Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Dodge Grand Caravan powertrain problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 18 powertrain complaints filed for the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 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 powertrain 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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report persistent transmission slipping within 15 minutes of cold start, especially during low-speed turns and gear changes—so common that a dealership service rep acknowledged the problem is widespread across this transmission model. Multiple owners describe transmission fluid leaks at cooling-line connections around 50,000 miles, with Dodge denying coverage by claiming the line sits outside the transmission warranty.
Engine stalling occurs unpredictably during reversing, highway driving, and normal operation; owners describe power-steering loss during stalls and difficulty restarting. One owner's van lost all power on the freeway while Check Engine light blinked on and off repeatedly—dealership couldn't find the cause. Another reports the vehicle rolled backward downhill through a fence because it wouldn't stay in Park.
Excessive oil consumption (3–4 quarts per 3,000 miles) starts around 70,000 miles despite oil pan and rear main seal replacement. Gear shifters fail to hold selected gears, sometimes stick in Park, and in one case the entire shifter assembly fell apart in the dash.
Early failures of batteries, brakes (multiple sets), AC, and window modules pile on repair costs. One owner notes Chrysler's powertrain warranty expires if the transmission isn't inspected within 90 days of the 5-year purchase date—and even dealer inspections apparently don't count as qualified inspections. Across 18 complaints, the pattern is clear: transmission trouble from day one, stalling without warning, and park-gear failures that create safety hazards.
Same Dodge Grand Caravan powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission slipping on cold start and low-speed turns
Transmission slips within 15 minutes of cold start, particularly when shifting between 1st–2nd or 2nd–3rd gear during low-speed turns. Multiple owners report this as a persistent issue from purchase. Dealership service rep acknowledged the problem is widespread across this transmission and noted repair cost would be high.
When: First 15 minutes after cold start; early mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slip during upshifts after cold start; Occurs during low-speed turns; Slipping between 1st–2nd or 2nd–3rd gears
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership stated it would be expensive to repair; not addressed under warranty once 5-year powertrain warranty inspection requirement missed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler powertrain warranty expires if transmission not inspected within 90 days of 5-year purchase date; dealer inspections may not count as qualified inspections
Transmission fluid leak at cooling-line connection
Transmission cooling line (sealed system with hidden dip stick) develops leak at connection point in engine bay, inaccessible without dropping transmission. Occurs at low mileage (around 51,000 miles). Dodge denies coverage claiming cooling line is outside transmission warranty; extended warranty also rejected.
When: Approximately 51,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leak from cooling line; Leak in inaccessible location behind engine
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid over $500 for repair; tubing failure deemed defective given non-moving component failure is uncommon
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 100,000-mile powertrain warranty excludes cooling line; extended warranty claim denied
Engine stall in reverse and low-speed maneuvers
Engine shuts off unexpectedly when backing up slowly or during low-speed reversing maneuvers, occurring multiple times in a single weekend. Vehicle requires restart each time. Also reported on forward drive with high RPM and shaking before stall. Owner reports seeing hundreds of similar complaints online.
When: No specific mileage given
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended engine stall while backing up slowly; Engine stall during low-speed reverse maneuvers; High RPM and shaking before stall; Vehicle requires restart to continue operation
Repairs/costs cited: Cause unknown; vehicle towed to dealership
Excessive oil consumption
Engine consumes 3–4 quarts of oil between scheduled 3,000-mile oil changes. Oil light illuminated at 70,000 miles with oil level 3+ quarts below minimum. Dealer replaced oil pan and rear main seal; problem persists. No oil visible on pavement under rear seal, suggesting internal consumption rather than external leak.
When: Approximately 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops 3–4 quarts in 3,000 miles; Check engine light (oil level) illumination; No visible external leaks under rear main seal
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pan and rear main seal replaced; did not resolve issue
Transmission manual mode failure with clunking
Manual mode on automatic/manual transmission ceases to function; when shifted to Drive, clunking noise occurs and vehicle behaves as if stuck in 1st gear. Engine revs continuously without proper shifting; automatic mode does not engage correctly. Multiple early component failures also reported.
