2010 Dodge Grand Caravan engine problems

Engine cuts off abruptly with no warning or pre-stall symptoms. Vehicle loses all power steering and power brakes simultaneously. Occurs at various speeds (15–65 mph) and traffic conditions. Drivers report the vehicle restarts immediately after being shifted to Neutral or Park. Many report the vehicle has been taken to dealerships multiple times with no diagnostic codes found; dealers claim inability to reproduce the issue. A recall notice (NHTSA 14V-373) addresses the WIN module and fob-key interaction, but some dealers only performed software updates instead of the specified replacement remedy.

When: Early in ownership (5,000–10,000 miles) through higher mileage (135,000+ miles); many incidents occur shortly after cold start or within 5–20 minutes of startup. Several owners report temperature correlation (cold weather 32°F or below, or extremely hot weather).

Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off instantly with no warning; Loss of power steering and power brakes; Radio and dashboard lights remain on while engine is off; Immediate restart after placing vehicle in Neutral/Park; Occurs at stop signs, red lights, during turns, and at highway speeds; Multiple incidents within short time span (3 incidents over 5 months; up to 6 incidents within one week); No diagnostic trouble codes stored in vehicle computer

Codes mentioned: No codes in many cases, 0406 (EGR-related), ABS failure code (reported in one case with stalling)

Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have replaced EGR valves, temperature sensors (second replacement noted), and WIN modules. One owner reported $513.41 repair cost (covered except $150 by extended warranty) for EGR valve and temperature sensor replacement. Another owner replaced WIN module four separate times; stalling recurred after each replacement. Some dealers only performed WIN module software updates rather than hardware replacement per recall instructions.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 14V-373 addresses WIN module and fob-key replacement (parts must be replaced, not updated). Chrysler has acknowledged awareness of the issue in some cases but offered limited assistance. Some owners report Chrysler told them repair falls outside warranty. Extended warranties covered most repairs but with out-of-pocket deductibles.

Engine burns or leaks oil at an abnormal rate. Owners report oil level dropping significantly between scheduled oil changes (every 3,000 miles), requiring top-ups every 1,000 miles. In one case, the oil level did not register on the dipstick after 3,000 miles of driving. Dealerships told owners this is 'normal' or 'within limits.' Chrysler stated consumption of one quart per 750 miles is acceptable for vehicles over 50,000 miles, which owners dispute as excessive.

When: Reported from early ownership through 135,000+ miles. One owner noted the problem persisted for over 20,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops 1.5 or more quarts between scheduled oil changes; Oil dipstick shows extremely low or dry oil level; Low oil warning light illuminates on dashboard; No visible leaks detected by owners or dealers; Persistence despite dealership inspections

Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships offered no repairs, claiming the consumption rate is normal. Owners report bearing damage and engine seizure in at least one case (two cylinders dead at 135,000 miles, requiring a $4,000 used engine replacement). One owner also had timing belt and water pump replaced during engine work.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler stated that one quart per 750 miles is within acceptable limits for vehicles over 50,000 miles. Dealer declined to repair and sided with manufacturer claim of normalcy. Extended warranty did not cover this issue in at least one case.

Engine stalls within the first few minutes of driving after a cold start, particularly in cold weather (32°F or below). Owners describe it as similar to turning the ignition key to 'Acc' — electrical systems remain on but engine and power steering fail. Distinct subset of the broader stalling problem, with temperature correlation noted by multiple owners.

When: Within 2–5 minutes of cold start; incidents reported in December (31°F), March (32°F), and May (50°F, still cold engine after 1 mile).

Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off shortly after startup; No rough idling or pre-warning signs before shutdown; Occurs during gentle maneuvers (pulling from stop sign, turning at intersection); Power steering and brakes lost simultaneously; Vehicle restarts immediately; Correlation with ambient temperature below 50°F noted

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership suggested EGR valve replacement as educated guess, though no diagnostics confirmed this. No repair documentation in narratives.

Diagnostic findings (and dealership suggestions) point to faulty EGR valves and temperature sensors as contributing to stalling. One dealership explicitly stated EGR valve and temperature sensor faults are 'a common problem for decades.' Owners report cleaning or replacing EGR valves, but stalling problems often persisted after repair.

