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 ↗2017 Dodge Grand Caravan powertrain problems
severe 33 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
3crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 33 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 33 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
PLATE, TORQUE CONVERTER DRIVE For 3.6L with 62TE NOTE: FOR ALL PROMASTER VF 3.6L/62TE EQUIPPED VEHICLES: IF THE TRANSMISSION BRACKET TO THE TRANSMISSION CASE FASTENERS ARE REMOVED DURING SERVICING, THE FASTENERS Part Number 06511385A$ 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
Transmission failure is the dominant powertrain complaint across these 33 narratives. Owners report sudden loss of shift engagement (vehicle stuck in 1st gear, Reverse, or Park), complete transmission failure while driving at highway speed, and multiple failures within the same vehicle — one owner replaced a transmission at 92,000 miles, then again at 130,000 miles, and reports slipping at 180,000 miles on a Mopar remanufactured unit that was supposed to address design flaws.
Torque converter failure appears as a distinct cluster: shop owners cite 2–3 repairs per week on 2017 Grand Caravans, affecting vehicles in the 70,000–120,000 mile range. Debris from the converter contaminates the entire transmission, requiring disassembly and rebuild. One failure occurred just 3,095 miles past the 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Engine stalling at stops and in traffic is also frequent. Vehicles stall at red lights or in stop-and-go traffic; transmission may not re-engage, requiring operator to shift to Neutral and back to Drive. Dealers cannot diagnose the cause. Hard shifting, hesitation, and slipping occur alongside whining noises. Some vehicles roll out of Park while parked and unattended. One owner reports the vehicle suddenly lost all power at 65–70 MPH on the highway with electrical system failures. An oil filter housing crack causing oil loss and reduced lubrication is emerging as a design defect, especially during cold weather, with one repair shop reporting high volume and supply-chain difficulty obtaining replacements.
Same Dodge Grand Caravan powertrain reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission failure — loss of shift or stuck in gear
Transmission fails to shift into or out of gear; vehicle becomes immobilized or stuck in single gear (Drive, Reverse, 1st, or Park). Occurs while driving or at stop. Some vehicles report transmission stuck in Reverse even when shifted to Park.
When: 50,000 to 180,000 miles; cluster of failures reported 85,000–130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shift into Drive or Reverse; Stuck in 1st gear; cannot upshift; Stuck in Reverse; cannot shift to Neutral or Park; Transmission screaming or whining while immobilized; Vehicle stalls or shudders when attempting to engage transmission
Codes mentioned: P1602, P0606
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement or rebuild required; costs cited as ~$6,000; some owners received Mopar remanufactured units (claimed to have 'reinforced' parts and design fixes) that also failed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge powertrain warranty covers 60,000 miles / 3 years 100k miles (Mopar remanufactured); multiple failures reported out of or shortly after warranty expiration; Campaign 18V524000 (Electrical System) cited as related in one complaint
Torque converter failure
Torque converter degrades or seizes, producing whining/grinding noise and loss of power transmission. Debris from converter contaminates entire transmission and requires disassembly, overhauling, or full replacement.
When: 63,000–93,000 miles; described as 'common issue' by transmission shops repairing 2–3 per week in small towns, affecting mileage range 70,000–120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Whining or grinding noise while driving; Loss of power transmission; vehicle unable to move at speed; Shuddering and high revving without power; Torque converter material debris contaminating transmission
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission disassembly and overhaul to remove debris; one repair at 63,095 miles was out of warranty by 3,095 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge powertrain warranty 60,000 miles; owner-reported known recall for trans axle pump on 2016 models, unclear if 2017 included
Engine stalling at stops and in traffic
Engine shuts off or stalls unpredictably when coming to a stop, at red lights, or in stop-and-go traffic. Vehicle may or may not restart easily; transmission may not re-engage immediately. Check Engine light often illuminates.
When: Reported from 2019 to present in one case; occurs intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at complete stop or low speed; Check Engine warning light illuminated; Transmission fails to re-engage after stall; operator must shift to Neutral then back to Drive; Stalling becomes more frequent over time; RPM drops to zero suddenly while driving; Dealer and mechanics unable to diagnose root cause
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; dealers unable to identify cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner referenced unspecified 2017 recall (U87 Chrysler recall) but stated their VIN was not listed; multiple owners report same symptoms as existing recalls but excluded from coverage
Hard shifting, hesitation, and transmission slipping
Transmission shifts harshly, delays upshifting, or slips between gears. Vehicle hesitates when accelerator is pressed; cannot exceed speed posted (e.g., stays at 30 MPH despite full throttle). Abnormal whining or winding sounds accompany shifts.
