2016 Dodge Grand Caravan Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 220 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan, 22% of all 1,000 complaints filed for the year, with median failure mileage at 87,696. A related recall, 16V461000, covers transmission pump replacement.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 220
- 22% of 1,000
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 87,697 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Vehicles fail to shift and rev to high RPM without moving, sometimes accompanied by transmission overheating and, in one case, visible flames from the floorboard.
- Owners report a loud whine or noise from the drivetrain under acceleration, followed by the van losing power and barely being able to move.
- Sudden jerking and RPM surges while driving on the highway, with transmission fluid found leaking afterward.
- Vehicles buck or shake between 25 and 30 mph, sometimes paired with a check engine light.
- Transmission slippage and eventual failure attributed to a failed transmission fluid pump, occurring at mileages owners describe as in the 55,000 to 80,000 mile range.
- Vehicles shift into drive but move only intermittently, behaving as if stuck in neutral.
When 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 22, 2016, latest Sep 9, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan
- NHTSA 16V461000Jun 24, 2016Transmission & Powertrain26,298 vehicles
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.
Transmission & Powertrain 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 transmission problems in the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan?
- NHTSA records 220 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 model year, which is 22% of the 1,000 total complaints filed for that year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan?
- Yes. Recall 16V461000 covers the transmission pump on certain 2015-2016 Dodge Grand Caravan and related FCA vehicles; dealers replace the transmission pump free of charge.
- At what mileage do transmission failures typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 87,696 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on this model year.
- Did the transmission issues cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA complaint data for this problem area on the 2016 Grand Caravan lists 1 crash and 1 fire, with 0 injuries reported.
- How does 2016 compare to other Grand Caravan model years for transmission complaints?
- The 2016 model year's 220 transmission complaints and 22% share are higher than most other years, though the 2015 model year had a higher share at 27% and the 2020 model year had a higher share at 40% despite far fewer total complaints.