Owners have filed 356 complaints
about the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 24 of 28 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 27
Against the median year of the Dodge Grand Caravan. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 30
5.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 28
16% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2018 compares with every other Dodge Grand Caravan
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
5680.0%
Latch
45.7%
Electronic Lock/Latch Actuator
34.3%
Head Restraint
22.9%
Door
22.9%
Lock
11.4%
Critical Fasteners
11.4%
Adaptive Cruise Control
11.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
10.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
21.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
53.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5341.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4031.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1814.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
75.5%
150,000+ miles
21.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2018peak 11Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE19014Opened 9 Sep 2019Closed 25 Feb 2026SEATS
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments in...
Recalls on the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Recall 20184221,528 units in Canada
Powertrain
Certain vehicles may have been built with a defective powertrain controller. If the powertrain controller fails while driving the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the powertrain controller.
Recall 201842119,005 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, a problem with the brake system may cause gas bubbles to form in the brake fluid. This could cause a soft brake pedal feel and a reduction in brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will bleed the rear brakes as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Fort Lauderdale, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS
The front airbags malfunctioned and deployed while parking the vehicle. The driver was injured with burn marks and bruised on legs due to the lower area airbag deploying rapidly. The van was towed to the nearest Dodge dealership for further inspection. The incident was documented with police and a case number was provided. The incident was also documented with manufacturer(Dodge) and have a pending case for further inspection. To my knowledge, there were no warning lights on .
NHTSA complaint #11558865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD1 injured
SEATS
While I was driving, I was hit in the back of the head causing me to get dizzy. I thought someone was in my van and punched me. I slammed on my brakes and jumped out. No one was in there. It was my headrest that deployed. I didn’t know that a headrest deploying was a thing. I noticed a small plastic piece on my seat. After looking at the headrest, it’s visibly broke. I have a migraine headache, left side neck pain, and have to drive with my seat back further as to not have my head tilted forward when driving. Had I been going faster this could have no doubt caused an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11518359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesFayetteville, NCCrash1 killed
AIR BAGS
SMALL OVERLAP VEHICLE ACCIDENT. DRIVER UNRESTRAINED. FRONT AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER FATALITY.
NHTSA complaint #11407951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesFayetteville, NCCrash1 killed
STRUCTURE:BODY
SMALL OVERLAP VEHICLE ACCIDENT. DRIVER UNRESTRAINED. FRONT AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER FATALITY.
NHTSA complaint #11407951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,400 milesWatertown, NYCrash
STEERING
9:45 PM I HAD JUST TAKEN THE EXIT FOR 781 OFF OFF I-81 IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, NY TO HEAD TO FORT DRUM. I WAS IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE. I SET THE CRUISE CONTROL TO 62, THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65. IT WAS ABOUT A MILE OR SO DOWN FROM THE ON RAMP WHEN THE VAN SHUT OFF BY ITSELF AT 62MPH. THERE WAS NO ELECTRICAL OR LIGHTS, NOT EVEN THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, THE BRAKE PEDAL LOCKED AND WOULD NOT WORK. I HAD NO CONTROL. THERE IS NO ROAD LIGHTING IN THAT AREA AND NO OTHER CARS WERE AROUND SO I COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD OR ANYTHING AROUND ME. MY FIRST INSTINCT WAS THAT I NEEDED TO TRY TO GET OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE NO OTHER CARS COULD SEE ME BUT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL MOVING. I TRIED THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND THEY WORKED SO I TRIED AS HARD AS I COULD TO PULL THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT TO GET TO THE SHOULDER. I ENDED UP HITTING A GUARD RAIL AND THAT'S WHAT ULTIMATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT IN PARK, AND THEN I CALLED 911. I TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT WORKED FINE. IT TOOK ABOUT 15 MINUTES FOR THE POLICE OFFICER TO ARRIVE. SHE ASKED WHAT HAPPENED, LOOKED AT THE GUARD RAIL AND THE VEHICLE. I GAVE HER MY LICENSE, INSURANCE AND REGISTRATION AND SHE DID THE PAPERWORK. I LEFT THE SCENE IN THE VEHICLE AT 10:35PM. THERE IS DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT SIDE BUMPER AND WHEEL WELL AS WELL AS DAMAGE TO THE HUB CAP. THIS WAS TERRIFYING TO EXPERIENCE. I AM VERY, VERY LUCKY THAT I WAS ALONE ON A STRAIGHT, ONE WAY PIECE OF HIGHWAY. TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT HAD THE CIRCUMSTANCES BEEN DIFFERENT. I COULD HAVE GONE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, I COULD HAVE BEEN REARENDED, MY CHILDREN COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED. THERE IS AN OPEN RECALL FOR THIS MODEL YEAR GRAND CARAVAN AND THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE, BUT IF I INPUT MY VIN IT SAYS THERE'S NO RECALLS FOR THAT VIN.
