VehicleVerdict

2016 Dodge Grand Caravan problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,220 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.4 times the median Grand Caravan year — the 2016 model ranks #5 of 37 Grand Caravan years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 319 reports (26% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

1,220

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

2

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Grand Caravan years?

See all Grand Caravan years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System31926%
Other23119%
Body & Structure22118%
Transmission21017%
Engine817%
Fuel System252%
Latches & Locks252%
Seats242%
Airbags212%
Speed Control161%
Brakes121%
Steering111%
Seat Belts71%
Suspension50%
Tires & Wheels50%
Lighting30%
Visibility & Wipers30%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan have recalls?

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

25V876000OtherDecember 17, 2025 · 86 units

Defect

Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.

Consequence

An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.

20V278000Fuel SystemMay 15, 2020 · 122 units

Defect

Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain Vantage-modified 2016-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. The fuel pump gasket may deteriorate, allowing fuel to leak.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Vantage will notify owners, and will provide parts and reimbursement to owners for repair facilities to replace the fuel tank gasket, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2020. Owners may contact Vantage customer service at 1-800-488-9082.

17V824000OtherDecember 21, 2017 · 61,791 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

16V461000TransmissionJune 24, 2016 · 26,298 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.

Consequence

If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.

16V300000SeatsMay 16, 2016 · 99 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured March 16, 2016, to March 17, 2016. The nuts on the third row seatbacks were incorrectly torqued and may become loose.

Consequence

If the third row seatback becomes loose, it may separate from the seat frame, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-torque the third row seatback nuts, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S37.

15V595000Latches & LocksSeptember 24, 2015 · 1,625 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 19, 2015 to August 27, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that attach the hood striker may loosen and, as a result, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving.

Consequence

If the hood opens while driving, the driver's vision may be obstructed, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install new hood striker bolts with the proper torque, free of charge. The recall began on October 22, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is R53.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

THE VEHICLE IS 2 YEARS OLD I HAVE OWNED FOR 7 MONTHS. I START THE CAR IT WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR. I SHUT THE CAR OFF THE MOTOR KEEPS RUNNING. THEN IT WILL GO IN GEAR AND MOVE BY ITSELF.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 10, 2018 · crash

I WAS DRIVING AT 2 OR 3 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON A CITY STREET AND THE CAR ACCELERATED WHEN I TOUCHED THE BRAKE. PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE AND IT CRASHED INTO THE CAR AHEAD, PUSHING IT INTO THE SECOND CAR AHEAD. EVENTUALLY THE RPMS DROPPED AFTER THE COLLISION. FAULT CODE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 27, 2016 · crash

I WAS DRIVING AT 2 OR 3 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON A CITY STREET AND THE CAR ACCELERATED WHEN I TOUCHED THE BRAKE. PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE AND IT CRASHED INTO THE CAR AHEAD, PUSHING IT INTO THE SECOND CAR AHEAD. EVENTUALLY THE RPMS DROPPED AFTER THE COLLISION. FAULT CODE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 27, 2016 · crash

THE VEHICLE IS 2 YEARS OLD I HAVE OWNED FOR 7 MONTHS. I START THE CAR IT WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR. I SHUT THE CAR OFF THE MOTOR KEEPS RUNNING. THEN IT WILL GO IN GEAR AND MOVE BY ITSELF.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 10, 2018 · crash

THE VEHICLE IS 2 YEARS OLD I HAVE OWNED FOR 7 MONTHS. I START THE CAR IT WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR. I SHUT THE CAR OFF THE MOTOR KEEPS RUNNING. THEN IT WILL GO IN GEAR AND MOVE BY ITSELF.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 10, 2018 · crash

2016 Dodge Grand Caravan — common questions

Is the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,220 complaints put the 2016 model at #5 of 37 Grand Caravan years. It is one of the Grand Caravan years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Grand Caravan problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (319 complaints), other (231 complaints), body & structure (221 complaints).

Does the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 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 2016 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.

How safe is the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.