2009 Dodge Grand Caravan

Above average

Owners filed 543 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 7 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
75,000 milesMedian miles at failure

330 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System217
231
Air Bags111
302
Service Brakes, Hydraulic29
000
Engine26
110
Wheels19
000
Unknown or Other18
000
Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems18
000
Service Brakes16
000
Power Train11
200
Electronic Stability Control (esc)10
010

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module20V396000
Filed Jul 7, 2020925,239 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.

Risk. Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.

Air Bags › Frontal16V047000
Filed Jan 29, 2016110,482 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)

Defect. FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.

Risk. If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.

Air Bags14V373000
Filed Jun 26, 2014722,705 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk. If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.

Suspension › Rear › Axle › Non-powered Axle Assembly14V055000
Filed Feb 11, 2014130 vehiclesFreedom Motors, Inc.

Defect. Freedom Motors Inc., (Freedom Motors) of Savaria Vehicle Group (formerly The Liberty Motor Company) is recalling one model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan and certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country wheelchair accessible vehicles modified by The Liberty Motor Company from February 2008 through January 2011. Over time and with use, the vehicle's rear axle may develop cracks which could lead to axle failure.

Risk. Failure of the rear axle may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Freedom Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected axles, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2014. Owners can contact Freedom Motors at 1-800-561-9600. Freedom Motors' number for this recall is ENGF0216-3.

Electrical System › Wiring10V235000
Filed Jun 3, 2010284,655 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc

Defect. CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 2007 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2009. SOME OF THE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ROUTED WIRE HARNESS THAT MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE THE LOWER SLIDING DOOR HINGE BRACKET CAN MAKE CONTACT AND WEAR THROUGH THE WIRE INSULATION.

Risk. A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD OCCUR INSIDE THE SLIDING DOOR, OVERHEATING THE LATCH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy. CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-853-1403.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic09V351000
Filed Sep 11, 200982 vehiclesEldorado National

Defect. ELDORADO NATIONAL IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 AMERIVAN MOBILITY VEHICLES BUILT ON CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN PLATFORMS VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE LINES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ROUTED AND NOT SECURED PROPERLY DURING THE ALTERATION. IF NOT ROUTED AND SECURED PROPERLY, THE BRAKE LINES COULD RUB AGAINST THE VEHICLE CAUSING A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.

Risk. A BRAKE FLUID LEAK COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY CAUSING A CRASH.

Remedy. ELDORADO NATIONAL AMERIVAN DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND IF THE BRAKE LINES WERE IMPROPERLY ROUTED THEY WILL BE CORRECTLY REINSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ELDORADO NATIONAL AT 1-800-955-9086. THESE MINIVANS HAVE BEEN ALTERED INTO WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES BY ELDORADO. THIS RECALL IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED BY CHRYSLER GROUP LLC AND WILL NOT BE PERFORMED AT NO COST BY DODGE OR CHRYSLER DEALERS UNLESS THEY ARE ALSO AN ELDORADO NATIONAL DEALER.

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers09V046000
Filed Feb 5, 20096,138 vehiclesChrysler Llc

Defect. CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 6,138 MY 2009 TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES. UNUSED ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR THE BLIND SPOT DETECTION SYSTEM MAY BECOME CORRODED AND COULD SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN CAUSE A VARIETY OF CONDITIONS.

Risk. IF THE FUSE FOR THIS CIRCUIT DOES NOT BLOW, THE CONNECTORS COULD OVERHEAT AND POTENTIALLY CATCH FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL SEAL THE POWER CIRCUIT AT THE SUBJECT CONNECTOR AND REPLACE THE FUSE FOR THIS CIRCUIT IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed May 16, 2026VA

In August 2024, the airbag system in a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (VIN: [XXX] ) deployed unexpectedly while the vehicle was parked and not in operation. There was no collision, impact, or known external trigger at the time of deployment. The malfunction involved the airbag restraint system and/or related electrical or control components. An unexpected airbag deployment creates a serious safety concern because it could injure vehicle occupants or bystanders and indicates a potential defect in the restraint system. The vehicle was immediately taken to Banister Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Hampton, Virginia, where it has remained since the incident. To the best of our knowledge, the vehicle has remained in dealership/manufacturer custody and should be available for inspection. The manufacturer indicated they were reviewing the matter and determining the value of the vehicle; however, despite extended time passing, no repair, replacement, or written resolution has been provided. The issue has not been reproduced because the vehicle has remained out of service since the incident. It is UNKNOWN whether the precise cause has been formally confirmed by the manufacturer or dealership. No injuries occurred, but the incident placed the safety of the owners and others at risk because a critical safety restraint system deployed without warning while the vehicle was stationary. Documented NHTSA recalls affecting Dodge Grand Caravan airbag systems and related models demonstrate prior manufactur

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 7, 2025NC

Car will crank but not start. Can cannot be started intermittently which could be dangerous considering location of vehicle, adverse weather conditions, etc. There are no warning lamps or messages related to the problem. This is a known problem with other Chrysler models and model years. TIMP fuel pump relay has failed. Bypassing the fuel pump relay will allow car to start. See attached file of Vertical Vissions' bypass solutions to this problem.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 21, 2024TN

