Which Dodge Grand Caravan years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010, 2012, and 2016 model years score worst, with complaint indexes of 90, 80, and 100 respectively out of the 2010-2020 lineup.

What is the best Dodge Grand Caravan year to buy?

The 2015, 2018, and 2020 model years score best, with complaint indexes of 10, 20, and 0, the lowest among the 11 model years covered.

What is the most common problem area across Grand Caravan years?

Electrical System complaints are the most common issue overall, accounting for 2,277 of 5,036 total complaints, or 45%, across all covered years.

Does the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan have a lot of complaints?

Yes, the 2016 model year logged 1,000 total complaints, the highest of any year covered, along with 6 recall campaigns.

How many total recalls affect the Dodge Grand Caravan from 2010 to 2020?

NHTSA lists 23 total recall campaigns across the 2010-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan model years.

Dodge Grand Caravan Best and Worst Years (2010–2020)

Avoid the 2010, 2012, and 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan, which post the highest complaint index scores (90, 80, and 100) out of 11 model years. The 2015, 2018, and 2020 model years score lowest (10, 20, and 0) and are the better picks.

Avoid 2010 Avoid 2012 Avoid 2016 Best 2015 Best 2018 Best 2020

Model years: 11; 2010–2020
NHTSA complaints: 5,036
Recall campaigns: 23
Crashes reported: 106
Fires reported: 75
Top problem area: Electrical System

Grand Caravan Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Dodge Grand Caravan problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	90	869	20	13	6	Electrical System	19	—
2011	Caution	70	530	9	17	4	Electrical System	20	—
2012	Avoid	80	583	7	14	6	Electrical System	20	4★
2013	Caution	60	471	13	3	4	Electrical System	20	4★
2014	Caution	50	357	11	13	5	Electrical System	20	4★
2015	Best	10	281	7	2	4	Structure & Body	20	4★
2016	Avoid	100	1,000	14	7	6	Electrical System	20	4★
2017	Good	40	414	6	3	3	Electrical System	20	4★
2018	Best	20	270	8	0	4	Electrical System	20	4★
2019	Good	30	241	6	3	4	Structure & Body	20	4★
2020	Best	0	20	5	0	1	Transmission & Powertrain	20	4★

Grand Caravan years to avoid: what went wrong

2016 Dodge Grand Caravan Index 100 · 1,000 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2016 Grand Caravan has the highest complaint index of the model lineup at 100, ranking it the worst year overall, with 1,000 total complaints. Electrical System problems make up 32% of complaints (median 60,000 miles), Structure & Body 27% (median 60,000 miles), and Transmission & Powertrain 22% (median 87,696.5 miles). Owners reported fires linked to the TIPM/starter, brake pedal pressure failing to stop the vehicle, and side curtain airbags deploying while frontal airbags did not. NHTSA recorded 6 recall campaigns for this year, including one covering a fuel pump gasket leak on modified vans.

2016 electrical system problems →2016 structure & body problems →2016 transmission & powertrain problems →

2010 Dodge Grand Caravan Index 90 · 869 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2010 Grand Caravan carries a complaint index of 90 and ranks the second-worst year. Electrical System complaints make up 65% of its issues, with a median failure mileage of 85,000 miles. Engine problems account for 20% (median 77,000 miles) and airbag complaints for 17% (median 74,925 miles). Owners reported fires originating under the hood and engine stalling or cutting out while driving. NHTSA logged 6 recall campaigns for this year, including one covering a loose steering wheel airbag emblem and one for ignition switch and key fob replacement.

2010 electrical system problems →2010 engine problems →2010 airbags problems →

2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Index 80 · 583 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2012 Grand Caravan has a complaint index of 80 and ranks the third-worst year. Electrical System issues represent 58% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 100,000 miles; Engine problems follow at 24% (median 99,500 miles). Owners reported dashboard smoke and fires from the cigarette lighter port, wiring melting near door panels, and an engine block connecting rod fracture. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this year, including a vent window switch replacement and an airbag wiring harness inspection tied to unexpected deployment risk.

2012 electrical system problems →2012 engine problems →2012 fuel system problems →

Most common Dodge Grand Caravan problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Electrical System2,277 (45%)
Engine892 (18%)
Structure & Body865 (17%)
Other763 (15%)
Transmission & Powertrain599 (12%)
Airbags360 (7%)
Fuel System355 (7%)
Brakes330 (7%)
Steering142 (3%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires109 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Dodge Grand Caravan years should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010, 2012, and 2016 model years score worst, with complaint indexes of 90, 80, and 100 respectively out of the 2010-2020 lineup.
What is the best Dodge Grand Caravan year to buy?: The 2015, 2018, and 2020 model years score best, with complaint indexes of 10, 20, and 0, the lowest among the 11 model years covered.
What is the most common problem area across Grand Caravan years?: Electrical System complaints are the most common issue overall, accounting for 2,277 of 5,036 total complaints, or 45%, across all covered years.
Does the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan have a lot of complaints?: Yes, the 2016 model year logged 1,000 total complaints, the highest of any year covered, along with 6 recall campaigns.
How many total recalls affect the Dodge Grand Caravan from 2010 to 2020?: NHTSA lists 23 total recall campaigns across the 2010-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan model years.