Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Dodge Grand Caravan engine problems
severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
What stands out
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
NAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure is to be used prior to conducting any engine related repairs or removal of engine components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure is to be used prior to conducting any engine related repairs or removal of engine components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners cite engine stalling as the dominant issue—vehicles cut out suddenly at various speeds (as low as 5 mph, as high as 40 mph), sometimes triggered by bumps in parking lots, sometimes with no warning at all. One owner reports the van stalling four times in two days; another describes it happening repeatedly since purchase. Several tied stalling to a known ignition switch recall, but Dodge told one owner the fix applied was temporary and permanent parts are unavailable. A dealer refused to repair one owner's model year entirely.
Heater hose and coolant system failures appear across multiple complaints. Owners describe plastic compression-type fittings assembled incorrectly, coolant leaking onto the hot exhaust manifold and vaporizing into the cabin as toxic odor. One owner observed a cracked radiator at 51,200 miles with steam pouring from the front end. Another reports a fractured rear heater diverter valve causing overheating.
One catastrophic failure: an engine fire at 75,000 miles while the owner drove at low speed, which spread to the owner's house and destroyed the vehicle.
Additional concerns include electrical system failures requiring a new computer, an EGR valve failure at low mileage, and an AC drain leak that can affect the airbag control—with Dodge denying coverage on certain VINs despite identical safety issues described in a recall. Dealers consistently failed to diagnose stalling problems or, in one case, cleared a check engine light without running diagnostics.
Same Dodge Grand Caravan engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Ignition switch stalling
Engine stalls or shuts off suddenly during normal driving, often triggered by bumps, key movement, or no discernible cause. Multiple restart attempts may be required. Owners report this happening repeatedly over years without resolution despite recalls.
When: Various speeds (5–40 mph); some owners report recurring issues from 2009 onward, 2011, 2015; mileage range 20,000–180,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts out and dies suddenly with no warning; Stalling triggered by bumps in road or parking lot entrance; Stalling during turns at low speed; Engine loss of motive power and failure to restart on first attempt; Anti-theft lock warning light illuminated at time of stall; Traction control warning lamp illuminated at time of stall; Engine hesitation after restart
Codes mentioned: Anti-theft system trigger, Traction control warning
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replacement reported by one dealer. Dealer reloaded computer software; independent mechanic replaced connector on another vehicle. One owner instructed to remove extra keys from keychain, which temporarily seemed to resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan ignition key recall announced; owner reports Dodge stated parts unavailable and fix applied was temporary design. Another owner reports Dodge refusing to repair certain model year VINs and requiring owner to fight the company.
Engine fire
Engine compartment fire occurred while vehicle was being driven at low speed. Fire spread rapidly enough to damage owner's residence. Vehicle was destroyed.
When: Approximately 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke rising from engine; Vehicle caught fire in driveway
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was destroyed and towed to salvage yard. No repairs attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified.
Heater hose and coolant system leaks
Molded plastic compression-type hose fittings in the coolant system can be assembled incorrectly, allowing ethylene glycol coolant to leak onto the exhaust manifold. When heated, the coolant vapors are drawn into the vehicle ventilation system creating a toxic odor inside the cabin. One owner reports a cracked heater hose; another reports a cracked rear heater diverter valve.
When: Various mileage; one reported at 73,866 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Strange odor inside vehicle after being parked; Smoke rising from engine; Toxic smell inside vehicle while driving; Coolant leaks in engine compartment; Engine overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Heater hose replacement required. One owner reports fractured heater; another describes rear heater diverter valve with large crack causing coolant leaks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but offered no assistance in at least one case.
Radiator failure and pressure build-up
Radiator cracked and inner hoses damaged due to pressure build-up. Owner observed steam rising from front end while driving at moderate speed.
When: 51,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Strange noise heard; Steam rising from front end
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed cracked radiator and damaged inner hoses.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VIN initially stated as excluded from recall NHTSA 09V046000, but manufacturer later informed contact VIN was included in recall. No recall notice received by owner; vehicle not repaired.
EGR valve failure
EGR valve failure caused engine stalling at low speed with traction control warning lamp illumination. Failure recurred on four separate occasions. Diagnosed at dealer but not repaired.
When: 20,000 miles at first failure; current mileage 81,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalled at approximately 10 mph; Traction control warning lamp illuminated
Codes mentioned: EGR valve failure
Repairs/costs cited: EGR valve failure diagnosed by dealer. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure.
Computer/electrical system failure
Vehicle lost motive power and stalled with anti-theft lock warning light illuminated. Dealer diagnosed need for new computer.
When: 180,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle started to stall; Anti-theft lock warning light illuminated; Vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart; Vehicle would not restart after being towed
Codes mentioned: Anti-theft lock system
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated vehicle needed new computer. Vehicle not repaired.
Engine light / check engine illumination
Check engine light came on and stayed on until engine was turned off and restarted. Dealer advised to restart engine without running diagnostic scan. Owner fears this mirrors complaints from owners whose transmissions quit.
When: Soon after used vehicle purchase in December 2010
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light came on and stayed on while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer advised to turn off motor and restart without diagnostic scan.
AC drain leak affecting airbag control
AC drain under passenger side dash leaks water, which can affect airbag control module. Recall K25 issued but manufacturer claims certain VINs are not included despite having identical safety concerns.
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaking under passenger side dash from AC drain
Repairs/costs cited: AC drain issue identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall K25 issued; Chrysler refused to cover this vehicle claiming VIN is not included in recall.
Freon leak into cabin
Freon began leaking into vehicle cabin after AC was recharged at a service facility.
Symptoms owners cite: Freon leak into vehicle cabin
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken the dealer where the failure could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage and VIN was not available.
Had engine trouble with your 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 46,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 46,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Dodge/Grand Caravan.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.