Was sitting at gas station with the van at an idle. The check engine light came on. After running diagnostics it was determined it had a cylinder 4 misfire. I had the spark plug and ignition coil replaced and still have the cylinder 4 misfire. Has been determined that the cylinder head has gone bad and needs to be replaced. I was also told mopar has had problems like this in the past.
2016 Dodge Grand Caravan engine problems
moderate 40 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
40
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 40 engine complaints filed for the 2016 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 40 engine 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.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2016 Grand Caravan has endemic cylinder head and TIPM fuel pump relay defects affecting thousands of vehicles, many outside recall coverage despite identical symptoms in recalled model years. Budget $2,700–$4,500 for potential cylinder head repair, expect difficulty sourcing TIPM replacement parts, and verify your specific VIN is actually recall-eligible before purchase.
The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan cluster shows eight distinct engine-related failure patterns. Most prevalent is the cylinder head/misfire problem: cylinder 2 (also 3, 4, and 5) misfire codes persist even after spark plug and coil pack replacement, traced by mechanics to defective valve seats, valve guides, and compression loss. Owners report this as a known defect in Pentastar engines with thousands of complaints online but no recall. Repair costs range $2,700–$4,621.
The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) fuel pump relay staying energized with the key off is endemic to this model year, affecting thousands per owner claims, but many VINs fall outside recall coverage despite identical failure. Dealers quote $1,000–$1,500 for TIPM replacement, and aftermarket workarounds are available but on long backorder.
Plastic oil filter and pump housings melt or leak oil onto the engine starting around 45,000 miles. Jeep has recalled this same defect; Dodge has not, despite using the same Pentastar engine.
Other reported failures include sudden engine shutdown while driving (losing power steering and brakes), engine continuing to run after key-off, loud ticking from rocker arms or lifters, and transmission pump failures tied to NHTSA campaign 16V461000. One report describes an engine compartment fire. Warranty denial and parts unavailability compound owner frustration.
Same Dodge Grand Caravan engine reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
TIPM Fuel Pump Relay Failure
The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) fuel pump relay stays energized continuously even after the key is off, draining the battery and creating a fire hazard. Known to affect thousands of 2016 Grand Caravans and other Chrysler products, but not all VINs are included in existing recalls despite having identical defects.
When: 24 hours after engine shutdown
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel pump runs continuously with ignition off; Battery drain; Fire hazard risk
Repairs/costs cited: Dodge dealers quote $1,000–$1,500 to replace entire TIPM; aftermarket bypass kits available (VerticleVisions.com) but reportedly on back order for months. Replacement OEM TIPM available only for VINs explicitly listed in recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued for select Jeep and Dodge models (years vary) and some transmission pump recalls (NHTSA 16V461000, recall code S44), but many affected 2016 Grand Caravans excluded from VIN-specific recall eligibility despite identical failure modes.
Cylinder 2 and Cylinder Head Misfire / Low Compression
Recurring misfire codes (primarily P0302 cylinder 2, also P0304 cylinder 4, P0305 cylinder 5, P0303 cylinder 3) that persist after spark plug and coil replacement. Root cause identified as defective cylinder head valve seats, valve guides, and compression loss in affected cylinders. Mechanics report this as a common endemic defect in 2016 Pentastar engines.
When: Typically 50,000–100,000 miles, though some appear earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination and blinking; Cylinder-specific misfire codes; Rough idle; Loss of power during acceleration, especially on highway; Difficulty starting in cold weather; Engine stumble or momentary shutdown at stops; Reduced fuel economy; Audible knock from cylinder area
Codes mentioned: P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire), P0303 (Cylinder 3 Misfire), P0304 (Cylinder 4 Misfire), P0305 (Cylinder 5 Misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report costs of $2,700–$4,621 for cylinder head replacement or full engine replacement. Tune-ups and single-coil/plug replacements do not resolve the issue. One owner was denied warranty coverage after exceeding 60,000 miles despite being told by dealer the warranty ended at 30,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler has declined to issue recalls or warranty support for affected 2016 Grand Caravans, stating the issue is the owner's responsibility. Mechanics confirm thousands of online complaints exist but no manufacturer recall program is in place.