While driving on major (multi-lane) city street (40 mph) the vehicle began to slow, steering became difficult and a single amber caution for the traction control was illuminated. Tachometer indicated 0 RPM. After pulling over, the vehicle was restarted and driven without further issue. Recall on the ignition switch was addressed in 2009. Unexpected engine shutdown could have significantly reduced safety margins in heavy traffic. No third party inspected vehicle after incident. Owner notes that key fob does not have anything hanging of it that could aggravate unwanted movement of ignition switch

Unknown or Other
Filed May 24, 2024PA

I had a flat tire (drivers front). I Parked on a level parking lot. I put bricks behind other tires to prevent movement. Next I loosened lug nuts, I then removed the spare and original equipment jack. I began jacking the car up with the jack in the area indicated for jacking by the instructions. The tire was off the ground. I was beginning to spin off the lug nuts when the car dropped with a brrrrrt sound. The main screw in the scissors jack pulled through the threaded nut on the end. The jack was still upright but the screw threads failed. No one was hurt but the potential is high for the jack to fail suddenly and without warning. Note the van was not occupied or in any way loaded. The second picture attempts to show the screw threads deformed after pulling through the nut.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 8, 2023160,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while parked with the keys out of the ignition, the contact heard a loud pop coming from the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side deployed without impact. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to inform the manufacturer of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The contact stated that the vehicle was not inspected. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 14, 2023KY

It started out as the van would not start almost everytime I got ready to leave and would have someone jump my battery, and it would start right back up. after a few weeks of having to do this, i had help jumping my battery once again but this time my wind shield wipers wouldnt shut off resulting in me having to take the fuse out and back in when it rains. when this happened the what i believe is called the "multi functional shift " (the stick on the left side of steering wheel that controls my wipers, wiper fluid, turn signals, bright lights, etc.) completely stopped working with no sign of it having problems previously. Along with that the stereo keeps flickering and switching channels on its own. Lastly, when i am pumping gas, i can barely pull up the trigger without the pump shutting off like as if my tank was full. This has all happened in the last 6 or 7 months or so and has not yet been investigated.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 9, 2023SC

Key stuck in the ignition does not turn properly

Electrical System
Filed Feb 2, 2023MI

Key in into slips from run to accsry and causes van to stall. Has happened a few times. Very dangerous to have van stall while driving

Engine
Filed Dec 8, 2022180,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle started to stall with the Anti-theft lock warning light illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled and failed to restart. The contact was able to push the vehicle into a gas station and the vehicle however, the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed a new computer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 180,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
Filed Nov 18, 2022113,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the traction control, ABS, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact reset the PCM; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 28, 2022MN

On 10 October 2022 @ 21:05 hours, I was driving home (to Waconia) from Academy College (Bloomington, MN). Upon entering I35 W North entrance ramp, I had engaged my left turn signal; looking in my driver-side mirror as I merged, I seen the headlights behind me & proceeded to accelerate on the freeway. I was partially in the lane when I heard a horn & wheels screeching to my left. I was close enough to the shoulder & quickly turned sharp then the vehicle blew by me, barely colliding with my vehicle. (I stayed steady & did box breathing as I tried to calm myself). The next day I was driving my van and when I used my left turn signal, I noticed on my instrument panel it was not reflecting my turn signal light, so when I had the near collision the night before, they did not see my turn signal light! The electrical problem with this 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan while driving; at 4-7 minute intervals, this happens while driving; headlights; wipers all instrument panel lights come on; chime rings all at the same time! Days before the near collision, I brought my van in to the mechanics shop and told the owner what was happening. He knew right away that it was the TIP Module needs replacement, due to corrosion under the fuse panel. He sends customers to the Chrysler dealer, which costs $3000 to install & there is a waiting period for the part.(had put $1900 into the ATV-multi vehicle reseal side cover; oil pan gasket & water pump; l/r & r/r calipers; brake fluid; engine coolant/conditione

Tires1 injured
Filed Oct 28, 2022MN

225/65 R 16 100 My van is available for inspection; the left front driver’s-side tire was repaired (under warranty) on 6 August 2022; a plug was installed to repair a ticking sound, which ended up being a nail imbedded in the tire. Once on the road again, I still heard an annoying sound( I realized the mechanic may not have cut the plug flush). I intended to go back to have them cut it off, but forgot due to my recent part-time work activities & starting College at night.(as well as getting Covid on 28 September 2022. I was scheduled to work at Davanni’s on 21 October 2022. I got into work around 12:33. I use an App on my phone to deliver pizza’ & hoagies. I took a large order around 15:30. I was nervous driving, because my van(previously reported on this site)was having the electrical issues, even when I put my vehicle in park. I messaged my customer when I was 2-3 minutes away(I was extra cautious because my signals wouldn’t show drivers behind me that I was turning, so my 1st text would usually be at a semi-fore, then when I park in driveway, I send a text I am there. The customer had a pretty high incline when I parked. After sending the text I proceeded to exit my vehicle. (my phone was in my right hand). I stepped out with my left foot, then the right; I was fully standing when all of a sudden I felt my door pushing on my left side, I braced my left arm, looked down & noticed the van was rolling back. I felt the tire start to hit my toe then instantly brought my right f

