2016 Dodge Grand Caravan Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan carries a complaint index of 93, ranking it 2nd-worst out of 16 model years, with an Avoid verdict. Electrical System complaints lead at 32% of the total 1,000 complaints, alongside 6 recalls covering transmission, structure, and fuel system issues.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 93/100
- #2 of 16 Grand Caravan years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,000
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 14
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 7
- Injuries
- 13
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 13 / 0
Top 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System316 (32%)
- Structure & Body268 (27%)
- Other240 (24%)
- Transmission & Powertrain220 (22%)
- Engine100 (10%)
- Fuel System26 (3%)
- Brakes25 (3%)
- Airbags22 (2%)
- Steering11 (1%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe the TIPM (totally integrated power module) failing and causing electrical shorts, in one case sparking smoke and a starter fire shortly after purchase.
- Some drivers report the vehicle unexpectedly rolling or moving in reverse after being placed in park, in one case striking another car.
- Side or front airbags reportedly failed to deploy during moderate-speed collisions, leaving occupants with neck and back injuries.
- Rear brake rotors have overheated and smoked during highway driving, with a hot odor noticed before pulling over.
- Transmission problems include the vehicle refusing to shift and revving to high RPM, with one report of flames coming from the floorboard tied to transmission overheating.
- A wire harness reportedly melted under the hood, producing a burning smell and rough engine performance.
2016 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V876000Dec 17, 2025Other86 vehicles
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.
- NHTSA 20V278000May 15, 2020Fuel System122 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
- NHTSA 17V824000Dec 21, 2017Other61,791 vehicles
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.
2016 Dodge Grand Caravan fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 20 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Gasoline or E85
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 model has a complaint index of 93, the 2nd-highest among 16 model years tracked, earning it an Avoid verdict relative to other Grand Caravan years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan?
- Electrical System issues make up 32% of complaints, the largest problem area, followed by Structure & Body at 27% and Transmission & Powertrain at 22%.
- Does the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan have transmission recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 16V461000 covers a transmission pump replacement for 2015-2016 Town & Country and Grand Caravan vehicles built in a specific manufacturing window.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan have?
- NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2016 Grand Caravan, covering structure, transmission, fuel system, and other components.
- What years of Dodge Grand Caravan should I avoid?
- According to complaint index rankings, 2008 (index 100), 2016 (index 93), and 2010 (index 87) are the highest-ranked Avoid years, while 2018 and 2020 earn Best verdicts.