Most common 2011 Dodge Caravan problems
Share of the 78 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 →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2011 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 2011 Dodge Caravan owners say
Electrical system all 54 →
At 7:40 am, Thursday 3/5/ 15 I was driving my vehicle to go drop my son off at school the wiper blade started going on and off by themselves and then smoke started coming from underneath the horn on the steering wheel and then the airbag deployed hitting my hand and burning my left hand it filled my van full of smoked where we couldn't see I almost got into an accident I pulled the vehicle over roll the windows down clear it out all the smoke then I dropped my son off at school drove the vehicle to the closest dealership took pictures of the wiper blades, the airbag deploying, the time, the traffic in the background, to prove that I was not in an accident. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the totally integrated power module failed to work. The contact mentioned that the vehicle would not start at times, loses power and drains the battery. There were no warning signs that illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the totally integrated power module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the problem recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown. Ma 10/2 the consumer stated the vehicle shut off, while driving down the road. The fuel pump stayed on when the was turned off, causing the battery to go die. Updated 10/08/15
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caravan. While driving 50 MPH, the engine stalled without warning and was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (garden city Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram, 283 n. Franklin street, hempstead, ny 11550), but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer where the win module and power train control module were determined to be the failed components. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. It was then diagnosed that the TIPM failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost of the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 8/16/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, it would fail to start with no warning. The contact mentioned that at times he would hear a clicking sound while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to carl burger Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram world: 8355 hercules st, la mesa, ca 91942 where the failure was unable to be duplicated and no diagnostic testing was completed. The contact stated that the dealer stated that the failure would have to occur at the dealer in order to perform a diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Fuel & propulsion system
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up without warning. Her father inspected under the hood and discovered that the wiring within the fuse box was melting due to the fuel pump relay. The contact went to an independent mechanic where she purchased jump wire cables and fuses. Her father repaired the vehicle and the vehicle resumed normal driving operation. Recently, while her son was stopped at a stop light, the vehicle began shaking and shut-off without warning. Her son was able to restart the vehicle however, the failure returned soon after start-up. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the replacement wires had started melting. Despite the failure, the contact's son was able to drive the vehicle home where it remained. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the totally integrated power module failed to work. The contact mentioned that the vehicle would not start at times, loses power and drains the battery. There were no warning signs that illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the totally integrated power module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the problem recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown. Ma 10/2 the consumer stated the vehicle shut off, while driving down the road. The fuel pump stayed on when the was turned off, causing the battery to go die. Updated 10/08/15
2011 Dodge Caravan engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Minivan.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Dodge Caravan a good car?
Based on 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Caravan rates better than average: 60% 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 2011 Dodge Caravan?
The electrical system — 54 complaints, 69% of all complaints for this model year, most often about alternator/generator/regulator. Next are the engine & cooling (14) and fuel & propulsion system (14).
How many recalls does the 2011 Dodge Caravan have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2011 Dodge Caravan. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2011 Dodge Caravan problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 27% 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.