Problems · NHTSA complaints

2019 Dodge Grand Caravan problems

Owners filed 48 complaints about the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan with NHTSA between May 2019 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (13).

Complaints
48
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Power train13
  2. Electrical system8
  3. Seats8
  4. Engine7
  5. Structure6
  6. Air bags3
  7. Back over prevention2
  8. Exterior lighting1
  9. Vehicle speed control1
  10. Fuel/propulsion system1
  11. Latches/locks/linkages1
  12. Service brakes, hydraulic1
  13. Steering1
  14. Other / unknown6

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 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20193
20200
20210
20220
20230
20240
202517
202628

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.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Power train

13 reports
“The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started jerking, lost motive power, and the RPMs elevated to the red line. The contact pulled over to the side of the road with the engine running, but the vehicle was unable to drive forward. The vehicle had experienced transmission failure. The vehicle was towed to a local transmission shop where it was diagnosed and determined that an internal transmission pump failure was preventing transmission fluid from pumping to the clutch. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 1, 2026Power trainODI 11747804

Electrical system

8 reports
“About a month ago had an issue where the battery was drained completely. Couldn't unlock the van with the FOB, had to use the physical key to unlock the door. Was able to jump the battery and i started right up. Assumed that a over-head light was left on. Confirmed the battery was holding a charge, no issues with alternator. Had the same battery drain a couple of days later. Jumped the van again. Remove any devices from all the power outlets. The battery issue went away. 2 weeks ago noticed that the instrument cluster console appeared to be frozen. I tried to change the settings to view the trip counter. Turns out that none of the steering wheel buttons were working, except for the Cruise Contorl. The steering wheel horn is not working either. However the horn beeps when I use the FOB to lock the van. As it was at night time, noticed that the over-head interior lights are not working either. The lights in the doors are working. The vanity mirror lights are working. Checked the owners manual and online look-ups, found that the M20 fuse is responsible the following items (which are not working) - Instrument Cluster Interior Light, Switch Bank, Steering Column…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11771266

Seats

8 reports1 related recall
“The contact's husband owns a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at 20 MPH, the front, passenger side headrest deployed without warning. The contact, who was an occupant in the front, passenger seat, was hit in the neck by the headrest. The force of the deployment propelled the contact forward as she was secured by her seatbelt. The contact suffered pain in her neck and went to an urgent care facility the next day for treatment. The facility took an X-ray of her cervical spine and advised to make an appointment with her primary care doctor. The primary care doctor scheduled the contact for a CT scan of her brain and an MRI of her cervical spine. The tests showed damage to the contact's spine, and the contact was referred to an orthopedic physician for additional care. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure, and the contact was given a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 137,600.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 16, 2026SeatsODI 11731568

Engine

7 reports
“The vehicle has experienced repeated serious engine/cooling-system problems. It ran hot/overheated and would lose some power on even very slight inclines; when this occurred, the temperature gauge would rise. It never completely lost power or stalled. The vehicle developed an engine ticking noise that continues. An oil-pressure warning appeared, and the check-engine light repeatedly came on. In approximately March 2026, the engine failed and was replaced with a used engine reportedly having approximately 40,000 miles. Within approximately six months, the replacement engine developed additional oil-pressure/oil-system problems and continues to make a ticking noise. The vehicle has required substantial additional repairs. These problems create a safety concern because overheating, loss of power and possible engine failure could occur while driving and could leave the vehicle unable to safely maintain speed or operate normally in traffic. The problems have been diagnosed and repaired by independent automotive service facilities. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or an insurance representative. The vehicle is available for inspection…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026EngineODI 11767722

Structure

6 reports
“The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while detailing the vehicle, the front driver’s side headrest exploded outward. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and it was determined that the headrest needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with an unknown Technical Service Bulletin. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure via telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 16, 2026StructureODI 11764772

Air bags

3 reports
“AIRBAG SYSTEM NOT WORKING FOR 7 MONTHS BECAUSE REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE!!!!!!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2026Air bagsODI 11766585
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026

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