Warranty Bulletin D-21-15 (X98) Driver and Passenger Sliding Door Power Lock Actuators - 2015 - 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan (RT) and 2015 - 2016 Chrysler Town & Country (RT)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Dodge Grand Caravan powertrain problems
moderate 74 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
74
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 74 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 74 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 12 model years of Dodge Grand Caravan in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
PLATE, TORQUE CONVERTER DRIVE For 3.6L with 62TE NOTE: FOR ALL PROMASTER VF 3.6L/62TE EQUIPPED VEHICLES: IF THE TRANSMISSION BRACKET TO THE TRANSMISSION CASE FASTENERS ARE REMOVED DURING SERVICING, THE FASTENERS Part Number 06511385A$ 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 ↗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$) ARE ONE TIME USEAGE & MUST BE REPLACED & PROPERLY TORQUED TO 105NM Replace the eight bolts (8) 06503465 drive plate to crank shaft and the four TC bolts 06504383 as they have sealants Vehicle miles < 30K: Mandatory replacement of transmission and driveplate Vehicle miles > 30K: Replace driveplate only (shot peened)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report a transmission pump that seizes or loses hydraulic pressure, causing sudden loss of power while driving—sometimes on highways or during busy traffic. The vehicle either won't move or the engine revs to 4,000–6,000 RPM with the van barely crawling. Many describe a whining or humming noise before the failure. Check engine lights appear intermittently; diagnostic codes point to torque converter clutch (P0740) or transmission pressure sensor issues (P083B).
Transmissions slip between gears, refuse to shift out of first, or hesitate sharply. Owners report transmission fluid burning up or mysteriously draining (2 quarts per 1,000 miles post-service in one case), frying the pump and clutches. Full transmission replacement—not repair—is the standard fix, running $4,500–$5,600.
Most damaging: a recall (16V461000) exists for this exact pump-seizing issue, but Chrysler limits coverage to vehicles built August 2015 onward. Many 2015 models built earlier fall outside the window, leaving owners stranded and responsible for the full repair bill despite identical symptoms. Some owners opened FCA cases and received partial reimbursement; others got nothing. One owner has now replaced the transmission three times in four years, with each new unit failing near warranty expiration. A cruise control malfunction causing unintended disengagement and transmission clunking was also reported repeatedly. Additionally, flexplate failures with loud grinding noise and rare transmission shuddering on inclines round out the powertrain complaints.
Same Dodge Grand Caravan powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Pump Failure
The transmission pump seizes, loses hydraulic pressure, or fails internally, causing loss of engine power, inability to accelerate, jerking, and transmission slipping. Many owners report the engine RPM rises but vehicle barely moves or won't move at all. This is directly linked to recall 16V461000 (transmission pump seizing), but many affected VINs fall outside the recall window (generally 08/2015 to 2016), leaving owners stranded.
When: Between 28,000 and 190,000 miles; most commonly 50,000–135,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine whining or humming sound from transmission area; Loss of motive power / vehicle stalls or stops responding to accelerator; RPM climbs to 4000–6000 but vehicle barely moves forward; Harsh jerking or lurching when stationary or during acceleration; Vehicle hesitates to shift gears or remains stuck in first gear; Gear slipping or skipping second gear, flare shifting into third; Check engine light (when it appears); Transmission failure requiring replacement
Codes mentioned: P0740 (TCC—Torque Converter Clutch), P083B (Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch 'G' Circuit), P0470 (Powertrain Control)
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement, typically $4,500–$5,600. Owners report dealers charging $2,700–$4,500 per replacement. Multiple owners required 2–4 transmissions in short succession.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 16V461000 (NHTSA Campaign 16V461000) for transmission pump seizure/loss of hydraulic pressure. Recall limited to vehicles manufactured 08/2015–2016; many 2015 model year vehicles (especially pre-08/2015 build dates) excluded despite identical symptoms. Owners also cite recall S44. FCA case numbers opened (e.g., 82695547, 85204403) but coverage often denied or partial.
Transmission Slipping and Shift Hesitation
Transmission slips between gears, refuses to shift into drive or out of first gear, or exhibits delayed/soft shifts. Check engine light usually appears. Often follows or accompanies low transmission fluid or pump pressure issues.
When: Between 20,000 and 141,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips during acceleration or at highway speeds; Vehicle hesitates or refuses to shift out of first gear; Soft or delayed shift engagement; Engine revs but transmission does not grab gear; Vehicle stuck in neutral momentarily during driving; Check engine light
Codes mentioned: P0740 (Torque Converter Clutch), P083B (Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission solenoid replacement attempted in at least one case but did not resolve the issue. Full transmission replacement typically required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not covered under recall 16V461000 if VIN falls outside recall range. Manufacturers referred owners to NHTSA hotline or denied assistance.
