Another issue found in this version is the same found in the other two models. In the end, the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan is the worst model year you can buy. Although the SWB model, which had accounted for half of all sales in Canada, cost approximately $2,000 less and offered … Some owners reported that they would spend hundreds of dollars on it only to have it come back with the same problem. The cost reported was anywhere from $200-$4,000, depending on what repairs were performed.In the end, the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan is the worst model year you can buy. With discontinuation of the short-wheelbase Caravan, Dodge offered the Journey on nearly an identical wheelbase and as a crossover rather than a minivan. Here are total complaints by model year for the Dodge Caravan. Beginning with Generation V in model year 2008, Chrysler only made the long wheelbase Grand Caravan. Eventually, the issue was traced to the resistor behind the glove box. Some drivers found an inexpensive fix with a cable that bypasses the faulty relay on the circuit board. The TIPM turned out to be the culprit and is a known issue for other Chrysler and Jeep vehicles. Some drivers tried high-performance parts, but they didn’t help. Drivers would turn on the AC/heater, only to have the blower fail to blow any air. The Dodge Grand Caravan continues on for another year without any significant updates. Some owners spent hundreds of dollars to have the computer module flashed, firmware updated and switches replaced, only to have the problem come back. The key fob wouldn’t lock or unlock the doors on random occasions. 251-horsepower … The 2005 model year for this van had several problems, but three of them stand out. 21. But, the 2005 and 2008 models aren’t … Replacing the blower worked in some cases, but some had it quit again in two months.Wipers, radio, windows, and even the fuel pump would turn on by themselves without having to press a button. Other drivers found a fix by removing the IOD (Ignition off-draw) fuse and then replacing it to reset the computer.The third biggest complaint deals with the AC/heater. The brakes wear out too fast in this van. There were even reports of having to replace the cylinder heads, which worked in those cases. The first issue deals with the power lock system. Sometimes the van wouldn’t start or would start hard. Chevy Traverse joined a few other Bowtie nameplates with a high of four editions you should avoid entirely when shopping used. Replacing that would often resolve the issue.Owners complained that they have to replace the pads 1-2 times a year.
But, the 2005 and 2008 models aren’t exactly prime examples of reliable vehicles either. However, most of the complaints dealt with the fuel pump relay, which is what powers the fuel pump and allows it to send gas to the engine to start the vehicle. TrueDelta is not affiliated with any car manufacturer or their trademarks. Mostly because a lot of these issues came about with 50,000 to 60,000 miles on the van, not when it was in the higher mileage range. Any Traverse from model years 2009 to 2011 and 2013 is suspect. 2011 - 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan: neutral reliability in TrueDelta's member survey2008 - 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan: bad reliability in TrueDelta's member survey2001 - 2007 Dodge Caravan / Grand Caravan: neutral reliability in TrueDelta's member survey Only successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis.
Owners have to replace the unit themselves at a cost of over a thousand dollars.The worst problem with the model is the same TIPM problem discussed with the 2008 version. Mostly because a lot of these issues came about with 50,000 to 60,000 miles on the van, not when it was in the higher mileage range. full 2008 Dodge Caravan / Grand Caravan review: 2008: 4dr Minivan, ext. Customers complained that they spend hundreds of dollars a year on brake pads and most either have to resurface the rotors or replace them altogether.Some replaced fuel injectors and the engine service light still comes on after a short while stating the cylinders are misfiring. Another problem reported was the air conditioner’s blower quit working and wouldn’t blow cool air. Climate systems and suspension came up continually in the list of malfunctions. Recharging the unit didn’t help and most said that the air conditioner had freon in it. Overall the worst problem category is Dodge Caravan engine problems. The fifth generation van had debuted at the 2007 North American International Auto Show with exterior styling by Ralph Gilles. Without sufficient power, the van wouldn’t get enough gas to start or would start hard. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included. Replacing the TIPM with a newer unit would help the issues, but it’s very expensive.