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 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle started to stall with the Anti-theft lock warning light illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled and failed to restart. The contact was able to push the vehicle into a gas station and the vehicle however, the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed a new computer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 180,000.
While driving, the engine shuts off, leaving the driver with no power steering or power brakes. All power is off. There is no warning or error messages on the dash of any kind. No warning at all. The last time this happened, I was able to coast to the side of the road to a stop. Once stopped, i can put the transmission in Park, restart the vehicle and continue. This time, I drove directly to my service shop to have the computer checked for codes. There were none, like the event never happened. They could not reproduce the problem. This has happened 3 times since August 2025. The wireless ignition module was replaced in 2015 under the recall notice 14V373000. That recall was for exactly this situation. So far, I have been fortunate to avoid hitting another vehicle or other objects. This is not a safe situation, especially knowing it might happen tomorrow.
The vehicle shutoff in the middle of an intersection after putting the vehicle in motion after a red light turned green. The vehicle has a hard time starting recently and we believe it's due to the ignition recall. We contacted our dealer and they said a bad key problem is separate from the win module detent ring problem. They investigated the problem and said a bad win module is the cause for not starting. My belief is that the loose detent ring caused a failure of the key due to a bad connection for years. I'm also afraid we could be seriously injured before the recall as this is our only vehicle. We called Dodge and they said nothing could be done safety wise for us until the recalled part is manufactured. I asked them if they could provide us a rental vehicle until then they said no. …
In February 2015 we were driving our Grand Caravan minivan when it suddenly shut off and stalled, this occurred four times in two days. We took the car in to local dealer . We have an ignition key recall on this vehicle .we were informed by dealer that Dodge is choosing not to repair this model year and we would more than likely have to fight it out with Dodge. The dealer within 24 hrs said they would fix the van for us gave us new keys and the part was taken care of.on March 25 201 I had yet another occurrence of staling vehicle, contacted Dodge .Dodge informed me that they did not have a designed new ignition part for my car that the fix that the dealer made was temporary ,which we were never made aware of, we have received conflicting information from both the dealer as well as Dodge. How long must I drive a vehicle which is stalling out with my family in it. …
On multiple occasions while driving, the vehicle decelerated on its own, while also losing all ability to steer or brake. All power control to steering, braking and maneuvering was lost, although the engine did not appear to shut off. The first incident caused my wife to end up in a ditch with the children in the car. Chrysler and their dealerships will not say this is related to the NHTSA campaign # 14V373000/ Chrysler l25 recall because the engine did not appear to shut off. Whether part of the recall or not, these problems are serious safety issues for my family and others on the road. Additionally, Chrysler does not have parts available for the recall and were not able to provide an availability eta for replacement parts. …
Pulled onto lemay ferry road from forder road (63129) at the light. As soon as I got onto lemay ferry rd. Going slow in traffic, the engine cut out and died suddenly with no warning. I had no extra keys on with the keyfob and nothing bumped the ignition. There was not a bump in the road. This has happened many times since I bought the vehicle new in 2009 and has been reported repeatedly to Chrysler since that time. Although there is now a recall, the parts are apparently unavailable and I have been on the list for repair with the dealer since the recall was announced. This is a ridiculous way to handle the safety of the public. Obviously, Chrysler is not that concerned about us. It also happened at highway speed in the dark last fall when I accidentally did bump the fob while scratching a mosquito bite on my knee. Ridiculous!!!! Dangerous!! Lawsuits!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V373000 (electrical system, air bags) however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.
Our van keeps running out of oil completely before oil change is due, dealer has already replaced oil pan and rear main seal. Problem still exists and they are saying the rear main seal again. Does not make any sense because there is no oil in parking spot or under vehicle near rear main seal. Online many people report that it is a engine problem and that it is a common issue with the motor... So why are people having to pay for repairs when this motor should be recalled. It is currently at the dealership now being repaired or replacing rear main seal again.
I was driving at about 30 MPH on a town road and the car randomly shut off. There was a traction control light that came on. All electrical still worked but no acceleration, power steering or power brakes. I had to slow down, put the car in park and restart the car. What if I was on the high way? What if I was crossing an intersection? My wife drives my 3 children around in this car. This has happened 3 times this past week. Never did it before. And I've already had the ignition switch replaced that Dodge sent out a recall for.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while in park, the vehicle failed to start. The engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V373000 (electrical system, air bags) however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Engine complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan, 9% of the model year's 544 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan, though it has 7 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 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 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.