2012 Dodge Grand Caravan engine problems

Related recalls

• Recall 11V487000Sep 29, 2011667 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 chrysler vehicles, including 200 and town and country models, dodge vehicles, including charger, durango, grand caravan and journey models and jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured from august 31, 2011, through september 13, 2011, that are equipped with 3.6l engines. These engines may experience connecting rod bearing failure due to debris inside the engine block.

  Risk: Connecting rod failure may lead to engine seizure which may increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about november 18, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

What owners say

1. Filed Nov 16, 2025MNElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   While driving, the vehicle will periodically shut down/lose all power. This appears to occur when a slight bump in the road occurs. The loss of power to the vehicle is obviously a significant safety issue. We have been able to restart it when switching to neutral and turning the key; however, this obviously isn't a safe solution while traveling down the highway with no power to the vehicle. This has occurred multiple times at varying speeds (30-70 mph) over the last few…

   NHTSA complaint #11699639 · source
2. Filed May 19, 2025130,000 miINEngine

   The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on the highway, the vehicle inadvertently shut off. The contact stated that the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact was able to pull over safely and restated the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure progressed over time and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were flashing on and off. The local dealer was not contacted.…

   NHTSA complaint #11661834 · source
3. Filed Jan 17, 2025CAEngine

   Smoke comes out from the corner of the hood by the antenna and fumes come from the vents it makes my eyes burn and my throat sore. I'm afraid it might catch on fire. I have had the oil changed the power steering fluid changed I had the radiator changed. I don't know where it's coming from but I do know it is not safe.

   NHTSA complaint #11636519 · source
4. Filed Nov 21, 2024ALEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   After talking to others and researching and reading reports this seems to be another ghost problem: Driving around town this issue doesn't usually occur but, on a long drive and coming to a stop or near stop such as a traffic light and/or in traffic my van starts to die. Depending on how long I am going to be stopped or slowed down to a crawl I either have to keep one foot on the brake while accelerating or switch to neutral. When switched to neutral I have to keep a foot on…

   NHTSA complaint #11626583 · source
5. Filed Nov 20, 2024ALElectrical SystemEngineLighting

   On my Grand Caravan the engine randomly dies when my headlights are on bright. I haven't been able to find the problem. I have read where others are having the same problem but not sure they have associated the problem to the high beam lights. Last year when the dealership supposedly did the T33 recall it stopped doing it for two months then started happening again. It only happens with my high beams. The dangers are that, unable to use my high beams, I may not see wildlife…

   NHTSA complaint #11626375 · source
6. Filed Aug 10, 2024INEngine

   Van stalls while driving it has happened serval times and getting worse. I have had it to mechanic they can not figure out what's wrong. Two of these incidents of this van stalling while driving almost caused me to get hit. Am scared now to even drive it I have my grandbabies with me quit a bit and refuse to take chances with them. Something needs to be done. Dodge needs to FIX this issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11607697 · source
7. Filed Dec 10, 2023NYEngine

   Engine stalls soon after I start driving. Lights are still on on the dashboard. I put the car in Park, turn the key to the off position, and turn the key to ignition. Engine starts without issue. This problem happens irregularly. Sometimes happens after a few months, sometimes after a few weeks.

   NHTSA complaint #11559346 · source
8. Filed Jul 18, 2023NCElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   The car SHUTS OFF while DRIVING NO MATTER THE SPEED!!! The vehicle also pops out of gear when it shuts off. You have to use the emergency release button to change the gear to put it in park to try to start it again, which usually takes a little while to get it started. The safety hazard could be FATAL to the driver and whomever may rear-end the vehicle due it shutting off and loosing power steering and the brakes. This vehicle is currently at the dealership for the second…

   NHTSA complaint #11533065 · source
9. Filed Jun 15, 2023TXEngine

   Engine cooling system has failed multiple times causing the engine to overheat, it has been reproduced by an independent service provider and is available for inspection upon request. To attempt to remedy the issue, the following have been replaced or inspected: thermostat, thermostat housing, radiator, hoses, water pump, oil filter adaptor/coolant bypass, fan, wiring and other associated electrical components. There were no warning lamps or other symptoms of the problem…

   NHTSA complaint #11527200 · source
10. Filed Mar 8, 2023100,000 miNCEngine

    The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11510844 · source
11. Filed Jan 20, 2023CAEngineOther / UnknownSteering

    When driving the car will randomly shut off losing power. When trying to start it randomly it will turn on then shut back off. When it turns off as I’m driving it’s always under 50MPH but I lose steering. Very scary.

    NHTSA complaint #11502730 · source
12. Filed Oct 29, 2022KYBrakesElectrical SystemEngine

    I guess started with noticing oil being used at a faster pace then normal then a decent tick began along with AbS light which prevented cruise control from working. At this point We seemed Professional advice from a licensed Mechanic who then preformed a small job of dropping transmission pan to clean metal shavings out! And replacing tires and brake pads assured us routers were fine. He was concerned with the fact that the abs light continued to be on so we the paid to get…

    NHTSA complaint #11491429 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology