ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Dodge Grand Caravan engine problems
severe 29 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
29
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
3fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 29 engine complaints filed for the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 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
Owners have filed 29 engine 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.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 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.
ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY (with mileage above 30,000) review and follow instructions from STAR Online S1809000007 REV. C available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan engine complaints span starting failures, stalling while driving, and power loss that recurs even after repairs. Many owners report the check engine light turning on repeatedly, often with no stored codes or with codes that reappear after parts replacement. Some have had cam phasers and cam position sensors replaced—sometimes multiple times—without resolution. A smaller group reports the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) as the culprit behind no-start and stalling episodes, though parts availability has delayed fixes.
Acceleration loss on the highway is a recurring theme: several owners describe the gas pedal having no effect at speed, with the vehicle coasting down and lurching. Traction control lights accompany these events. Starting struggles are frequent—many needing multiple attempts to crank over, or not starting at all.
Two vehicles caught fire while parked or during driving, with causes undetermined. Three owners report engine mounts failing, with screws either sheared or stripped at the factory. One owner had cylinder 4 misfire codes that persisted despite replacing the spark plug, wires, coil pack, head valve, fuel injector, and vacuum components. An oil filter housing has broken on at least one vehicle, with one mechanic noting it happens often enough that dealers stock replacements regularly.
Same Dodge Grand Caravan engine reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Starting and stalling failures
Engine won't start without multiple attempts, stalls while driving at various speeds, and loses all power including steering and braking. Many episodes occur intermittently with no warning. Some vehicles restart after waiting a few minutes; others require multiple key turns.
When: Reported from 46,000 to 169,000 miles; episodes as early as 6 months ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle won't turn over on first attempt, requiring 2–6 tries; Stalling while driving at highway and town speeds; Loss of power steering and power brakes when engine dies; Engine dies then restarts after minutes or multiple attempts; No warning lights or intermittent check engine light
Codes mentioned: No codes detected in some cases, Check engine light stored and then clears or returns
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement ($1,100–cost varies); fuel pump relay bypass performed; alternator and fuel pump replaced in one case; battery replacement tried; repairs often temporary or ineffective
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TIPM covered under some warranty cases; in one case owner told Dodge was aware of the failure but offered no assistance; parts on back order delayed some repairs
Check engine light with unresolved codes
Check engine light illuminates, often with no stored diagnostic codes. When codes are found (P0302 cylinder 4 misfire, cam position faults), replacing the indicated component does not fix the problem. Light returns within days or weeks.
When: Reported from 30,000 to 153,000 miles; some from new or early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on and off intermittently; No codes captured when scanned at dealer; Rattling noise at startup accompanying the light; Traction control light also illuminates in some cases; Light returns days to weeks after parts replacement
Codes mentioned: P0302 (Cylinder 4 misfire), Cam position sensor faults, Cam phaser codes
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body repair; cam phasers replaced; cam position sensors replaced (sometimes multiple times); spark plugs, wires, coil pack, head valve, fuel injector, and vacuum components replaced without resolution; remanufactured engine eventually required in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer consultation led to parts replacement but issues recurred; one owner told vehicle not covered under warranty extension for engine replacement
Loss of acceleration and power while driving
Engine loses power mid-drive, particularly on highways. Gas pedal becomes unresponsive even when pushed to the floor. Vehicle coasts down from highway speeds (70 mph to 50 mph range) and lurches forward intermittently. Episodes occur after check engine and traction control lights illuminate.
When: Reported from 30,000 to 151,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration despite pressing gas pedal fully; Vehicle coasts down from 70 mph to 50 mph; RPMs won't rise above 1,300; Check engine and traction control lights illuminate; Vehicle lurches forward then coasts back down; Limp mode engagement with multiple warning lights
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Traction control light
Repairs/costs cited: Cam phasers replaced; cam position sensors replaced; both wiring harnesses replaced; ECM replacement diagnosed but not completed; multiple dealer visits and 2-week diagnostic periods
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler consulted and recommended specific parts replacements; issues recurred despite all recommended work
Cylinder 4 misfire—unresolved after component replacement
Persistent P0302 code for cylinder 4 misfire that returns even after replacing every component typically associated with misfires. Owner reports research indicates this is a common issue with no solution other than full engine replacement.
When: Reported from 30,000 to 153,000 miles; appeared within one week of purchase in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light for cylinder 4 misfire; Repeated return of P0302 code after parts replacement
Codes mentioned: P0302 (Cylinder 4 misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replaced, spark plug wire replaced, coil pack replaced, cylinder head valve replaced, fuel injector replaced, vacuum and shafts replaced; remanufactured engine required as only remaining option, which costs more than vehicle's current loan amount
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall; owner states this is a known common issue with no manufacturer solution
Engine mount failure
Factory mounting screws holding the engine to mounts become loose or sheared off, causing the engine to drop onto the front axle. Occurs despite proper maintenance and no accident history. Dealer declined warranty coverage.
When: At 3 years old; mileage not specified in complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise when pulling out of parking lot; Engine dropped onto front axle
Repairs/costs cited: Screws were sheared on one side and stripped on the other; repair cost not specified but owner was denied warranty coverage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated they could not determine cause, denied fault, and refused warranty coverage claiming engine mounts are not part of the powertrain warranty
Throttle control and electronic failures
Electronic throttle control warning light illuminates, sometimes accompanied by loss of power. In one case, windows and vehicle information center operated on their own before the starting issue began.
When: Reported from 6 months old to 73,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic throttle control warning light; Stalling when throttle control warning illuminates; Loss of power during these events; Windows operating on their own; Vehicle information center changing on its own
Codes mentioned: Electronic throttle control warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body repair attempted; independent mechanic could not replicate failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no repair guidance provided
Engine fire—parked and while driving
Engine fire occurred in at least two separate vehicles while parked and one while driving. Causes undetermined. One fire started with popping noise after jump-start attempt; another erupted while driving at 65 mph with smoke visible.
When: Reported at 130,000–140,000 miles; one at lower mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Fire under the hood while parked (2 cases); Smoke under hood while driving; Popping noise followed by flames (jump-start scenario); Brake warning indicator illuminated (in one fire case)
Repairs/costs cited: Two vehicles destroyed; fire department extinguished flames; police reports filed; no diagnosis completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified in one case; cause not determined in any fire case
Oil filter housing failure
Engine oil filter housing breaks, causing oil leaks. One mechanic reported seeing this frequently enough that he stocks multiple replacements and stated the dealer keeps them in stock as a common occurrence.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Oil puddle in driveway
Repairs/costs cited: Oil filter housing replacement; mechanic noted he has seen this recently multiple times and dealer stocks them regularly due to frequency
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed this is a common occurrence
Cylinder compression loss due to defective lifter
Engine loses compression in a cylinder due to a defective lifter that damages the cam. Results in power loss while driving on the highway.
When: Highway driving; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine loss of power and speed while on highway
Repairs/costs cited: Defective lifter identified as cause of cam damage
Synthesized from 29 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to maneuver the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ECM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan?
It's a meaningful issue. 29 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 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 65,000 and 138,000 miles, with the median around 91,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 65,000; a quarter make it past 138,000. 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/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.