When: No specific mileage given
Symptoms owners cite: Manual transmission mode stops responding; Clunking noise when shifting to Drive; Vehicle feels stuck in 1st gear; Engine revs without proper downshift; Check engine light illumination
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports brake replacements (×2), battery, window module, and AC replacement all during ownership; transmission repair not completed as owner states vehicle costs more than worth
Gear-shifter assembly disintegration
Dash-mounted CVT gear-shift lever assembly completely falls apart when moving from Reverse to Drive. Handle, button, and internal spring separate from lever. No fastening mechanism visible to owner; reassembled by hand but metal shaft left exposed in dash.
When: Approximately 31,000 miles (indicated by one reference); narrative #6 dated 8/12/2010
Symptoms owners cite: Gear-shifter handle falls off dash; Button and internal spring separate; Sharp metal shaft exposed in dashboard
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reassembled components by hand; dealership service required but not completed due to safety concern
Engine stall with loss of power steering
Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving, causing loss of power steering. Occurs multiple times on separate occasions. Vehicle can be restarted by shifting from Park to Neutral and back, or turning ignition off and on. One instance: vehicle would not start after stopping at store (no crank, no sound despite full battery); eventually started again after similar shifting procedure. No check engine light or error codes present.
When: No specific mileage given
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended engine stall while driving; Power steering loss during stall; No-crank no-start condition after stall; Intermittent starting issue after stall; No warning lights or diagnostic codes
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle restarts after shifting or key cycling; no permanent repair attempted
Gear-shifter failure to hold in gear selection
Two separate issues: (1) Shifter fails to hold position when used to downshift while driving at highway speed; vehicle does not slow as intended. Dealer identified shifter replacement needed. (2) Shifter ceases in Park position and ignition key cannot be turned off or removed; failure recurs several times with battery drain.
When: Approximately 31,000 miles (first issue); approximately 150,000 miles (second issue)
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter fails to engage selected gear while driving; Inability to downshift for speed reduction at highway speed; Shifter stuck in Park position; Ignition key unable to turn off or be removed; Battery drained due to ignition stuck in On position
Repairs/costs cited: First issue: shifter replacement needed but not repaired; Manufacturer stated shifter not covered under powertrain warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Shifter explicitly excluded from powertrain warranty coverage
Complete transmission failure while driving
Transmission completely fails without warning while driving on freeway at unknown speed. Check engine light was on intermittently for months prior with dealership unable to diagnose. Failure nearly resulted in accident.
When: April 3rd (year not specified, but vehicle purchased early February 2009); no mileage given
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent check engine light for several months; Complete transmission failure without warning; Loss of motive power on freeway
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to diagnose check engine light cause on multiple visits
Parking gear failure and unintended vehicle roll
Vehicle shifts out of Park and rolls backward down driveway without driver inside, striking two parked vehicles and open door. Circumstances unclear: keys either came out of ignition or vehicle somehow shifted from Park to Reverse while key was in Off position, or foot was not on brake.
When: No specific mileage given
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts from Park to Reverse without intentional input; Unintended backward roll down incline; Vehicle cannot be held in Park on slope
Engine stall and transmission shift failure
Engine stalls without warning while driving at 45 mph. After restart, transmission will not shift into Drive gear. Vehicle becomes immobilized and requires towing.
When: Approximately 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended engine stall at highway speed; Unable to shift transmission into Drive after restart; Complete loss of motive power
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; not repaired
Loss of motive power with multiple warning lights
While driving at unknown speed, vehicle loses motive power with Traction Control, ABS, and Check Engine warning lights illuminated simultaneously. Owner reset PCM but failure recurred.
When: Approximately 113,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of motive power while driving; Traction Control light illumination; ABS light illumination; Check Engine light illumination; Recurrence after PCM reset
Codes mentioned: Check Engine, Traction Control, ABS
Repairs/costs cited: PCM reset attempted; no permanent repair completed
Vehicle roll from Park while parked on incline
Vehicle parked on incline with gear in Park rolled down through fence, causing front-end damage. No occupant in vehicle at time of roll.
When: No specific mileage given
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward from Park on incline; Unintended vehicle motion on slope
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Multiple problems. Worst first. High oil consumption, maintain vehicle faithfully. At approx. 70 k miles the engine oil light popped on. Checked oil. Was not registering on stick. Over three qts low! Engine continues to use 3-4 qts between oil changes (3000 miles). Van is on its third set of brakes. Tires have to be rotated very often because the front ruins tires quickly. Have had to replace the…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 51,111 and 123,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 51,111; a quarter make it past 123,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.