Problems · NHTSA complaints
2018 Dodge Grand Caravan problems
Owners filed 270 complaints about the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan with NHTSA between Jun 2018 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (92).
Complaints
270
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
8
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
14
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system92
- Structure59
- Engine34
- Power train23
- Latches/locks/linkages15
- Seats14
- Air bags13
- Service brakes10
- Fuel/propulsion system8
- Steering5
- Vehicle speed control4
- Visibility/wiper2
- Seat belts2
- Suspension2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 31, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
6
15
37
42
39
54
34
33
10
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 15 |
| 2020 | 37 |
| 2021 | 42 |
| 2022 | 39 |
| 2023 | 54 |
| 2024 | 34 |
| 2025 | 33 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
92 reports1 crash1 related recall
“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. The contact was forced to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle may not start after being jumpstarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and DTC: C212A (Anti-Lock Brake System - ABS). The contact called several dealers, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.”
Structure
59 reports1 crash
“Passenger side sliding door can't be unlocked manually or by the fob, will not open by the handle inside or out. Passengers are unable to exit vehicle through passenger sliding door.”
Engine
34 reports
“When I’m driving, especially when I come to a stop or when I try to accelerate from a stop, the car kind of chokes or hesitates. It feels like it’s about to stall, but it doesn’t fully turn off. It keeps doing this off and on when I stop or try to go again. It's very scary and dangerous.”
Power train
23 reports1 crash
“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. Had to stop for a long time and was able to drive it the last couple of miles home very slowly. Several children in the car were at risk if someone had hit us at hwy speed”
Latches/locks/linkages
15 reports
“The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-70 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly slowed down and then abruptly stopped. The contact stated that it felt as if a part had fallen from the bottom of the vehicle. While attempting to drive off, the vehicle hesitated. While at a YIELD sign, the vehicle shut off and was restarted. The driver's side door failed to open. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called an undisclosed local dealer, who confirmed there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The vehicle was diagnosed, and a tune-up and thermostat replacement were advised. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Seats
14 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the driver’s side headrest had deployed unexpectedly while opening and closing the door. This deployment caused a plastic part on the driver’s side door to fracture, causing the window to lower and become inoperable. The window was later replaced by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that while sitting in the front passenger’s seat with the engine off, the passenger’s side headrest deployed. The contact's head was struck during the deployment, causing whiplash. The failure mileage was 56,472.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.