2016 Dodge Grand Caravan problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 687 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan, most often about electrical system. There are 6 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 687
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 8
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 5
- Median mileage
- 75,000 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 213 of 687 complaints (31%).
- Transmission & Drivetrain (171) and body & structure (152) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 75,000 mi.
- Owners reported 8 crashes, 2 fires and 5 injuries.
- The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan has 6 recalls on file.
- NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
- It has the most serious complaint record of all 16 Dodge Grand Caravan model years we track.
- That is 262% more complaints than the 2015 model year (190).
2016 Dodge Grand Caravan problems by category
- 213 complaints
- 171 complaints
- Other / Unknown161 complaints
- Body & Structure · 1 crash152 complaints
- 63 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts · 1 crash24 complaints
- 20 complaints
- Airbags · 4 crashes16 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash9 complaints
- Steering7 complaints
- Brakes7 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech5 complaints
- Suspension3 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers · 2 crashes2 complaints
- Wheels & Tires1 complaints
- Lighting1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical system | 211 |
| Power train | 169 |
| Unknown or other | 161 |
| Structure:body | 133 |
| Engine | 61 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 20 |
| Air bags | 16 |
| Seats | 16 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2016 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls (6)
- EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain Vantage-modified 2016-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. The fuel pump gasket may deteriorate, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Vantage will notify owners, and will provide parts and reimbursement to owners for repair facilities to replace the fuel tank gasket, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2020. Owners may contact Vantage customer service at 1-800-488-9082.
- EQUIPMENT
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.
Risk: If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.
- SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured March 16, 2016, to March 17, 2016. The nuts on the third row seatbacks were incorrectly torqued and may become loose.
Risk: If the third row seatback becomes loose, it may separate from the seat frame, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-torque the third row seatback nuts, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S37.
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 19, 2015 to August 27, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that attach the hood striker may loosen and, as a result, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving.
Risk: If the hood opens while driving, the driver's vision may be obstructed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install new hood striker bolts with the proper torque, free of charge. The recall began on October 22, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is R53.
NHTSA defect investigations
- PE21016Opened Jul 9, 2021Closed Jul 22, 2022
Sliding Doors Inoperative
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-016 on July 7, 2021, to investigate 364 complaints alleging that one or both sliding doors on 2016 Model Year (MY) Grand Caravan or Town and Country vehicles could not be opened. The door(s) could not be opened using the mechanical handle or electronic remote switches. Many of the complaints described having to remove passengers seated in the rear of vehicles through the front doors, the second sliding door (if it was operational), the window, or the car?s rear hatch. The complainants have expressed concerns that if the sliding door(s) cann…
- PE19014Opened Sep 9, 2019Closed Feb 25, 2026
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments in…
NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan VAN FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Recent 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Sep 30, 2026138,000 miCTEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and jerked slightly before accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission pump failure. The contact was informed that transmission pump needed to be replaced. The mechanic declined to repair the vehicle after…
NHTSA complaint #11767999 · source - Filed Sep 29, 2026NYBody & Structure
The rear sliding doors do NOT open. The locks are stuck and won’t allow the doors to unlock and open. Prior to the locks malfunctioning they made a very loud buzzing sound then completely stopped working.
NHTSA complaint #11767634 · source - Filed Sep 9, 2026115,000 miNYTowedTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission pump needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V461000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and advised…
NHTSA complaint #11763002 · source - Filed Aug 30, 2026PASeats & Seat Belts
Passenger seat headrest popped open and hit the passenger in the head. She said it hurt, but didn't seem severely injured. Plastic inside headrest had broken away from a metal bar. It doesn't seem to be repairable.
NHTSA complaint #11760806 · source - Filed Aug 3, 2026WITransmission & Drivetrain
The transmission on this vehicle has started to make a whining noise from the transmission which is consistent with the symptoms of a failing transmission pump cover under recall S44. If this were to fail while driving it can lead to a serious or fatal accident. I have not yet taken the vehicle in to be serviced as I am trying to work with the manufacturer first. There were no indicators prior to the noise coming from the transmission. This van was manufactured in July, only…
NHTSA complaint #11754491 · source - Filed Jul 27, 2026140,000 miMAEngine
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11753073 · source - Filed Jul 6, 2026NYBrakes
The break calipers keep sticking and need to be replaced at least once per year. The stick and cause an awful black smoke. The last time they were replaced was almost a year ago to date.
NHTSA complaint #11748463 · source - Filed Jun 1, 2026120,000 miWABody & Structure
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the passenger's sliding door had failed to lock as intended, and the driver's side sliding door had failed to open as intended. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11741351 · source
Compare the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan with another vehicle →
Other 2016 Dodge models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. 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