Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 | 13% | 42,000 miles |
| 2014 | 5 | 25% | 80,000 miles |
| 2013 | 2 | 7% | 78,000 miles |
| 2012 | 19 | 22% | 108,000 miles |
| 2011 | 14 | 18% | 82,000 miles |
| 2010 | 35 | 20% | 46,000 miles |
| 2009 | 19 | 16% | 90,000 miles |
| 2008 | 29 | 10% | 100,000 miles |
| 2007 | 17 | 21% | 100,000 miles |
| 2006 | 27 | 16% | 60,000 miles |
| 2005 | 17 | 3% | 44,000 miles |
| 2004 | 7 | 11% | 56,000 miles |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% | 47,000 miles |
| 2002 | 22 | 9% | 74,000 miles |
| 2001 | 18 | 7% | 56,000 miles |
| 2000 | 70 | 15% | 68,000 miles |
| 1999 | 105 | 19% | 91,000 miles |
| 1998 | 138 | 22% | 74,000 miles |
| 1997 | 125 | 18% | 96,000 miles |
| 1996 | 216 | 15% | 79,000 miles |
| 1995 | 67 | 14% | 100,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
This morning at 7:58 am 7.16.2019, my car just stopped. Lost all power, could not steer, breaks became hard, no light came on indicating an issue. I was slowing down to go over a speed bump and the car just stopped. I put on my hazards and waited a moment restarted the car. Before that as I was driving the car seemed to feel like the engine was fluttering (?) or losing power then gaining it back. That flutter has been happening on and of for a couple of months, but no lights have come on indicating any issues with the engine. I have gone online and seen many, many posts with people complaining about the car just stopping, taking it to the dealer and dealer not being about to find a cause. This is incredibly dangerous, if this happens on a busy road or on the freeway someone could die!. Thank god my kids were not in the car and I didn't get hit!
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Dodge Caravan. While the contact was driving approximately 55 MPH, the engine revved and stopped. Also, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where an independent mechanic diagnosed that the transmission pressure fluid was low and provided the contact with the code. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,668.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Dodge Caravan. While driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated without warning. The vehicle was taken to landmark Dodge of morrow, georgia where it was determined that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. In addition, an independent mechanic (jd auto of decatur, ga, located on 2450 morrow drive) replaced the starter, alternator, and radiator prior to the engine failure diagnosis. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000. Updated 09/01/17
Oil leaking from back of engine, coming from the v area between the engine cyls. Determined that the oil filter adapter/oil/coolant heat exchanger is defective. Adapter replaced on 3-5-16. Replacement adapter has same pn but with a ae suffix. Replaced part if orig, had aa suffix oil,
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was diagnosed that the rocket arm failed and caused the engine to make an abnormal noise. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caravan. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled without warning and was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
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.
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
In certain vehicles, the engine cylinder head oil galley plug does not seal properly and engine cylinder head oil is not adequately retained.
Remedy: Dealers will install an expansion plug and retaining bracket over the cylinder head oil galley plug.
NHTSA investigations
Fuel leakeage from rollover valve
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Caravan years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (216), 1998 (138), 1997 (125), 1999 (105) and 2000 (70) model years. Engine complaints make up 15% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Dodge Caravan engine problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 96V-006 (gasoline, Jan 11, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Caravan engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (227 mentions), followed by the engine (214).
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.