2016 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 11 Grand Caravan years
The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan has the highest complaint index (100) of all 11 model years tracked, with 1,000 complaints, 6 recalls, and 14 crashes, ranking it worst overall and rated Avoid.
- Complaints
- 1,000
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 14 / 7
- Injuries / deaths
- 13 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 17 city / 25 hwy
Top 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report the TIPM (electrical module) failing and causing sparking, screeching noises from the starter, or a fire near the engine.
- Some describe unintended vehicle movement, including the van shifting into reverse or moving by itself after being placed in park.
- Owners report side curtain airbags deploying while the front driver and passenger airbags failed to deploy during a collision.
- Rear brake rotors have overheated and smoked, with one owner detecting a hot-brake odor at highway speed.
- Transmission has been reported to overheat, refuse to shift properly, and in one case produce flames from the floorboard.
- Wire harnesses have melted under the hood, producing a burning odor 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?
- Compared to other Grand Caravan model years, 2016 ranks worst, with a complaint index of 100 and 1,000 NHTSA complaints, giving it an Avoid rating relative to the other 10 years tracked.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan?
- The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 316 complaints (32% share) with a median failure mileage of 60,000 and 3 reported fires.
- Does the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2016 Grand Caravan, covering transmission pump failure, third-row seatback nuts, hood striker bolts, fire extinguishers, a fuel pump gasket on modified vans, and wheelchair retractors.
- How does the 2016 model compare to the 2015 and 2017 Grand Caravan?
- The 2015 model has a complaint index of 10 (Best) and the 2017 model has 40 (Good), both far lower than the 2016 model's index of 100, making 2016 the worst year in the lineup.
- What fuel economy does the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan get?
- EPA rates the 2016 Grand Caravan at 20 mpg combined (17 city / 25 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $3,250.