Dodge Grand Caravan research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
For its last decade the Grand Caravan barely changed mechanically: every 2011-2020 van has the 283-hp 3.6L V6 and 6-speed automatic (about 17/25 mpg) and front-wheel drive. That makes condition, mileage and service history more important than model year. 2017 and later vans add a standard touchscreen and backup camera, and 2018 and later add stronger side-curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag. It is one of the most affordable ways to get three rows and huge cargo space.
Model years covered: 2011–2020. Discontinued after 2020; for newer Stellantis minivans see the Chrysler Voyager and Pacifica.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Stow n go seating
- Large cargo capacity
- Three row family practicality
- Sliding rear doors
- Widely available used
- Strong 283 hp V6
- Standard backup camera 2017 2020
- Value oriented used pricing
Things to know before you buy
- Single powertrain 2011 2020 condition matters most
- 62te transmission road test important
- Pentastar oil filter housing leaks with age
- Early pentastar left head wear 2011 2013
- Power sliding doors and liftgate should be tested
- Rear hvac should be tested
- Many former rental and fleet vans
- No all wheel drive
- Iihs small overlap rated poor
- 2020 is final US model year
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 5 (2008–2020)
The fifth-generation (RT platform) Grand Caravan launched for 2008 as a long-wheelbase-only van. This record covers 2011-2020, which began with a major refresh: the 283-hp, 260 lb-ft 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 62TE 6-speed automatic became the only powertrain, the interior was redesigned, and the suspension and steering were retuned. Later changes were small: the AVP value model (2012), Blu-ray (2013), anniversary and Blacktop editions (2014, 2019), a standard touchscreen and camera with the GT replacing the R/T (2017), and upgraded side-curtain and knee airbags (2018). Production ended August 21, 2020.
Buyer takeaway: Buy on condition: mileage, transmission behavior, leaks, power doors and HVAC matter more than year. For the best feature set, target 2017-2020 (standard camera and touchscreen) and ideally 2018-2020 for the upgraded airbags.
Dodge Grand Caravan by model year
2020 Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2020 Grand Caravan is the final model year; the last van left Windsor, Ontario on August 21, 2020. Trims were SE, SE Plus, SXT and GT, with the SE Plus gaining second-row Super Stow 'n Go buckets. It keeps the 283-hp V6 and 6-speed (about 17/25 mpg) and was not sold in California-emissions states. The Chrysler Voyager and Pacifica are its successors.
- Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 62te
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door minivan long wheelbase
What changed:
- Final model year
- Se plus gains standard super stow n go buckets
- Not sold in california emissions states
- Production ended august 21 2020
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Transmission shift quality and fluid condition; Oil filter housing and oil cooler leaks; Power sliding doors and liftgate operation; Front and rear air conditioning; Stow n go seats and floor bins; Front suspension and steering noise; Brakes and tires; Interior wear and electrical accessories; Maintenance history; Touchscreen and backup camera operation.
2019 Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2019 Grand Caravan marked 35 years of Chrysler minivans with a 35th Anniversary package on SE and SXT. Otherwise it carries over the 283-hp 3.6L V6 and 6-speed automatic (about 17/25 mpg). Some 2019 vans were recalled for second-row seat striker welds and rear brake caliper pistons, so confirm recall completion by VIN.
- Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 62te
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door minivan long wheelbase
What changed:
- 35th anniversary package on se and sxt
- Blacktop package continues
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Transmission shift quality and fluid condition; Oil filter housing and oil cooler leaks; Power sliding doors and liftgate operation; Front and rear air conditioning; Stow n go seats and floor bins; Front suspension and steering noise; Brakes and tires; Interior wear and electrical accessories; Maintenance history; Touchscreen and backup camera operation; Second row seat recall completion.
2018 Dodge Grand Caravan
For 2018 Dodge paused production to add larger side-curtain airbags designed to help keep occupants inside in a rollover or side crash, plus a driver knee airbag. The 283-hp 3.6L V6 and 6-speed automatic carry over (about 17/25 mpg), as does the SE, SE Plus, SXT and GT lineup. Certain 2018-2019 vans were recalled for rear brake caliper pistons, so check the VIN.
- Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 62te
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door minivan long wheelbase
What changed:
- Upgraded side curtain airbags for fmvss 226
- Driver knee airbag added
- Production paused in late 2017 for the change
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Transmission shift quality and fluid condition; Oil filter housing and oil cooler leaks; Power sliding doors and liftgate operation; Front and rear air conditioning; Stow n go seats and floor bins; Front suspension and steering noise; Brakes and tires; Interior wear and electrical accessories; Maintenance history; Touchscreen and backup camera operation; Rear brake recall completion.
