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2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Recall 14V373000 replacement part backorder.” Dodge uses Stellantis' Oil Change Indicator — it watches engine load and duty cycle and messages when to change oil, capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months. Know your engine: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 goes 100,000 miles on plugs, while HEMI V8s carry sixteen plugs (two per cylinder) on a roughly 30,000-mile interval — that's a real cost difference at the service counter. HEMI models with MDS cylinder deactivation are especially sensitive to overdue oil.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Reported to NHTSA

Recall 14V373000 replacement part backorder

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGS

41 NHTSA complaints · 2015-09 → 2016-12

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V373000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10824222
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V373000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10822988
“I RECEIVED NOTICE OF A RECALL ON MY GRAND CARAVAN R03. I HAVE BEEN ON A LIST FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION MODULE SINCE JULY 2015. I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE VAN STARTING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10778694

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sliding door self-opening and latch failure

STRUCTURE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2016-01 → 2019-08

“THE DRIVERS SIDE SLIDING DOOR LOCK HAS FAILED AND IS ALWAYS LOCKED. MAKING THE DOOR UNABLE TO BE OPENED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11242228
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR INDEPENDENTLY OPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10876201
“REAR DOORS OPEN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, REAR SLIDING DOORS WILL START TO CLOSE WHILE GETTING IN TO VEHICLE. HAVE CAME OUT AND FOUND DOORS OPEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10821998

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake responsiveness and steering sensor fault

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2020-02

“FRONT BRAKES STICK. HAVE REPLACED PADS, HOSES AND CALIPERS TO NO AVAIL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11076142
“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON A SHALLOW LEFT-HAND CURVE WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, COMING OUT OF THE CURVE, ALL THE SUDDEN THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE (LFB) BEGAN TO CHATTER AS THOUGH THE LFB ABS WAS ENGAGING. THE ESP BAS AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11063691
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND WAS SLOW TO RESPOND. THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SQUEALING NOISE DETECTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11307198

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire-pressure sensor and valve-stem corrosion

TIRES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2018-01

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EQUIPPED WITH UNIROYAL TIRES, SIZE: 225/65R16 (NA). WHILE DRIVING, THE TIRE SENSOR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11047044
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE TIRE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WARNING INDICATOR BLINKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 SECONDS AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10785405
“VALVE STEM BROKE WHEN REMOVING CAP TO CHECK PRESSURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11066100

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Stalling and loss of motive power while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

44 NHTSA complaints · 2015-09 → 2025-08

“While driving on major (multi-lane) city street (40 mph) the vehicle began to slow, steering became difficult and a single amber caution for the traction control was illuminated. Tachometer indicated 0 RPM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11631919
“ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING VAN STOPS NO POWER STEERING, NO BRAKES ENGINE STOPS ALL POWER IS LOST. THE ONLY CODE THAT APPEARS IS TRACTION CONTROL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10968938
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE ETC WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10807588

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unexpected airbag deployment without collision

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2026-05

“In August 2024, the airbag system in a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (VIN: [XXX] ) deployed unexpectedly while the vehicle was parked and not in operation. There was no collision, impact, or known external trigger at the time of deployment”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11738233
“The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while parked with the keys out of the ignition, the contact heard a loud pop coming from the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side deployed without impact”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11559091
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING AFTER SHUTTING THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG STRUCK AND SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11229620

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the indicator says so — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L: 0W-20. HEMI 5.7L: 5W-20 (0W-40 for 6.4L SRT). MDS-equipped HEMIs punish stretched oil intervals with lifter and cam wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles. Charger/Challenger R/T and Scat Pack: staggered-width setups can't rotate front-to-rear — budget rear tires accordingly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads and rotors at every oil change. Heavy Durangos used for towing and hard-driven Chargers both run through rear pads faster than the front-pad-first rule of thumb suggests.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Spark Plugs

Every 30,000 mi

HEMI 5.7L: sixteen plugs roughly every 30,000 miles — check your year's manual. Pentastar 3.6L (Charger/Challenger V6, Durango V6, Journey, Grand Caravan): 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Grand Caravan/Journey (62TE): ATF+4 service every 60,000 miles in family duty. Charger/Challenger/Durango with the TorqueFlite 8-speed: no published normal interval, but specialists recommend service around 60,000-100,000 miles — sooner with towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

RWD Charger/Challenger and AWD Durango: replace rear diff fluid around 60,000 miles, sooner with towing or drag-strip duty. Limited-slip units need the friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. HEMIs pull serious airflow — a clogged filter costs measurable power before it throws a code.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles, replace on cracking or glazing. On the HEMI, a shredded belt can take the cooling drive with it mid-drive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped (behind the glovebox on most models). Some earlier Journeys and Avengers shipped without one — check before buying a filter.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant is scheduled for 10 years / 150,000 miles; shops commonly refresh by 100,000. OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing chemistries gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Big-audio Chargers and tow-package Durangos lean on the battery hard; weak batteries surface as gremlins in the electronics before they fail to crank.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

87 crashes 1990–2024

How the 87 occupant deaths break down

51

driver deaths

36

passenger deaths

87

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2009 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

11

complaints mentioning a crash

6

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan reflects Dodge's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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