Minivans are often considered to be a boring mobility option for drivers but Dodge made a mark with their Grand Caravan by offering some drive engagement and power. The Dodge feels like a midsize van that can be depended upon as it packs in a lot of reliability apart from the cabin space. With over 154,000 units sold, the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan definitely managed to capture a decent size of the market. NHTSA has reported a total of 534 complaints and 5 recalls for the Dodge Grand Caravan and it has been noticed that the majority of users faced issues with the vent window switch overheating. Other minivans that pose as competitors to the Grand Caravan are the Chrysler Town & Country, the Honda Odyssey, and the Toyota Sienna.
User complaints and problems
Electrical Problems
- Window switch – Users received a recall notification regarding a faulty vent window switch that could overheat and cause a fire inside the cabin. However, when the dealers were approached, they stated that the necessary part was not available, leading the users to drive an unsafe car with a possible fire hazard. Multiple owners were able to smell burnt wires and see smoke from eth switches, forcing them to not use the car and park it with the batteries discharged until the fix is available.
- Fuse – The headlights were said to flicker and cause the drivers to lose visibility at night. This soon progressed to the cabin lights flickering and the car was taken to the dealers to solve the issue. A quick voltage drop test revealed that the battery and alternator were in good condition but the fuse box was found to be faulty, requiring a replacement.
Mechanical Problems
- Engine – The car was found to make a loud clunking noise after starting and the users stated that the vehicle would stall abruptly. The car would not start again and had to be towed to the dealers. The vehicle was diagnosed and it was stated that the engine had failed. There was debris within the engine and the pistons on the right of the engine failed to work. The vehicle was recalled for a similar issue but not all affected VIN numbers were included.
- Engine cooling – The engine temperature was said to rise drastically and the user decided to inspect under the hood. There was a crack found on the oil filter housing that leaked oil onto the transmission casing. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic to get the oil filter housing replaced.
- Fuel system – Users complained about getting a strong fuel odor from the vehicle and it was later found by the mechanics that the fuel lines were corroded and leaked fuel. The entire fuel line needed to be replaced.
- Powertrain – User reported hearing a loud noise when shifting to the reverse gear. The car was said to hesitate to move and it was stated that the computers needed to be reprogramed along with a new solenoid pack.
- Brakes – There was a loud squeal to be heard from the driver’s side and when the dealers looked into the issue, they found the brakes to be partially jammed, causing the brake [ads to constantly rub against the rotors. The entire brake assembly was replaced.
Safety Problems
- Airbag – The users found the passenger airbag warning lights always on. This meant that the airbag may not deploy even when the seat is occupied. The car was taken to be diagnosed and it was found that the airbag control unit needed a replacement.
Interior Problems
- Seat – The users were trying to adjust the headrest but it was reported that the headrest would pop/eject, hurting the occupant. It was also claimed that they were not able to re-insert the headrest back into the seat.
Exterior Problems
- Wheels – It was said that the users could hear a humming noise while driving from behind the car. When the dealers inspected the vehicle, it was found that the rear wheel bearings were faulty and needed replacement.
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls
|
S. No. |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
13th June 2017 |
17V376000 |
Inadvertent airbag deployment due to chafed wire. |
Chafed airbag wiring harness within the steering wheel can cause the airbag to deploy unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. |
Dealers will replace any wiring that is found to be damaged. |
|
2. |
7th May 2014 |
14V234000 |
Vent window switch may overheat. |
The vent window switch on the driver’s armrest may overheat and cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of fire. |
Dealers will replace the vent window switch with an updated version. |
|
3. |
2nd May 2012 |
12V191000 |
Right side liftgate pinch sensor. |
The power liftgate may close on an appendage, increasing the risk of injury. |
The liftgate pinch sensors will be replaced. |
|
4. |
3rd April 2012 |
12V141000 |
Rear hub and bearing assembly. |
Some vehicles may be equipped with right rear hub and bearing assembly that is not properly machined, decreasing its durability and causing a wheel separation. |
Dealers will replace the right rear hub and bearing assembly. |
|
5. |
29th September 2011 |
11V487000 |
Rod bearing failure. |
Connecting rod failure may lead to engine seizure which may increase the risk of a crash. |
Dealers will replace the engine. |
Should you buy the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan?
The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan comes with over 500 complaints but that does not translate the van to be a hassle. The majority of those complaints were electrical issues which were solved by Dodge through a recall. Users were relieved with the help and support from Dodge and the fixes they made transformed the van to be very reliable. All 5 recalls that were announced solved major problems with the Grand Caravan but what we would suggest is to check for any corrosion on the fuel lines and also get the front passenger airbag module checked and replaced. The Dodge Grand Caravan overall is a reliable van and will last a long time before showing any signs of aging.
