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2016 Dodge Grand Caravan Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering equipment and automatic transmission. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Sliding door lock actuator failure.” 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

EQUIPMENT

Campaign #17V824000 · Dec 21, 2017

Issue: 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

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

Fix: 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.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #16V461000 · Jun 24, 2016

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

Campaign #16V300000 · May 16, 2016

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Campaign #15V595000 · Sep 24, 2015

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Campaign #20V278000 · May 15, 2020

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

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 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Reported to NHTSA

Sliding door lock actuator failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

58 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2026-06

“The rear driver's side sliding door lock has started buzzing loudly when I lock the vehicle. At times the door will not open and my kids and other passengers have to exit through the other sliding door”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11529557
“The passenger side sliding door lock actuator seized, forcing the door to be stuck closed in a locked position. I tried unlocking via the key fob, the door power lock controls, and manually unlocking the lever on the door. None worked”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11513749
“Rear door actuator failures, 2nd time this has happened. Currently the driver side rear passenger door will not open or unlock, manually or with key fob. It will not open in any manner”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11507432

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine ticking and cylinder misfire

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2023-04 → 2026-07

“My vehicle has the Pentastar engine tick indicative of a rocker arm issue. I’ve been having performance issues with the vehicle at only 124,000 miles and less”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11531880
“MILEAGE 73,487 FAILURE OF LEFT CYLINDER BANK CAUSES ENGINE TO STUMBLE OR STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11565534
“The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753073

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear LED light assembly water intrusion

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-10 → 2025-07

“The lighting system allowed water to enter the lights, causing them to fail as they filled up (from bottom to top) to the point that they won't properly indicate running lights or brake lights”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11550440
“Rear racetrack led lighting is failing. One segment has gone dark. You can only replace the entire assembly for over &1500”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11641732
“I was quoted over $1100 from the dealer, as the LED racetrack lighting was not properly sealed and is collecting water. The collection of water within the light compartment has caused corrosion within, and the wiring to disintegrate”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11677230

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission pump failure and loss of motive power

POWER TRAIN

74 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2026-06

“Vehicle only has 93,000 miles and has been well maintained. I was was working and the transmission pump failed. It kicked out of gear going 55mph down a road. Could have caused me to have a major accident”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11710837
“The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, coming to a complete stop in the middle of a busy intersection, nearly causing a crash. No warning lights were illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11576625
“Vehicle started making whining sound on acceleration. Took in to dealer and they diagnosed the transmission pump had failed. Recommended transmission replacement due to damage from failed pump”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11520212

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Active head restraint deploying without a crash

SEATS

13 NHTSA complaints · 2023-03 → 2025-10

“The driver's seat headrest active head restraint randomly deployed as I was exiting the vehicle. The plastic retainers had broke off allowing the headrest to deploy and it cannot be reset”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11530852
“The headrest on the driver seat ejected while I was driving. The headrest is unable to go back into the correct position. It looks as if a plastic piece has failed inside the headrest”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11669411
“Passenger side active headrest deployed on its own while driving. No accident or collision involved. 16 year old son was seated in the passenger side seat when the headrest deployed on its own”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11534310

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Oil filter housing leak

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2023-06 → 2025-12

“The contact stated while the vehicle was at the independent mechanic for a service appointment, the contact was informed that the oil pump housing had melted and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the oil pump housing was made of plastic”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11677220
“Upon inspection, both the contact and her husband noticed that there was an oil leak. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the oil filter housing had melted and needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11705378
“The oil filter housing for Jeep Dodge Chrysler 3.6 is originally made with plastic. Now its made with metal. My van is leaking oil. I went to get an oil change and was told from the shop that I had a oil leak. Oil is all over the engine”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11641021

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling and no-start conditions

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

16 NHTSA complaints · 2023-02 → 2026-05

“My wife was stopped at a drive through window in DRIVE when the engine stalled. It wouldn’t crank over and needed to be pushed out of the way and towed. The TIPM failed and needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11665496
“The contact stated that on several occasions, while inserting the key into the ignition, the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11710326
“Electrical issues involving specific fuses in the vehicle where the f13 fuse constantly fries and melts into the fuse box. Causing an electrical burning smell. No warning lights come on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11632805

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)

82 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.

37

complaints mentioning a crash

8

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 2016 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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