FaultScore

2016 Dodge Grand Caravan transmission problems

219 of the 1,264 complaints about the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan are about the transmission — 17% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 87,393 miles.

B

219

Complaints

1

Crashes

1

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Power Train 217 99.1%
Automatic Transmission 1 0.5%
Fluid/Lubricant 1 0.5%

Transmission & Drivetrain across every Dodge Grand Caravan year

1989 11 0.7%
1990 27 1.6%
1991 17 1.0%
1992 39 2.4%
1993 52 3.1%
1994 59 3.6%
1995 25 1.5%
1996 236 14.2%
1997 85 5.1%
1998 85 5.1%
1999 78 4.7%
2000 102 6.2%
2001 29 1.8%
2002 44 2.7%
2003 29 1.8%
2005 24 1.4%
2006 12 0.7%
2007 23 1.4%
2008 68 4.1%
2009 22 1.3%
2010 40 2.4%
2011 43 2.6%
2012 48 2.9%
2013 36 2.2%
2014 18 1.1%
2015 77 4.6%
2016 219 13.2%
2017 37 2.2%
2018 23 1.4%
2019 49 3.0%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

West Bend, WI

POWER TRAIN

The transmission on this vehicle has started to make a whining noise from the transmission which is consistent with the symptoms of a failing transmission pump cover under recall S44. If this were to fail while driving it can lead to a serious or fatal accident. I have not yet taken the vehicle in to be serviced as I am trying to work with the manufacturer first. There were no indicators prior to the noise coming from the transmission. This van was manufactured in July, only 3 months outside the recall window. I have contacted Dodge to report the issue and have gotten nowhere.

NHTSA complaint #11754491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 131,651 miles Austin, TX

POWER TRAIN

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11747348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 72,000 miles Islandton, SC

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the vehicle experienced hard shifting while changing gears with no warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle experienced high engine revving and increased RPMs unexpectedly with no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled and failed to accelerate on several occasions with no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired . The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired . The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA complaint #11739297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Colville, WA

POWER TRAIN

1) At D/S Stow and Go seat malfunctioned and was repaired by CarMax Service Center Jan 2023 - 2) Around 97,000 so - Engine started ticking on or about JUL/SEP 2023, enstate Lloyds Automotive in Spokane Valley replaced out engine due to manufacture defect in Oct 2023. 3) At 103,672mi - P/S stow and Go seat was repaired for same issues as D/S stow & Go Seat by Lloyds Automotive Oct 2023 when engine was replaced out. 4) Around 116,000mi the Transmission was flushed when I got the oil changed because I noticed jerking shifting at times, this was Aug 2024 there was no check engine or diag faults. 5) Around 132,720 Fell under CXLHX982 / CXLHX981 Actuator Sliding Door D/S & P both repaired and Transmissioned serviced again because my van started stalling out at stops and the jerking happened again no check engine or diag faults 6) Around 138,000 - D/S Sliding door hatch pin repair by Coos Bay Area Dodge. On 24Mar2026 - Around 142,000mi my transmission overheat warning came on and my van would not go any faster than 45 to 50mi, the RPMs went from 1.5 to 4 to 5 then 7 and back down, I immediately pulled over and sat for about 40min turned my van back on there was no overheat warning so I drove around 50mi per hour in the emergency lane to the next exit which was Hood River, Or and trailer towed my van from Hood River, Or to AAMCO, North Spokane Wa for transmission service. - I believe my vehicle 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T model - transmission was built with some underlying transmission serious safety defects and should have been recalled and a part of Part 573 Safety Recall Report 16V-461. My vehicle malfunctioning could have caused an accident if not for my quick thinking that day and keeping my vehicle maintained at a high standard. I do keep all my service records.

NHTSA complaint #11727028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,950 miles Mililani, HI

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and drove into the gas station parking lot. The mechanic was able to restart the vehicle, and an abnormal sound was coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and DTC P084B (Pressure Switch Rationality - TCM Detects Abnormal Hydraulic Pressure in a Specific Circuit). The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with a solenoid pack failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,950.

