The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle was violently shaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The contact also stated while driving 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle started to stall while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no…
2013 Dodge Grand Caravan powertrain problems
moderate 35 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 35 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 35 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 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a pattern of serious transmission failures affecting shifting, power delivery, and control. The transmission slips out of gear, downshifts or upshifts without driver input, and sometimes refuses to engage at all—causing the engine to rev while the vehicle does not move. Multiple owners describe violent jerking, sudden loss of acceleration at highway speeds, or the vehicle dropping from cruise-control speed to 25–40 mph without warning. Dealers struggle to duplicate these failures during diagnostics, yet some owners document faults on video. Transmission replacement has been necessary on vehicles with as few as 40,000 miles, and at least one owner reports the replacement transmission failing again within 60,000 miles.
Engine shutdown without warning is another recurring complaint. Owners describe the vehicle dying while driving at highway speed, requiring a 20-minute restart cycle, or stalling during intersections. Dealership diagnostics find no stored fault codes, and software updates have not consistently resolved the issue.
Electrical charging system failure appears in early complaints, with the battery light illuminating and voltage dropping below safe levels, leading to loss of engine power. TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failures cause starting problems, unintended horn activation, and stalling; repair costs run $965–$1,500. Transmission fluid leaks from cooler-line crimps and are sometimes excluded from warranty coverage. One owner reports unusual transmission noise present from delivery that three dealer visits could not resolve, and another describes transmission control faults where the shifter and display disagree with actual gear position.
Same Dodge Grand Caravan powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Shifting and Control Failures
Transmission shifts out of gear unexpectedly, slips into neutral, downshifts violently, or refuses to shift into gear. Engine races while transmission is disengaged. Vehicle loses motive power or fails to accelerate despite throttle input. Some owners report transmission going into manual mode or passing gear without being commanded. Failures occur at various speeds and sometimes without warning.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; complaints range from early after purchase (500 miles) to 220,000 miles. Many occur within first 40,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected downshift or neutral engagement; Engine revs but vehicle does not move or moves slowly; Vehicle jerks or shudders during shifts; Violent jerking as if transmission detaching; RPMs spike to 4500-5000 without corresponding acceleration; Transmission will not respond to driver commands; Vehicle slows from highway speed to 25-40 mph without warning; Noise or whining during shift failures; Cruise control malfunction related to transmission
Codes mentioned: P0622 (charging system malfunction), P07040 (torque converter clutch), Multiple unspecified transmission codes
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs have included torque converter replacement, transmission filter updates, transmission control module reprogramming/software updates, transmission fluid service, complete transmission replacement (some vehicles replaced multiple times—one owner reports three replacements within 74,000 miles). Estimated transmission replacement cost $4,286.70. Many failures are intermittent and cannot be duplicated by dealers during diagnostics.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge service bulletin S1618000050 issued November 15, 2016 regarding factory torque-bolt fastener failures. Many dealers have reprogrammed transmission control computers. Some dealers blamed driver error or stated vehicle operates as designed. No widespread recall issued for transmission control or shift logic defects noted in narratives.
Unplanned Engine Shutdown
Engine stalls or shuts off without warning while driving at various speeds, including highway speeds. Vehicle becomes inert and requires restart. Stalling occurs multiple times over months or years for affected owners. Some stalls happen during turns or lane changes; others occur mid-highway cruise. Owner reports document hazardous situations such as stalling while crossing intersections.
When: Occurs throughout vehicle ownership; reported at mileages from early ownership to 130,000+ miles. One owner reports 12+ stall events over 3 years.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power without warning; Vehicle shuts off while driving at highway speed; Vehicle stalls after turning; Vehicle stalls while in cruise control; Engine dies during intersection crossing; Requires 20-minute wait before restart; No warning lights prior to stall in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid $800+ at Dodge dealer for full diagnostics, software updates, and new key programming. No codes were stored. Failure was not resolved. Another owner reports dealer unable to determine cause despite multiple visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Earlier investigation #DP140-04 cited by one owner; Dodge aware of problem. No recall noted. Manufacturer reportedly instructed dealers to work through local service but provided no solution.
Alternator / Electrical Charging System Failure
Battery light illuminates indicating low charging voltage. Voltage readings drop from normal 12.5V to 11V under load. Loss of electrical output leads to loss of engine power while driving. Code P0622 (alternator/charging malfunction) reported. In one case, catastrophic failure left vehicle unable to restart on highway.
When: Reported at 400+ miles driven after purchase; failures can occur suddenly after initial warning light.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning light illumination; Low voltage readings (11-12.5V); Sudden loss of engine power despite adequate fuel; Voltage sense PID dropping under load; Vehicle unable to restart after stalling
Codes mentioned: P0622
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair details provided in narratives. One owner's vehicle was towed and awaiting diagnostics at dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner called FCA roadside assistance; vehicle towed for evaluation.
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure
TIPM module fails, causing fuel pump relay malfunction, starting problems, stalling, and loss of power. Fuel pump continues pumping after engine shutdown, draining battery. Horn activation without driver input reported. Known issue in Chrysler vehicles but 2013 Grand Caravan not covered by extended warranty that covered earlier model years and other Chrysler brands.
