Part Description: Switch-Padedle Down Audio LT. Switch-Paddle Up Audio RT. Issue Description: When traveling over bumpy roads, a high pitched ringing/bell sound may come from the left or right paddle switch's in the steering wheel. If this noise is heard, replace both Left and Right Paddle switch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Dodge Grand Caravan steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan have filed 18 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 113,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Grand Caravan | 22 |
| 2010 Grand Caravan | 75 |
| 2011 Grand Caravan | 15 |
| 2012 Grand Caravan | 14 |
| 2013 Grand Caravan (this page) | 18 |
| 2014 Grand Caravan | 6 |
| 2016 Grand Caravan | 11 |
| 2017 Grand Caravan | 5 |
What stands out
Among the 9 model years of Dodge Grand Caravan in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report the engine shutting off without warning while driving at any speed—from city streets to highway to parking lots—leaving them stranded with dead power steering, failed brakes, and locked doors. The stall leaves all electrical systems intact (lights, radio stay on), but the engine RPMs drop to zero. No check engine light illuminates, and OBD2 scanners pull zero codes, baffling mechanics and dealers alike. Restarting requires shifting to neutral or park and turning the key; some owners report the van restarting on its own after sitting 45 minutes.
Owners describe this as happening at least 3 to 50+ times over months or years. One experienced aircraft mechanic documented 20+ incidents at speeds from 5 mph to autobahn speeds. Triggers include bumps in the road, turns, traffic lights, and sometimes no obvious cause. One owner reports stalling only when the fuel tank is topped completely full, ceasing once fuel drops 1/8 inch below full.
Dealer diagnostics have failed to catch the problem. Owners have replaced batteries, fuel pumps, injectors, coil packs, keys, and TIPM units without resolution. Multiple owners suspect a wireless ignition module (WIM) defect; one notes Jeep models have a recall for the same ignition system. Dodge has provided no recall despite receiving complaints for years across multiple model years.
Same Dodge Grand Caravan steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalls without warning during driving
Engine shuts off completely while vehicle is in motion at various speeds (residential, highway, during turns, at traffic lights). All electrical systems remain powered (lights, radio, windows, locks functional), but engine RPMs drop to zero. No check engine light illuminates. Restart possible by shifting to neutral or park and turning key.
When: Throughout ownership; incidents occur repeatedly over months to years. Mileage range 80,500 to 135,000 miles reported.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies with zero RPMs, no sputtering; No warning lights or check engine light; No diagnostic trouble codes (OBD2 scanner confirms); Electrical systems remain operational; Stalling triggered by bumps, turns, braking, or random conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Owners have replaced battery, fuel pump, injectors, coil packs, TIPM, ignition key, and performed dealer diagnostics without resolution. Dealers unable to replicate or diagnose the failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Case number 32337129 provided by Dodge after contact; no recall issued despite owner reports of hundreds of similar complaints across model years.
Loss of power steering and brakes during stall event
When engine stalls, power-assisted steering and braking systems fail immediately because they lose engine power. Drivers report inability to steer or brake effectively, creating imminent collision hazard, especially during high-speed highway driving or mid-turn.
When: Concurrent with engine stall events; happens at any speed from 25 to 80 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes difficult or impossible to turn; Brake pedal stiffens; loss of power assist; Vehicle veers or nearly leaves roadway; Loss of all power-assist functions
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available; inherent to stall condition. One owner reports holding ignition switch in place prevented stalling on bumpy road.
Ignition system malfunction / wireless ignition module (WIM) failure
Owners and mechanics suspect wireless ignition module (WIM) or ignition switch defect causing random cutoff. One experienced aircraft mechanic notes behavior consistent with ignition switching from ON to ACC position. Ignition becomes increasingly unresponsive over time; multiple key turns required to start.
When: Intermittent; one owner reports replacement key helped briefly, then problem worsened.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts out as if someone killed ignition manually; Ignition requires multiple turns to activate; Hesitation during start sequence; Tendency to die even while idling in driveway
Repairs/costs cited: Key replacement attempted by one owner without lasting success. Jeep uses same ignition and has a recall per one owner report. TIPM replacement did not resolve issue in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2013 Grand Caravan. Owners cite that 2008–2012 models had same WIM issue, suggesting known defect.
Fuel system anomaly after full fuel fill
Engine stalls repeatedly immediately after refueling to full tank until fuel gauge drops approximately 1/8 below full mark. Occurs in busy traffic conditions, creating hazard.
When: After fueling to full; multiple occurrences over 6–8 month period reported.
Symptoms owners cite: Repeated stalling only when tank is topped off; Stalling ceases once fuel level drops 1/8 from full; Stalling in heavy traffic or intersections
Electrical system shutdown and door lock entrapment
Complete loss of electrical power during stall event prevents door operation both by pushbutton and manual means. Drivers report inability to open doors or rear hatch, creating entrapment risk in collision scenario.
When: During stall events.
Symptoms owners cite: Power windows, locks, and fuel pump inoperable; Side doors and rear hatch cannot open; Manual door release non-functional
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic cited TIPM as endemic problem in these vans.
Fuel pump lockout and gas pedal unresponsiveness
Gas pedal becomes non-responsive or locks up during driving at low speeds (25–35 mph). Occurs randomly with no warning and resets after restart. Brakes and steering also lock in some instances.
When: Within 10–20 minutes of startup; near stoplights while vehicle in motion.
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic unable to fix; problem remains unresolved.
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 18 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 87,180 and 151,000 miles, with the median around 113,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 87,180; a quarter make it past 151,000. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.