According to research there is known problem with the slidding Van Doors for the 2016 Dodge Caravan. Both of my van doors have went out and is stuck in lock mode, to where it will not unlock or open. This is a safety issue especially when you have children that cannot unrestrain themselves from a seatbelt or car seat.
2016 Dodge Grand Caravan electrical problems
moderate 297 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
297
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 297 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 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
Electrical accounts for 31% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 10 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 297 electrical 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
2016 Grand Caravan electrical complaints cluster around three main problem areas. First, rear sliding door locks fail with troubling regularity. Owners report doors jamming in the locked position, making them impossible to open by remote, button, or manual force—some after only 35,000–45,000 miles. The lock actuator commonly fails, and when replacement happens, it costs $500 to $1,100 per door. Many owners say they've seen hundreds of identical complaints online, and dealerships confirm it's a "known issue" without offering recalls. Second, hard-start and stalling problems occur with no check-engine codes showing up, even at dealerships. Vehicles die at highway speeds and won't restart without multiple attempts, leaving owners stranded. Third, miscellaneous electrical gremlins appear: key fobs that stop working, TIPM failures causing instrument clusters to go dark and wipers to run uncontrollably, climate controls blowing hot air when AC is selected, and one report of a fuse box burning. Owners consistently note that repair costs are high, that dealers acknowledge the problems are widespread, and that no recalls have been issued despite safety concerns—particularly regarding trapping occupants in vehicles that can't be opened quickly in emergencies.
Same Dodge Grand Caravan electrical reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling and random shutdown
Engine dies without warning while driving at various speeds (15–75 mph) or while idling, then may or may not restart. No diagnostic codes appear on dealer scans. Dealerships unable to reproduce or diagnose the cause despite multiple visits.
When: Across full speed range; timing unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle dies suddenly while driving at all speeds; Dies while stopped and idling; Multiple restart attempts required (up to 12+ attempts reported); No check engine light or diagnostic codes; Vehicle restarts after brief delay
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership performed software upgrade and transmission pan leak repair ($550+) but problem persisted. One dealership quoted $3,000 for unspecified repair without confidence it would fix issue. Towed vehicles often remain unresolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software upgrades attempted; no recall issued despite reported prevalence online
Erratic starting with power loss symptoms
Vehicle exhibits hard starts, won't turn over on first or second attempt, and display alternates from 'RUN' to 'OFF'. Clock resets on dash. Owner replaces alternator and battery (both test good) but problem continues. Vehicle stalls while driving at 45 mph with no warning lights.
When: Primarily on morning starts; also occurs while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Won't start on first or second attempt; Dash display alternates 'RUN' to 'OFF'; Clock resets to 12:00 AM; Stalling while driving without warning lights; Repeated stall-and-restart cycles within seconds
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced alternator and battery (both tested good); no lasting fix
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes online that TIPM issues reported on earlier models; no formal response documented
Key fob and keyless entry failure
Key fob stops reliably unlocking doors or starting vehicle. Replacement key fob battery and new fob programming do not resolve issue. Vehicle battery and alternator test good. Intermittent fob operation continues despite multiple programmed fobs.
When: Intermittent, worsening over weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob does not unlock doors; Key fob does not start vehicle; New fob battery does not resolve issue; Newly programmed fobs still fail to function; All methods eventually work after extended delay
Codes mentioned: U110A
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple key fob reprogramming at dealership; no lasting improvement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance offered; owner reports being stranded in 114-degree heat with mobility limitations created dangerous situation
Unintended acceleration and engine control loss
Vehicle self-accelerates to over 80 mph without driver input; driver must hold brake to control. Engine continues to run even with key removed and door closed. Transmission enters limp mode on startup, preventing normal gear selection until safety override engaged.
When: Beginning late November 2018 on used 2016 model with 77,438 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Self-acceleration to 80+ mph with no pedal input; Engine continues running with key removed and door closed; Transmission enters limp mode on startup; Cannot shift to Reverse or Drive without override; Speed limited to 30 mph after override engaged
Repairs/costs cited: Pep Boys unable to perform repair. Meineke diagnosed and performed repairs under warranty, but defective part caused severe damage to other components. Second repair quoted at $2,700; warranty coverage disputes between Meineke and DriveTime warranty company.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle returned to same condition 10 days after repair completion
Rear sliding door lock stuck in locked position
Power sliding door lock becomes stuck in locked position and cannot be unlocked by any method: key fob, door panel button, overhead button, or manual lever. Door cannot be opened, trapping occupants. Latch or actuator component fails; mechanical lock jams.
When: First incidents reported around 37,000–45,000 miles; recurs intermittently or becomes permanent
Symptoms owners cite: Door stuck in locked position; Key fob does not unlock door; Overhead door button does not respond; Door panel unlock button ineffective; Manual lock lever stuck or immovable; Door cannot be opened by any method
Repairs/costs cited: Lock actuator replacement quoted at $500–$1,100 per door. Replacement requires disassembly of door panels (not covered under some warranty programs). Multiple owners report needing to replace both actuators; second failure common.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty issued for actuators on some model year ranges (up to May 2015); many affected vehicles fall outside coverage window. Dealers acknowledge issue is 'common' but do not initiate recall. TSB issued for buzzing noise symptom.
