7.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,940
Average Mileage:
83,250 miles
Total Complaints:
12 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. new head/engine replacement (5 reports)
  2. not sure (5 reports)
  3. replace cylinder (1 reports)
  4. tune up and spark plug (1 reports)
2017 Dodge Grand Caravan engine problems

engine problem

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2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Owner Comments

problem #12

Jan 012023

Grand Caravan SXT 3.6L V.6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

4 months at the Dodge dealership only to be told that they wanted to pull it all apart and look at the cams. Over $4,000 worth of work done PCM was replaced, O2 sensors are placed, injectors replaced, wiring harness replaced... And more they wanted me to pick it up for your charge just so that they wouldn't have to keep digging into it to find the problem out. That's how much of a pain in the ass it was. Still has the problems to this day.

- nolamejane, San Bernardino, US

problem #11

May 232024

Grand Caravan SEL 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,000 miles

Oil cooler leak Very common problem. Should be a recall

- Kim C., carmel, IN, US

problem #10

Nov 202023

Grand Caravan SXT 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 148,500 miles

I have had multiple cylinder 2 misfires. I have replaced all 6 spark plugs, the fuel injector and ignition coil on cylinder 2, and have had a diagnostic compression test. I have also ran multiple bottles of complete fuel system cleaner through the gas tank. No one can tell me exactly what the problem is and how much it's going to cost to get it fixed. The code has been removed multiple times but the engine light continues to come back on. I'm very frustrated and have no idea how I'm going to get it fixed knowing the repair cost is more than likely in the thousands of dollars.

- shout1963 , Carleton, US

problem #9

Mar 082023

Grand Caravan SXT 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,795 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Was sitting at traffic light when we noticed the car surging, chugging until we gave it the gas . It rode fine on the highway and most times around town. Initially thought that it was the gas we were using. After riding it this way for a few weeks and the vehicle issue getting worse decided to take it to Auto Zone for a free Diagnostic test. Found out that it read cylinder number 4 misfire. Being 72 years old and not an auto mechanic, other than oil changes, filter and small fixes, took it to a garage to have it looked at. They called and told me that the problem was more than a coil replacement, low compression on cylinder #4, and that they do not break engines down, which is what this would take. Took it to another garage and they looked at it. Well..... they told me that they performed a cylinder leak down test and air was coming out of the exhaust and that there was significant damage to the top end of the motor involving the heads, valve seats, and a lot of other small associated parts.

The cost to fix it is $3227.00. WTF... I always treated this vehicle with good maintenance intervals. Dodge told me that it was out of warranty at 63,750 miles. There is a class action law suit that I will be looking into involving the 3.6 Pentastar engine failures like many others have had the misfortune and runaround by Dodge/Chrysler.

The Chrysler Pentastar engine lawsuit was filed in the U.S District Court for the District of Delaware: Maugain,

et al.,v.FCA US LL. It is ongoing.

- rolinbauerrb, Newberry, US

problem #8

Nov 252021

Grand Caravan GT 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,199 miles

I purchased vehicle on 24 November 2021 at Champion Chrysler in Gulfport MS. Initial test drive was about 4 miles, no issues. I purchased it and the salesman drove it to my home. On 25 November I drove the vehicle approximately 35 miles and the engine light came on. Wasn't long after that the blower motor was humming its ass off.

Since it had no warranty except for the protection plan I bought I knew if I brought it into the shop for a number 2 engine misfire they would just replace that one plug/coil and spark plug. I ordered all new plugs and coil packs. The blower motor just needed some lubricant and working fine for now.

I purchased vehicle with 60,049 miles on it. At present moment the vehicle has 61,199 miles on dash. In this time the engine misfire on number 2 has occurred 5 times! I already had scan tool and when I clear codes it works fine for 60 to about 240 miles. Last week it went out and seconds later engine died on busy ass bridge. Luckily I was on the top going down and was able to coast to right side and stop. I carry the scan tool with me and was able to get it cleared and drive a few miles and yet again code came on but engine did not die.

Other issue with the Caravan is when you come to a stop it keeps moving, like rocking. Transmission on take off does not shift properly at all. I travel with 9 pets and was hoping for a safe and reliable vehicle, but this thing is a "F"in LEMON. Dealership said they serviced vehicle before I purchased. Oil was good, but not fresh. Had a slight pull but being windy that day I purchased it, I thought nothing of it. Boy, was I wrong. I had to buy all new tires because the outer edges were worn and tires were cracking. I also had to have frontend aligned. I have receipts for all that plus pics of the scan tool showing the engine misfire. I will be dropping this POS off today 17 January to the Chrysler Dealership in Gulfport MS were I purchased it, and I best not get it back till fixed. I strongly believe there is an issue with the head. I also believe the transmission needs repaired. I have read similar problems on this vehicle and only fix is new head, and rebuilt tranny. I have to not only deal with dealer but this protection program they sold me. I would hope that if this problem continues, Chrysler will step in and demand these issues be corrected. My name is Joe, and contact is boxerzuess@yahoo.com

Update from Jan 17, 2022 So, I turned light off with scan tool and got it running. Now sitting at Chrysler Dealership in Gulfport MS where I purchased it. Explained issues with constant number 2 engine misfire after all coils, and plugs replaced. Number 2 changed 3 times, still gets code. Transmission issues as well. I have protection plan but on top of their deductible I have to pay $128.00 plus tax for engine diagnostic. Considering Chrysler knows this engine has issues this should not be at owners expense! There are thousands of complaints with this problem and Chrysler Corp should take care of it for all owners if brought to attention.