Electrical System
Filed Oct 5, 2022MI

While driving all electrical systems fail, warning lights flash on and off, power steering and brakes fail, all lights go out. If I do not pull over and turn the car off as soon as it starts, I will stall out in the middle of the road. This has been happening for months and every mechanic I take my car to states everything tests fine.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 15, 2022VA

While driving all electrical systems fail, warning lights flash on and off, power steering and brakes fail, all lights go out. Can shift to neutral and restart, drive on until it repeats.

Power TrainCrash
Filed Jul 13, 2022VA

Parked vehicle and put gear in park.Vehicle rolled down hill through chain link fence and did front end damage. No person was inside vehicle at time it rolled off.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 7, 202295,000 milesMN

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at his residence, a fire started from the drivers side tail light. The tail light, the rear bumper, and part of the rear seat were melted, additionally the rear windshield shattered. The fire department was called and they extinguished the fire using chemical powder and water. The fire marshal wrote an incident report. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact did not take the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 27, 2021MO

THE WINDOW TRACK BROKE ON THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. THE MOTOR WAS GOOD BECAUSE IT STILL WORKED TO ROLLS DOWN ALL WINDOWS EXCEPT THE WING WINDOWS! SO WE REPLACE THE TRACK GOT IT ALL IN EVERY WINDOW WORKED EXCEPT THE WING WINDOWS AGAIN! THEN IT BROKE 2 WEEKS LATER AGAIN SO WE BOUGHT THE WHOLE SET UP FOR DRIVER WINDOW TRACK & MOTOR, SILL WING WINDOWS WON'T WORK AND THE TRACK ON THE DRIVER WINDOW BROKE LESS THAN A WEEK AFTER PUTTING IT IN! NOW I HAVE WOOD HOLDING THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW UP AND MY WING WINDOWS STILL WON'T OPEN! I'M NOT SURE SPECIFIC DATES SO I'M GONNA GUESS BELOW I CAN GET RECORD FROM AUTOZONE TO PROVE I'VE BOUGHT THE PARTS 2 TIMES!

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 17, 2020166,000 milesSC

I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 MPH ON A TOWN ROAD AND THE CAR RANDOMLY SHUT OFF. THERE WAS A TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT THAT CAME ON. ALL ELECTRICAL STILL WORKED BUT NO ACCELERATION, POWER STEERING OR POWER BRAKES. I HAD TO SLOW DOWN, PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTART THE CAR. WHAT IF I WAS ON THE HIGH WAY? WHAT IF I WAS CROSSING AN INTERSECTION? MY WIFE DRIVES MY 3 CHILDREN AROUND IN THIS CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES THIS PAST WEEK. NEVER DID IT BEFORE. AND I'VE ALREADY HAD THE IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED THAT DODGE SENT OUT A RECALL FOR.

Engine
Filed Nov 3, 2020140,000 milesMT

THERE IS A LEAK IN THE HEATING COOLANT HOSE. THIS MAKES A TOXIC SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 26, 202071,800 milesTX

AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHEN STARTED VEHICLE AND NEVER TURNED OFF. TOOK IT IN TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS MY BATTERY CAUSING THE LIGHT. REPLACED THE BATTERY AND THEY RE-DID THE DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY TOLD ME THE ORC MODULE IS BAD DUE TO THE BATTERY. THEY SAID MY BATTERY WAS CHARGING TO 1000 VOLTS AND WAS ONLY SUPPOSED TO BE 800VOLTS. SO NOW I AM STUCK WITH A BILL FOR $631. I WAS TOLD THAT THE SAME YEAR MODEL HAD A RECALL FOR THIS REASON AND MINE DIDN'T QUALIFY BECAUSE IT WAS MADE 23 DAYS AFTER THE RECAL NOTICE S07. THE VAN IS IN THE SHOP CURRENTLY WAITING ON THE PART.

20 of 543 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2008
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202020100Routine
2019240430Above average
2018270401Fatalities reported
2017414330Above average
20161,000670Above average
2015281420Above average
20143575130Above average
2013470430Above average
20125836140Above average
20115304171Fatalities reported
20108686130Above average
2009 — this page543760Above average
20081,2928162Fatalities reported
2007182370Routine
2006284430Above average
2005995670Above average
2004116310Routine
2003219350Above average
20022906142Fatalities reported
2001298510Above average
20004428131Fatalities reported
19994325138Fatalities reported
19985596201Fatalities reported
19975836391Fatalities reported
19961,15711427Fatalities reported
1995108310Routine
1994199650Routine
1993289900Above average
1992255841Fatalities reported
1991129860Routine
199055320Routine

Compare every Grand Caravan year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 7, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.