Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Several times in past year after filling the gas tank, shortly after driving away from gas station the engine misfires and stalls. This has been a safety hazard when merging into traffic. This problem is widely noted in forums on the internet for Chrysler minivans, for many other model years including the 2005. The best explanation being given (link follows) is that the vapor/liquid separator valve on top of the fuel tank has failed, a part that is not replaceable--the entire fuel tank must be replaced. Some report it happened when their minivan was brand new. https://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/engine-stalls-after-filling-tank-chrysler-minivan/
Vehicle stalled twice after filling up with gas. First stall happened approximately 500 feet from filling station, while still in a parking lot. The second stall happened approximately 0.5 miles from the filling station while turning from a roadway into a business. Each stall required several cranks of the engine to re-start. When the engine quits, the power steering also goes away. This has been an intermittent occurrence since early 2013, with it becoming a regular occurrence after each gasoline fill up (later in 2013). The tank is always filled until the pump shuts off. It is never partially filled, so I cannot say if it only occurs with a full fill up. This is the first time I decided to research the situation and file a complaint.
On the evening of 03/04/2021 @ 9:00 pm. Whilr driving home from the grocery store doing approx 35 MPH, my van suddenly lost all power and ability to use power steering and use of brakes. I had my children in the vehicle at the time and they were able to help me get the van out of the travel lane and safely into a parking lot. Van did not want to start after cutting off the ignition switch and cutting it back on. When I restarted the van it wouldnt accelerate passed 15mph with the pedal all the way down to the floor then it constantly stalled out 8-10 times the last mile from home.
The vehicle stall immediately after 1st startup fill up of the gas tank. The steering locks and car engine hesitates and dies. After waiting couple of minutes, the car will start up and not have the problem until next refill of the gas tank. I never overfill the gas tank. The problem is similar to an existing recall on 19 gallon gas tanks on Dodge chargers.
Engine sputters or stalls shortly after filling the tank. It typically happens when taking off at one of the first intersections after filling the tank. It put me in danger, because it stalls in the middle of the road without warning. This has happened several time in 2015. The date below is approximate for the time the van was last filled up.
Every time I fill up the vehicle with gas, it stalls every time within the first few minutes, last week daughter was merging into traffic when it happened and almost got rear-ended. This has been happening for a while now. Last winter I wasn't able to fill the vehicle, the pump kept shutting down but that went away after the weather warmed up.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. After refueling the vehicle, the engine started and stalled. The oil warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
While slowing down motor will try and shut off. If you come to a stop it will shut off. Seat belts do not lock in place. Rear windshield wiper will not move. Passenger side cargo door will not unlock. Some settings for heat and ac will not work. Left turn signal won't shut off after turning.
I have a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan sx. I have had trouble since one month of buying it. I take it back to the dealership who said they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Since then, I've taken it back numerous times. They even kept it for a week and said they found nothing wrong with it. I would have to get it back to them when it had stopped. The problem is when I'm driving all the instrument needles go to null. Shortly thereafter, it starts to lose power. I once was in the fast lane on a busy highway when I happened to look down and every needle had gone down. I got in the low lane and pulled off the highway for safety precautions when it went dead immediately! I called roadside service. When I turned the key to check my mileage it started up immediately. …
As I was driving my 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan, the dashboard flickered and then the car shut down. Power steering was disabled but I was luckily able to drift it to the side of the road. After researching online, it seems this electrical shut down is ongoing and problematic for this year and make. I had little children in the car and without warning the car dies. This needs to be a recall as it poses serious safety concerns for the driver of the vehicle and cars around it. Had I been on the highway, I would not be able to tell you about this incident. When I brought the vehicle in to the dealer, I was told it needed an electrical system software update otherwise it will get progressively worse. …
Engine complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan, 5% of the model year's 996 complaints. The component named most often is engine (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.