Oil Filter Housing / Oil Pump Housing Melt and Leak
Plastic oil filter housings and oil pump housings melt or develop leaks, allowing oil to escape onto the engine block. Jeep (same Chrysler platform) has issued a recall for the identical defect, but 2016 Grand Caravans have not been recalled despite the same root cause and component design.
When: 45,000–85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak visible on engine block; Burning oil smell inside and outside vehicle; Oil pooling under vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Oil filter housing replacement required. Shops report seeing this 'so often' and believe it should be recalled. Original housings are plastic; newer replacements use metal construction.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2016 Grand Caravans despite Jeep having a recall for identical Pentastar 3.6L engine faults. Manufacturer informed complainants 'there is no recall associated with the VIN.'
Engine Shuts Off Unexpectedly While Driving
Engine cuts out entirely while vehicle is moving or idling at stops, causing loss of power steering and power brakes. Vehicle restarts normally after shifting to park and restarting. Can recur multiple times within short periods.
When: Intermittent; multiple occurrences within days or weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving; Loss of power steering; Loss of power braking; All panel indicator lights illuminate during shutdown; Vehicle restarts normally after brief pause
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suggested ignition switch and TIPM replacement at over $1,200 with no guarantee of resolution. Vehicle was not repaired per narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer referred customer to NHTSA. Manufacturer informed customer there was no recall for the VIN.
Pentastar Engine Ticking / Rocker Arm Noise
Loud tapping or ticking noise emanating from the top of the engine during idle and light acceleration, consistent with rocker arm or valve lifter wear. Known colloquially as 'Pentastar tick.' Owners report this as endemic to 2016 and earlier model year Pentastar engines with no manufacturer fix.
When: Can appear at low mileage; escalating with age
Symptoms owners cite: Loud tapping/ticking from engine top during idle; Ticking audible during light acceleration; Possible escalation to engine performance issues
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided in narratives; one owner expressed fear of 'complete engine failure' and noted the issue is unresolved.
Engine Fails to Shut Off After Key-Off
Engine continues running for several minutes after turning off the ignition, even after shifting to park. Unhooked battery does not reset the condition. This is distinct from the TIPM fuel pump relay issue, appearing to involve ignition/shutdown control failure.
When: Occurs sporadically during normal use
Symptoms owners cite: Engine keeps running after key is turned off; Engine runs for several minutes before cutting off on its own; Battery disconnect does not resolve the issue
Transmission Pump Relay Failure / Transmission Failure
NHTSA campaign 16V461000 and Dodge recall code S44 target transmission pump issues in 2016 Grand Caravans built from July 31, 2015 to April 18, 2016. Owners report the recall parts are not available within reasonable timeframes and some vehicle VINs do not pull up as recall-eligible despite identical symptoms. One owner reports transmission failure resulting from the defective pump.
When: Manufacturing window: July 31, 2015 – April 18, 2016
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation when shifting in and out of gear; Transmission freeze-up; Transmission failure
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repair parts unavailable; estimated timeframe unknown. One transmission replacement performed by dealer at owner's expense despite recall applicability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V461000; Dodge recall code S44. Recall parts unavailable, no estimated delivery date provided.
Engine Performance Degradation and No-Start Condition
Vehicle fails to start or starts intermittently, often accompanied by misfire codes, jerking, and delayed acceleration. Symptom severity often worsens in cold weather and mornings. One complaint involved a used vehicle purchased at 35,982 miles that developed misfire within one year; check engine light appeared shortly after a transmission replacement performed by Dodge dealer.
When: Intermittent, often worsening in cold weather
Symptoms owners cite: Difficulty starting; Vehicle cranks but does not start; Engine starts then immediately dies; Jerking and hesitation during acceleration; Delayed acceleration; Unable to safely drive on freeway; Loss of speed while driving; Severity worse in cold weather and mornings
Repairs/costs cited: One shop evaluated as potentially requiring full engine replacement, though replacement was not guaranteed to resolve the issue due to the defect being inherent to the engine design.
Engine Compartment Fire
Vehicle parked for at least 12 hours with engine compartment fire reported.
When: After vehicle was parked 12+ hours
Symptoms owners cite: Engine compartment fire
Synthesized from 40 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 40 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 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 55,000 and 99,570 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 55,000; a quarter make it past 99,570. 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/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.