Dodge helped create the minivan segment with the launch of the Caravan in 1984 (the Plymouth Voyager was introduced at the same time, too). Chrysler added a stretched version of this breakthrough vehicle three years later, and the Grand Caravan was born. After 36 years, the Gran Caravana was discontinued after the 2020 model year to make way for the more stylish Chrysler Pacifica.

However, with a starting price of almost $45,000, the Pacifica isn’t in everyone’s budget. Even the more basic Chrysler Voyager has an MSRP that starts at over $40,000. So, naturally, budget-minded minivan shoppers turn to the second-hand market for lower prices. For example, an accident-free 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan with average mileage runs $7,000 to $13,000.

This pricing can make a used Grand Caravan a smart buy if you understand the known trouble spots. A five- or ten-year-old vehicle may have its share of dents and scratches, but that’s not what to concentrate on with these Dodges. High-mileage examples can develop transmission, electrical, and accessory-related problems. Some model years are prone to engine trouble.

Sorting through the good, the bad, and the maybe should be a priority for anyone looking for affordable minivans.

What Holds Up: The 3.6L Pentastar V6

As part of a refresh for the Grand Caravan’s 2011 model year, Dodge reduced the engine options from three to just one, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. Its 283-horsepower output was a substantial boost over the outgoing 4.0-liter V6, which topped out at 251 horsepower. The Pentastar was also used across many other Chrysler/FCA model lines, including crossovers and SUVs.

The initial launch of this new V6 didn’t go as planned, as early Pentastar-equipped Grand Caravans are notorious for rocker arm failures, excessive oil consumption, bad cylinder valves, and engine misfires. Quejas sobre coches cites the 2011 model year as the worst Grand Caravan due to potential high repair costs and “really awful” engine problems. Problems such as engine stalling and unexpected shutdowns continued into the 2012–2013 model years. In terms of which year Dodge Grand Caravan to avoid, put the 2011-2013 editions at the top of the list.

By 2014, Chrysler had worked out many of the Pentastar V6’s problems, making this model year a good starting point for Dodge minivan shoppers. These engines have a proven ability to go beyond 150,000 miles when well maintained. A recent look at 2014 Grand Caravans for sale on Edmundos shows 30% with at least 150,000 miles.

What Doesn’t: The 62TE 6-Speed Automatic Transmission

The introduction of the 62TE six-speed automatic transmission coincided with the launch of the fifth-generation Grand Caravan with front-wheel drive for the 2008 model year. The new gearbox was intended to improve fuel economy and performance. While those goals might have been met, the 62TE ultimately became the Grand Caravan’s Achilles’ heel.

To make matters worse, it’s not uncommon for transmission issues to arise with the 62TE unit as early as 80,000 miles. So, a seemingly good-condition, low-mileage Grand Caravan could be a ticking time bomb.

Typical problems with the 62TE transmission in the Dodge Caravan include:

• Faulty Torque Converter: A noticeable shudder develops during acceleration.
• Defective Solenoids: Transmission solenoids control the flow of transmission fluid and regulate hydraulic pressure. A defective solenoid can cause harsh shifting, delayed engagement, erratic gear changes, or, in severe cases, contribute to transmission failure.
• Gear Slippage: The 62TE is prone to gears that slip or fail to engage. This can create a dangerous situation when on the road.
• Calentamiento excesivo: Operating a Grand Caravan under heavy loads can cause the transmission to overheat, breaking down the transmission fluid and increasing wear on internal components.
• Fugas de líquidos: The 62TE transmission has several potential trouble spots for transmission fluid leaks, including cooler lines, seals, and the pan gasket.

The most significant challenge with this transmission is the replacement cost ($6,100–$6,600), which can easily exceed the vehicle’s value with some older models.

Electrical and Accessory Issues

Many automakers use a centralized electronic control system; in a Chrysler product, it’s called the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The 2011–2016 Grand Caravan is especially vulnerable to TIPM issues, which usually require rebuilding or replacing the unit for $500–$1,200.

Because the TIPM manages so many different vehicle systems, the problems caused by a faulty unit can vary widely. Common issues often include:

• Random no-start conditions
• Fuel pump relay problems
• Battery drain
• Inoperative accessories
• Erratic electrical behavior

Power-sliding doors are another potential trouble area for the Dodge Grand Caravan. Replacing the motor on one side costs $1,423–$1,485, but the problem could also involve the actuators or latch assemblies, which have a history of premature wear.

