGE KING STREET in NORTHAMPTON, MA 01060. THEY TOLD ME THE WIRING PART TO REPAIR THIS IS ON BACKORDER AND NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL AUGUST 2023 and not guaranteed to be available. In addition, I was told it would cost $900.00 to install. I was told this by multiple people including CHRYSLER DODGE CUSTOMER SERVICE. I WAS TOLD A NEW PART IS IN DEVELOPMENT AND NOT READY UNTIL AUGUST 2023. If this is in fact, true, then this is a huge safety risk for all 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan Driver's who have the Air Bag Light on and may or may not have a working Air Bag. This is a huge safety issue. Additionally, I was told that the part is a "Wiring Harness" Part#68531685AA and it would cost $900.00 to install. On the Mopar Site, it is just the JUMPER WIRE SENSOR" PART# 68531685AA and is $45.00 plus $20.00 Shipping!!!! I was also told by Chrysler Dodge Customer Service that a Dodge Dealer can install the part after I buy the part on Mopar.com and Lia Dodge told me they could not. My car has been rejected following a failed inspection for the Airbag light and ALSO the RUSTED CLAMP that is holding the Exhaust Pipes together and Co2 is backing up into the Cabin. In addition to the SENSOR JUMPER WIRE Part# 98531685AA, the Vehicle should also be recalled for the Part# 4578916AB The Exhaust Clamp that is rusted and falling off causing Co2 to back up into the Cabin according to both Lia Dodge and Auto Express in Hadley, MA 01035. The Vehicle is off the road and not able to be repaired or inspected as it is illegal to drive until it is inspected. Please confirm the above information regarding the parts and start a recall so I can have these problems fixed or reimbursed by Dodge the Manufacturer, as they SHOULD BE BY THE MANUFACTURER. The Vehicle only has 70,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11516187

Incident

Feb 25, 2023

DRIVER SIDE REAR PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK OR OPEN. MANUAL LOCK/UNLOCK LEVER ON DOOR IS STUCK IN LOCKED POSITION. THIS CREATES A SAFETY ISSUE IF THERE ARE REAR PASSENGERS THAT NEED TO EXIT IN A CRASH OR OTHER EMERGENCY. THIS VAN SEATS 4 REAR PASSENGERS AND HAVING BOTH DOORS AVAILABLE CAN BE CRITICAL. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THROUGH RESEARCH I FOUND IT POINTS TO A SEIZED DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK ACTUATOR. THERE HAVE BEEN PRIOR NHTSA ACTIONS ON 2015-2017 DODGE AND CHRYSLER MINIVANS RESULTING IN CHRYSLER EXTENDING THE WARRANTY PERIOD FOR THIS ISSUE. MY VAN USES THE EXACT SAME ACTUATORS AS THE EARLIER VANS. I AM FEARFUL THAT THE OTHER DOOR ACTUATOR MAY FAIL WITHOUR WITHOUT WARNING, RENDERING MY VEHICLE USELESS FOR TRANSPORTING PASSENGERS.

NHTSA ID

11490419

Incident

Oct 17, 2022

Passenger side sliding door will not open, either manually or electrically.

NHTSA ID

11485831

Incident

Sep 22, 2022

The passenger door interior handle cracked off on July 3, 2021. I was exiting the vehicle normally and did not use much force to try to open the door. The lack of an operational handle made it impossible for me as the passenger to open the door myself from the inside. What if there was an accident or the vehicle ended up in the water? I would not be able to exit from my side. I would be trapped. I felt very unsafe. There was no warning of imminent part failure. We ordered a replacement part on July 5th and performed the repair ourselves. The broken part was never inspected or documented. We noticed the part was offered for sale in pairs, which was disconcerting. We ordered a pair a few days later as a precaution. Within a week's time, the driver's side interior door handle also broke off. The handles appear to be shiny, silver, and metallic but in reality are incredibly cheap plastic. Both front interior door handles lasted less than 3 years under normal use. A main concern is that in the event of any emergency, in a panic, a person inside the minivan may use a lot of force to attempt to rapidly exit the vehicle. But you can't pull hard on these interior door handles because they obviously are not very strong and break easily. After the driver's side handle broke, we bought an additional replacement part so that we have a pair in reserve for the next time either one cracks and breaks. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

NHTSA ID

11461905

Incident

Jul 3, 2021

I bought this vehicle in 2019. I have had an intermittent safety issue even now in 2022. I have taken this vehicle into the dealer 3 different times. Every time they said that they did not see anything wrong. Now the vehicle is out of warranty and it still has the intermittent problem, which is that the right sliding door occasionally does not stay oven when you open it. It opens all the way, no matter if you hit the keyfob, hit the open button above the windshield, push the open button in the back seat, or lift open the handle on the outside of the vehicle. This is how it should work. Unfortunately, several times over the last 3 years it doesn't want to stay open and starts closing by itself - immediately after it opens - sometimes causing panic and sometimes it hits you in the side and just stays there while making a ratcheting noise for a minute. Then you have to manually open or close the door. This defective action of the door would happen sometimes once or more a day and then not happen for a month. We got so used to this bad door system that we hardly pay attention to it anymore. But anytime someone else uses that door, they may get shocked about the door closing again right after someone opens it - and it freaks them out, or worse. The right passenger sliding door did the problem the most ,and the left sliding passenger door also did this mis-action - but not as often.

NHTSA ID

11454899

Incident

Mar 2, 2020

The door handle on the interior passenger side front seat snapped off. Less than six months later, the door handle on the interior of the driver side front seat snapped off. If this occurs, and we get in an accident before we can get a replacement, we are trapped in the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11434770

Incident

Sep 10, 2021

I just bought the car. My family was very excited to have powered doors, including the trunk. We tested the doors thoroughly. That night I push the button on the key fob to open the trunk and hear an awful metallic ripping noise. I inspected the door to figure out the cause. The spoiler, which has the brake light attached, was loose. It was still attached though and I needed to go somewhere. While driving the spoiler flew off and completely detached. Luckily no one else was on the road at the time. My husband found the part later and the clips to hold the piece on were broken.

NHTSA ID

11434087

Incident

Sep 18, 2021