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 ↗2010 Dodge Grand Caravan powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan have filed 46 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 67,477 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
46
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Grand Caravan | 18 |
| 2010 Grand Caravan (this page) | 46 |
| 2011 Grand Caravan | 42 |
| 2012 Grand Caravan | 45 |
| 2013 Grand Caravan | 35 |
| 2014 Grand Caravan | 18 |
3crashes
1fire
3injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 46 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 12 model years of Dodge Grand Caravan in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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
Engine stalls without warning at highway and city speeds, sometimes 30–40+ times over months. Power steering and brakes vanish when the engine dies, leaving drivers stranded in traffic. Dealerships find no diagnostic codes and cannot replicate the failure, yet it recurs. The root cause varies across narratives: some point to ignition systems (WIN module), others to wiring shorts or electrical gremlins.
Transmission problems plague these vans. Hard shifts, delayed engagement, lurching forward when stopped, transmission over-revving to 5000+ RPM, and complete failure to shift happen without check-engine codes. Cruise control on hills triggers violent downshifts. Shifters stick in park, preventing gear selection; some vehicles roll backward despite being parked.
One van caught fire in the fan area during normal highway driving. Another suffered steel intercooler lines rupturing at low mileage, spraying coolant as steam into the cabin. A third had internal wiring wear through shielding, causing shorts that killed the engine at road speed.
Post-recall ignition switch repairs broke headlight circuits. Key fobs stuck in ignition for months in some cases.
Dealers consistently say "no codes, nothing to fix" even when failures recur. Chrysler opened cases but delivered no solutions. One transmission was rebuilt at manufacturer expense; most owners were left to absorb repair costs or abandon the vehicle.
Same Dodge Grand Caravan powertrain reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended engine shutdown while driving
Engine cuts off or stalls unexpectedly at various speeds (low-speed and highway), without warning lights or diagnostic codes. Loss of power steering and brakes upon shutdown. Vehicle restarts normally after shutdown. Occurs 30-40+ times over months or years of ownership.
When: Throughout ownership; 10,000 to 140,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while driving; No warning lights or check engine codes; Loss of power steering and brakes; Vehicle restarts without issue; Occurs at both low (10-15 MPH) and highway speeds (60-70 MPH); More frequent after engine warm-up or extended driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose; no codes present. Some owners report WIN module failure (ignition system). One owner had transmission rebuilt at manufacturer expense after independent mechanic failed to diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler Case ID [XXX]; manufacturer stated no recalls apply. One owner advised ignition switch was not included in NHTSA Campaign 11V139000.
Transmission shift problems and hesitation
Transmission fails to shift smoothly or at all. Hard shifts, delayed engagement, failure to downshift or upshift, and transmission lurching forward under braking. Issues occur both at startup and during driving.
When: From 2,000 to 131,000 miles; some issues at startup, others during acceleration or passing maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Hard shifts or grinding noise (high-pitched squeal) when shifting gears; Transmission fails to engage when accelerating or passing; Delayed engagement; pause before jerking forward/backward; Engine revs high before shifting; Transmission disengages causing engine to over-rev (5000+ RPM); Transmission clunking or lurching when coming to a stop; Reverse engages only briefly then fails
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers state no error codes present, cannot diagnose. Repairs cited include computer upgrade, transmission replacement (one owner), and rebuilds at manufacturer expense.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Computer upgrade performed in at least one case. One owner's transmission rebuilt at manufacturer expense after repeated dealer visits. Dealers frequently state no codes; one advised transmission clunking is 'natural for that type of engine.'
Cruise control malfunction causing transmission downshift and over-rev
When cruise control is active at highway speed and vehicle descends hills, transmission spontaneously downshifts multiple gear levels hard, engine over-revs to 5000+ RPM, and loss of acceleration control occurs. Turning off cruise or braking does not immediately stop the condition.
When: At 3,200–3,740 miles and in later ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission downshifts 3 gear levels hard when descending hills on cruise control; Engine RPM climbs to 5000+; Condition continues for 30 seconds even after disengaging cruise or braking; Vehicle could shut off from excessive engine revving
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed. Dealer advised owner not to use cruise control on hills.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler acknowledged this was a problem on 2009 models, stated it was supposedly fixed for 2010. Chrysler stated they were investigating software updates or mechanical fixes but did not feel a quick fix was available.
Spontaneous acceleration and inability to control with brakes
Vehicle unexpectedly accelerates to 8000+ RPM during normal acceleration. Brakes are insufficient to control vehicle speed. Requires turning off ignition, shifting to neutral, and drifting to roadside. Problem is intermittent and difficult to replicate.
When: Several months after purchase; vehicle had 10,000 miles at purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle spontaneously accelerates to 8000+ RPM; Occurs during normal highway acceleration; Brakes insufficient to control speed; Engine and all systems must be reset by key-off and neutral shift
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle left with dealer for two weeks; mechanics drove 200+ miles attempting to replicate without success.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler Case ID [XXX] assigned. No resolution documented.
Engine fire
White smoke and puffs visible from under hood; sudden transition to black smoke and embers dropping from front of vehicle. Fire started in fan assembly area. Hood buckled, front grille melted, entire engine compartment burned and melted inside.
