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2010 Dodge Grand Caravan Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module and electrical system. Owners report 4 recurring issue clusters, led by “Power sliding door fails to open, close, or lock.” 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.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #20V396000 · Jul 7, 2020

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #14V234000 · Jul 5, 2014

Issue: Chrysler Group, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, through October 31, 2013. The affected vehicles may experience overheating of the vent window switch in the driver's door armrest.

Risk: An overheated switch may result in a vehicle fire.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vent window switch with a newer version, free of charge. The owner notification letter was issued and the remedy campaign launched on on December 31, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P25.

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

Campaign #14V055000 · Nov 2, 2014

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Campaign #14V373000 · Jun 26, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign #11V139000 · Jan 3, 2011

Issue: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 DODGE JOURNEY, GRAND CARAVAN, AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES MANUFACTURER FROM AUGUST 3, 2009, THROUGH JUNE 17, 2010. SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE INADVERTENT IGNITION KEY DISPLACEMENT FROM THE RUN TO ACCESSORY POSITION WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF.

Risk: ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIN MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:

Campaign #25V876000 · Dec 17, 2025

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Reported to NHTSA

Power sliding door fails to open, close, or lock

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

13 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2024-07

“TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2010 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SLIDING DOOR FAILED TO OPEN OR OPERATE AS NEEDED, WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED FEDERICO CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (1875 E EDWARDSVILLE RD, WOOD RIVER, IL 62095) WHERE HE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11403693
“THE DRIVER'S SIDE SLIDING DOOR WON'T OPEN. IT WON'T UNLOCK. IT DOESN'T WORK WITH THE KEY FOB, DOESN'T WORK MANUALLY, DOESN'T WORK WITH THE OVERHEAD CONSOLE. EVERYONE WITH A DODGE HAS THIS PROBLEM, SOONER OR LATER! JUST READ THE FORUMS! THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE!! THERE SHOULD BE A”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11361114
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE ENGINE INDEPENDENTLY STARTED AND THE POWER SLIDING DOOR OPENED SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECT TO A REMOTE START. ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11152825

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalls while driving from ignition switch failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

61 NHTSA complaints · 2018-04 → 2024-10

“THE VEHICLE SHUTS COMPLETELY OFF WHILE DRIVING. NO SPITTING OR SPUTTERING, NO STALLING, NO ERROR CODES OR LIGHTS. JUST SHUTS OFF WITH NO WARNING. WEATHER CONDITIONS, SPEED, MILES DROVE MATTERS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11302106
“When driving down the highway, the engine may randomly turn off. Turning the key will usually turn the engine back on. When this occurs, all power to the vehicle is turned off until it is restored by moving the key. It is obviously a faulty ignition switch, but apparently there”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11500391
“VAN EITHER EXHIBITS A SLOW TO NONE START AS WELL AS STALLING WHILE DRIVING, USUALLY IN 1ST 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11337117

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of power steering and braking assist while driving

STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2019-10

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HAD DIFFICULTY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS. THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11269352
“WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF RANDOMLY WITH LOSING POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. HAVE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART IT AND IS FINE. HAD THE R03 RECALL DONE BEFORE. SAFETY ISSUE IS IT'S HARD TO CONTROL AND BRAKE WITHOUT CRASHING.. IT'S HAPPEBING MORE AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11104034
“2010 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. CAR SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVE. CAUSES TO HAVE NO STEERING OR BRAKES. NO WARNING BEFORE IT HAPPENS. ON STREET MOVING. UNKNOWN OF WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING OR WHY IT IS DOING THIS. *TT *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11113613

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags fail to deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2023-10

“Was hit in the side and in my Dodge minivan the side curtain airbags never deployed. The van was a total loss so was the car that hit me and his airbag did deploy. I did injure my lower back and shoulder”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11550932
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A DEER JUMPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD CAUSING A CRASH. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG AND DRIVER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11287094
“GOING ROUGHLY 55/60 MPH A DEER HIT MY DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VAN, TOTALLY MY VAN. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND WHEN LOOKING AT THE DAMAGE TO MY VAN I WAS TOLD THAT MY AIR BAGS SHOULD OF DEPLOYED. THE DAMAGE TO MY VAN WAS CONSIDERED A "TOTAL LOSS" AS WELL AS I WENT THROUGH MASSAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11234130

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 3 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

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

115 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

28

complaints mentioning a crash

19

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2010 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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