NHTSA complaint #11387413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,400 milesWatertown, NYCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9:45 PM I HAD JUST TAKEN THE EXIT FOR 781 OFF OFF I-81 IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, NY TO HEAD TO FORT DRUM. I WAS IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE. I SET THE CRUISE CONTROL TO 62, THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65. IT WAS ABOUT A MILE OR SO DOWN FROM THE ON RAMP WHEN THE VAN SHUT OFF BY ITSELF AT 62MPH. THERE WAS NO ELECTRICAL OR LIGHTS, NOT EVEN THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, THE BRAKE PEDAL LOCKED AND WOULD NOT WORK. I HAD NO CONTROL. THERE IS NO ROAD LIGHTING IN THAT AREA AND NO OTHER CARS WERE AROUND SO I COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD OR ANYTHING AROUND ME. MY FIRST INSTINCT WAS THAT I NEEDED TO TRY TO GET OUT OF THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE NO OTHER CARS COULD SEE ME BUT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL MOVING. I TRIED THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND THEY WORKED SO I TRIED AS HARD AS I COULD TO PULL THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT TO GET TO THE SHOULDER. I ENDED UP HITTING A GUARD RAIL AND THAT'S WHAT ULTIMATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT IN PARK, AND THEN I CALLED 911. I TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT WORKED FINE. IT TOOK ABOUT 15 MINUTES FOR THE POLICE OFFICER TO ARRIVE. SHE ASKED WHAT HAPPENED, LOOKED AT THE GUARD RAIL AND THE VEHICLE. I GAVE HER MY LICENSE, INSURANCE AND REGISTRATION AND SHE DID THE PAPERWORK. I LEFT THE SCENE IN THE VEHICLE AT 10:35PM. THERE IS DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT SIDE BUMPER AND WHEEL WELL AS WELL AS DAMAGE TO THE HUB CAP. THIS WAS TERRIFYING TO EXPERIENCE. I AM VERY, VERY LUCKY THAT I WAS ALONE ON A STRAIGHT, ONE WAY PIECE OF HIGHWAY. TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT HAD THE CIRCUMSTANCES BEEN DIFFERENT. I COULD HAVE GONE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, I COULD HAVE BEEN REARENDED, MY CHILDREN COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED. THERE IS AN OPEN RECALL FOR THIS MODEL YEAR GRAND CARAVAN AND THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE, BUT IF I INPUT MY VIN IT SAYS THERE'S NO RECALLS FOR THAT VIN.
NHTSA complaint #11387413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 132,000 milesSavannah, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts, with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was forced to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle may not start after being jumpstarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and DTC: C212A (Anti-Lock Brake System - ABS). The contact called several dealers, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
NHTSA complaint #11755853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arkadelphia, AR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My rear passenger slide door has recently started buzzing when you press the unlock button. The lock itself will not move so it is not locking. We tried to get this fixed at our local dealership, they told us that it was under the 10y/100k miles warranty, we have 66k on the van. They then told us that they would have to remove a trim piece and they would break it and we would have to pay for it. Then, they told us that we were actually lied to and its not under warranty because the warranty is 3y/30k miles.
