YearToAvoid

2018 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

20/100

#9 most-complained of 11 Grand Caravan years

The 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan ranks 9th out of 11 model years with a complaint index of 20, making it one of the better years for this model. It has 270 complaints, 4 recalls, and no fire reports, with Electrical System issues (34% of complaints) as the top concern.

Complaints
270
Recalls
4
Crashes / fires
8 / 0
Injuries / deaths
13 / 1
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
20
17 city / 25 hwy

Top 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System92 (34%)
  2. Structure & Body86 (32%)
  3. Other66 (24%)
  4. Engine38 (14%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain23 (9%)
  6. Airbags13 (5%)
  7. Brakes13 (5%)
  8. Fuel System8 (3%)
  9. Steering5 (2%)
  10. Seat Belts2 (1%)

What owners report

  • Vehicles have shifted from park into reverse on their own while the driver was exiting, causing the van to roll and strike the driver.
  • Some owners describe the gas pedal sticking to the floor and the engine revving unexpectedly, leading to a collision.
  • Brakes reportedly failed to stop the vehicle even when firmly applied, in one case at high mileage, resulting in multiple crashes.
  • Third-row seats have dislodged from their floor mounts during rear-end collisions, moving out of position with a passenger still seated.
  • Front airbags reportedly failed to deploy in a small overlap crash, with a fatality reported.
  • Owners report the rear liftgate failing to open, including on a nearly new van, and rear suspension rattling over minor road imperfections.
2018 Dodge Grand Caravan complaints: complaints filed per quarter222018 Q22019 Q32020 Q42022 Q12023 Q22024 Q32025 Q4
352 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2021 Q1 (22).

2018 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls

4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. NHTSA 18V523000Aug 9, 2018Brakes154,335 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

    Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.

See all 4 recalls for the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan →

2018 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.

2018 compared with other Grand Caravan years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020102011201220132014201520162017201820192020
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2016Avoid1001,000620
2017Good40414320
2018Best20270420
2019Good30241420
2020Best020120

All Dodge Grand Caravan years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan reliable?
Compared to other Grand Caravan model years, 2018 ranks 9th out of 11 with a complaint index of 20 and a 'Best' verdict, based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
What problems does the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan have?
NHTSA lists Electrical System issues as the top problem area, making up 34% of complaints, followed by Structure & Body concerns at 32%. The median mileage at failure for electrical issues was 49,000 miles.
Are there recalls on the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for 2018, covering brakes (insufficient rear caliper piston coating), the powertrain control module, and separate fuel system and other component recalls tied to aftermarket modifications.
How does the 2018 Grand Caravan compare to other years?
2018 has a complaint index of 20, far below the worst year, 2016, which has an index of 100 and 1,000 complaints. Only 2019 (index 30) and 2020 (index 0) rank as better or similar among later years.
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan?
EPA rates it at 20 mpg combined (17 city / 25 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,250.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.