2017 Dodge Grand Caravan
For 2017 the GT replaced the R/T as the top trim, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with a rearview camera became standard on every Grand Caravan (navigation standard on GT). Trims were SE, SE Plus, SXT and GT. It keeps the 283-hp Pentastar V6 and 6-speed automatic (about 17/25 mpg). A standard backup camera makes 2017 and later vans a sensible target for many families.
- Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 62te
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door minivan long wheelbase
What changed:
- GT trim replaces r t
- 6 5 inch touchscreen and rearview camera standard
- Trims se se plus sxt and GT
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Transmission shift quality and fluid condition; Oil filter housing and oil cooler leaks; Power sliding doors and liftgate operation; Front and rear air conditioning; Stow n go seats and floor bins; Front suspension and steering noise; Brakes and tires; Interior wear and electrical accessories; Maintenance history; Touchscreen and backup camera operation.
2016 Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2016 Grand Caravan carries over unchanged: 283-hp 3.6L V6, 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive (about 17/25 mpg). Chrysler revealed the new Pacifica that year but kept the Grand Caravan as a lower-priced alternative. Certain vans built July 2015 to April 2016 are part of a recall for a transmission pump that could seize, so confirm the remedy by VIN.
- Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 62te
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door minivan long wheelbase
What changed:
- Continues as dodge budget minivan alongside new pacifica
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Transmission shift quality and fluid condition; Oil filter housing and oil cooler leaks; Power sliding doors and liftgate operation; Front and rear air conditioning; Stow n go seats and floor bins; Front suspension and steering noise; Brakes and tires; Interior wear and electrical accessories; Maintenance history.
2015 Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2015 Grand Caravan is mostly carryover, with new SE Plus and SXT Plus versions adding features such as leather and power second-row windows. It keeps the 283-hp Pentastar V6 and 6-speed automatic (about 17/25 mpg). Certain late-2015 vans are covered by a transmission-pump recall and a windshield-installation recall, so check the VIN.
- Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 62te
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door minivan long wheelbase
What changed:
- Se plus and sxt plus packages added
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Transmission shift quality and fluid condition; Oil filter housing and oil cooler leaks; Power sliding doors and liftgate operation; Front and rear air conditioning; Stow n go seats and floor bins; Front suspension and steering noise; Brakes and tires; Interior wear and electrical accessories; Maintenance history; Windshield recall completion.
2014 Dodge Grand Caravan
For the minivan's 30th anniversary, 2014 brought SE and SXT 30th Anniversary Editions and a Blacktop appearance package with gloss-black trim. The R/T gained remote start and automatic headlamps. Every van still uses the 283-hp 3.6L V6 and 6-speed automatic (about 17/25 mpg). Check the 2011-2014 driver vent-window switch recall by VIN.
- Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 62te
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door minivan long wheelbase
What changed:
- 30th anniversary editions on se and sxt
- Blacktop appearance package
- R t gains standard remote start
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Transmission shift quality and fluid condition; Oil filter housing and oil cooler leaks; Power sliding doors and liftgate operation; Front and rear air conditioning; Stow n go seats and floor bins; Front suspension and steering noise; Brakes and tires; Interior wear and electrical accessories; Maintenance history.
2013 Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2013 Grand Caravan added an available Blu-ray/DVD rear entertainment system, and the entry AVP model's price was cut, making it one of the cheapest seven-passenger vehicles sold. Mechanically it is unchanged: 283-hp 3.6L V6 and 6-speed automatic (about 17/25 mpg). Some 2013 vans had an airbag-software recall, so run the VIN.
- Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 62te
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door minivan long wheelbase
What changed:
- Available blu ray rear entertainment
- Avp price reduced
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Transmission shift quality and fluid condition; Oil filter housing and oil cooler leaks; Power sliding doors and liftgate operation; Front and rear air conditioning; Stow n go seats and floor bins; Front suspension and steering noise; Brakes and tires; Interior wear and electrical accessories; Maintenance history; Airbag warning light and recall completion.
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2012 Grand Caravan keeps the 283-hp Pentastar V6 and 6-speed automatic (about 17/25 mpg). A bare-bones American Value Package (AVP) model was added below the SE, and the lineup included AVP, SE, SXT, Crew and R/T. 2011-2012 vans are part of a recall for driver-airbag wiring that could chafe in the steering wheel, so check the VIN.
- Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 62te
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door minivan long wheelbase
What changed:
- Low priced american value package avp model added
- Se and sxt trim names return
- Updated dodge logo
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Transmission shift quality and fluid condition; Oil filter housing and oil cooler leaks; Power sliding doors and liftgate operation; Front and rear air conditioning; Stow n go seats and floor bins; Front suspension and steering noise; Brakes and tires; Interior wear and electrical accessories; Maintenance history; Left bank misfire or ticking on early pentastar; Driver airbag recall completion.
