The Dodge Grand Caravan is one of the most reliable minivans out there with just 3 recalls and a total of 58 registered complaints for the 2019 MY. The 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan sells for just over $27,000, making it a real value for money, especially when other minivans in the segment like the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica, the 2019 Honda Odyssey, and the 2019 Toyota Sienna are all priced higher than the Dodge. The Grand Caravan has managed to prove itself to be a reliable minivan over the years and the majority of the owners have been satisfied with their purchase.
User complaints and problems
Electrical Problems
- Key fob – The key fails to lock the right side passenger door and the user is manually required to lock it to keep the van secured.
- Fire – The wire under the dashboard caught fire that could have killed the occupants but they were able to evacuate the cabin soon.
Mechanical Problems
- Engine – Multiple reports are stating that the Dodge stalled while idling and this required the user to shit the gear to park and restart the van to get moving. The engine was also reported to shut off while driving and this can increase the chances of getting rear-ended by another vehicle.
- Vibrations – It was found that a misfire in one of the cylinders causes a rough vibration when driving.
- Brakes – The contact tried applying the brakes but they failed to function leading the van to crash into another car in front.
Safety Problems
- Airbags – One of the owners was encountered with an accident and the airbags failed to deploy but luckily, the occupant suffered no injuries.
- Seatbelt – The seatbelt buckle has already been reported to be broken by users and it fails to lock the belt in place.
Interior Problems
- Door handles – The handle on the interior of the van snapped when pulling the door to shut it close.
- Seat – The rear captain seat flip lever snaps the seat instantly hitting the front seat headrest causing neck pain to the occupant.
Exterior Problems
- Wipers – When driving, the owner heard a disturbing noise just before the wiper stopped working.
Recalls
|
S. No. |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
15th May 2020 |
20V278000 |
Fuel pump gasket fuel leak |
Deterioration of the fuel pump gasket could lead to a fuel leak and in the presence of an ignition source, it may increase the chances of a fire. |
Owners will be provided with parts and reimbursement for the repair facilities to replace the fuel tank gasket. |
|
2 |
24th October |
19V759000 |
Seat strikers may fail in a crash |
The welds on the outboard rear seat strikers may fail during a front impact crash, increasing the risk of an injury. |
Dealers will weld a striker reinforcement bracket on the second and third-row outboard seat strikers. |
|
3 |
9th August 2018 |
18V523000 |
Insufficient coating on rear brake caliper pistons |
This can lead to the formation of gas pockets in the caliper pistons leading to poor braking performance. |
The dealers will bleed the vehicles brake system for free. |
Should you buy the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan?
What sets the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan apart from its competitors is the fact that this minivan offers the practicality and space along with some performance. From NHTSA reports, it is also evident that the Grand Caravan has had very few recalls but since it bags 4 stars out of 5, it leaves the van hanging with a small question mark. The Grand Caravan would be the right choice if you’re looking for some performance but it’s high time that Dodge updated the design on this vehicle as it follows a very dated silhouette.
