Most common 2009 Dodge Caravan problems
Share of the 118 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Caravan complaints by model year
Best Caravan years: 2014, 2015, 2013. Years to avoid: 2005, 2000, 2008, 1996, 1997. Compare all years →
2009 Dodge Caravan recalls (2)
Suspension › Rear
The braun corporation is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 Chrysler town & country and Dodge caravan mobility conversions which were altered by braun between January 21, 2009 and March 19, 2010. During conversion, the chassis was raised and the floor was lowered to accommodate wheelchair accessibility features.
Remedy: Braun will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on June 4, 2010. Owners May contact braun toll-free at 1-800-488-0359.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
The braun corporation is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 Chrysler town & country and Dodge caravan commercial entervans which were altered by braun between January 21, 2009 and March 19, 2010. During conversion, the chassis was raised and the floor was lowered to accommodate wheelchair accessibility features.
Remedy: Braun will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on June 4, 2010. Owners May contact braun toll-free at 1-800-488-0359.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2009 Dodge Caravan:
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year.
What 2009 Dodge Caravan owners say
Electrical system all 72 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge grand Caravan. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled, crashed into a brick wall, and struck a light pole. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V373000 (air bags, electrical system); however, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
I have filed 2 complaints regarding recall l25 for Dodge/Chrysler vehicles. 2009 Dodge grand Caravan completely shutting down while driving. Steering goes out, brakes out. Complete power out while driving. This is very dangerous and scary. I have children I have to take to multiple places. By the grace of god, the 5 times this happened, we .were on slow moving, non busy roads near home. I have not yet experienced this on the highway. It would be potentially fatal. I usually drive in the lanes on the outside so if it occurs, I May be able. To pull off to the side. I have to take the highway daily to work.there were 5 occurrences, 2 in October 2014 and now recently 3 mores times close together, dec.20, 23 and jan 11, 2015. I have contacted Chrysler customer service 3 times. …
Air bags all 26 →
Vehicle (2009 d. Caravan) was being driven on a city street. After having stopped at a 4-way intersection, driver proceeded into intersection at very low speed and was struck broadside on the right when a 1999 chev. Tahoe failed to stop. Tahoe speed estimated at 30-35 MPH. Rt. Side air bags deployed at which time front seat passenger (female, approximately 5' 1" ) was struck on head by airbag which moved to her left causing passenger's head to hit side window. Airbag remained on the left side of her head until her husband, the driver, forcibly moved it over to her right in order for emt service to take her out thru left front door. Passenger had abrasions over top of head and on left arm, none were of a serious nature; however she experienced immediate significant hearing loss. Trip to er and ct scan revealed no concussion, no ruptured eardrums and no other serious injuries. …
On October 24, 2017 at approximately 12:00 noon my van was parked with the engine off and all of a sudden both side airbags in the van deployed. No one was in the car. Car was totaled by my insurance company. I reported this to Chrysler and they will not do anything about the total loss of my veichle
Engine & cooling
I 've had multiple times that this has happen mostly at slow speeds. I would be going along and hit a hole or bump of some sort and I would lose the power steering, thus the engine would be dead! Lucky it was always at low speed, hate to know what would happen at a faster speed. Anyway I got a recall notice about that same time, and have been in 3 times to get it fixed but to no avail. I was in just April 2, 2015 and the dealer checked who knows what, but they told me I had to call a 800 number and talk to who ever. So I have tried to call 3 times the 1st times I was on the line for 2hrs and 20mins, the second time almost 3hrs, and the 3rd time 4hrs 25mins... All I get is "thank you for holding, your call is important to us, will be answered by the next available representative" and that comes on every minute with no results. I want the part fixed. What are my options if any??? …
On several occasions the van has shut off when driving. I have to go to the side of the road to a complete stop and then restart the van. I have had it in to several mechanics to try to find out what the issue is and have been told to bring it in when it happens again, which always seems to be when I am on the highway or after hours. I received a recall notice for this issue (l25/NHTSA 14v-373) and have called the dealer several times and was told the part was not available and they would call me as soon as it became available. The last time I called I was told they no longer are making the part of this year vehicle. My question is, that if I have an accident and am injured or killed because this issue has been unresolved who should I let my family know to contact, for damages? …
2009 Dodge Caravan engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Minivan.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Dodge Caravan a good car?
Based on 118 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Caravan rates better than average: 41% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Caravan at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Dodge Caravan?
The electrical system — 72 complaints, 61% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring. Next are the air bags (26) and engine & cooling (19).
How many recalls does the 2009 Dodge Caravan have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2009 Dodge Caravan, the most recent from April 23, 2010 (rear). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Caravan?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2015 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005, 2000, 2008, 1996 and 1997. See the full Dodge Caravan years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Dodge Caravan problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 75,000 miles; 25% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.