When: Diagnosed from approximately 99,000 km (61,500 miles) onward, though one dealership suggested the problem from early in vehicle life.

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination (0406 code recorded in one case); Intermittent stalling after EGR valve cleaning; Stalling continues or recurs even after EGR valve service

Codes mentioned: P0406 (EGR sensor circuit high)

Repairs/costs cited: Owner had EGR valve cleaned and gaskets changed; problem improved temporarily but recurred within months. Cost and parts not specified in all cases.

ETC light illuminates periodically, causing inconsistent or absent throttle response. Traction Control light may also illuminate simultaneously. Problem resolves temporarily after restarting the vehicle but recurs unpredictably. In some cases, throttle does not respond at all despite accelerator pedal depression, creating a safety hazard in traffic.

When: Timing varies; no specific mileage correlation in narratives.

Symptoms owners cite: ETC warning light illuminates on instrument cluster; Traction Control light may also illuminate; Throttle response is inconsistent, poor, or completely absent; Vehicle may not accelerate despite pedal depression; Problem resolves temporarily after engine restart; Recurs unpredictably

Codes mentioned: ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) fault code implied

Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair information provided in narratives. Restart of vehicle reported as temporary workaround.

Vehicle overheats while driving at moderate speeds (55 mph) accompanied by a burning odor from the engine. One dealer attributed the odor to weeds lodged in the motor and removed them, but the odor persisted three months later. Another dealer suggested the odor would wear off in a couple of weeks, but it did not.

When: Within early ownership; initial report at approximately 12 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheats while driving at normal speeds; Strong burning odor from engine compartment; Odor persists for months despite dealer inspection

Repairs/costs cited: One dealer removed foreign debris (weeds) from motor with no resolution of odor. No other repair attempted or documented.

Engine compartment suddenly shot flames and smoke after the engine began making noise and quit while traveling on the interstate at normal highway speed. Owner heard a faint alarm before engine failure. Fire spread through the firewall into the vehicle interior. Owner abandoned the vehicle and called 911; van was completely consumed by fire. Vehicle was regularly serviced and brakes/tires had just been replaced.

When: Specific mileage and date not provided.

Symptoms owners cite: Faint alarm sound from engine area; Engine begins making noise; Engine quits; Flames and smoke burst from under the hood; Flames spread through firewall under dash; Total vehicle loss

Repairs/costs cited: Not applicable; total loss.

When the vehicle is started and the gear is shifted, an abnormal winding noise emanates from the engine area. Dealership attempted to duplicate the failure during test drives but could not, and no diagnostic codes were found. Dealer advised the vehicle was operating within manufacturer specifications despite the unusual noise.

When: Reported at very low mileage (640 miles); current mileage at complaint was 10,800 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal winding noise from engine area upon startup; Noise occurs when shifting gears; No warning lights or diagnostic codes

Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised the vehicle was operating per manufacturer specifications despite the unusual noise.

Plastic heater hose Y-pipe burst at the seams after less than five years of use, spraying coolant throughout the engine compartment while family was driving on the highway. No warning signs or leaks preceded the rupture. Owner reports this is a common problem affecting multiple Dodge models and emphasizes the part is inherently defective with no preventive maintenance available.

When: After approximately 5 years of ownership; no specific mileage noted.

Symptoms owners cite: Sudden rupture of plastic heater hose Y-pipe; Coolant sprayed throughout engine compartment; No pre-warning or gradual leak; Vehicle stranded on highway

Repairs/costs cited: No repair cost or parts information provided.

Check engine light illuminated at 35,000 km (approximately 21,700 miles) while still under warranty. Dealership diagnosed cylinder 5 misfire. Certified technician performed repair and vehicle was in garage for one week. Stalling problems began later at higher mileage, though the causal relationship is unclear.

When: At 35,000 km during warranty period.

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Cylinder 5 misfire detected by dealer diagnostics

Codes mentioned: Cylinder 5 misfire code (specific code not provided)

Repairs/costs cited: Certified technician repaired the misfire; cost not specified. Vehicle kept in garage for 1 week.