Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to dch Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of temecula at (951) 225-4541 located at 26845 ynez rd, temecula, ca 92591 where it was diagnosed that the passenger side cylinder head of the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of…
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan engine problems
moderate 52 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
52
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 52 engine complaints filed for the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 52 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.
Among the 11 model years of Dodge Grand Caravan in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2012 Pentastar V6 Grand Caravan shows a pattern of serious engine failures across multiple systems—cylinder head cracks, rocker arm wear, intermittent stalling at highway speeds, and cooling system breakdowns—often occurring between 67,000 and 127,000 miles. Warranty coverage is inconsistent and incomplete; head replacement may only cover one side, leaving owners thousands in out-of-pocket repairs even with extended coverage.
The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan with Pentastar V6 engine shows persistent mechanical problems across a cluster of 52 complaints. Cylinder head failure is the single most common issue, with owners describing cracks, leaks, or worn rocker arms leading to misfire (P0301–P0304 codes) and loud ticking noises, typically between 36,000 and 112,000 miles. One owner reported two head replacements at the same facility within a short period, contradicting Chrysler's claim this is a rare defect.
Engine stalling at highway speeds—complete shutdown with no stored codes—is equally serious and recurring. Owners describe sudden power loss at 35–70 mph, loss of steering and brakes, and unpredictable restarts. Dealers and independent shops cannot reproduce the fault or find diagnostic evidence.
Cooling system failures cause temperature spikes and overheating. One owner found sludge in the coolant; another needed both head gaskets replaced at $1,500 after initial misdiagnosis. Bearing failures, metallic debris in oil, and one documented engine fire round out the severe defects. Oil pans corrode and leak. Warranty coverage remains fragmented—left head covered but right side excluded in one case, or head replacement approved but camshaft failure (occurring simultaneously) denied. Owners consistently report dealer inability to diagnose intermittent issues, Chrysler denials on recalls matching their symptoms, and repair costs ranging $1,500 to $5,734 out of pocket.
Same Dodge Grand Caravan engine reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Cylinder Head Failure / Rocker Arm and Cam Lobe Wear
Left or right cylinder head develops cracks, leaks, or internal wear affecting compression and causing misfire. Rocker arms wear and collapse cam lobes. This is the most commonly reported defect in the narratives, with owners and mechanics attributing it to design or manufacturing flaw in the Pentastar V6 engine.
When: Typically 36,000 to 112,000 miles; one case at 82,000 miles with prior head replacement at 80,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Engine misfire (single or multiple cylinders); Loud ticking/rattling noise from engine or cylinder head area; Rough idle or hesitation; Loss of power during acceleration; Compression failure in one or more cylinders
Codes mentioned: P0303, P0301, P0302, P0304
Repairs/costs cited: Head replacement (including valves, cams, and rocker arms) costs $1,500–$3,500 per side depending on extent. One owner faced $2,180.94 for camshaft intake and exhaust replacement after prior head replacement. Multiple owners report replacement of left cylinder head under warranty but right side excluded from coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler extended warranty program X56 covers head replacement only if head is cracked; does not cover rocker arm or camshaft failure, per owner reports. TSB 09-002-14B addresses left cylinder head misfire; internal STAR case bulletin S1309000016 references rocker arm and cam lobe issues. Extended warranty (up to 150,000 miles) mentioned in one case but coverage determination disputed by dealer.
Engine Stalling at Speed (Loss of Ignition/Electrical Shutdown)
Engine suddenly shuts off while driving, typically at highway speeds, with no diagnostic codes stored and no warning lights. Electrical systems (radio, lights, AC) either continue operating or shut off together with the engine. Vehicle restarts normally after a delay (minutes to hours) or immediately. Occurs intermittently and unpredictably.
When: Recorded from 100,000 to 130,000 miles; also occurred early at 80,000 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving (35–70 mph); No warning lights or codes stored; Steering and power brakes lost; steering wheel becomes hard to turn; Loss of electrical power (simultaneous shutdown of radio and lights) in some cases; Electrical systems continue to operate in other cases; Vehicle restarts after a few minutes to over an hour; Recurring intermittently, sometimes daily, sometimes weeks apart
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced fuel pump and starter 6 months prior to stalling; no repair successful for stalling itself. Dealers and independent mechanics unable to reproduce issue or find stored codes. Starterissue ruled out after replacement but stalling continued.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls applicable to VINs reported. Dealers unable to diagnose and offered no solution. Chrysler (via dealer) stated ignition switch issue was not confirmed.
Cooling System Overheating / Coolant Failure
Engine coolant system fails multiple times causing vehicle to overheat. Temperature gauge fluctuates or spikes to hot without warning. One case reported sludge-like substance in coolant instead of normal fluid.
