Research · Minivan - 2WD

2016 Dodge Grand CaravanRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 1,159 owner complaints for the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. Most complaints involve electrical system (354) and power train (251). The EPA rates it 20 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
20mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
6campaigns
Latest Dec 2025
Owner complaints
1,159
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

6 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment adaptive

Free remedy

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.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported Dec 18, 2025NHTSA 25V876000

Fuel system

Free remedy

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.

Fuel system, gasolineReported May 15, 2020NHTSA 20V278000

Equipment

Free remedy

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

EquipmentReported Dec 21, 2017NHTSA 17V824000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 31, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1,159 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2016 – Sep 2026
  1. Electrical system354
  2. Power train251
  3. Structure234
  4. Engine99
  5. Exterior lighting56
  6. Fuel/propulsion system30
  7. Air bags28
  8. Seats27
  9. Vehicle speed control26

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Grand Caravan model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20101,042
2011530
2012584
2013471
2014359
2015281
20161,159
2017414
2018270
201948
202020
Crashes reported
37
Fires reported
8
Injuries reported
24
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

354 reports2 crashes3 fires
“It was dark, wife and I were driving, suddenly the begin dash began to go blank, more like a flicker. As I kept driving the flickering began to be more often and more pronounce. At some point we were worried that we won’t be able make it home. Almost approaching home the all the gauges went off a light came on the dash (don’t remember which one) vehicle suddenly acelerated and I have to take evasive action to avoid an accident . This lasted a second”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 29, 2026Electrical systemODI 11740831

Power train

251 reports11 crashes1 fire
“The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and jerked slightly before accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission pump failure. The contact was informed that transmission pump needed to be replaced. The mechanic declined to repair the vehicle after discovering NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V461000 (Power Train) for the issue. The mechanic referred the contact to the manufacturer, who was informed of the issue and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11767999

Structure

234 reports3 crashes
“The rear sliding doors do NOT open. The locks are stuck and won’t allow the doors to unlock and open. Prior to the locks malfunctioning they made a very loud buzzing sound then completely stopped working.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026StructureODI 11767634
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Minivan - 2WD
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Grand Caravan
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, FFV · Front-Wheel Drive
172520$3,200445
Grand Caravan
Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
172520$3,200445
  • Grand Caravan
    Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, FFV
    17 city · 25 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Grand Caravan
    Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    17 city · 25 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 31, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Dodge Grand Caravan VAN FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.4%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 31, 2026Vehicle 10147
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2016 Grand Caravan questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan have?

6 safety recalls as of Oct 31, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan problems?

Owners filed 1,159 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (354), power train (251), structure (234). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan at 20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 31, 2026