What 583 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan

We purchased our 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan 1/2026. Only 85000 miles on it. After about a week or 2, when husband tried go start van to go to work early cold, morning, van wouldn't start easily. Sometimes he would wait up to a few hours and keep trying to start, eventually it would. But last 3 days, its gotten harder to start van.at all. Not cool. Why isn't this recalled, it seems ALOT of people have same issue..

NHTSA ODI 11731166

The fuel pump would run all night and going down the road the van would cut off...had it checked the tipm was bad

NHTSA ODI 11718989

While driving engine was cutting out, stalling, hard to restart. Found the reason was thr TIPM. Found there was a safety recall R09 / NHTSA 15V-115 fuel pump Relay, however this was for other Fiat Chrysler models and not the Dodge Grand Caravan, please help me understand why? The TIPM within this caravan is the same TIPM installed is other Fiat Chrysler models and clearly the same danger concerns. I don't believe I need to tell the NHTSA how scary it was to be driving 65 on a freeway when this occurred putting my life and others around me in danger of possibly losing control of a vehicle. Then learn this same TIPM was part of a large recall, but only on some models and not all. Makes absolutely no sense. I would ask that this prior recall be extended to all models with this TIPM installed as I can only imagine how many others have experienced this; God forbid and accidents were caused. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ODI 11635962

After talking to others and researching and reading reports this seems to be another ghost problem: Driving around town this issue doesn't usually occur but, on a long drive and coming to a stop or near stop such as a traffic light and/or in traffic my van starts to die. Depending on how long I am going to be stopped or slowed down to a crawl I either have to keep one foot on the brake while accelerating or switch to neutral. When switched to neutral I have to keep a foot on the accelerator while switching back into drive. Sometimes turning the ignition off and back on helps, usually not. The danger is the risk of being rear ended or stalling when pulling into traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11626583

I bought the car 2 weeks ago with 105k miles on it. The car has died approximately 20 times in the last 2 weeks while I am driving it. It is so insanely dangerous, you will be going down a busy street and the car completely dies without warning. There is no dash lights on, no warning. The power steering goes. It's an accident waiting to happen, it’s unacceptable. After spending 2k at the mechanic and still the same problem. They have now told me I need the TIPM replaced at the dealership. Which also affects the lights, which are erratic, they come on or come off when they want, along with the horn. It’s also pushes the motors into limp mode so it runs really hard over 20 miles an hour even while idle. The car will also die while in idle/park or when you shift gears. The car is basically an all day event to start and if you get it to stay on, if you are able to get it, don’t touch the key or it will automatically the car off. The TIPM system will also stay on, even while car is off causing your battery to drain.

NHTSA ODI 11602041

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 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

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

The vehicle engine has stopped running while driving at highway speeds (50-70 mph). I have been able to roll off of the travel portion of the highway, but there was concern with vehicles behind me possibly hitting me. All electrical components continued to operate when this happens, including the radio, lights and AC/Heat blowers. It has happened in December 2020, May 2021 (2 times within about 1 hour), July 2021 (2 times within 2 days), December 2021, and April 2022. In all instances the vehicle has restarted in about 30 minutes. An independent repair shop investigated the issue in July 2021 and was not able to find any codes or to reproduce the engine stopping. Several years prior to these instances the vehicle began to "not start" immediately when the key-fob was turned; it starts after tuning the key on and off several times. The vehicle was inspected by a Chrysler dealer and the dealer could find no codes or reproduce the instance.

NHTSA ODI 11463200

The TIPM has failed. It causes the fuel pump to randomly engage and drain the battery. It drained so low the key fob would not work and I needed a locksmith to get inside the vehicle to pop the hood. Our van has been at Lynwood Dodge since February 2022. it took over a month to diagnose and now they can not get the part. The estimate they have given me is around $2,300. That does not count two tows, a locksmith and replacing the fuel pump and a fuel related module around a month prior. The inspection was by the Dodge dealership. To my knowledge no manufacturer representative has checked this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11462130

The TIPM unit is causing issues for my wife and kids there is a recall on other models with the same part that is causing issues why wouldn’t it be a safety issue for this model as well if it can cause the same safety concern