NHTSA complaint #11739348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Inwood, WV
SEATS
The Component that keeps failing on these vehicles is the Actuator for the sliding doors. When it comes to safety, this could be a huge problem in case of an accident or any time there’s a “rush” to get out of the vehicle. Especially having 3+ kids having to climb in and out. The problem has been inspected by my local dealership. The cause is the actuator, no doubt. This was a “warrantied” part but being my vehicle is at 160K miles, the dealership wants me to pay 2500 out of pocket. When I believe this should be taken care of free of charge.
NHTSA complaint #11730000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Inwood, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Component that keeps failing on these vehicles is the Actuator for the sliding doors. When it comes to safety, this could be a huge problem in case of an accident or any time there’s a “rush” to get out of the vehicle. Especially having 3+ kids having to climb in and out. The problem has been inspected by my local dealership. The cause is the actuator, no doubt. This was a “warrantied” part but being my vehicle is at 160K miles, the dealership wants me to pay 2500 out of pocket. When I believe this should be taken care of free of charge.
NHTSA complaint #11730000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hillsboro, KS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The drivers side sliding door will not open. The local dealership checked it and says it is the door lock actuator that needs to be replaced. There was a recall on this part, but we never got a recall notice. The vehicle messaging system never indicated a problem. The passenger side sliding door has also had problems, but it still opens. It just makes a lot of noise when opening sometimes, and will close unexpectedly before it fully opens. Both of these problems pose a safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11727275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roseville, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
•vehicle stalls when slowing down in traffic and cut off on freeway •happens while driving at low speed •vehicle restarts immediately after stalling •0–10 mph (coming to stop) •slowing from traffic speed •check engine light appeared •code P0128 was detected Vehicle stalled while driving and could have caused a crash if it happened in heavier traffic.” •I reported the issue to the dealership I bought it and went to dodge dealership because I seen 4 recalls •they checked the vehicle •they stated no recalls were open •blind spot warning system not functioning •lane assist button not responding •115-volt power outlet not working happened multiple times •started recently after purchase •intermittent issue “When searching by VIN earlier, recall campaigns were displayed describing engine stall that could increase crash risk.”
NHTSA complaint #11722389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roseville, CA
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
•vehicle stalls when slowing down in traffic and cut off on freeway •happens while driving at low speed •vehicle restarts immediately after stalling •0–10 mph (coming to stop) •slowing from traffic speed •check engine light appeared •code P0128 was detected Vehicle stalled while driving and could have caused a crash if it happened in heavier traffic.” •I reported the issue to the dealership I bought it and went to dodge dealership because I seen 4 recalls •they checked the vehicle •they stated no recalls were open •blind spot warning system not functioning •lane assist button not responding •115-volt power outlet not working happened multiple times •started recently after purchase •intermittent issue “When searching by VIN earlier, recall campaigns were displayed describing engine stall that could increase crash risk.”
NHTSA complaint #11722389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,817 milesReisterstown, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and came to a stop in the middle of traffic. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a misfire and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign: 18V524000 (Electrical System). However, the VIN was not included. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start immediately while using the key. The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was advised that the vehicle was not the same as the vehicles listed in NHTSA Campaign: 18V524000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,817.
NHTSA complaint #11720360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clemmons, NC
STEERING
Am smells as if wires are burning and vehicle turns off whilst driving causing me to nearly hit a pole in one instance. Car will shut off also whilst parked or when reversing to park. Emergency Brake light come on at random times during driving as well. Or the seatbelt light will come on whilst seatbelt is engaged.
NHTSA complaint #11716641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clemmons, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Am smells as if wires are burning and vehicle turns off whilst driving causing me to nearly hit a pole in one instance. Car will shut off also whilst parked or when reversing to park. Emergency Brake light come on at random times during driving as well. Or the seatbelt light will come on whilst seatbelt is engaged.
NHTSA complaint #11716641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clemmons, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Am smells as if wires are burning and vehicle turns off whilst driving causing me to nearly hit a pole in one instance. Car will shut off also whilst parked or when reversing to park. Emergency Brake light come on at random times during driving as well. Or the seatbelt light will come on whilst seatbelt is engaged.