When: Reported at 50,000–180,000 miles; slipping onset at 85,000 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Hard or abrupt gear shifts; Transmission delay or hesitation on acceleration; Vehicle speed does not increase despite depressed accelerator pedal; Abnormal whining or winding noise during shifts; Transmission slipping; revving high with no power increase
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs range from fluid flushes (multiple repeat flushes in one case) to full transmission replacement; one diagnosis cited inoperable 3rd and 4th gears with no shavings in pan
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers recommend replacement; in one case owner given Mopar remanufactured unit but experienced failure again at higher mileage
Vehicle rolls out of Park; shift lever / shift cable malfunction
Parked vehicle with engine off and transmission in Park rolls away or shifts out of Park and rolls without operator input. Shift lever malfunctions or does not hold Park detent.
When: Timing not specified; two separate incidents reported
Symptoms owners cite: Parked vehicle rolls down incline despite being in Park and engine off; Shift lever stuck or unable to shift fully into Park; Vehicle shifts from Park to Reverse spontaneously while running in parking lot
Repairs/costs cited: One case resulted in ~$5,000+ body damage, unknown steering/exhaust damage from 150-foot embankment roll; not repaired in reported case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no response or remedy provided
Intermittent shift-selection failure; gear indicator mismatch
Transmission shifts into or cycles through unintended gears (e.g., shifts to Neutral while driving on highway). Instrument panel gear indicator does not match actual gear (shows Reverse when in Drive). Driver receives no warning before unintended shift.
When: Mileage ~112,000; onset during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts to Neutral without driver input while at highway speed; Gear indicator shows incorrect selection (e.g., Reverse displayed while in Drive); No warning lights or messages before unintended shift occurs
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred complaint to NHTSA Hotline; no remedy provided
Oil filter housing crack and oil leak
Engine oil filter housing cracks, leaks oil, and reduces lubrication. Repair facility reports this is frequent and clustered, especially in cold weather. Replacement parts have been difficult to obtain due to volume of claims.
When: Frequency spike noted during extreme cold weather; described as recent clusters in the shop
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from filter housing; Reduced engine oil pressure and lubrication; Risk of oil loss, engine damage, or shutdown if not addressed immediately
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of oil filter housing assembly required; repair facility (Pro Auto Service) reported difficulty obtaining replacement parts due to high failure volume
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned; owner formally requesting NHTSA investigation and recall consideration
Rocker arm looseness and ticking noise
Engine rocker arms become loose, producing audible ticking sound. Owner expresses safety concern over loose rocker arms in this engine size.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking or rattling noise from engine; Loose rocker arms
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in reported case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned
Sudden loss of power and electrical system instability during driving
While driving at highway speed (65–70 MPH), vehicle suddenly loses all power and stops without warning. Electrical system and gauge cluster flicker or shut off without notice. Burning smell reported. Transmission light may illuminate.
When: 2019 to present; cluster of incidents while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of motive power while at highway speed; All gauges and warning lights turn off and on without warning during driving; Transmission light illuminated; Burning smell from vehicle; Dash lights, odometer, and warning lights flicker without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership inspection found nothing wrong on multiple visits; not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable or unwilling to identify or repair issue
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Van started to studder and not wanting to go while driving and starting the van. A current U87 Chrysler recall is in effect for my year of van. I called and they said that my vin is not currently affected even though I am having the same issues as this recall.
Our 2017 Dodge grand caravan gt suffered a torque converter failure at 63,095 miles while driving in gear at approximately 50 MPH, creating a whining sound while moving until we were able to get the vehicle to a stop, and then shuddering and revving high without power while we moved it briefly to a safe location to park it for towing. The vehicle had to be towed to a dealer because the…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan?
It's a meaningful issue. 33 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 52,000 and 93,000 miles, with the median around 83,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 52,000; a quarter make it past 93,000. 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/2017/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.