2012 Dodge GRAND CARAVAN problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
583 owner complaints analyzed
6 distinct recall campaigns
92,250 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2012 model year. Data snapshot: . 374 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 329 of 583 complaints (56.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 197 | 33.8% |
| Braking behavior | 80 | 13.7% |
| Engine operation | 74 | 12.7% |
| Steering behavior | 58 | 9.9% |
| Fuel system concerns | 56 | 9.6% |
| Transmission and shifting | 37 | 6.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 329 |
| Engine | 118 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 68 |
| Unknown Or Other | 60 |
| Power Train | 47 |
| Service Brakes | 38 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 22 |
| Air Bags | 18 |
Electrical System: 329; Engine: 118; Fuel/Propulsion System: 68; Unknown Or Other: 60; Power Train: 47; Service Brakes: 38; Vehicle Speed Control: 22; Air Bags: 18
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 38 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 47 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 63 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 54 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 141 |
| 150,000 and above | 31 |
Under 25,000: 38; 25,000 to 49,999: 47; 50,000 to 74,999: 63; 75,000 to 99,999: 54; 100,000 to 149,999: 141; 150,000 and above: 31
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (141). 209 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2013 | 11 |
| 2014 | 41 |
| 2015 | 144 |
| 2016 | 40 |
| 2017 | 48 |
| 2018 | 38 |
| 2019 | 81 |
| 2020 | 72 |
| 2021 | 43 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 2 |
2011: 1; 2012: 4; 2013: 11; 2014: 41; 2015: 144; 2016: 40; 2017: 48; 2018: 38; 2019: 81; 2020: 72; 2021: 43; 2022: 26; 2023: 14; 2024: 10; 2025: 8; 2026: 2
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 197 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 80 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 74 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10577014 · 2014-04-03 (April 3, 2014)
AT 11:30 PM THE CAR ENGINE STARTED (THE KEYS WERE IN THE HOUSE),HORN WAS BLOWING, HEAD LIGHTS WERE ON, WIPERS GOING AT FULL SPEED FOUR WAY FLASHER GOING THERE WAS A RED GLOW UNDER THE CAR AND SMOKE WAS BILLOWING FROM UNDER THE CAR AND THE DOORS WERE LOCKED. WE WERE ABLE TO GET A KEY FROM THE FOB AND UNLOCK THE DOORS,AND UNLATCH THE HOOD SO WE COULD OPEN THE HOOD. ALL THE WIRES, ALTERNATOR, FUSE BOX AND BATTERY WERE CHERRY RED. USING SOME CLIPPERS WE WERE ABLE TO CUT THE BATTERY CABLE AND EVERY THING STOPPED WE COOLED THINGS DOWN WITH SOME SNOW.…
Owner-reported narrative. 75,270 miles reported. Look up ODI 10577014 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10622573 · 2014-08-15 (August 15, 2014)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V234000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REMEDY THE RECALL WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10622573 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10491567 · 2013-01-06 (January 6, 2013)
DRIVING IN A SMALL TOWN, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THIS. I AM A MEDICAL COURIER AND WE HAVE 4, MAYBE 5, GRAND CARAVANS OPERATING OUT OF OUR FACILITY. TWO HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE HEADS REPLACED, BOTH WITH THE PENTASTAR V-6. I HAVE THIS ENGINE IN MINE AS WELL . I WAS TOLD BY THE DRIVERS OF THOSE TO WATCH FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON, AND LAST NIGHT IT DID. SO NOW, IT SEEMS I MAY BE NUMBER THREE. I WOULD CONSIDER MY DRIVING HABITS IN THE DODGE "EASY", PROBABLY 90% OF THE TIME I AM DRIVING RURAL TWO LANE HIGHWAYS…
Owner-reported narrative. 85,463 miles reported. Look up ODI 10491567 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10502120 · 2013-03-08 (March 8, 2013)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK IN OPEN THROTTLE POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AND SHE HAD TO UTILIZE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ACCELERATING ANY FARTHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,900.