When: 35 miles into a drive; no prior warning
Symptoms owners cite: Smoky smell; White smoke puffs from under hood; Sudden black smoke pouring from engine; Embers dropping to road from front of vehicle; Flames when hood opened; Hood buckled and warped; Front grille melted
Repairs/costs cited: Fire extinguished by bystanders and firefighters before total vehicle loss. Battery disconnected by fire department.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Wiring loom wear and shorting causing engine shutdown
Left-hand side wiring loom wears against aluminum protrusion beneath it, removing shielding and causing internal shorts. Contact between worn wires and metal during vibration causes engine to die at road speeds without warning.
When: Not specified; owner wrapped harness during three-hour trip to limp vehicle home
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies at road speeds without warning; Worn wiring shielding; Internal shorts from wire-to-wire or wire-to-metal contact; Loss of power steering and brakes upon shutdown; Vibration-induced contact triggers shutdown; Vehicle typically restarts after short stop when no friction between wires exists
Repairs/costs cited: Owner added additional wrapping to harness as temporary repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented. Owner submitted this as a recall suggestion.
Ignition switch malfunction and key sticking
Key becomes lodged or stuck in ignition, difficult to turn off engine, or key cannot be removed from ignition when engine is off. Requires removing and reinserting key multiple times to start vehicle or turn off engine. Key may come out while engine is running.
When: Throughout ownership; repeated occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Key stuck between START and ON position; Key difficult to turn to OFF position; Key cannot be pulled out of ignition when engine is off; Key comes out while engine is running; Requires multiple removal and reinsertion of key to start or stop engine; Gear shifter will not move when key is stuck
Repairs/costs cited: One owner: gear shifter replacement attempted but part unavailable (NHTSA Campaign 14V373000). Some owners report this resembles the recalled ignition defect but VIN not on recall list.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to NHTSA Campaign 14V373000 (Electrical System, Air Bags). Some owners received recall notices; parts unavailable for repair, causing extended delays.
Electrical system malfunctions and unintended locking/unlocking
Dashboard warning lights (malfunction indicator, electronic stability, electronic throttle control) illuminate and extinguish erratically. Vehicle windows open or close without driver command. Door locks fail to engage or disengage with remote control; door locks stick. Vehicle locks and unlocks itself repeatedly.
When: Throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard lights (malfunction indicator, electronic stability, electronic throttle control) turn on and off; Windows open or close by themselves; Door locks fail with remote control; Door locks sticky and difficult to operate; Vehicle locks and unlocks itself repeatedly; Front lights come on without being activated
Repairs/costs cited: Oxygen sensors replaced in at least one case. Battery and starter also replaced in one reported case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Intercooler line rupture and coolant/steam leakage
Steel intercooler lines that run to the interior heater rupture, causing coolant to be expelled as steam from under the hood and into the vehicle cabin. Occurs at low mileage (reported at under 70,000 miles).
When: Low mileage; one case at unknown mileage, another 2008 model also reported same failure
Symptoms owners cite: Steam expelling from under hood; Steam entering vehicle cabin; Coolant loss; Requires immediate stop
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost not specified. Owner noted this is a manufacturing design issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler contacted. Second 2008 Grand Caravan had same failure, indicating possible systemic issue. No recall or repair program documented.
Transmission shift lever engagement and park position failure
Vehicle fails to shift out of park or into park properly. Shifter does not fully engage or click. Gear shift may not move at all. Vehicle can roll despite being in park. Key fob cannot be removed when vehicle is in park.
When: Throughout ownership; from 7,000 to 131,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shift out of park without manipulating key; Shifter very hard to shift or half-engaged; Vehicle rolls backward despite being in park; Shifter does not click or fully engage; Gear shift will not move; Key fob stuck and cannot be removed; Vehicle must be in motion or shifted to another gear to release stuck key
Repairs/costs cited: One transmission shift assembly separated from vehicle at 36,000 miles. Gear shifter replacement recommended in one case; parts unavailable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to NHTSA Campaign 14V373000. One dealer advised owner to ensure shifter is properly engaged in park position after shifting.
Headlight malfunction following ignition switch recall
After ignition switch recall (Campaign 14V373000) was completed, headlights began flashing and turning off unexpectedly. Headlights come on when key is in ignition regardless of switch position, then flash once and turn off. Cannot be turned on unless key is in ignition.
When: After recall completion
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights flash a couple of times then go off; Unable to keep headlights on; Lights come on and off erratically; Lights only function when key is in ignition, then flash once and turn off; Vehicle has no automatic headlight function according to paperwork
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suspected bad TIP (turn-in-park switch or similar component) and quoted $900 with no guarantee of fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No resolution documented. Owner noted widespread complaints among other vehicle owners from 1999 to present, suggesting Dodge is aware but not fixing the issue.
Vehicle rolling without driver input
Vehicle rolls backward or forward while parked, in park, or with engine off. Occurs when driver exits vehicle after shifting to park or stopping. Vehicle has rolled over occupants.
When: As early as 7,000 to 19,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward while parked and engine running; Vehicle rolls forward/backward when shifter is not properly engaged; Vehicle begins rolling when driver exits after parking
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle crashed into tree; damage not repaired. One rental vehicle ran over driver's leg, causing scrapes, bruises, and bone contusion. One vehicle rolled over driver exiting, causing serious injuries requiring hospitalization.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised diagnosis at dealer. Dealer advised owner to ensure shifter is properly engaged in park. No recall or fix documented.
Synthesized from 46 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2010 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 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan?
It's a meaningful issue. 46 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 40 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 19,050 and 105,000 miles, with the median around 67,477. A quarter of owners report trouble before 19,050; a quarter make it past 105,000. 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/2010/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.