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2018 Dodge Grand Caravan Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering tank assembly and front underhood. Owners report 6 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.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

Campaign #18V524000 · Sep 8, 2018

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

Campaign #18V523000 · Sep 8, 2018

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.

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 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Reported to NHTSA

Sliding door lock actuator failure

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

125 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2026-05

“The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear passenger’s side door was inoperable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11651258
“Our driver side back sliding door door has seized and will not open. This looks to be a common issue with the grand caravan. The lock is stuck in an in between state and will not open automatically or manually. This is a safety hazard for back passengers”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11683760
“The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the sliding door on the rear driver’s side had seized in the locked position, and the key fob was unable to unlock the sliding door”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11594998

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cylinder 2 misfire and cylinder head defects

ENGINE

21 NHTSA complaints · 2021-06 → 2025-05

“Van is driven a few thousand miles per year since we purchased. Routine maintenance up kept and has just over 100K miles. Replaced coils, plugs as routine for maintenance but having a Cylinder 2 misfire, then it became #6 and now is "multiple random misfire" codes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660593
“Engine showing P0302 code for cylinder misfire which by a licensed mechanic has been traced back to an original manufacturers defect in the cylinder and rockers”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11615771
“The engine components have failed, there is compression issue from cylinders, rings, and valve issues. Same as 2017 recall, seems to be still affecting my 2018 model. mileage is only 73,000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11631952

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Powertrain transmission failure

POWER TRAIN

12 NHTSA complaints · 2021-11 → 2025-05

“The van started to make a loud whining sound while going down the highway around 60 miles an hour. When we slowed down and turned onto a smaller road and tried to accelerate the rpm’s went to around 5,000 and it was barely moving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11663015
“The transmission spontaneously went out and vehicle stopped accelerating on the highway. There were no indicators or warning signs that the transmission was bad or going out. The vehicle only has 90k miles and we need a brand new transmission”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11539455
“My Transmission failed. My odometer reading is 92901. Dealership said not manufactured coverage. No message on dash. Happened while driving with children”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11582257

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and loss of power while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

14 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2026-08

“The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and came to a stop in the middle of traffic. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11720360
“My 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan will not turn the starter when I turn the key intermittently, especially when the temperature is hot. The key has to be turned on and off many times before the starter engages and the engine starts”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11549563
“The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts, with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light displayed on the instrument panel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11755853

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Active head restraint unexpected deployment

SEATS

12 NHTSA complaints · 2021-12 → 2025-11

“The headrest airbag on the driver's side was deployed without any explanation”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11697143
“BOTH FRONT HEADRESTS ACTIVATED WITHOUT REAR COLLESION WHICH POSED A DANGER TO THOSE OCCUPANTS LOACATED IN EITHER FRONT SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11624263
“The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat headrest had exploded while the vehicle was turned off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11611331

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended airbag deployment without collision

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-01 → 2023-12

“The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that after reversing out of a parking space and coasting to exit the parking lot, the driver’s and passenger’s side air bags deployed unintendedly and without impact”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11530714
“The front airbags malfunctioned and deployed while parking the vehicle. The driver was injured with burn marks and bruised on legs due to the lower area airbag deploying rapidly”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11558865
“The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving approximately 6 MPH and crossing a railroad track, the driver's side front and driver's side rear passenger’s side air bags deployed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11489942

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 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)

69 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.

8

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 2018 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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