Owner-reported narrative. 20,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10502120 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10606254 · 2014-06-26 (June 26, 2014)
ONE NIGHT I WAS DRIVING WITH MY 4 YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE VAN ON A BACK ROAD TO GO HOME. ALL OF A SUDDEN ALL OF MY DASH LIGHTS CAME ON, MY RADIO SHUT OFF AND MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. THAT LAST ABOUT 25 SECS. THEN MY VAN STALLED. I WAS SCARED TO HAVE THEM IN THE VAN WITH ME ON A BACK ROAD WITH NO HEADLIGHTS FIRST THEN A STALLED VAN. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE, WAITED 10 MINS AND STARTED IT BACK UP AGAIN. THE NEXT DAY I HAD THE VAN RUNNING IN PARK IT STALLED. I STARTED IT BACK UP OK, UNTIL I PUT IT IN REVERSE. IT STALLED AGAIN AFTER ALL TH…
Owner-reported narrative. 40,356 miles reported. Look up ODI 10606254 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10661118 · 2014-11-26 (November 26, 2014)
1. VEHICLE DRAGS TO THE RIGHT. 2. ENGINE LOSES POWER AT TIMES 45MPH AND OR 60 MPH 3. IT SEEMS THERE IS GEAR SHIFT PROBLEM BASED ON ITEM 2. STEVENS CREEK CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE, 4100 STEVENS CREEK BLVD, SAN JOSE, CA 95129 I HAVE TAKEN IT TO DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES AND LATEST BEING: 8/20/2014 INVOICE #184949 MILEAGE :6669 THEY DID FIND THE PROBLEM AND DID SUSPENSION REPAIRS. THEY SAY THEY WERE UNABLE DUPLICATE PROBLEM OF LOSING POWER - IT SEEMS THEY DID NOT DO TEST DRIVE AT ALL OBVIOUSLY FROM MILEAGE RECORD! I TOOK IT AGAIN WITH SAME COM…
Owner-reported narrative. 325 miles reported. Look up ODI 10661118 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10437900 · 2011-11-30 (November 30, 2011)
I NOTICED A FLUID LEAK IN MY DRIVEWAY AND BASED ON THE RED COLOR I ELIMINATED THE POSSIBILITY THAT IT WAS FROM THE POWER STEERING BECAUSE THE RESERVOIR WAS AT THE MAX LEVEL. I WAS LATER INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SIDE COVER WAS LEAKING. I SENT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE DYE WAS ADDED AND WAS INFORMED THAT FLUID WAS LEAKING IN THE AREA OF THE BELL HOUSING AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD REQUIRE DISASSEMBLY TO ASCERTAIN WHAT THE CAUSE IS. *KB ....UPDATED 04/09/12 *BF.
Owner-reported narrative. 20 miles reported. Look up ODI 10437900 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10605919 · 2014-06-25 (June 25, 2014)
VEHICLE HAS ROUGHLY 36000 MILES, WHEN BRAKING THE STEERING SHAKES HARD, VIBRATING. WORRIED ONE DAY ONE OF MY TIRES IS GOING TO FALL OFF OR THE STEERING STOP WORKING AND LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. EVEN DODGE HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM, THE DEALERSHIP WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE THEY SAY IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT ADMITS THAT IT IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE VEHICLE BEING BUILT WITH SUBSTANDARD PARTS. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 36,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10605919 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10730655 · 2015-06-26 (June 26, 2015)
I WAS ENTERING ON A BUSY INTERSTATE WHEN MY 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN R/T GOT TO ABOUT 50+ MPH THE GAS PEDAL KEPT ACCELERATING AND WOULD NOT STOP THE RPM GAGE HIT 6 THE ONLY WAY I GOT IT TO STOP WAS TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND PULL OF THE ROAD THE RMP'S KEPT GOING AS DID THE ENGINE I TURNED THE VAN OFF IN NEUTRAL AND PUT IT IN PARK. WHEN I STARTED THE VAN BACK UP IT INSTANTLY STARTED DOING THE SAME THING IN PARK. I TURNED THE VAN BACK OFF AND WAITED ABOUT 5 MINUTES AND WHEN I RESTARTED THE VAN IT SEEMED NORMAL. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TH…
Owner-reported narrative. 14,834 miles reported. Look up ODI 10730655 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10786916 · 2015-10-29 (October 29, 2015)
THE VAN FOR A FEW WEEKS WOULD OCCASIONALLY NOT START ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT, IT WOULD CRANK, JUST NOT START. AT FIRST I THOUGHT I JUST DIDN'T TURN THE KEY LONG ENOUGH TO START, BUT IN THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER IT STARTED GETTING WORSE AND I KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC ON OCT 7TH AND THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE NO START ISSUE AND COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING, SO I WAS ASKED TO BRING IT BACK WHEN THEIR MOPAR GUY WAS BACK. WE THOUGHT IT WAS A FUEL PUMP ISSUE SO WE TRIED TO RUN A CLEANER THROUGH IT, BUT AFTER A FEW DAYS IT ONLY GO WORS…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10786916 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10454008 · 2012-04-03 (April 3, 2012)
I HAVE A TRANSMISSION MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE AFFORDED THE SAME CONSUMER PROTECTION AS THE 2012 GRAND CARAVANS WITH ENGINE SLUDGE. MY PUMP AND AXLE SEALS BEGAN LEAKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH. I DIDN'T NOTICE UNTIL 20 MILES WERE ON THE ODOMETER. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO EXAMINE IT BEFORE I HAD TO RELEASE IT TO AMS VANS FOR WHEELCHAIR CONVERSION. IT WAS RETURNED TO ME WITH 36 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND IT WAS LEAKING DURING THE ADDITIONAL 16 MILES. UNLESS CHRYSLER IS WILLING TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION THAT THIS TRANSMISSION CANNO…
Owner-reported narrative. 13 miles reported. Look up ODI 10454008 at NHTSA ↗