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ProblemsByVinFile / 2016-DODGE-GRAND-CARAVANNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Dodge
2016 Dodge Grand Caravan problems
The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan has 996 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 2 active recall campaigns.
The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan has 996 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 304 complaints, typically surfacing around 62,015 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Dodge Grand Caravan owner complaints by model year
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Grand Caravan?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
4 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★4/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan VAN FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 304 owner reports
· tends to show around 62,015 mi · ~$850 to fix
powertrain — 214 owner reports
· tends to show around 87,941 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
body — 177 owner reports
· tends to show around 57,178 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
engine — 40 owner reports
· tends to show around 77,193 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 65,906 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2016 Grand Caravan· suspension
Was driving home from work (on city streets) and noticed that the engine seemed to be idling higher than normal RPMs. Van would not shift from first gear and would not accelerate beyond about 30 MPH, very sluggish, while RPMs rose above 3K and engine made a grinding/whining…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Dodge grand caravan. While driving approximately 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound emitting from the transmission. While making a right turn with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle failed to respond. In addition, the check engine warning…
While driving the entire vehicle including all functional systems simply shuts off. This has happened 2 times in the last 2 months. All systems are lost. Brakes, steering, engine, etc. There is no advanced waring or indications. There are no engine warning lights. The…
Transmission fluid pump failed, resulting in transmission failure. Vehicle began to show signs of slippage, then became inoperable after being parked. This is my fourth Dodge caravan to have this problem. Failures of the transmission pump all happened without warning at around…
Had a problem with your 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured March 16, 2016, to March 17, 2016
If the third row seatback becomes loose, it may separate from the seat frame, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-torque the third row seatback nuts, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S37.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 19, 2015 to August 27, 2015
If the hood opens while driving, the driver's vision may be obstructed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install new hood striker bolts with the proper torque, free of charge. The recall began on October 22, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is R53.
Common questions
Is the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 996 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan?
The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 304 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 62,015 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 996 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 62,015 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 304 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 62,015 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 62,015 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Dodge Grand Caravan has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 996 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Dodge/Grand Caravan.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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