When: One case at 119,000 miles; multiple instances over time in another case; temperature fluctuation throughout ownership in another case
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge fluctuates between normal and hot; Engine overheating without warning; Check engine light illuminated; Electronic throttle control indicator illuminated; Sludge-like substance in coolant reservoir; Air in cooling system
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced thermostat, thermostat housing, radiator, hoses, water pump, oil filter adapter/coolant bypass, fan, and wiring in one case. One case required left and right side head gasket replacement ($1,500) after dealer initially misdiagnosed as air in system. Independent mechanic stated this is common with 3.6L Pentastar engine.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler owner reported being unable to get vehicle added to recalled recall with matching symptoms, year, make, and model; VIN not included in recall. Extended warranty received by another owner without explanation of engine head issue.
Engine Bearing / Rod Failure and Metallic Debris
Internal engine bearings (rod bearings) fail or produce metallic debris in oil. Metallic debris detected during diagnostic inspection or repair. One case involved fractured engine block connection rod.
When: Rod bearing failure at 127,000 miles; metallic debris at 110,641 miles and noted in another engine requiring replacement; engine block fracture at 47,249 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking noise from engine compartment; Metallic debris visible in oil or coolant; Engine block or connection rod fractures; Smoke from under hood and exhaust during engine fracture case
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed rod bearing failure requiring replacement. One case with metallic debris was refused repair by dealer because VIN not in recall. Another case required full engine rebuild due to engine block debris; owner spent $5,734 in repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed VIN not included in NHTSA campaign 11V487000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) despite similar symptoms and parts. Owner advised to return to dealer for repair at own expense. One case referenced recall number L33 for 2012 Grand Caravans manufactured before August 2011, but contact's vehicle manufactured April 2012 was not covered.
Oil Leaks and Oil Pan Corrosion
Oil pan develops rust holes or cracks allowing engine oil to leak from multiple locations. Oil filter housing cracks. One case involved rusted areas on oil pan with holes.
When: Oil pan holes discovered at 146,000 miles; oil filter housing crack discovered at 231,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine oil leaking onto garage floor or transmission casing; Rust holes and cracks visible in oil pan; Cracked oil filter housing
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed in reported cases. Owners expressed concern about fire risk from oil leaks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer informed owner there is no recall or warranty for oil pan on this vehicle.
Engine Catching Fire / Oil Pump Failure
Engine caught fire during highway driving at 65 mph. Black smoke observed from engine and hood. Mechanic diagnosed defective oil pump as cause.
When: At 108,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Air conditioning shut off independently; Check engine light illuminated; Loss of motive power while pulling off highway; Unknown warning light illuminated; Engine shutdown followed by black smoke from engine and hood
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to independent mechanic; fire damage not detailed. Vehicle was not yet repaired at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and stated inspector would be sent to investigate.
Engine Noise (Ticking, Rattling, Clunking)
Various mechanical noises originate from engine or cylinder head area, sometimes accompanied by misfire or no drivability issue. Loud ticking noise on cold start or idling. High-pitch noise intermittently returning during cold weather.
When: Ticking noise reported at various mileages; clunking on startup at 40,000 miles; high-pitch noise during cold weather (mileage not specified)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud continuous ticking noise from engine at idle or any speed; Rattling sound from engine during idle; Loud clunking noise at startup with vehicle jerking forward; Engine warning indicator intermittently illuminated; High-pitch noise during cold weather until engine warmed; Engine hesitation and misfire accompanying ticking noise
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer ordered unspecified 'plate' part for rattling case but part delivery delayed over 10 days. Bearings and push rod under engine diagnosed as faulty in one case but vehicle not repaired. Tension belt adjusted without resolving high-pitch noise.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty extended to 10 years/100,000 miles due to engine head issues in one case; however, owner stated this was never explained by dealer. One owner mentioned Chrysler is quietly replacing heads with problems under warranty.
Engine Misfire with Fuel Leak (Post-Modification)
Vehicle modified by a vehicle modification company for mobility purposes. Engine stalled and large fuel leak observed from underneath. Fuel odor in cabin.
When: At 32,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stall during low-speed driving; Large fuel leak from underneath vehicle; Strong fuel odor in cabin causing chemical sensitivity symptoms; Fuel smell entered cabin after fuel tank fill
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired; modification company and mobility center aware of failure but no resolution stated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer not notified.
Synthesized from 52 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2012 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 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 52 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 40 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 69,251 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 106,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 69,251; a quarter make it past 120,000. 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/2012/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.