Sliding door lock produces loud buzzing and malfunction
Rear sliding door lock emits loud buzzing sound (audible up to 15 feet) when locked or unlocked. Lock may stick in locked or unlocked position, or alternate between positions. Sound precedes complete lock failure in many cases.
When: Begins after several years (around 6 years of ownership per one report); worsens over time
Symptoms owners cite: Loud buzzing/groaning when locking or unlocking; Lock intermittently stuck in locked position; Lock intermittently stuck in unlocked position; Lock malfunctions after buzzing sound; Buzzing continues while door is locked at speeds above 10–20 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Door actuator repair/replacement; costs $500–$1,000+ per door. Dealership service required; not user-repairable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued for buzzing noise; acknowledged as recurring problem by dealers. Extended warranty offered for actuators on limited model years.
Sliding door fails to open or close reliably
Power sliding door (driver or passenger side) becomes unresponsive to all unlock and open commands. Door may not respond to key fob, door panel buttons, overhead buttons, or manual attempts. Some doors remain unresponsive; others intermittently operate.
When: Intermittent initially, progressing to complete failure; occurs as early as 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Door does not open when button pressed; Door does not respond to key fob; Door does not respond to overhead button; Door does not respond to manual lever; No response despite lights flashing on fob; Intermittent operation followed by complete failure
Repairs/costs cited: Door actuator replacement; costs range $700–$1,100. Some warranty programs do not cover; owners report having to replace actuators on both doors due to sequential failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; dealers state this is a 'known problem' but do not offer blanket repairs. Extended warranty available for limited model years.
Sliding door pops open or closes during operation
Power sliding door intermittently opens, closes, or swings shut while vehicle is moving or parked. Door ajar warning light activates. Owner must pull over to manually push door shut. Safety concern if door opens while driving.
When: Occurs at various speeds and mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Door pops open unexpectedly; Door closes suddenly on child after opening; Door ajar light activates on dash; Door requires manual closure after operation; Repeating cycle: opens, closes immediately, or opens only partially
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer service visits; issue not resolved despite repeated attempts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal response documented
Electrical system failure: BUS error and cluster malfunction
Computer glitch occurs in warm ambient temperatures (85–90°F). Wipers activate uncontrollably and cannot be turned off. Instrument cluster displays 'NO BUS' and shows no gauges. Turn signals, brake lights, radio, HVAC, and some windows become non-functional. Driver unable to determine speed or signal turns.
When: Triggered by ambient temperature 85–90°F; occurred multiple times beginning July 2016
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers turn on and cannot be disabled; Instrument cluster goes dark, displays 'NO BUS'; Turn signals do not work; Brake lights do not function; Radio and HVAC inoperative; Some windows inoperative; No speed indication available
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) replaced; another module also replaced; problem recurred. Vehicle taken to dealer 6 times over 3 months (40+ days total); issue could not be reproduced once weather cooled.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler Customer Care closed claim when unable to reproduce in cooler weather; no resolution provided
Dual-zone climate control malfunction
Passenger side and rear vents blow hot air even when AC is selected. Issue persists across multiple repair attempts and occurs at various driving speeds and mileages.
When: Intermittent; brought in for repair 4+ times since 2018
Symptoms owners cite: Front passenger vents blow hot air; Rear vents blow hot air; AC mode selected but heat continues; Switching to AC mode does not stop heat output
Repairs/costs cited: Passenger side actuator replaced; issue recurred. Brought to dealership multiple times under warranty; paperwork not always documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty service provided; no systematic fix applied
Fuse box failure and burning smell
Vehicle stalls suddenly while driving at low speed after owner smells burning odor inside cabin. Service vehicle warning light activates. Unable to restart. Fuse box identified as failed component requiring replacement.
When: At 54,727 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell inside vehicle; Service vehicle warning light illuminates; Vehicle stalls unexpectedly; Unable to restart vehicle; Vehicle not drivable
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse box replacement required; repaired at independent mechanic shop. Towed to repair facility.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer made aware of failure; no prior awareness by manufacturer
Synthesized from 297 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
A loud buzz sound happens when I lock my vehicle or when my door automatically locks. It doesn't matter if the vehicle is stationary or in motion. When it locks it makes a very loud noise
2016 Dodge grand caravan, driver side rear sliding door. Door lock makes a loud buzzing sound when it locks automatically, or using the fob. It happens while driving and the van hits 15 miles an hour with the auto lock, and when stopped using the lock button on the arm rest or with the fob. This appears to be a common problem with this vehicle.
The actuator on both sliding doors have been a problem with this car. They both have been stuck where the door does not close and lock. Also the door has been closed before where my child has been almost hurt due to door not opening back up due to safety option with the door. I have had other issue where the the tailgate door does not open and close in the back it work went wants to. Most…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was approximately 116,000. The contact stated that a month after the vehicle was purchased, the transmission failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair, and it was discovered…
Left hand sliding door lock will not unlock, I can here the lock try to open but does not open
Looks like there's a design or defective part on the driver side (Left) window. It is unable to open. This is the second time that the window unable to open, the first time happened in around late 2019 early 2020. It was the window power switch issue and I had it replaced. Recently the window stopped working again. This can be a potential safety issue if the car is drove into a river or in a high…
Rear lift won't open sometimes and not manually either. Passenger sliding door makes a buzzing sound when unlocked
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 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 electrical problem on the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 297 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 165 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 43,900 and 76,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,900; a quarter make it past 76,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2016/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.