PLATE, TORQUE CONVERTER DRIVE For 3.6L with 62TE NOTE: FOR 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 USEAGE & MUST BE REPLACED & PROPERLY TORQUED TO 105NM Replace the eight bolts 8 06503465 drive plate to crank shaft and the four TC bolts 06504383 as they have sealants Vehicle miles < 30K: Mandatory replacement of transmission and driveplate Vehicle miles > 30K: Replace driveplate only shot peened
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Dodge Grand Caravan powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan have filed 42 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 92,000 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
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Grand Caravan | 18 |
| 2010 Grand Caravan | 46 |
| 2011 Grand Caravan (this page) | 42 |
| 2012 Grand Caravan | 45 |
| 2013 Grand Caravan | 35 |
| 2014 Grand Caravan | 18 |
| 2015 Grand Caravan | 75 |
What stands out
Owners have filed 42 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
PLATE, TORQUE CONVERTER DRIVE For 3.6L with 62TE NOTE: FOR ALL PROMASTER (VF) 3.6L/62TE EQUIPPED VEHICLES: IF THE TRANSMISSION BRACKET TO THE TRANSMISSION CASE FASTENERS ARE REMOVED DURING SERVICING, THE FASTENERS (Part Number 06511385A$) ARE ONE TIME USEAGE & MUST BE REPLACED & PROPERLY TORQUED TO 105NM Replace the eight bolts (8) 06503465 drive plate to crank shaft and the four TC bolts 06504383 as they have sealants Vehicle miles < 30K: Mandatory replacement of transmission and driveplate Vehicle miles > 30K: Replace driveplate only (shot peened)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Powertrain System Improvements/Enhancements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software. The customer may describe hearing the fuel pump relay cycling during remote start or a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) set in the PCM: ? U0140 - Lost Communication With Body Control Module (BCM). ? P06DD - Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck Off. ? P0522 - Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Circuit Low. ? P0108 - Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor Circuit High. ? P1239 - Engine Oil Temperature Too Low. ? P0298 -
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 has a pattern of serious powertrain faults that emerge early and persist. Most frequently cited: transmission downshifting suddenly at highway speeds with violent shaking, transmission jerking or lurching when shifted into Drive or Reverse, and harsh shuddering in reverse—sometimes immediately after purchase. Owners also report the transmission stuck in Park, unable to shift out, and most alarmingly, vehicles rolling forward downhill despite Park engaged and the emergency brake applied.
Engine issues cluster around sudden stalling while driving with zero warning, often without power steering or brakes afterward. Several owners describe complete electrical power loss at highway speed. Some vehicles won't start at all for hours, or start only intermittently with no pattern. The 3.6L engine misfires at speed and produces ticking or knocking sounds. A few vehicles experienced engine shutdown so severe that metal chunks appeared in the oil pan.
Owners cite powertrain control module (PCM) failure, total integrated power module (TIPM) failure causing fuel pump relay breakdown, and alternator failure with defective diodes as root causes. Repair bills exceed $3,000 for transmission replacement and $2,300 for TIPM work. Dealers struggled to diagnose problems or performed recalls that didn't fix the reported issues. One owner notes Chrysler acknowledged knowing about the 3.6 engine defect but hasn't found a solution. Multiple owners felt unsafe and stopped driving their vehicles.
Same Dodge Grand Caravan powertrain reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission downshift/loss of power/jerking
Transmission suddenly downshifts, loses power, jerks, hesitates, or fails to shift properly. Owners report the vehicle lurching forward unexpectedly when shifted into Drive or Reverse, rough shifts, skipped shifts, and harsh shuddering during acceleration and reversing. Some vehicles downshift while driving at highway speeds, causing violent shaking until manually downshifted.
When: Occurs throughout ownership, from 32K to 190K miles; some issues noted within first weeks of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt downshifting at speed; Jerking or lunging when shifting; Rough or harsh shifts; Vehicle hesitates to shift; Shuddering in reverse; Loss of acceleration; Shuddering under load; Vehicle skips shifts
Codes mentioned: P0300, P0301, P0740
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite transmission valve body replacement, solenoid replacement, torque converter overhaul ($1,100), transmission rebuild ($2,800), remanufactured transmission ($3,100). One owner had transmission rebuilt after clutch failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers performed PCM reprogramming in some cases, replaced transmission sensors in others. One dealer performed powertrain control module recall without fixing the issue. No recalls specifically addressing transmission shifting problems noted.
Engine stall / loss of power while driving
Engine stalls suddenly while driving at various speeds, leaving vehicle without power steering or braking. Vehicle loses all electrical power, rendering it unable to restart or requiring restart attempts. Occurs both on highways and local roads, often with no warning lights.