Dodge Grand Caravan: Worst Model Years

Despite its popularity, the Grand Caravan has never stood out for dependability. Consumer Reports has consistently rated the model below average for predicted reliability. Still, some model years are best left in someone else’s driveway. The 2011–2013 editions have the highest repair risk. The combination of potentially problematic engines and transmissions is the clearest argument for avoiding these Grand Caravans. Add a history of problems with the TIPM and random electrical issues, and the case for avoiding these model years becomes even stronger.

It’s also worth being cautious about the 2016 Grand Caravan. While the bulk of the 62TE transmission issues appeared to have been resolved years earlier, owner complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the drivetrain spike for the 2016 model year compared to adjacent years. Reinforcing this issue is a poor reliability rating from Informes de los consumidores (CR). The group cited the powertrain as the most common trouble spot, along with minor engine issues. In fact, among all the Grand Caravan model years assessed by CR since 1991, the 2016 edition has the lowest reliability score.

Dodge Grand Caravan: Best Model Years

For most used minivan shoppers, the best options are the 2017 and 2019 Dodge Caravan. These are among the final production years for Dodge’s last minivan and benefit from many of the continuous improvements made throughout the fifth generation. These vehicles have the revised Pentastar engine, reworked 62TE transmissions, and fewer complaints about the TIPM. What also makes these models especially attractive is a blend of relative newness and depreciation.

With modern vehicles having the potential to last 200.000 millas, these Caravans may have many years of use ahead. At the same time, a 64% depreciation rate means these minivans can be relative bargains. It’s not that hard to find a good-condition 2019 Grand Caravan with under 100,000 miles for around $10,000. A 2017 model might be slightly cheaper. To put these numbers in perspective, a comparable used Toyota Sienna costs about twice as much.

Where’s the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan in all of this? While this model year has the same improvements as the neighboring editions, it has a noticeable number of electrical issues that can be difficult and expensive to diagnose. At least there are no 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan transmission recalls. It’s still best to pass on this model year.

What to Inspect Before Buying

While any used vehicle should undergo a comprehensive inspection by an independent mechanic before purchase, there are things you can look for with a Dodge Grand Caravan before proceeding to this step.

Assess the Transmission

• Drive the vehicle long enough for the gearbox to reach normal operating temperature (about 15-30 minutes)
• In various driving conditions (urban, highway, up inclines, with added passengers or cargo weight), be alert to:
  • Harsh shifting
  • Delayed gear engagement
  • Shuddering under light acceleration
  • Hesitation during low-speed driving
• If possible, check for leaking transmission fluid

Evaluate the Pentastar V6

• During startup and while idling, listen for:
  • Ticking or tapping noises from the top of the engine
  • Rough idle or intermittent misfires
  • Humo excesivo en el escape
  • Illuminated check-engine lights

Check the TIPM

• Review service records, if available, to determine if the TIPM has ever been replaced.
• Use a scan tool capable of reading pending diagnostic trouble codes, as these may reveal developing electrical problems that have not yet triggered a warning light or issues that were recently cleared.

Inspect the Power Sliding Doors

• Cycle both doors repeatedly.
• Confirm that opening, closing, and latching functions operate consistently without unusual noises.

How an Extended Warranty Fits the Grand Caravan Equation

Picking the right used Dodge Grand Caravan can reduce the risk of expensive repairs, but these minivans are far from perfect. An Plan de garantía Endurance (also called a vehicle service contract or auto protection plan) can provide peace of mind and make Grand Caravan ownership more financially predictable.

To learn more about your vehicle protection options, Solicite una cotización GRATIS, o visite el Tienda online Endurance to get instant plan and pricing information. An Endurance plan advisor can also review your custom coverage options, including specialized programs for commercial-use vehicles and high-mileage cars. Learn more about customized coverage from Endurance.

All plan holders enjoy 24/7 roadside assistance with towing, rental car reimbursement, trip interruption protection, and access to cualquier instalación autorizada para reparaciones cubiertas.

Explorar el Blog de Endurance for insightful articles on repair advice, maintenance tips, vehicle reviews, and extended warranties. Curious about repairs and problems with other popular models? Check out our Guías de fiabilidad de vehículos.