2011 Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2011 Grand Caravan got a major refresh: every van now has the 283-hp, 260 lb-ft 3.6L Pentastar V6 and a 6-speed automatic (about 17/25 mpg), replacing three older V6s. It gained a new crosshair grille, a much-improved interior, and a retuned suspension with sharper steering. Trims took Dodge's new 2011 names, such as Express, Mainstreet, Crew and R/T. Early Pentastar engines should be checked for left-head valve wear.
- Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 283 hp 260 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 62te
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door minivan long wheelbase
What changed:
- New 3.6 liter pentastar V6 becomes the only engine
- 6 speed automatic on every model
- New crosshair grille and redesigned interior
- Retuned suspension and steering
- Trims renamed express mainstreet crew and r t
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Transmission shift quality and fluid condition; Oil filter housing and oil cooler leaks; Power sliding doors and liftgate operation; Front and rear air conditioning; Stow n go seats and floor bins; Front suspension and steering noise; Brakes and tires; Interior wear and electrical accessories; Maintenance history; Left bank misfire or ticking on early pentastar; Driver airbag recall completion.
Known issues and what to check
- 62TE 6-Speed Automatic: Shift Quality and Pump Recall (2011–2020)
Every 2011 and later model uses the 62TE 6-speed automatic with the Pentastar V6. Used vans should be road tested for harsh, slipping or delayed shifts, since the transmission works hard in a heavy family vehicle. Separately, certain 2015-2016 vans built from July 31, 2015 to April 18, 2016 were recalled because the transmission pump could seize and cause a loss of drive (NHTSA 16V-461).
What to do: Road-test carefully and confirm the 16V-461 recall is complete if it applies to the VIN. - Pentastar V6 Oil Filter Housing / Cooler Leaks and Early Head Wear (2011–2020)
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 mounts a plastic oil filter housing with an integrated oil cooler in the engine valley. With age it can crack or its gaskets can leak oil or coolant, which may collect out of sight before dripping. Some early (roughly 2011-2013) Pentastar engines also suffered left cylinder-head valve-seat wear that caused a misfire and ticking; FCA extended warranty coverage on that head for 10 years/150,000 miles, which has likely expired on vans of this age.
What to do: Look for oil or coolant leaks around the oil filter housing; a documented replacement is a plus. - Driver Armrest Vent-Window Switch Overheating Recall (NHTSA 14V-234) (2011–2014)
Certain 2010-2014 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vans built August 25, 2010 through October 31, 2013 were recalled because the power vent-window switch in the driver's door armrest could overheat, creating a fire risk.
What to do: Confirm the vent-window switch recall is complete on a 2011-2014 van. - Power Sliding Doors and Liftgate Operation (2011–2020)
Power sliding doors and power liftgates see heavy family use. Worn cables, rollers, latches, door wiring or pinch sensors can cause doors that stall, reverse, or will not latch.
What to do: Cycle each power door and the liftgate several times during inspection. - Rear Climate Control and Stow 'n Go Seating Check (2011–2020)
Three-zone climate control and Stow 'n Go fold-in-floor seats are key features. Rear air conditioning can lose performance from leaks in the long rear lines, and seat latches and floor bins can be damaged by heavy use.
What to do: Test rear A/C and fold every seat before buying a family van. - Airbag, Seat and Brake Recalls by Year (2011–2019)
Several Grand Caravan recalls apply to specific years and build dates: driver-airbag wiring that could chafe and deploy the airbag unexpectedly (2011-2012, NHTSA 17V-376); airbag-controller software that could fire the wrong side's airbags (some 2013 vans, 13V-283); windshields installed with expired primer (some 2014-2015 vans, 16V-044); rear brake caliper pistons (some 2018-2019 vans, 18V-523); and second-row seat striker welds (some 2019 vans, 19V-759).
What to do: Run the VIN and confirm every applicable recall is complete. - Former Rental and Fleet Use (2011–2020)
A large share of Grand Caravans were sold to rental and fleet buyers. Former rental vans can be fine, but they often have high mileage, heavy interior wear and minimal options.
What to do: Check the history report for rental use and price the van accordingly.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date and VIN. Check the VIN for open recalls and completed remedies, including airbag, vent-window switch and transmission-pump recalls where they apply.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Chrysler Town & Country
- Chrysler Voyager
- Chrysler Pacifica
- Honda Odyssey
- Toyota Sienna
- Kia Sedona
- Dodge Journey
Questions this guide answers
- What engine does the 2011-2020 Grand Caravan have?
- What changed between Grand Caravan years?
- Which Grand Caravan years have a standard backup camera?
- Does this Grand Caravan have Stow 'n Go?
- How is the Grand Caravan different from the Town & Country?
- What should I inspect on a used Grand Caravan?
- What recalls should I check by VIN?
- What fuel economy does it get?
- Why was the Grand Caravan discontinued?
- What similar minivans should I consider?