VehicleVerdict

2009 Dodge Caravan problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2009 Dodge Caravan sits mid-pack among Caravan years: 175 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 230, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 43% of all reports (75 of 175), far ahead of airbags at 26.

175

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Caravan years?

Caravan NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted2,178 complaints1984: 26 complaints1985: 85 complaints1986: 55 complaints1987: 83 complaints1988: 135 complaints1989: 236 complaints1990: 341 complaints1991: 773 complaints1992: 1,126 complaints1993: 1,229 complaints1994: 836 complaints1995: 656 complaints1996: 2,178 complaints1997: 1,028 complaints1998: 840 complaints1999: 745 complaints2000: 613 complaints2001: 341 complaints2002: 326 complaints2003: 252 complaints2004: 83 complaints2005: 691 complaints2006: 231 complaints2007: 115 complaints2008: 421 complaints2009: 175 complaints2010: 257 complaints2011: 112 complaints2012: 116 complaints2013: 34 complaints2014: 27 complaints2015: 29 complaints2016: 42 complaints2017: 18 complaints2018: 6 complaints2019: 3 complaints2020: 4 complaints
Caravan NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Caravan years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Dodge Caravan problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System7543%
Airbags2615%
Engine2011%
Tires & Wheels1710%
Brakes127%
Steering85%
Other63%
Speed Control32%
Suspension21%
Transmission21%
Latches & Locks11%
Body & Structure11%
Fuel System11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2009 Dodge Caravan have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V164000SuspensionApril 23, 2010 · 834 units

Defect

THE BRAUN CORPORATION IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE CARAVAN MOBILITY CONVERSIONS WHICH WERE ALTERED BY BRAUN BETWEEN JANUARY 21, 2009 AND MARCH 19, 2010. DURING CONVERSION, THE CHASSIS WAS RAISED AND THE FLOOR WAS LOWERED TO ACCOMMODATE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES. IN RAISING THE CHASSIS, THE REAR SPRING HATS COME INTO CLOSER PROXIMITY TO THE REAR TIRES. IN ROUGH OR AGGRESSIVE DRIVING SITUATIONS THE TIRES MAY INTERMITTENTLY CONTACT THE REAR SPRING HATS.

Consequence

CONTACT BETWEEN THE TIRE SPRING HAT MAY WEAR A HOLE IN THE TIRE OVER TIME. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL IN THE EVENT OF TIRE PRESSURE LOSS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

BRAUN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-488-0359.

10V148000Fuel SystemApril 13, 2010 · 843 units

Defect

THE BRAUN CORPORATION IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE CARAVAN COMMERCIAL ENTERVANS WHICH WERE ALTERED BY BRAUN BETWEEN JANUARY 21, 2009 AND MARCH 19, 2010. DURING CONVERSION, THE CHASSIS WAS RAISED AND THE FLOOR WAS LOWERED TO ACCOMMODATE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES. IN RAISING THE CHASSIS, THE FUEL FILL PIPE COMES INTO CLOSER PROXIMITY TO THE LEFT REAR TIRE. IN ROUGH OR AGGRESSIVE DRIVING SITUATIONS, THE TIRE MAY INTERMITTENTLY CONTACT THE FUEL FILL PIPE.

Consequence

CONTACT BETWEEN THE TIRE AND FUEL FILL PIPE MAY WEAR A HOLE IN ONE OR THE OTHER COMPONENTS OVER TIME. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL IN THE EVENT OF TIRE PRESSURE LOSS, OR A VEHICLE FIRE IN THE EVENT THE FUEL PIPE IS COMPROMISED.

Remedy

BRAUN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-488-0359.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED, CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL, AND STRUCK A LIGHT POLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 18, 2014 · crash

“VEHICLE (2009 D. CARAVAN) WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A CITY STREET. AFTER HAVING STOPPED AT A 4-WAY INTERSECTION, DRIVER PROCEEDED INTO INTERSECTION AT VERY LOW SPEED AND WAS STRUCK BROADSIDE ON THE RIGHT WHEN A 1999 CHEV. TAHOE FAILED TO STOP. TAHOE SPEED ESTIMATED AT 30-35 MPH. RT. SIDE AIR BAGS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 5, 2018 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE ENGINE HOSE AND TUBE ASSEMBLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ALCOHOL IN THE COOLANT OVERHEATED AND CAUSED THE FIRE. THE PART WAS MADE OF PLASTIC WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER REPAIRED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 26, 2013 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ADD AIR TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE, THE SENSOR FELL INTO THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILIURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 4, 2013

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ABNORMAL GRINDING SOUND. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND UPON INSPECTION, NOTICED THAT THE CALIPER HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 27, 2011 · fire

2009 Dodge Caravan — common questions

Is the 2009 Dodge Caravan reliable?

It is close to typical for the Caravan: 175 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2009 Caravan problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (75 complaints), airbags (26 complaints), engine (20 complaints).

Does the 2009 Dodge Caravan have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Dodge Caravan. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2009 Dodge Caravan under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Caravan years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Caravan years to avoid are 1996, 1993, 1992, 1997, 1998, 1994, 1991, 1999, 2005, 1995, 2000, 2008. The cleanest record among Caravan years belongs to 2019.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.