NHTSA ODI 11449452

After many tries, the van wouldn't start. Finally started. Brought it to the mechanic. They said the pressure in the fuel pump would drop 15-20 psi and then raise back to spec. They replaced the fuel pump. Van still wouldn't start. Mechanic tested and found the fuel pump was not getting power from the TIPM control module, due to a faulty fuel pump relay. Mechanic said Dodge had issued an external fuel pump relay part due to the issue occurring in many vehicles, however a safety recall had not been issued. Mechanic installed the part and the van starts now. Seems like the fuel pump issue was known by Dodge and should be covered in a safety recall as the TIPM control module used is faulty. Instead of a safety recall, Dodge issued an external relay part to fix the faulty part, but then didn't cover the cost of it for its customers.

NHTSA ODI 11440701

THE TIPM FAILED, THIS HAS BEEN CONFIRMED WITH A MECHANIC. IT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. THE CAR'S FUEL PUMP KEEPS RUNNING EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF WHICH DRAINS THE BATTERY. I AM CONCERNED THAT IT MAY CAUSE A FIRE AND BURN MY HOUSE DOWN. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES AND CERTAIN VIN NUMBERS ARE RECALLED. I WAS TOLD MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT ON RECALL. WITH THIS BEING A KNOW PROBLEM, ALL VIN'S SHOULD BE ON RECALL. THIS MAKES YOUR CAR UNUSABLE AND IF THE CAR CUTS OFF IN TRAFFIC, A REAL SAFETY CONCERN.

NHTSA ODI 11437284

I was driving and the vehicle stalled out. Could have been hit if someone was right behind me. At first the car would keep turning over trying to start and it would after awhile, then lead to going out to the car and the battery completely drained. I had to replace a whole battery and alternator and it is still draining the battery (fuel pump rely). I don't see why there hasn't been a recall to fix this with as many complaints as there are online.

NHTSA ODI 11426610

WHEN TURNING THE KEY OVER TO START THE VEHICLE IT WILL KEEP TURNING OVER BUT NOT CRANK AND IT WILL NOT STOP TURNING OVER UNTIL YOU SWITCH THE KEY IN OFF POSITION. ALSO, AT TIMES THE VAN WILL STALL WHILE RUNING AND SHUT OFF. SO FAR IN PARKED POSITION BUT I AM AFRAID IT COULD HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING. THE FUEL PUMP WILL KEEP RUNING AFTER THE IGNITION HAS BEEN SHUT OFF AND THE KEY TAKEN OUT. THIS RUNS THE BATTERY DEAD AND WILL LEAVE YOU SITTING.

NHTSA ODI 11415692

OUR DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WAS STATIONARY AND EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT STARTING PROBLEMS OVER A PERIOD OF MONTHS AND SOMETIMES WHEN IT DID START, IT WOULD STALL SHORTLY AFTER STARTING WHILE IN MOTION. FINALLY, IT WOULD NOT START AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS, WAITING ARE TRYING AGAIN. WE HAD IT TOWED TO OUR MECHANIC WHO TESTED IT AND FOUND THAT IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP RELAY. HE SAID IT WAS COMMON TO MAY DODGE AND JEEP MODELS. THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME CIRCUIT BOARD. HE RECOMMENDED TAKING IT TO A DEALER FOR REPAIRS EVEN THOUGH IT HAD NOT YET BEEN RECALLED. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THEY HAD THE PARTS FOR THE FIX AND FIXED THE FUEL PUMP RELAY PROBLEM. THE REPAIR HAS A 2 YEAR WARRANTY. AN EMPLOYEE OF DEALER EXPRESSED THAT IT MAY BE 3 MONTHS FROM THE OCTOBER 8, 2020 REPAIR, BUT EVENTUALLY CHRYSLER WOULD ISSUE A RECALL SINCE SO MANY MODELS WITH THIS PART HAVE BEEN RECALLED. WE WERE ADVISED TO KEEP THE RECEIPT FOR LATER REIMBURSEMENT. IT IS NOW MARCH 14, 2021 AND NO RECALL HAS BEEN MADE FOR OUR VEHICLE. PLEASE TRY TO EXPEDITE THIS RECALL. THE NHTSA PROBABLY IS NOT GETTING MANY COMPLAINTS BECAUSE EVERYONE WITH THE PROBLEM EXPECTS IT TO BE HANDLED SOON. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.