NHTSA complaint #11721812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wiersdale, FL

POWER TRAIN

See Attached Documents: 1.) NHTSA- Questions Answered 2.) Service 2016 Dodge Grand caravan Note: The Dodge Dealership is not compliying with the mandated repairs. The diagnostic summary provided by [XXX] on December 17, 2025, significantly mischaracterizes my complaints and omits the relevant factory campaigns. It has been over 30 days and it is apparent that they have no intention of complying with the mandated repairs or providing me any paperwork for my repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11711381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Philippi, WV

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle only has 93,000 miles and has been well maintained. I was was working and the transmission pump failed. It kicked out of gear going 55mph down a road. Could have caused me to have a major accident. Why are these not part of the 2015-2016 transmission recall?

NHTSA complaint #11710837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Easton, PA

POWER TRAIN

The transmission failed- according to the NTSB there was a recall for 2016 Dodge Caravans for auto transmission pump failures. I was told my vin # didn't match the recalled Vin numbers yet that's what failed on my vehicle costing about 4 thousand for repair work.

NHTSA complaint #11705163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Elizabeth City, NC

POWER TRAIN

Driving down Hwy 95 South without warning my transmission went out going at about 65 mph 5 hours from home.

NHTSA complaint #11703515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Troy, IL

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle lost propulsion power and was not able to move due to failed transmission pump. Same issue as a existing recall but my vehicle was not included in recall per vin search. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 16V461000

NHTSA complaint #11693711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mansfield, MO

POWER TRAIN

Transmission shuddering while accelerating and intermittent code for "low pressure" this vehicle checks as not being a part of recall despite the issue similar to the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11690144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 151,283 miles Van Buren, AR

POWER TRAIN

The contact’s son owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, the transmission unintendedly shifted, and the vehicle failed to return to normal operation. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer, Turner Brothers Transmission (5612 Alma Hwy, Van Buren, AR 72956); where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,283.

NHTSA complaint #11689017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jackson, NJ

POWER TRAIN

Transmission slipping in first gear. Codes from dealership. P0944 LOSS PRIME P0868 LOW PRESSURE

NHTSA complaint #11683914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mapleton, IL

POWER TRAIN

While driving, transmission went out without warning. Prior, it was driving fine. While on the highway the vehicle lost power from the accelerator and the check engine light illuminated. When pressing the accelerator, RPMs would go all the way up and the car would not accelerate at all. It was checked out shortly after by a mechanic. They ran a scan for the check engine light, which reported several codes being thrown for failed transmission components.

NHTSA complaint #11678455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Vinton, OH

POWER TRAIN

Transmission lost hydraulic pressure.How do I find out if a recall has been repaired on my vehicle because I know that's a recall from the past my transmission just lost the ability to shift out of nowhere just wondering how to find out if it was do to this recall thank you .

NHTSA complaint #11676491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Le Roy, WV

POWER TRAIN

I purchased a used 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan SE in April of 2025 with only 52,973 miles on it, and a one owner. On June 26, 2025, the van lost pull power, wouldn't accelerate, check engine light came on and I was stranded. Towed to dealer, had metal in the transmission fluid and a new transmission was ordered and installed under the extended warranty I had purchased when I bought the van. Within an hour or so after picking up my repaired van, after business hours and on the weekend, I broke down again. It was determined this time that two sensors on the new transmission were bad. Picked up my van and drove it for four days, and again after business hours and on the weekend, my van did the same thing, slipping transmission, wouldn't accelerate, only this time I was almost in a car wreck. I pulled onto a four lane interstate under construction (now one lane) from a dead stop and was almost ran over by a truck. Trying to get the van to a safe spot I had to pull over and let it sit, like to cool off maybe. This time there was no check engine light or codes the dealership reported. They apparently drove it some, said they couldn't find anything, couldn't do anything because there were not codes or check engine lights, that I could come and get it. I not only could have been in an accident, but could have been killed, and they want me to come and get it! After those remarks to them, they said they would keep it a couple days and drive it more. I have an extended warranty, but this warranty which also covers towing or rental is not covered because it now goes under the actual bought transmission warranty. I have been without my work vehicle for about a month now and know I can't trust this van any longer when I get it back. My only hope is with the extended warranty someday it will be repaired or van replaced. The Carfax report from where I bought it had "no recalls reported". Really!? Five so far.