When: Occurs throughout ownership; incidents reported from new vehicles to those with 113K miles. Some stalls happen within days of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall while driving; Complete loss of electrical power; No warning before stall; Vehicle unable to restart immediately; Power steering fails; Brakes lose power; Multiple restart attempts needed
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had TIPM reprogrammed ($2,300); another had fuel pump replaced. Owners cite total integrated power module (TIPM) and powertrain control module (PCM) failures requiring replacement. One vehicle required alternator and PCM replacement ($2,500+ repair estimate cited).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reports Chrysler Master Tech acknowledged Chrysler knows of defect affecting early 3.6 Pentastar engines but hasn't found a fix. No official recalls for TIPM stalling pattern noted, though owner mentions TIPM recall exists for other vehicle lines.
Engine surge/rev hang on startup and unintended acceleration
Engine RPMs surge up and down on startup, won't settle for 1-2 minutes, causing unintended forward lunge after shifting into Drive. In separate incidents, engine revs to 4000 RPM and remains stuck there even after removing foot from accelerator. Owner reports needing to shift manually to reset engine behavior.
When: Occurs from startup through early ownership; one incident at 4,000 RPM entry level (unclear total mileage)
Symptoms owners cite: RPM surge on startup; RPMs won't settle; Unintended forward launch after shift to Drive; Engine stuck at elevated RPM; Continued acceleration with foot off pedal; Engine kick when shifting manually
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealer performed powertrain control module recall; manual shifting temporarily resolved the stuck RPM issue. Owner states dealer found nothing wrong despite recall performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer performed PCM recall without addressing the surge/rev-hang issue per owner account. No manufacturer acknowledgment of defect in narratives.
Transmission will not shift / vehicle stuck in Park
Transmission refuses to shift out of Park, or shifts stick in gear. When shifted into Drive or Reverse, transmission may go into Neutral without warning, particularly when turning steering wheel. Vehicle becomes immobilized for minutes before shifting. Check Engine light illuminates when issue occurs.
When: Occurs at various mileages; one incident noted at 32K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stuck in Park; Transmission shifts to Neutral unexpectedly; Check Engine light illuminates; Shift remains stuck for minutes; Vehicle immobilized; Shift stuck when steering wheel turned to left
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light (code unspecified)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives for this specific failure mode.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reports manufacturer was made aware and stated this is 'how the vehicle was designed' and offered no assistance.
Transmission allows forward roll in Park on incline
Vehicle rolls forward unexpectedly when shifted into Park on inclined driveway, even with Emergency Parking Brake applied. One vehicle rolled down driveway at high speed while parked with E-Brake engaged and in Park, with three children inside.
When: Issue noted within 2 days of first purchase (at 772 miles); another incident during 2023 in emergency brake test situation
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls forward 6-8 inches when Park engaged; Vehicle rolls forward without accelerating in Reverse; Vehicle continues rolling down incline when foot removed from brake in Reverse; Vehicle rolls downhill at high speed despite E-Brake engaged and Park selected
Repairs/costs cited: Owners describe issue as similar to manual transmission behavior. No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reports bringing issue to dealership and Chrysler case management; states he was 'lied to' and calls were ignored/not returned. No manufacturer remedy documented.
Harsh shifting and shuddering on reverse
Vehicle shudders, jerks, or shifts harshly when placed in Reverse and released without accelerating. Shuddering occurs when backing up, especially on slight inclines or under load. Problem becomes more frequent over time.
When: Occurs from early ownership; one owner notes problem worsened over first weeks of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Shudder when shifting to Reverse; Harsh jerky movements in Reverse; Vehicle shudders under load in Reverse; Jerking becomes more frequent; Delayed movement after shifting Reverse
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs documented for this failure mode.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer told owner at 2-day mark that harsh Reverse shifting 'was normal' after comparing to similar vehicle. No official response documented.
Engine misfire and rough running
Engine misfires at highway speeds, causing violent shaking. Engine produces ticking/knocking sound. Engine runs roughly with sputtering sensation, feels like it wants to shut down while driving.
When: Misfire reported at highway speeds; knocking noted early in ownership; one incident at 51 mileage with sputtering at startup
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking at highway speed; Engine misfires; Ticking/knocking from engine; Engine sputters; Engine feels like it wants to shut down; Engine stutter when starting
Codes mentioned: P0300 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire), P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire Pending/Stored/Active)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealer unable to find fix despite multiple dealer visits. Owner mentions recall on 3.6 VVT engine, but problem persisted. Another mentions engine blown with metal chunks in oil pan; suggests need for 3.6L VVT engine investigation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: According to owner account, Chrysler Master Tech acknowledged Chrysler knows of defect affecting early 3.6 Pentastar engine but hasn't found a fix. Owner states Chrysler made no call backs.
Vehicle will not start or starts intermittently
Vehicle fails to start with no apparent pattern, sometimes starting hours later or the next day. Occurs regardless of weather or parking location. Some instances involve electronic throttle control light illuminating before startup attempts.