Low Transmission Fluid / Internal Leaks
Transmission fluid level drops rapidly (2 quarts in 1,000 miles after service) or is severely low upon diagnosis, suggesting internal sealing failure. Low fluid burns up the pump and damages clutches.
When: Between 54,000 and 141,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle slow to accelerate or sluggish in forward motion; Transmission fluid visibly on garage/driveway floor; Fluid level critically low despite recent service; Burned smell and overheating of transmission fluid; Shaking or shuddering during acceleration; Loss of forward power
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (variable codes)
Repairs/costs cited: Fluid replacement attempted but often ineffective; full transmission replacement required due to burned clutches and pump damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response noted in narratives; owners directed to dealers or independent shops.
Torque Converter Failure
Torque converter seizes, fails internally, or malfunctions, preventing proper power transfer from engine to transmission. Often occurs in conjunction with pump or transmission fluid issues.
When: Between 34,000 and 160,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding sound from transmission area; Vehicle fails to accelerate despite high RPM; Stalling or loss of motive power; Check engine light; Transmission shifter seized after coming to stop; Burning odor
Codes mentioned: Check engine light present in most cases
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement; in most cases full transmission replacement is ultimately required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall noted for torque converter failures; owners referred to general transmission diagnostics.
Cruise Control Malfunction (Unintended Disengagement)
Cruise control pops out or disengages without driver input, occurring 10+ times per day. After dealer reprogramming/updates, transmission slipping and harsh gear engagement ('clunking') developed during cruise control episodes.
When: First few weeks of ownership; reported at 55,000 miles on leased vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control disengages unexpectedly 10+ times per day; Cruise control does not fully stop but delays, allowing intermediate gearing/harsh clunk; Transmission bucking and slipping during cruise control episodes; No check engine light initially
Repairs/costs cited: Cruise control reprogram performed twice; no permanent fix. Owner paid $90 service fee (later reimbursed).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer informed owner no work was performed for the cruise control problem despite multiple visits. Other cruise control recalls mentioned as being addressed.
Flexplate / Driveline Noise and Failure
Loud grinding, squealing, or vibrating noise from the engine compartment, especially during idle or in park. Flexplate requires repeated replacement. In one case, vehicle seized in park after loud grinding noise.
When: 28,600 miles (2016), 107,000 miles (2018); onset within first year of ownership common
Symptoms owners cite: Loud vibration, squealing, or grinding noise from engine bay; Noise occurs during idle or in park, disappears during acceleration; Vehicle seized in park (unable to shift out) after loud grinding; Noise recurs after prior flexplate replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Flexplate replaced at 28,648 miles. Starter assembly replaced in 2016. Flexplate replacement needed again at 107,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty coverage mentioned; repairs performed at customer expense.
Transmission Shuddering / Shaking on Incline
Vehicle shakes, shudders, or trembles when accelerating uphill, especially in reverse on slight inclines. Occurs with very low mileage (under 30 miles on new vehicle), suggesting manufacturing defect.
When: New vehicle (under 30 miles) and later at 93,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering or trembling during uphill acceleration; Shuddering worse in reverse on inclines; Vibration similar to stick-shift vehicle grinding clutch; Occurs intermittently on slight inclines
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; reported as defect on new vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Synthesized from 74 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
When driving the vehicle shifted to N and then back to D automatically. Shuddering sometimes. Took the vehicle at dealer and they mentioned transmission is and an issue and will need torque converter.Code P0740 and check engine light illuminated after this.
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle revved up but, failed to shift into gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the…
When approaching a stop van start vibrating and stop will start after 3 try and does same thing over again
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Dodge grand caravan. While driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH when the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission seal failed and the transmission had a defective valve. The dealer stated that the trnsmission needed to be…
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, there was a whining noise coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the…
On city street and highway, especially after full stop. The car would not accelerate. Whining on left front. Rolled backward on slight hill. Had towed to mechanic. Attached is list of issues, mainly powertrain and transmission. Mechanic said there was a recall for this issue (campaign # 16v461000). Dodge dealer claimed no recall on my specific VIN, but for vehicles made at a similar time. Only…
Drove down the highway, took an exit, came to a red-light, turns green, press the gas car won't move for about 2-4 seconds then jumps into gear and stays stuck in first...look up the problem see there was a recall for the Transmission on the year and model but only some of them.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 74 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 47 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 80,000 and 128,000 miles, with the median around 95,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 80,000; a quarter make it past 128,000. 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/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.