NHTSA complaint #11676134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 92,000 miles Elmo, MO

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of an abnormal sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was informed that the vehicle manufacturer information was like the recall specifications. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA complaint #11672882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbia, MS

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V461000 (Power Train); and linked the failure to the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Two dealers were notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11671637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 123,000 miles Peoria, AZ

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the contact heard a grinding sound coming from the transmission. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road for 5-10 minutes, and then the vehicle was driven to an auto body shop. The vehicle was still drivable, and an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V461000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 123,000.

NHTSA complaint #11669586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hampton, VA

POWER TRAIN

Driving along and suddenly van didn’t go into gear….towed and was confirmed there is a transmission issue….when checked for recalls about this issue, I was told my vehicle ID number doesn’t match the recall however no one can tell me why if there was a recall on this particular make and model and Year BUT my VIN is not included. I have been unsuccessful in ANY resolve or answers since March of this year ! Very disappointed and unsatisfied with the way I have not been able to get ANY help. I am [XXX] with very limited knowledge of the mechanical portion of this process. I would truly appreciate any further assistance you can offer. Thank you kindly, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11669198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Elkhart, IN

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while diving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where unknown repairs were made at the consumer's expense; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the driveshaft was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, approximately 3 months later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic for a second opinion where the transmission, control arms, and driveshaft were replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. In addition, the contact stated that while in reverse there was an abnormal sound coming from the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

NHTSA complaint #11666023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oklahoma City, OK

POWER TRAIN

Transmission no longer has reverse

NHTSA complaint #11664963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 225,419 miles Excelsior Springs, MO

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the vehicle failed to shift into gear properly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware there was oil leaking from the front end of the vehicle near the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 225,419.

NHTSA complaint #11661897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kentland, IN

POWER TRAIN

The vehicle lost power in all gears while driving on highway, I was in the middle of large semi trucks speeding around me and nearly hit me. The vehicle transmission acted up at 115,000 miles. It has clean transmission fluid and it is full. I believe it should be covered under the transmission recall for this year range but it does not have any recalls.

NHTSA complaint #11647602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Easton, PA

POWER TRAIN

The transmission failed. The transmission pump failed and need to be replaced. This year model had a recall for failed transmission pumps. I was told my VIN was not part of the the recall -yet my transmission failed failed costing me over 3 thousand to repair

NHTSA complaint #11647412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 106,222 miles Carmel, IN

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal to merge onto the highway and heard an abnormal whining sound from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stopped, turned off, and restarted the vehicle however, when the transmission was shifted into drive(D), the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission pump had failed and damaged the transmission. The contact was advised that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V461000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,222.

NHTSA complaint #11642153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Louis, MO

POWER TRAIN

Was driving home from work (on city streets) and noticed that the engine seemed to be idling higher than normal RPMs. Van would not shift from first gear and would not accelerate beyond about 30 MPH, very sluggish, while RPMs rose above 3K and engine made a grinding/whining sound. No warning lights of any kind came on while driving or while stopped. While stopped at a traffic light, heard several loud clunks from under the hood and van had difficulty accelerating from stop. Was able to get it to the shop where they diagnosed transmission failure - the mechanics couldn't get it out of first gear by the time they were done looking at it and had to push it off the lift. Total cost of a remanufactured transmission plus new hubs and axles because they couldn't get the old ones removed without damaging them to remove/replace the transmission was $5600. Van has 128,000 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11633430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Prairie du Chien, WI

POWER TRAIN

I was driving my van down the highway and all of a sudden my van jerked me, acting like it was switching gears, the rpm reviving up, steering wheel pulling me into the opposite lane. I lost all power of the vehicle and could not go over 20mph. I was thankful no one was in the oncoming lane or behind me. There was no dash lights on or warning sign. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and it has been confirmed the transmission went out of the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11627880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Leander, TX

POWER TRAIN

My family was in the vehicle driving on the hwy in town and suddenly the car revved all the way up to 5000 rpms and would not shift out of first gear. When my husband shifted the car from drive to reverse to park the transmission made a loud clunking noise and hard jerking motion, the check engine light came on. There were no warning signs or lamps. this happened all within 30 seconds of driving down the highway. Since the vehicle would not shift out of first gear our safety was put at risk being we were on a major hwy and unable to gain speed or move out of way of traffic.

NHTSA complaint #11624520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wylie, TX

POWER TRAIN

Transmission has failed while I was driving 2 small children

NHTSA complaint #11614834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan problems

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