Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Dodge Grand Caravan body problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 11 body complaints filed for the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 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 body complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 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 body 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.
Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report five main sliding door problems on the 2011 Grand Caravan. Most critical: the power sliding doors fail to reverse when obstructed. Multiple complaints document children's hands and arms caught in closing doors, resulting in broken bones and injuries—despite the vehicle being marketed with an automatic stop sensor. One owner tested the door with his hand while the close button was pushed; the door kept moving and would not stop. Another's three-year-old pushed the button and the door shut completely on his hand, breaking bones. A third owner reached into the car to grab something and the door hit her arm but kept closing instead of reversing—she had to manually pull the door open.
Owners also report both sliding doors rubbing against the body and rear wheel wells, leaving black marks and scratches visible at low mileage (24,000 miles). One door lock froze in the locked position, preventing electronic or manual opening. Another door simply quit opening at 144,000 miles. Some doors close randomly before reaching fully open position, and one owner reported a door that closes shortly after being opened without anyone pressing the button.
Tire tread separation at highway speed (70 mph) appears in one complaint but is isolated within this cluster.
Same Dodge Grand Caravan body reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Sliding door fails to stop or does not respond to obstruction
Power sliding doors close completely even when an object or person is in the way. The door's sensor either does not detect the obstruction or fails to trigger an automatic stop and reversal. Multiple complaints document children's hands and arms caught in doors with resulting injuries.
When: Occurs during normal door closing operation; some instances noted early in vehicle ownership with low mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Door continues closing when hand or object is in doorway; Door does not reverse direction upon detecting obstruction; Door closes prematurely while still in open position; Safety sensor does not function as advertised by dealer
Sliding door lock mechanism sticks or freezes
Driver's side sliding door lock becomes stuck in locked position. Neither electronic power lock switch nor manual door lock lever can move the lock to unlock position. Door cannot be opened electronically or manually.
When: Occurs after period of normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Sliding door frozen shut; Lock lever stuck in locked position and will not move; Power door lock switch does not unlock that specific door; Door cannot be opened electronically or manually
Sliding doors rub against body and rear wheel wells
Both sliding side doors contact the vehicle body, leaving black marks and scratches on the rear wheel wells and door interiors. Occurs when doors are in the open position. Multiple owners report the same issue.
When: Present with low mileage (24,000 miles noted); visible from time of purchase or shortly after
Symptoms owners cite: Black marks evenly placed on rear wheel wells; Scratches and contact marks on door interiors where doors touch body; Visible cosmetic damage from door rubbing
Sliding door fails to open
Rear driver's side sliding door does not open. Vehicle not taken to dealer or mechanic for diagnosis; manufacturer not contacted. Failure mode not fully documented.
When: At approximately 144,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sliding door fails to open
Door randomly closes before fully opening
Sliding doors begin closing before they reach the fully open position without any button being pressed. Occurs unpredictably during normal use.
When: Early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Door closes during opening cycle without manual trigger; Door closes before reaching fully open position; Occurs randomly and unpredictably
Synthesized from 11 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 2011 Dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the rear driver's side sliding doors failed to open. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.
Had body trouble with your 2011 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 body problem on the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, body issues most often appear around 88,771 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body 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 body?
No active recalls currently cover body 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/2011/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.