When: Occurs throughout ownership; one owner had issue for full year; another had 3 shop visits in 3 months within first month of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle won't turn over; Random start/no-start pattern; Multiple start attempts needed; Delay of hours before vehicle starts; 'Key Battery Low' warning light illuminates; Electronic Throttle Control light illuminates; Vehicle wants to shut down while driving after finally starting
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced battery multiple times (some 3+ times) without resolution. TIPM mentioned as likely culprit in one case but repair not documented. One owner reports fuel pump relay failure within TIPM.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledged ignition/key recalls exist but owner concerned about completeness of repairs. No specific manufacturer remedy documented for intermittent start issue.
Complete electrical power loss while driving
Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving, rendering power steering and brakes inoperative. Lights dim, dashboard lights light up, air conditioning stops. Vehicle becomes undriveable with no ability to restart. Occurs intermittently but repeatedly.
When: Incidents reported within 1 month of purchase; recurring multiple times; one incident on busy highway; happened at least 3 times within 1.5 months
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of all electrical power; Power steering fails; Brakes lose power; Dashboard lights go out; Air conditioning stops; Stability control inoperative; Vehicle cannot restart after power loss; Dashboard lights illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced every fuse and relay, replaced fuel pump and various modules without resolution. Owner notes power loss renders vehicle undriveable and unsafe for family.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented. Owner attempted to work with dealership but felt costs were prohibitive.
Alternator failure causing electrical cascade failures
Alternator fails or has faulty diode, causing electrical system feedback to powertrain control module. Results in stalling, loss of power, and loss of control. Alternator failure causes battery and brake indicator illumination, and in at least one case, engine shutdown at night while driving.
When: Failures reported at various mileages from early ownership to 110K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls due to alternator failure; Loss of power steering; Battery indicator illuminates; Brake indicator illuminates; Headlights fade or flicker; Diode failure on alternator
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced alternator ($500+ estimate based on one repair) and powertrain control module. One owner had to replace both alternator and PCM after alternator diode failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes that other vehicle lines (not Grand Caravan) have recall for alternator diode failure issue and questions why Grand Caravan not included.
TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module) failure
Total Integrated Power Module fails, causing fuel pump relay to stop working and disrupting gas flow to engine. Results in stalling in middle of road or complete inability to start vehicle. TIPM failure cuts power to all vehicle systems.
When: Incidents reported at 46K miles (reprogramming needed); another vehicle stranded on highway; occurs repeatedly in same vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel pump relay stops working; Gas flow to engine disrupted; Vehicle stalls in middle of road; Complete power loss; Vehicle unable to start; Dashboard lights illuminate; Air conditioning stops
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had TIPM reprogrammed at 46K miles for fuel pump relay failure (cost over $2,300). Another owner notes TIPM recall exists for other vehicles with same issue but indicates 2011 Grand Caravan may not be covered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states 'diesel dodge vehicles are unsafe' and notes TIPM recall exists for other vehicles but unclear if applied to this model.
Battery/electrical charging issues
Battery drains rapidly or fails to charge properly. Multiple battery replacements required. One battery exploded upon startup. Electrical system failures cascade, including dashboard warning lights, alternator fried.
When: Multiple battery failures reported within first year of ownership; one explosion at 86K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drains quickly; Multiple battery replacements required; Battery explodes on startup; Electrical system haywire; Battery warning indicator illuminates; Vehicle unable to maintain charge
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced battery 3+ times; one battery exploded and was replaced; one case required transmission replacement after battery explosion (mechanic diagnosed transmission as needing replacement after explosion incident).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented.
Engine shutdown/stall with loss of control on highway entry
Vehicle stalls abruptly while entering highway, losing all power including power steering. Engine shuts down without warning at speeds of 40-60 mph.
When: Incidents reported on new vehicles (under 100 miles) and used vehicles; one incident on highway at high speed
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls on highway entry; Complete power loss; Power steering fails; No warning before stall; Vehicle uncontrollable
Repairs/costs cited: One case involved powertrain control module failure; another involved TIPM failure. Repairs required full PCM and TIPM replacement/reprogramming.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer stated no limp mode function exists (no reduced power to keep vehicle running). No recalls mentioned for this failure mode.
Check Engine light and transmission-related codes
Check Engine light illuminates, sometimes with transmission-related diagnostic codes. Light may come on after car wash, after shifting, or during driving. Light persists even after transmission repairs.
When: Occurs throughout ownership; one case after car wash; one case persistent at 93K miles despite valve body and solenoid replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illuminates; Light persists after repairs; Light resets then comes back; Appears after car wash; Appears during shifting; No drivability issues despite code
Codes mentioned: P0740 (Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner changed valve body and related solenoids without clearing P0740 code. Dealer recommended torque converter overhaul ($1,100) then transmission rebuild ($2,800) or remanufactured transmission ($3,100).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented.
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Check engine light is not resetting due to p0740 code even after changing valve body and related solenoids on transmission. Van does not have any issues while driving. No gas mileage issues. Currently it is ~93k. Dealer is also not sure. He says need to overhaul the torque converter (cost $1100) then he will know if anything else is damaged. In that case he has to rebuild the transmission (cost…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 42 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 26 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 41,000 and 113,000 miles, with the median around 92,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 41,000; a quarter make it past 113,000. 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/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.