VehicleVerdict

2009 Dodge Grand Caravan problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 798 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median Grand Caravan year — the 2009 model ranks #9 of 37 Grand Caravan years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 44% of all reports (354 of 798), far ahead of airbags at 138.

798

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

2

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Grand Caravan years?

See all Grand Caravan years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System35444%
Airbags13817%
Brakes648%
Tires & Wheels618%
Engine506%
Other294%
Steering223%
Transmission223%
Fuel System122%
Speed Control101%
Visibility & Wipers91%
Suspension81%
Body & Structure71%
Seat Belts51%
Lighting30%
Latches & Locks30%
Seats10%

Does the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan have recalls?

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

20V396000AirbagsJuly 7, 2020 · 925,239 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.

Consequence

Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.

16V047000AirbagsJanuary 29, 2016 · 110,482 units

Defect

FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.

Consequence

If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.

14V373000AirbagsJune 26, 2014 · 722,705 units

Defect

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.

14V055000SuspensionFebruary 11, 2014 · 130 units

Defect

Freedom Motors Inc., (Freedom Motors) of Savaria Vehicle Group (formerly The Liberty Motor Company) is recalling one model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan and certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country wheelchair accessible vehicles modified by The Liberty Motor Company from February 2008 through January 2011. Over time and with use, the vehicle's rear axle may develop cracks which could lead to axle failure.

Consequence

Failure of the rear axle may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Freedom Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected axles, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2014. Owners can contact Freedom Motors at 1-800-561-9600. Freedom Motors' number for this recall is ENGF0216-3.

10V235000Electrical SystemJune 3, 2010 · 284,655 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 2007 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2009. SOME OF THE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ROUTED WIRE HARNESS THAT MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE THE LOWER SLIDING DOOR HINGE BRACKET CAN MAKE CONTACT AND WEAR THROUGH THE WIRE INSULATION.

Consequence

A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD OCCUR INSIDE THE SLIDING DOOR, OVERHEATING THE LATCH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-853-1403.

09V351000BrakesSeptember 11, 2009 · 82 units

Defect

ELDORADO NATIONAL IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 AMERIVAN MOBILITY VEHICLES BUILT ON CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN PLATFORMS VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE LINES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ROUTED AND NOT SECURED PROPERLY DURING THE ALTERATION. IF NOT ROUTED AND SECURED PROPERLY, THE BRAKE LINES COULD RUB AGAINST THE VEHICLE CAUSING A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.

Consequence

A BRAKE FLUID LEAK COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY CAUSING A CRASH.

Remedy

ELDORADO NATIONAL AMERIVAN DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND IF THE BRAKE LINES WERE IMPROPERLY ROUTED THEY WILL BE CORRECTLY REINSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ELDORADO NATIONAL AT 1-800-955-9086. THESE MINIVANS HAVE BEEN ALTERED INTO WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES BY ELDORADO. THIS RECALL IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED BY CHRYSLER GROUP LLC AND WILL NOT BE PERFORMED AT NO COST BY DODGE OR CHRYSLER DEALERS UNLESS THEY ARE ALSO AN ELDORADO NATIONAL DEALER.

09V046000Electrical SystemFebruary 5, 2009 · 6,138 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 6,138 MY 2009 TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES. UNUSED ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR THE BLIND SPOT DETECTION SYSTEM MAY BECOME CORRODED AND COULD SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN CAUSE A VARIETY OF CONDITIONS.

Consequence

IF THE FUSE FOR THIS CIRCUIT DOES NOT BLOW, THE CONNECTORS COULD OVERHEAT AND POTENTIALLY CATCH FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL SEAL THE POWER CIRCUIT AT THE SUBJECT CONNECTOR AND REPLACE THE FUSE FOR THIS CIRCUIT IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

DRIVING ON THE HWY 485 TOWARD AIRPORT WHEN I HEARD A SUDDEN SOUND IN MY DASHBOARD. IT WAS A ETC (ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT) AND THE ESC (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT) THAT CAME OUT AND, MY TEMPERATURE CONTROL GAUGE NEEDLE DROPPED FROM MI-RANGE TO ZERO. I SLOW DOWN THE CAR PULLED IT ON…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 18, 2015 · fire

I TRIED TO AVOID HITTING A DEER AND WHEN SWERVING I WENT OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A TELEPHONE POLE AT 55 MILES AN HOUR. MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND I AM NOW OUT OF WORK WITH HERNIATED DISCS IN MY NECK. I HAVE 4 YOUNG CHILDREN THAT DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT DADDY CANNOT PLAY WITH THEM! I WILL NOW FOREVER…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 27, 2011 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 2, 2015 · crash

LOW TIRE PRESSURE CAME ON. CHECK TIRE FOR AIR PRESSURE AND THE VALVE STEM BROKE AND FLEW OFF 20 FEET. THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT DRIVING AS THIS WOULD OF CAUSED A CRASH INDEED ESPECIALLY AS I WAS GOING TO BE TRAVELING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AT 75 MPH. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 21, 2013

THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AFTER I HIT A BUMP DURING A TURN, I RAN INTO A DITCH AND SOMETHING IS BROKE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. LOUD NOISES COMING FROM TIRE AREA. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THIS HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES AND REPLACED THE BEARING. BUT WHEN THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN EVERY TIME I HIT ANY SIGNIFICANT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 10, 2014 · crash

2009 Dodge Grand Caravan — common questions

Is the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 798 complaints put the 2009 model at #9 of 37 Grand Caravan years. It is one of the Grand Caravan years to avoid.

What are the most common 2009 Grand Caravan problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (354 complaints), airbags (138 complaints), brakes (64 complaints).

Does the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Dodge Grand 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 Grand Caravan under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Grand Caravan years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Caravan years to avoid are 2008, 1996, 2005, 2010, 2016, 1997, 2011, 2012, 2009, 1998, 2013, 1999, 2000, 1993, 1991. The cleanest record among Grand Caravan years belongs to 1986.

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.