What 583 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan

Engine cooling system has failed multiple times causing the engine to overheat, it has been reproduced by an independent service provider and is available for inspection upon request. To attempt to remedy the issue, the following have been replaced or inspected: thermostat, thermostat housing, radiator, hoses, water pump, oil filter adaptor/coolant bypass, fan, wiring and other associated electrical components. There were no warning lamps or other symptoms of the problem prior to the system failure. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. I have attempted contacting Chrysler several times and have been given the run-around regarding a safety recall that matches the symptoms, year, make, and model of my vehicle and have been told that my vehicle's VIN is not part of the recall and that there is no way to get it evaluated and added to the recall. I am unable to upload the repair invoices I have amassed so far with this issue at this time, but can furnish them at a later date if required.

NHTSA ODI 11527200

The driver and passenger side slide door when turn the child safety lock on the door can still be opened by children by the door button beside the door.

NHTSA ODI 11517211

Can just does every month or so. Starts again in about 30 minutes

NHTSA ODI 11511432

TPIM is going on it causing fault codes that won't clear causing to fail inspection. Chrysler Dodge has known about defective TPIM for years and chose not to do anything about it.

NHTSA ODI 11511366

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated he was unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11510820

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11510844

Replacing brakes ever y 18,000 miles normal is every 40,000-60,000 miles

NHTSA ODI 11507974

The driver's side sliding door Left Door Actuator/Left Door Latch failed and the door wouldn't close causing a major safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI 11504218

When driving the car will randomly shut off losing power. When trying to start it randomly it will turn on then shut back off. When it turns off as I’m driving it’s always under 50MPH but I lose steering. Very scary.

NHTSA ODI 11502730

Rear door won't engage or open seems to be electrical, then once figured out. The vehicle wldnt run, had a new battery put in, then it acted like the fuel pump, but the fuel pump kicks in the alternator was replaced as the fuel pump a year ago. Then we bypassed the regulator and now thr is nothing in the entire van works intact when u try put the charger on it, which the battery indicator says fully charged the whole fuel box vibrates and shakes. But thr is absolutely no power inside the vehicle thr is definitely without a doughty something wrong with the vehicles entire fusebox. This is very odd and not normal The entire brain of this vehicle is a problem. I have had a problem with this lemon since I bought it I have had it sitting more then driving spent more money on it then I. Able to use it something is definitely wrong with this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11499468

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle started. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact stated that there was a delay while restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the computer was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the ignition node module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000. The consumer stated the vehicle only started half the time or a delayed response. The ignition module was replaced on 01/13/23.

NHTSA ODI 11496306

I would like the fuel pump relay recalled because it is unsafe and the Jeep Cherokee and Charger have the exact same TIPM with the same exact fuel pump relay and they both have recalls on the the exact same part.

NHTSA ODI 11493355

I guess started with noticing oil being used at a faster pace then normal then a decent tick began along with AbS light which prevented cruise control from working. At this point We seemed Professional advice from a licensed Mechanic who then preformed a small job of dropping transmission pan to clean metal shavings out! And replacing tires and brake pads assured us routers were fine. He was concerned with the fact that the abs light continued to be on so we the paid to get wiring for abs redone (not sure what was called). After this the cruise control worked abs went off but we noticed the brake pads went quick! Then the insane knock out of nowhere began loud metal on metal had harmonic balancer pulley replaced didn’t do it any good. The. Was told cracked fly wheel was most likely the problem I continued to drive for about a month when the brake fluid light came on. I added fluid but every 3-4 days it came on again and of course brake pads again but this time the extremely loud knock went away and all was left was a quiet tick. That lasted couple months the out of no where wiring started shorting in dash and radio display. This lead to battery issues then out of no where motor is stuck in first gear and will not shift up but will shift between drive neutral and reverse. Idles extremely rough when in drive lights do not dim I had alternator checked. Now my family of six is with out a vehicle thank you for hearing my concerns

NHTSA ODI 11491429

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle with a faulty fuel pump relay for the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11490287

Sounds like a machine gun when trying to start. Have to turn key completely off to get the sound to stop. Not starting sometimes and cutting off when driving. Lost all power on a main highway including my brakes and power steering. Completely shut off. Also the back air AC doesn't work at times. Seems to not have enough power to roll down windows at times and you can only use one window at a time. Battery, alternator, and starter test fine. Replaced relays and still same problem. Throwing code for not reaching coolant temp. Replaced thermostat gasket still throwing code. No other codes or lights showing up. Heard of an ignition switch and power train recall but when I put my vin in it says there are none.

