Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Dodge Grand Caravan engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan have filed 22 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 109,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Grand Caravan | 29 |
| 2012 Grand Caravan | 52 |
| 2013 Grand Caravan | 26 |
| 2014 Grand Caravan | 50 |
| 2015 Grand Caravan (this page) | 22 |
| 2016 Grand Caravan | 40 |
| 2017 Grand Caravan | 37 |
| 2018 Grand Caravan | 22 |
| 2019 Grand Caravan | 3 |
What stands out
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.
wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan consistently report cylinder head and head gasket failures tied to the 3.6L Pentastar engine. The most common complaint is cylinder 2 misfire (code P0302) or cylinder 1 misfire (P0301), triggered by a flawed cylinder head design that Chrysler addressed in a 2011–2013 recall but did not extend to 2015 models. Replacement costs run $2,000 to $5,145 depending on extent of damage.
Valve lifter and rocker arm failure is widespread. Multiple owners report progressive ticking that worsens within two weeks, caused by premature bearing failure in hydraulic lifters, followed by camshaft and rocker arm wear. These repairs typically run $2,200–$2,700 and occur between 59,000 and 142,000 miles, often outside warranty.
Stalling occurs randomly while driving, idling, or stopped at traffic lights. One owner experienced electronic throttle control stuck at high RPM, creating a safety hazard on the highway—vehicle would not respond to release of the accelerator pedal until brought to a complete stop.
Fuel injector failures and catalytic converter problems appear secondary to the cylinder head and misfire issues. Owners report dealers and Chrysler decline responsibility, citing wear and tear or lack of recalls despite the pattern being well documented online and subject to a class action lawsuit filed in January 2022.
Same Dodge Grand Caravan engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Cylinder head and head gasket failure
Cylinder heads crack or fail prematurely, causing head gasket failure, coolant leaks, or complete engine degradation. Most commonly affects cylinders 1 and 2. This is tied to a known issue from earlier model years (2011-13 Pentastar 3.6L) that Chrysler did not fully address in 2015 models.
When: 80,000–153,000 miles; one case at 59,000 miles for valve train damage
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (P0302 cylinder 2 misfire, P0301 cylinder 1 misfire); Vehicle jerking, lunging forward, loss of power; Engine stalling without warning; Abnormal knocking or ticking noise from engine
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket replacement; cylinder head replacement quoted at $5,145 at one dealer. One owner paid $2,272.34 for valve lifter bearing failure, exhaust and intake camshaft damage, and valve lash adjuster replacement at 59,074 miles. Another owner faced $2,700 for intake and exhaust camshaft replacement, 24 rockers, and 24 lifters.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 10V139897 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) referenced for P0302 misfire, but TSB was not included in 2015 extended warranties. Service Bulletin 09-002-14 REV. B was available for earlier models but not extended to 2015. Manufacturers assigned case number 594-45294 in one instance but offered no recall or warranty coverage; class action lawsuit filed January 2022 against FCA.
Valve lifter and rocker arm failure
Hydraulic lifters wear prematurely, causing bearing failure, camshaft and rocker arm damage, and ticking noise. Multiple lifters often fail at once. Owners report this is a known ongoing problem with the Pentastar 3.6L across Dodge Caravan model years.
When: 59,000–142,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine ticking or knocking noise (progressive and loud); Abnormal sound from engine compartment; Engine stalling; Poor engine performance
Repairs/costs cited: Valve lifter replacement with camshaft and rocker arm repair or replacement. One case: $2,272.34 at 59,074 miles for multiple lifter bearing failure, camshaft wear, and valve lash adjuster damage. Another: $2,700 for intake/exhaust camshaft, 24 rockers, and 24 lifters at ~109,000 miles. Repairs often necessary outside warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls identified by owners. Dealers have acknowledged this is a common issue but attributed it to 'wear and tear' or declined responsibility. One mechanic stated this is an ongoing problem with the Pentastar 3.6L.
Electronic throttle control malfunction
Electronic throttle control system stuck open or fails to respond properly. Accelerator input causes delayed or stuck high RPM, creating loss of vehicle control and safety hazard. Issue resolves after vehicle comes to complete stop.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic Throttle Control warning light on dashboard; Engine revs stick at high RPM when accelerator released; Vehicle accelerates forward unintentionally when foot off gas pedal; Delayed engine response to accelerator input
Intermittent stalling
Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving or idling, with no clear trigger or pattern. Vehicle either restarts on its own or requires key restart. No specific diagnostic codes identified in most complaints.
When: 80,000 miles and unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning; Stalling while stopped at traffic light; Stalling while turning or driving on road; Vehicle may restart automatically
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred complaint to NHTSA Hotline. Owners report no available recalls.
Camshaft wear and grinding
Camshaft becomes ground down or worn excessively, affecting valve train function. Likely secondary to lifter or rocker arm failure.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine performance slip; Worn camshaft visible upon inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft replacement requires removal of timing chain; described as expensive repair.
Oil filter adapter leak
Screw on oil filter adapter fails, causing oil leak onto garage floor.
When: 150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil discovered on garage floor
Repairs/costs cited: Oil filter adapter screw replacement
Fuel injector failure
Multiple fuel injectors fail, causing poor engine performance and check engine light.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Poor engine performance
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injector replacement (cylinders 2 twice, 4, and 5 cited)
Catalytic converter failure
Catalytic converter fails prematurely, triggering emissions fault and check engine light. Likely secondary to cylinder misfire issues.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Emissions status red; Reduced engine power
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Premature failure of valve lifters and damage to exhaust and intake camshafts. Engine had 59074 miles on it and used appropriate Valvoline synthetic blend oil since approx 15,000 miles. Valve train started ticking and got progressively louder in less than a two week period. Engine oil system was flushed and reserviced with appropriate Valvoline synthetic blend oil once again. Valve ticking…
Had engine trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 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 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 84,300 and 142,000 miles, with the median around 109,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 84,300; a quarter make it past 142,000. 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/2015/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.