NHTSA ODI 11402885

ENGINE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. THIS IS HAPPENING ALMOST DAILY NOW, USUALLY WHEN THE CAR IS FIRST STARTED. WAS ACCELERATING INTO A TURN NEAR ONCOMING TRAFFIC AT 20MPH WHEN THIS MOST RECENT EVENT HAPPENED. THIS IS LIFE ENDANGERMENT.

NHTSA ODI 11390043

FAULTY TIMP CAUSING ISSUE WITH FUEL PUMP MODULE/RELAY. FAULTY START AND UNABLE TO TURN ON VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 4 TIMES IN A PARKED POSITION WITHIN A 24 HOUR PERIOD BEFORE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER DRIVABLE. INTERMITTENT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WITHIN THE PREVIOUS 3 WEEKS PRIOR. VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI 11377320

THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. WE ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE CARE ON IT JUST CRANKS AND WON'T KICK OVER. THE FUSE FOR THE FUEL PUMP HAS GONE BAD IN THE TIPM. AND THE CAR NOW STARTS INTERMITTENTLY. I NEED TO HAVE A RELY PUT IN.

NHTSA ODI 11363421

VEHICLE WOULD START AND RUN THEN COUPLE MINUTES LATER IT WOULD JUST CRANK AND CRANK WITH A NO START. THE AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT WILL, WITH A LONG CRANK, IT WILL START.. ONCE VEHICLE IS RUNNING, IT RUNS GOOD UNTIL YOU SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. THEN IT JUST CRANKS AND CRANKS. SOMETIME BATTERY WOULD DIE FROM ALL THE CRANKING.. LET IT SET THEN CRANK AND IT STARTS AGAIN. SOMETIMES IT WON'T START FOR A DAY OR TWO. ALL TIME IT IS PARKED.

NHTSA ODI 11360728

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT RANDOM SPEEDS. MY DODGE CARAVAN WILL JUST SHUT DOWN. I HAVE NOTICED ON A COUPLE OCCASIONS ALL OF THE DASH LIGHTS WILL COME AND THEN ENGINE WILL SHUT DOWN. LOSE OF STEERING AND BRAKES. I HAVE MANAGED A FEW TIMES SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL AND QUICKLY RESTARTING. AN THE FEW TIMES IT WOULD NOT START IVE MANAGED TO GET OFF THE ROAD WITH STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND BRAKE PEDAL THAT WONT DEPRESS. SIT FOR A MINUTE PUT IN PARK AN RESTART. THIS HAS HAPPEN OVER 18 TIMES OF OWNING THE VEHICLE FOR A YEAR

NHTSA ODI 11349562

I WAS DRIVING FINE WITH THE KIDS AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN I FEEL LIKE MY VAN WANTS TO SHUT DOWN ON ME WHILE DRIVING. WENT TO THE PARK ONE DAY AND WHEN CAME BACK WITH THE KIDS THE CAR WOULD NOT START... I FINALLY( AFTER SEVERAL TRIES) GET IT TO START AND GOT HOME SAFE, THANKFULLY. THE NEXT DAY I GO GROCERY SHOPPING AND CAME BACK, THE VAN WOULD NOT START! NOW, I'M FRUSTRATED WITH THE KIDS AND GROCERIES OUT IN THE HOT WEATHER. FINALLY GET IT TO START AND DROVE HOME HOPING TO GET THERE SAFE. FRUSTRATED THINKING CANNOT AFFORD A MECHANIC AT THIS TIME AS I RECENTLY REPLACED THE WATER PUMP AND THAT WASN'T CHEAP. GOT HOME! AND THE NEXT DAY IT WOULD NOT START CALLED ASSISTANCE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT'S WRONG AND EXPLAINED THAT IT WASN'T THE BATTERY NOR THE ALTERNATOR, THERE'S NO CODE AND THAT IT WAS POSSIBLY THE TIPM AND THAT WAS GOING TO BE ABOUT A $1,200 IF NOT MORE TO REPLACE. EXPLAINED THAT GRAND CHEROKEE AND OTHER DODGE CAR HAD RECALLED IT BUT NOT THE DODGE GRAN CARAVAN

NHTSA ODI 11348935