2017
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Dodge Grand Caravan Change Vehicle

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Chrysler might have invented the modern minivan, but time has marched on, leaving the Dodge Grand Caravan feeling dated and past its prime. Its Chrysler Town & Country twin has been replaced by the new and improved Chrysler Pacifica. The major competitors, the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, are both far better choices. Not that the minivan lack good points.
Alerts
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2017
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Dodge Grand Caravan

Reliability
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Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Poor
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
NA
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
NA
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS available, standard from 2008. Side air bags available from 2001-2004. Head protection air bags available from 2005, standard from 2008. ESC standard from 2008.
Road Test

Chrysler might have invented the modern minivan, but time has marched on, leaving the Dodge Grand Caravan feeling dated and past its prime. Its Chrysler Town & Country twin has been replaced by the new and improved Chrysler Pacifica. The major competitors, the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, are both far better choices.

Not that the minivan lack good points. The ride is very comfortable and settled, and passengers will find a quiet, well-equipped cabin that offers considerable versatility. Both the second- and third-row seats can fold away into the floor, a big convenience for times you need to maximize cargo space. Unfortunately, that trick compromises the seats' comfort.

Seating
2 front, 2 rear, 3 third
Drive Wheels
Front
Warranty

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
minivan extended
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 3.6-liter V6 (283 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Hood had pealing paint and rust in several areas. Hood was replaced free af charge at dealer"

Dennis G., OH (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6-L V6)

"paint bubble on front right edge (seem) of hood. Rust under paint right at 3 yr of car."

Anonymous, TN (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.6-L V6)
Rust

"The hood started to rust and bubble the paint around the front edge. The manufacturer paid to have the hood repaired."

Anonymous, WI (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan GT 3.6-L V6)

"Tiny rust bubbles appeared on leaded edge of the hood after approximately 2 years. There was no pitting of the paint."

Anonymous, ON (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Unsure 3.6-L V6)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Seals and/or weather-stripping

"Have had water and air leaks. Heavy rain causes rater to leak in around the back hatch. Hear air around other doors and windows. Had to have the seals replaced but still have wind problems."

Anonymous, GA (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6-L V6)
Squeaks or rattles

"General squeaks and rattles experienced constantly. We have rough roads and streets, but my Honda Odyssey never had this problem."

Anonymous, GA (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6-L V6)

"Lots of rattles in several areas, car if off warranty and I have not addressed the problem with dealer"

Dennis G., OH (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6-L V6)
Wind noise

"The wind noise inside the Van is very loud. This was also annoying on my previous Caravan (2009)."

Anonymous, MA (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6-L V6)
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Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Calipers

"Notice the problem in January on our trip a couple of times it was a grinding noise, then, again in February a couple of times, then again in March. At this time is when we realized what the problem was and got it fixed immediately."

Anonymous, ON (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan GT 3.6-L V6)

"caliper /Rubber brake line leaking. Rear left. Both replaced under warranty."

Anonymous, TN (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.6-L V6)
Pulsation or vibration

"Caused b heavy rust on the rotors. The car wasn't driven enough to clear the rotors regularly."

Anonymous, QC (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6-L V6)
Rotors

"Typical Montreal winter problem. The car wasn't driven enough to clear rust caused by heavy road salt conditions"

Anonymous, QC (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6-L V6)
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Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Doors or sliding doors

"Grinding noise. Parts are on order"

Thomas B., WI (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.6-L V6)

"Tailgate and sliding passenger doors quit operating electrically with the remote or push button inside the vehicle. Manufacturer repaired ."

Anonymous, WI (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan GT 3.6-L V6)
Locks and latches

"sliding door electric lock and manual option failed. Talking to friends with the same vehicle it is almost a universal problem for premature failure"

Anonymous, ON (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Unsure 3.6-L V6)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"Rough shifting on low gears , unpredictable shifting. Same with both transmissions (the one that failed and the one installed under warranty)"

Anonymous, CO (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SE Plus 3.6-L V6)
Slipping transmission

"Clunky, rough shifting and shaking at low speeds, occasional stalling when coming to a stop due to poor shifting."

Jim W., CA (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6-L V6)
Transmission leaks

"Left a small puddle of transmission fluid when new every time parked overnight (under 1000 miles) had to have dealer repair."

Jim W., CA (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6-L V6)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Blower (fan) motor

"One of the blades on the fan motor broke off and it made of whining noise pick up louder with raider fan speed. They replaced it in less than an hour under warranty."

Anonymous, WI (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6-L V6)

"Motor installed backwards at factory."

Anonymous, ON (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6-L V6)
Heated or cooled seat controls

"Heated controls on the driver's side only work occasionally. This also true for the heat and AC."

Anonymous, MA (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6-L V6)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Power steering pumps and hoses

"lower power steering hose leaked"

Anonymous, SK (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Unsure 3.6-L V6)
Shocks or struts

"We have had the shocks replaced 5 times in the past year because of a rattling noise that develops in a few weeks after install."

Anonymous, MI (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6-L V6)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Warning light has been coming on since taking possession of the vehicle in 2017. Dealer and Braun have not been able to correct the problem. Am currently asking for a replacement vehicle (leased)."

Lawrence B., IL (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.6-L V6)

"the light is on - I haven't had it checked out"

Anonymous, (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.6-L V6)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Transmission stopped operating in the middle of the highway. Replaced under warranty. New transmission that was installed under warranty made high howl noises on high speeds"

Anonymous, CO (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SE Plus 3.6-L V6)

"I accelerated to get past a vehicle on my right to make an exit ramp. My van's auto transmission downshifted to speed up, and overtake the car to my right. The van never left the lower gear...I drove the remaining 12 miles home through residential neighborhoods to stay off the highway....was hearing a grinding noise the entire time. By the time I got home, I could not even back into my driveway ."

Anonymous, TX (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan GT 3.6-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Transfer case

"There was a slight difference in shifting. The transmission was covered under warranty."

Anonymous, (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.6-L V6)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Warning lights

"I've had door open warnings when there was no door open. I also have a parasitic battery drain, if I park it for more than 1 day the battery goes dead. When I park it for the evening I have to disconnect the battery."

Thomas B., WI (2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 3.6-L V6)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

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