NHTSA complaint #11716641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Emmetsburg, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My sliding back doors do not open with the key fob AND they do not open using the handles on the INSIDE or OUTSIDE of the van. I was researching how to fix this, and this seems to be a pretty common issue. How has this put safety at risk - if there is an emergency, how do those people in the back seat get out? This is a HUGE issue! There are no other known failures with the vehicle - it has not been checked out by anyone other than myself.
NHTSA complaint #11716214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewisville, TX
SEATS
The headrest airbag on the driver's side was deployed without any explanation.
NHTSA complaint #11697143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lewisville, TX
AIR BAGS
The headrest airbag on the driver's side was deployed without any explanation.
NHTSA complaint #11697143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Milford, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am reporting an issue involving a Dodge recall repair and an improper charge related to that recall. My Dodge vehicle was serviced for a sliding door actuator recall. During the repair, the dealer informed me that the “sliding door applique” must be removed to access the actuator and that it cannot be reused once removed. They then charged me over $531.99 for the applique, even though the repair itself was covered under my extended warranty (XV1). The applique was not damaged or defective; it was removed only as part of the recall procedure. I believe this constitutes an unfair and deceptive repair practice — the part should have been replaced at no cost, since it was necessary to complete a recall repair. Dodge Customer Care (Case No. 94484317) denied reimbursement without offering any technical explanation or documentation. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether Dodge and its authorized service centers are charging customers for parts that are required to perform warranty or recall repairs, which could indicate a broader pattern of abuse.
NHTSA complaint #11695518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When I’m driving, especially when I come to a stop or when I try to accelerate from a stop, the car kind of chokes or hesitates. It feels like it’s about to stall, but it doesn’t fully turn off. It keeps doing this off and on when I stop or try to go again. It's very scary and dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11689562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
ENGINE
When I’m driving, especially when I come to a stop or when I try to accelerate from a stop, the car kind of chokes or hesitates. It feels like it’s about to stall, but it doesn’t fully turn off. It keeps doing this off and on when I stop or try to go again. It's very scary and dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11689562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Random Lake, WI
STRUCTURE:BODY
Passenger side sliding door can't be unlocked manually or by the fob, will not open by the handle inside or out. Passengers are unable to exit vehicle through passenger sliding door.
NHTSA complaint #11687214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,600 milesCedar Hill, TX
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle, the contact became aware that the driver's side headrest had deployed without impact. The local dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,600.
NHTSA complaint #11686845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wheatfield, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Voltage regulator malfunctioning inside ECM and having lights dim and electrical components bog down
NHTSA complaint #11684324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winfield, IN
STRUCTURE:BODY
Our driver side back sliding door door has seized and will not open. This looks to be a common issue with the grand caravan. The lock is stuck in an in between state and will not open automatically or manually. This is a safety hazard for back passengers.
NHTSA complaint #11683760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomingdale, GA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-70 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly slowed down and then abruptly stopped. The contact stated that it felt as if a part had fallen from the bottom of the vehicle. While attempting to drive off, the vehicle hesitated. While at a YIELD sign, the vehicle shut off and was restarted. The driver's side door failed to open. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called an undisclosed local dealer, who confirmed there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The vehicle was diagnosed, and a tune-up and thermostat replacement were advised. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11683065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomingdale, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-70 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly slowed down and then abruptly stopped. The contact stated that it felt as if a part had fallen from the bottom of the vehicle. While attempting to drive off, the vehicle hesitated. While at a YIELD sign, the vehicle shut off and was restarted. The driver's side door failed to open. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called an undisclosed local dealer, who confirmed there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The vehicle was diagnosed, and a tune-up and thermostat replacement were advised. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11683065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aztec, NM
SEATS
Driving down hi way and headrest came apart.
NHTSA complaint #11680175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
STRUCTURE:BODY
Driver side door is not locking or unlocking with KEYFOB.
NHTSA complaint #11678068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.