2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Engine Problems
Engine problems account for 140 of 583 complaints (24%) on the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan, the highest share among the model years listed. Owners reported engine fires, sudden acceleration or stalling, and stuck throttles, with a median failure mileage of 99,500. A related engine recall (campaign 11V487000) covers replacement of the engine.
- Engine complaints
- 140
- 24% of 583
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 99,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Engine fires reported while driving at low speed or highway speed, sometimes with smoke from under the hood or the exhaust before the fire started.
- Sudden unintended acceleration or throttle sticking open, forcing drivers to use the emergency brake or manually pull the pedal up to slow down.
- Electronic throttle control warning lights paired with loss of power or no acceleration response when the pedal is pushed.
- Rough idling and stalling at intersections along with reported power loss while driving.
- Engine block or connecting rod failure accompanied by visible smoke from the tailpipe and engine bay.
- Owners describe transmission-related shifting problems occurring alongside engine complaints, sometimes requiring multiple shop visits.
When 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 6, 2013, latest Feb 19, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
- NHTSA 11V487000Sep 29, 2011Engine667 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.
Engine complaints by Grand Caravan model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems in the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan?
- NHTSA lists 140 engine complaints for the 2012 Grand Caravan, which is 24% of the 583 total complaints filed for that year — the highest share among the model years in this data.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan?
- Yes. Campaign 11V487000 covers engine replacement for certain 2012 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles, including the Grand Caravan.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2012 Grand Caravan is 99,500 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
- Were there any fires or crashes linked to engine complaints?
- NHTSA records show 3 crashes, 3 fires, and 1 injury among the engine complaints for the 2012 Grand Caravan.