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2013 Dodge Grand Caravan Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering electrical system and air bags. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Power sliding door lock stuck in locked position.” 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.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

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.

AIR BAGS

Campaign #13V291000 · Feb 7, 2013

Issue: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured June 11, 2013, through June 12, 2013. The occupant restraint control module (ORC) has incorrect software installed which may adversely affect air bag deployments in collisions. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and No. 214, "Side Impact Protection."

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy, or deploys improperly, may increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC module, free of charge. The recall began on October 3, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N48.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #13V283000 · Feb 7, 2013

Issue: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and RAM C/V Tradesman vehicles manufactured May 10, 2012, through June 7, 2013. A software error may result in the opposite side airbags deploying from the collision point (a left side impact would deploy the right side airbags and vice versa).

Risk: In the event of a crash, the wrong side airbags could deploy leaving the occupant with no airbag protection at the point of impact, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the occupant restraint control module, free of charge. The recall began during September 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N44.

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 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Reported to NHTSA

Power sliding door lock stuck in locked position

STRUCTURE

25 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2024-08

“Driver's-side, rear-passenger sliding door in stuck in locked position. It is available for inspection. Without the use of this door passengers can be trapped in the van during an emergency”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11595240
“THE DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR IS STUCK CLOSED AND IN THE LOCKED POSITION. I CANNOT UNLOCK THE DOOR IN ANYWAY POSSIBLE NOT THE REMOTE, OVER HEAD BUTTON, DRIVER'S DOOR BUTTON OR MANUALLY WITH MY FINGER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11363873
“REAR DRIVERS SLIDING DOOR BUZZES AND REMAINS IN A LOCKED POSITION. THIS HAPPENS WHEN USING THE FOB TOO. THE VAN AUTOMATICALLY LOCKS WHEN YOU REACH ABOUT 25 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11327865

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission failure requiring replacement

POWER TRAIN

13 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2026-01

“The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the motor mounts and transmission. Five months later, the transmission failed and needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11709660
“The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the transmission would not go into gear and the engine would continue to rev. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11432874
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED BEFORE THE RPM REVVED UP AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11328541

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unexpected engine shutdown tied to TIPM/fuel pump relay

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

97 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2026-03

“The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724796
“Electrical system-intermittent failure. While driving or idling, the vehicle will randomly shut off. The vehicle has turned off randomly while being driven down the road with little to no warning, even while operating at high speed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11516640
“OUR 2013 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WOULD START FINE AND IDLE FINE. ONCE ON THE ROAD DRIVING AROUND LOCALLY NOTHING MORE THAN 10 -15 MILES FROM THE HOUSE WITH AVERAGE SPEED OF 35-45 MPH THE ENGINE WOULD JUST DIE! NO WARNING LIGHTS OR SOUNDS IT WOULD JUST DIE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11377147

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Active Head Restraint headrest deployment without impact

SEATS

42 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2026-04

“The Active Head Restraint on the front passenger side headrest failed. The headrest thrust forward at a high velocity, injuring the occupant of the seat. The car was stationary at the time of the incident”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730926
“Passenger front seat headrest deployed while vehicle was parked. The plastic housing supporting a small metal bar broke causing it to open”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11671008
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT AROUND 60 MPH, MY HEADREST DEPLOYED. I DID NOT USE THE BRAKES, AND WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY SORT OF ACCIDENT, INCLUDING A REAR END ACCIDENT, WHICH IS WHEN THIS IS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11258966

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment in rear-end collision

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2023-01

“The contact owned a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving at 25-35 MPH with someone in the front passenger seat a semi-truck crashed into the rear of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11500170
“The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the rear driver’s side moving the vehicle approximately 5ft. The air bags failed to deploy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11498263
“THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO OBEY A RED LIGHT AT 35 MPH AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE CONTACTS VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11233008

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 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)

89 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.

13

complaints mentioning a crash

3

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 2013 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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