NHTSA ODI 11485600

2017 I purchased my car. I had several problems with the key lock and car starting. Immediately tried to return the car but dealer wouldn’t allow it. I have now found out there were 2 recalls in 2017 I was not aware of this until now. Even though dodge has stated to me they were fixed as a consumer if my car was presenting issues so early on after these recalls I should have had a grace period to give the vehicle back if other issues were presented. Currently car is smoking on the drivers side with a heavy burning smell. Car is over heating as well as the car would not stop while I was driving it on8/23/22 in a mall. Car was shutting off a lot. I was under warantiy and took it to AAmco and found out there were transmission issues. My warranty company at the time let my car sitting at AAmco despite the major issue and refused to fix it as well as let my warranty expire. Now I am scared to drive this car concerned the vehicle won’t stop.

NHTSA ODI 11483614

MY VAN CRANKS, BUT WON'T START, IT HAPPENS ON AND OFF... IT SEEMS TO BE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT

NHTSA ODI 11482767

I am experiencing an issue with the Totally Integrated Power Module TIPM. That can not be repaired by a local auto mechanic professional service. This appears to be a chronic issue with this vehicle make and model. In the 2011 this issue has been deemed a recall, yet the 2012, despite having the same engine, has not been deemed a recall. This needs to be addressed. Furthermore, the Dodge Caravan is one that is most frequently converted for wheelchair drivers and passengers. This is my case as well. I would like to commend Dodge for manufacturing vehicles that can be modified, and I would also like to implore that they be well supported in providing the safest most mechanically sound vehicle possible which also includes notifying and elevating problems to RECALL status so that wheelchair users can seek needed repairs before being stranded on the side of the road. There are literally no wheelchair accessible tow trucks, at least not in my area. Dodge had taken on a needed task and I am asking that they be supported to take it to the next level with recalling the 2012 TIPM and any other chronic issues on their vehicles especially for people with mobility differences. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11482266

I was driving on a side street fortunately instead of the interstate each of the times that the car died! All of the dash lights came on and it just stopped running. I called for service and the tow driver checked the battery and it was fine, but but would not start or jump. Had it towed to the mechanic. A new battery was put on and it ran for a couple of days then died again. It would not jump so towed back to mechanic. Mechanic said they charged the battery, got it started said they ran diagnostics finding no issues. the next day it died again and would not jump. It is back at the mechanic's with them trying to figure this out. In my own research, I found this site and the repeated problems just like this. If I had been on the interstate, any kind of busy traffic it could have been tragic! I don't know why this persistent Dodge problem has not been recalled and fixed! I'm concerned that when we get the part replaced it will have the same problem. I don't want anyone to have a dangerous car. I'm stuck with this vehicle that is not safe even when fixed or don't fix it and trash it. Either way I have to buy another car. The sad thing is that until this repeated problem, I loved the car.

NHTSA ODI 11477978

My Dodge Grand caravan is having ignition issues and will randomly turn off while driving or just parked/sitting.

NHTSA ODI 11475847

My mechanic let me know of a commercial recall on my engine for the coolant system. However, the same engine in my car is not recalled for private sale engine. He said that my engine should have been recalled due to the information he downloaded and I should contact you because it needs to be replaced. But they did not recall the private vehicle engine, only the commercial.

NHTSA ODI 11475556

Both sliding door locks have stopped working. Drivers side door is stuck in the locked position. Passenger can be locked/unlocked manually. I see online that years 2013-2017 are trying to get a recall and I’d like 2012 to be included

NHTSA ODI 11474341

The TIPM has a built in fuel relay switch which fails sometimes won't allow vehicle to start other times it and stall while driving twice in one trip my vehicle stalled on the highway loss of all power and engine completely shuts off with no power steering or brake assist very scary and wreckless was very fortunate to have avoid multiple accidents the is already a recall associated with this issue on the Dodge Durango and Jeep Cherokee but for some reason the Doge Grand Caravan was left off and it posses a huge safety risk for the people and families that are driving them!

NHTSA ODI 11474218

While driving, van completely shut down. This has happened twice now. No power brakes no power steering. Unable to restart. coasted to side of the road in one case and to a parking lot on another instance. It is currently at the dealer for repair for the second time. Battery replaced the first time. While engine would not start all accessories worked. Nothing found wrong. This time they picked up dead van. couldn't run diagnostics they said. Suspect win module, ($900 repair) not sure though. It has resurrected itself and now runs but once again they find nothing wrong. They said win module is a guess. Going to drive it with a computer on to see if they can find anything. 900 is a lot for a guess. have seen several complaints on line for this issue and similar complaints recalled on other dodges.

NHTSA ODI 11472600

My Dodge Grand caravan is having ignition issues and will randomly die while driving or just sitting. It has happened on the highway going 70mph. It is very dangerous as I lose all power until I would flip the ignition off and then back on. I have looked and found the recall on other vans but it is not listed under my VIN. What do I do to get this fixed before I am in am accident.

NHTSA ODI 11469499