2016 Dodge Caravan problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 2016 Dodge Caravan is among the quieter years of the Caravan on NHTSA's books: 42 complaints (82% below the model's median year), no recalls, and no open investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (9), body & structure (8), and transmission (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
42
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2016 compare to other Caravan years?
What are the most common 2016 Dodge Caravan problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other | 9 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 8 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 8 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 8 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 3 | 7% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Brakes | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“LOCKS FAIL TO DISENGAGE AND DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED MANUALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY. MY CHILD HAD TO CLIMB OUT THROUGH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IN ORDER TO EXIT THE VAN. THIS POSES A DANGER DURING AN EMERGENCY. PLEASE ADVISE DODGE TO RECALL LOCK ACTUATORS ON CARAVAN MODELS. I RESEARCHED AND THIS SEEMS TO BE…”
“2016 DODGE CARAVAN ONLY 14000, MILE. DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 TO 45 MILES PER HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY. HOOD LATCH BOLTS ( ONLY TWO ) CAME FULLY OUT ,ALLOWING THE HOOD TO OPEN , SMASHING INTO THE WIND SHIELD , MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE AHEAD DUE TO THE HOOD BLOCKING THE VIEW.”
“BOUGHT THE CAR USED A YEAR AGO. IT HAS 57,578 MILES ON SPEEDOMETER. DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR LOCKED SHUT, WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE, OUTSIDE OR REMOTELY. JUST DROVE IN DRIVEWAY AND PARKED AND IT WILL NOT OPEN. FIVE MINUTES BEFORE IT OPENED AND CLOSED FINE AS WE HAD BEEN SHOPPING.”
“TRANSMISSION FLUID PUMP FAILED, RESULTING IN TRANSMISSION FAILURE. VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHOW SIGNS OF SLIPPAGE, THEN BECAME INOPERABLE AFTER BEING PARKED. THIS IS MY FOURTH DODGE CARAVAN TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. FAILURES OF THE TRANSMISSION PUMP ALL HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING AT AROUND 55,000 - 80,000…”
“TRANSMISSION FLUID PUMP FAILED, RESULTING IN TRANSMISSION FAILURE. VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHOW SIGNS OF SLIPPAGE, THEN BECAME INOPERABLE AFTER BEING PARKED. THIS IS MY FOURTH DODGE CARAVAN TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. FAILURES OF THE TRANSMISSION PUMP ALL HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING AT AROUND 55,000 - 80,000…”
2016 Dodge Caravan — common questions
Is the 2016 Dodge Caravan reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 42 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Caravan year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2016 Caravan problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (9 complaints), body & structure (8 complaints), transmission (8 complaints).
Does the 2016 Dodge Caravan have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2016 Dodge Caravan.
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.