No Start, After Flash And Or PCM Replace, DTC P0513 Invalid Skim Key Setting
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Dodge Grand Caravan powertrain problems
moderate 21 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 21 powertrain complaints filed for the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
PLATE, TORQUE CONVERTER DRIVE For 3.6L with 62TE NOTE: FOR ALL PROMASTER VF 3.6L/62TE EQUIPPED VEHICLES: IF THE TRANSMISSION BRACKET TO THE TRANSMISSION CASE FASTENERS ARE REMOVED DURING SERVICING, THE FASTENERS Part Number 06511385A$ 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 of 2018 Dodge Grand Caravans report repeated transmission failures where the vehicle stops shifting gears or won't engage drive without long delays. Several lost total transmission function on highways around 90k to 100k miles with no warning lights. One owner paid $1,000 to repair a failed flex plate, only to have the transmission fail entirely months later. The transmission design prevents field repair—it requires removal and complete rebuilding.
Engine problems center on cylinder 2 misfires (code P0302), which trigger the check engine light and cause shaking, sputtering, and rough acceleration. Replacing the PCV valve, coil pack, spark plugs, and fuel injector does not resolve the issue in reported cases. Some owners face head gasket failure or engine damage requiring disassembly or replacement at under 70k miles.
Other powertrain failures include abrupt engine stalls when the fuel gauge reaches 1/4 tank, occurring at highway speed or in traffic with no prior warning and causing loss of power steering and brakes. Motor knock and lifter failure have been reported under 60k miles with regular maintenance and no warning lights. One owner's transmission began leaking fluid, leading to complete transmission failure.
Dealers have refused diagnostic testing despite recalls existing for PCM voltage defects (Campaign 18V524000) on some 2018 Grand Caravans. Powertrain warranty expires at 60k miles.
Same Dodge Grand Caravan powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission failure / loss of shift
Transmission stops engaging or loses ability to shift gears, often without warning. Owners report transmission delays, failure to shift properly, inability to move in drive, loss of engagement, or complete transmission failure requiring rebuild/replacement. Happens at varying mileage from 69k to 100k+ miles.
When: 69,000–100,000+ miles; some owners report stranger acceleration from purchase date
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed shift engagement; Transmission won't move vehicle after shifting to drive; Vehicle stuck in park 30+ seconds before moving; Won't shift up or down properly on hills; Complete loss of transmission function on highway; Vehicle accelerates on its own during acceleration/shifting; Poor acceleration overall since purchase
Codes mentioned: No codes (some cases report no diagnostic codes)
Repairs/costs cited: Flex plate repair $1,000 (temp fix); full transmission rebuild/replacement needed in multiple cases. Transmission is completely enclosed design and cannot be repaired without removal and rebuilding.
Cylinder 2 misfire
Check engine light comes on; vehicle shakes, sputters, runs rough, and has trouble accelerating. Misfire detected in cylinder 2 via P0302 code. Occurs after mid-range mileage. Parts replaced (PCV valve, coil pack, spark plugs, fuel injector) do not resolve the issue. Owners report this is a known recurring problem across multiple 2018 Dodge Caravan vehicles.
When: 63,000–69,000 miles; one case at under 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on; Vehicle shakes and sputters; Rough idle / rough running; Trouble accelerating above 45 mph; Engine won't run safely; can stall at any time; Poor acceleration going uphill
Codes mentioned: P0302
Repairs/costs cited: PCV valve, coil pack, all spark plugs, and fuel injector replaced without resolving misfire. Possible head gasket failure or engine damage suspected; some owners advised engine needs disassembly and inspection or full replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge dealership stated no recalls available; warranty covers powertrain only to 60,000 miles.
Engine stall at low fuel level
Engine stalls abruptly without warning when fuel gauge reaches 1/4 tank or below. Occurs at any driving condition (highway 70 mph, stop-and-go traffic, residential street, at stop sign). No engine misfire warning precedes stall. Owner loses power steering and power brakes upon stall. Filling tank before 1/4 level prevents occurrence.
When: Consistently when fuel level drops to 1/4 tank
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt engine stall with no warning; Loss of power steering; Loss of power brakes; Vehicle must be put in park and restarted
Codes mentioned: No codes found by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall U87 / NHTSA Campaign ID 18V524000 exists for similar PCM issue in other 2018 Dodge Caravans. Owner requested dealership test power control module but dealership refused diagnostic testing despite vehicle being under certified used warranty.
Power Control Module defect (rough idle / stall)
PCM causes rough idle and vehicle almost stalls while in park and drive, even when in motion. Owner reports seeing a recall for this part on their particular van model.
When: Not specified in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle in park and drive; Vehicle almost stalls
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for this part on owner's particular van (Recall 18V-524, related to PCM Voltage).
Engine knock / lifter failure
Motor knocking occurs and lifter fails, causing major motor damage. Owner reports no warning lights and vehicle was under 60,000 miles with regular service. Issue creates risk of catastrophic engine failure.
When: Under 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Motor knocking; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Lifter failure leads to major motor damage requiring extensive repair or replacement.
Transmission fluid leak
Transmission develops fluid leak leading to low transmission fluid levels. Owner initially thought fluid was low (October 2023) but it refilled on its own or was misread; subsequent failure suggests ongoing leak condition.
When: 69,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leak; Low transmission fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission requires rebuild due to fluid loss.
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
On the filler neck, when I put the fuel nozzle in to fill up my van the filler neck is loose. I have owned many vehicles and have never run into this problem. On the power train ,when climbing a hill it slows down and I go to give it gas and it boggs down, like sputters. It makes like a cluncking in the back of the van. Also the hood has come up on me 3 times. This last time I took it to the…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2018 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 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 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?
Based on the 21 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 60,837 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2018/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.