Waiting on call to see the B.S. story given. If they don't fix my issue, i live right on the main highway, boy will I make it knownIi got a "F" lemon. I will bet person who traded it in had this problem and would not surprise me if it had been brought into dealer for this issue. After putting 8,000 down, new tires and frontend alignment after having it a week, plus all new coil packs, and plugs you would think with just 61,199 miles I should feel comfortable traveling but I'm not. Chrysler, step up!!!!!!!! DO NOT BUY this van, do your research first for complaints on Dodge especially buying used....

- Joe K., Biloxi, MS, US

problem #7

Oct 262022

Grand Caravan STS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,232 miles

I was able to park the vehicle while I saved up the money for the repairs, until my other dodge went out, and then I had no choice, but to get my vehicle repaired. It's very inconvenient to say the least. I homeschool so my children are with me any time I am out of the house. And where I live is very hard to get an Uber or Lyfte out to to take me back and forth to the mechanic shop. They usually have to drive in from another city and it gets very pricey because I have to use a bigger vehicle to fit us all.

- Stephanie S., Conroe, US

problem #6

Oct 262022

Grand Caravan STS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,232 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

As soon as I got my vehicle back the last time, the check engine light came back on. I let the mechanic know and they asked me to bring it back in. They had it for days replacing a part over and over with a new part. After days of work, they came to the conclusion that the entire cylinder head would have to be replaced. After some investigating, they realized this is a manufacturers issue that has been an ongoing problem for a lot of people. It is too expensive for me to pay for the repairs at this time. It is my only vehicle and I depend on it a great deal. I'm at a loss and I don't know when I will be able to afford to have the repairs done.

- Stephanie S., Conroe, US

problem #5

Feb 012022

Grand Caravan GT 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,000 miles

Bought van brand new. Check engine light came on shortly after engine started idling roughly at 91k miles. P0302 Cylinder 2 misfire. Spent $1,300 having my mechanic replace all spark plugs and coils, but the problem remained with no improvement. Engine compression test showed cylinder 2 with low compression. Camera showed no carbon build-up at all. Mechanic said that software used in the industry shows a bunch of people with this identical problem and the solution is new engine head replacement ($2,500+).

Chrysler will not cover any of the cost once out of warranty. I found many others in forums with the same exact issue. Spoke with heavy engine mechanic, and he said that a remanufactured engine swap is the only type of repair he would do for this ($7k - $8k). He's dealt with this issue 6-7 times over the last couple of years on these vans and the did the cylinder head replacement on the first 2, only to have them come back several months later with the same problem. Engine replacement is the only permanent fix. Sold the van to a wholesaler and will stick to Japanese brands from now on.

- Dan C., Cleveland, OH, US

problem #4

Oct 042021

Grand Caravan GT 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,735 miles

I only owned this car for 3 months. I started the car first thing in morning and it was idling poorly. My mechanic diagnosed it as a #5 cylinder misfire. Had ALL plugs and coils replaced, but it was still misfiring. Mechanic was concerned for a cracked cylinder head and recommended taking it to the dealer for further inspection/diagnosis.

Dealer diagnosed problem as the Engine Control Panel.

- collins9210, San Diego, US

problem #3

May 222020

Grand Caravan 62,754 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,740 miles

Caravan 2017. It began with getting soft when it accelerated. The engine light turned on. I had it taken it to my trusted mechanic for diagnosis. He indicates to me that cylinder 2 is well below the other cylinders are supposed to be in the 150 and the # 2 at 90. From what I have read in other comments, these gauges suffer from this problem.

- Galimar T., Vega Baja, Puerto Rico

problem #2

Dec 092020

Grand Caravan GT 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

Bought certified used from a Dodge dealership in November 2018. Check engine light came on and had code for #2 cylinder misfire in November 2020. Replaced ignition coil and spark plug for $250. Check engine light came back on the next day. Returned car to the repair shop. They troubleshot further and found the #2 cylinder failed compression test. This requires a new head installed. Dodge covers this repair on 2010-2013 3.6L vans but not any after that despite the problem still existing. This is a common failure that can be found on a simple google search and had I done more research when purchasing we wouldn’t have bought the van. Going to cost us $2300 at a non-dealership repair shop to get fixed. I don’t see how there can be so many failure on the same cylinder and around the same mileage and Dodge offer some kind of repair assistance. This is clearly a manufacturer defect that is costing consumers thousands of dollars.

DO NOT BUY ANY 3.6L V-6 CHRYSLER PRODUCT!!!!!

- Patrick K., Fairview Heights, IL, US

problem #1

Jul 292020

Grand Caravan GT 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,000 miles

The check engine light came on for my 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan GT with a p0302 cylinder 2 misfire code. This vehicle is just over Dodge's 60000 mile powertrain warranty and now needs a new head/engine. Looking around the internet and here, this is not a too uncommon issue and likely why the warranty is set so low on a modern vehicle. It is ridiculous that a major repair like this is needed for a vehicle that is under 5 years old and under 100000 miles. This is not my first Dodge vehicle but will likely be my last.

- Dwayne P., Palm Coast, FL, US

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