Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the traction control, ABS, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact reset the PCM; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Parked vehicle and put gear in park.Vehicle rolled down hill through chain link fence and did front end damage. No person was inside vehicle at time it rolled off.
From the day I purchased this vehicle I have complained to Chrysler multiple times about the transmission slipping. It seems to slip within the first 15 minutes of the Caravan being started. It seems to do it when the vehicle has been recently started, when it is shifting between 1st to 2nd gears or 2nd to 3rd gears (not exactly sure what gear it's in when it's making the shift) and it usually always happens when the vehicle is making a turn at a lower speed. The service rep. At the dealership said a lot of vehicles have this transmission and they all seem to have the same issue. He even told me his wife drove a Dodge Grand Caravan and that transmission slipped as well. He also stated that it would be an expensive repair for Chrysler to fix and he stated that if it's not actually broken, then they won't fix it. …
My van was bought new by me and has around 51,111 miles on it. About a month ago transmission started leaking out of it. The transmission is completely sealed, no way to check it's level or change transmission fluid. The old 1/4 inch tube that usually would hold the dip stick is much shorter (about a foot) than a normal transmission dip stick. It took me awhile to find it. It is one of two transmission lines going from the transmission and going to the radiator and the leak is in the back of the engine where you can't get to it without dropping the transmission... Dodge has a 100,000 warranty on the transmission and engine but this line is outside the transmission so they claim it's not part of their warranty... Regardless the tubing they use has to be defective because most people have driven 100,000's miles without having this non-moving part to fail. …
When I put my van in reverse 3 different times this past weekend, and in the process of backing up slowly it shut off. Twice I was backing out of my driveway, & it shut off in the town road. I had to restart it and continue backing up. Another time I was turning out of a plaza, where I had to turn, and when I backed up it shut off in the middle of a town road. Traffic stopped, for me to restart it and back up. On Tuesday 10/23/18, I tried backing it out of my driveway to bring it for service. The RPM's went high, it wasn't moving, and was shaking. I shut if it off and had it towed to the garage. The cause of the problem is unknown. It is a big safety issue, and I didn't see any recalls for it online, and there should be a recall for the unsafe condition! I saw hundreds of similar complaints for Dodge caravans shutting off.
When I was driving the engine completely stalled and power steering gone. This happened 3 times in different occasions. I managed to steer to the roadside, put vehicle in park and start again. Yesterday after driving for couple hours I stopped at the store and wen I got back the car didn't start no crank, no sound ( all the dash lights on, full battery) call toll truck.... Waiting for toll truck arrive, start looking on line for the problem.... Lots a people have the same problem... I did fallow recommendations and try shifting from p to n couple times and turn key on and off. Then suddenly the car started again... Cancel toll truck... But no solutions, no checking light on... Nothing.. Just waiting for this happening again....
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that after stopping and placing the vehicle in park, the ignition failed to go in the off position. The contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The contact stated that the battery was drained due to the failure. Additionally, the gear shifter also ceased in the park position. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer nor independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
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.
The vehicle was parked on an incline, facing up, and put in park. The driver exited the vehicle and then reached back in to turn off and remove the keys. The vehicle started to roll back down the drive, hitting two other vehicles before the driver, who was hit by the open door, could get back in the vehicle and apply the brakes. It is unknown why the keys would have come out if the car was not in park, or why the car would switch from park to reverse without the keys in or a foot on the brake.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the engine stalled without warning while driving at 45 MPH. The contact was able to restart the engine; however, the contact was unable to shift the gear into drive. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mentioned that NHTSA campaign number 14V373000 (air bags, electrical system) was received. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Transmission complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan, 4% of the model year's 544 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.