When: Failures reported at mileage as low as 49,600 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle starting issues; Vehicle stalling while moving; Fuel pump running after engine shut off; Horn activating without input; Loss of engine power
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement costs $965-$1,200 plus labor; parts backordered. Owner implemented bypass cable workaround as temporary solution but noted safety concerns. Another owner reports $1,500 estimated repair cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall and class-action noted for earlier Dodge Grand Caravans and other Chrysler brands (Jeep, Durango). 2013 Grand Caravan owner states not covered by extended warranty (5-year/70,000 miles), only 36,000-mile basic warranty. Dealer in Hawaii refused coverage. Extended warranty claims suggest manufacturer acknowledged issue for other model years.
Transmission Fluid Leaks
Transmission cooler lines leak at crimps between hard and soft hose sections. Low-grade leak coats transmission and leaves fluid trails on ground when engine running. One owner reports transmission fluid visible on ground while vehicle parked.
When: Reported at 20,856 miles and 55,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid visible on ground; Transmission fluid coating transmission housing; Fluid leak when engine running
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided. One owner notes leak not covered by warranty because manufacturer does not classify it as mechanical issue under powertrain warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure but warranty exclusion noted by dealer.
Transmission Noise and Flutter
Unusual noise described as 'turkey call' or 'flutter' emanates from engine bay during deceleration and low-speed driving. Noise stops when vehicle placed in neutral. Present from delivery and persists despite multiple dealer visits and component replacement attempts.
When: Present from day of purchase; persists over time despite repairs.
Symptoms owners cite: Turkey-call or flutter noise during deceleration; Noise at 15-20 mph; Noise stops in neutral; Noise from front of vehicle (driver side)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement attempted but did not resolve issue. Dealer unable to identify root cause after three visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler referred issue to dealer and declined to send factory representative. Dealer told owner to await further direction from Chrysler.
Acceleration Hesitation and Delayed Response
Vehicle hesitates or fails to accelerate smoothly when throttle pedal depressed. Acceleration feels sluggish or delayed, with RPMs revving before power delivery. In some cases, vehicle will not accelerate past 25-40 mph despite full throttle input. Constant hesitation when shifting gears reported.
When: Reported across various mileages; one at 30 miles (new vehicle), others at 30-40 mph cruising speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation on acceleration; Delayed throttle response; RPMs ramp up without proportional speed increase; Unable to exceed 25-40 mph despite full throttle; Constant hesitation during gear shifting; Vehicle feels like it is 'driving by itself'
Repairs/costs cited: One owner notes 10 failure codes found during diagnostics at independent shop but not remedied by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers blamed driver error or stated vehicle operates as designed.
Electronic Control Limp-Mode Activation
Vehicle enters limp or failsafe mode, dramatically reducing power and speed output without warning. Electronic throttle control and stability control warning lights illuminate. Vehicle decelerates from highway speed (72 mph) to 40 mph and refuses to accelerate further until restart.
When: Reported at 31,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden deceleration from highway speed to 40 mph; Electronic throttle control warning light; Electronic stability control warning light; Warning chime before deceleration; Vehicle will not accelerate past 40 mph; Requires engine power cycle to restore function
Repairs/costs cited: Software update performed to resolve issue (per updated complaint note).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware. Software update provided as remedy.
Torque Converter Failure
Torque converter clutch slips or locks up improperly, causing transmission slippage and reduced power transfer. Check engine light illuminates with torque converter-related codes. Vehicle exhibits sluggish acceleration and jerking during shifts. One owner notes torque converter lock-up failure at 61,000 miles.
When: Reported at 61,000 miles and 102,555 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks while driving steadily; Violent shaking at slow speeds; Stalling while accelerating with cruise control active; Check engine light illumination; Torque converter slippage; Occasional glitch starting to move forward
Codes mentioned: P07040 (torque converter clutch)
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement, clutch service, transmission filter replacement, and transmission software update. Repair cost $250 (with warranty deductible) to full transmission replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Identified and repaired at dealer; software update noted as necessary.
Catalytic Converter and Engine Component Failures
Catalytic converter failure reported early in vehicle ownership. Check engine light activation prevents inspection. Flywheel cracking also reported, adding to powertrain failures.
When: Catalytic converter failure at 98,000 miles (less than one month after owner purchase). Flywheel cracking discovered after.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Vehicle cannot pass inspection; Catalytic converter blockage/failure; Flywheel cracking
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement needed. Flywheel replacement estimated at $530.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls found by owner.
Transmission Control and Gear Selection Electronic Faults
Vehicle displays incorrect gear selection on console despite driver commands. Transmission physically remains in one gear (reverse) while display and shifter show another. Engine revs when shifter moved or parked. Vehicle becomes inoperable and cannot be restarted.
When: No specific mileage provided.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shows reverse when shifted to park; Vehicle remains in reverse despite shift commands; Engine revs to 1500 RPM in park; Vehicle unable to be restarted after fault; Vehicle starts once but immediately fails again
Repairs/costs cited: Certified dealers unable to identify problem after two weeks of diagnostics.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issue escalated to FCA for assistance; no resolution documented.
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge grand caravan. While driving approximately 72 MPH, there was a warning chime and the vehicle independently decelerated to approximately 40 MPH without warning. The vehicle would not accelerate past 40 MPH as the electronic throttle control and electronic stability control warning indicators illuminated. The contact powered the vehicle off and back on and was able…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge grand caravan. While driving various speeds, the vehicle jerked and stalled without warning. The contact also stated that the vehicle would not start without warning. After multiple incorrect diagnostics, the contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a faulty totally integrated power module and estimated the repair…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 35 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 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 50,282 and 98,000 miles, with the median around 75,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,282; a quarter make it past 98,000. 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/2013/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.