2016 Dodge Grand Caravan Power Train Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 30, 2026 · 221 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 221 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan, 22% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 88,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “transmission pump” (25% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Transmission pump: mentioned in 56 of 221 complaints (25%)
  • Chrysler jeep ram: mentioned in 18 of 221 complaints (8%)
  • Power train included: mentioned in 18 of 221 complaints (8%)
  • Abnormal sound: mentioned in 14 of 221 complaints (6%)

At what mileage do power train problems happen?

Based on 135 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles4 · 3%
10k–25k miles2 · 1%
25k–50k miles8 · 6%
50k–75k miles30 · 22%
75k–100k miles45 · 33%
100k–150k miles42 · 31%
150k+ miles4 · 3%

How serious are the reports?

Of 221 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 1 a fire.

Dodge Grand Caravan power train complaints by model year

Peak: 2016, with 221 complaints
1995: 2419951996: 2091997: 8119971998: 811999: 7219992000: 952001: 2920012002: 422003: 2820032004: 32005: 2220052006: 122007: 2320072008: 682009: 2020092010: 402011: 4320112012: 482013: 3620132014: 192015: 7720152016: 2212212017: 3720172018: 232019: 4920192020: 8

n = 1,410 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearPower Train complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2020 Grand Caravan840%76,858
2019 Grand Caravan4920%67,000
2018 Grand Caravan238%49,000
2017 Grand Caravan379%72,000
2016 Grand Caravan22122%88,000
2015 Grand Caravan7727%94,000
2014 Grand Caravan195%79,000
2013 Grand Caravan368%74,000
2012 Grand Caravan488%76,100
2011 Grand Caravan438%63,650
2010 Grand Caravan405%67,477
2009 Grand Caravan204%71,000
2008 Grand Caravan685%70,000
2007 Grand Caravan2313%55,350
2006 Grand Caravan124%66,500
2005 Grand Caravan222%40,800
2004 Grand Caravan33%69,700
2003 Grand Caravan2813%24,000
2002 Grand Caravan4214%50,045
2001 Grand Caravan2910%56,700
2000 Grand Caravan9521%51,244
1999 Grand Caravan7217%69,000
1998 Grand Caravan8114%78,027
1997 Grand Caravan8114%102,000
1996 Grand Caravan20918%87,350
1995 Grand Caravan2422%—

When owners reported it

Peak: 2020, with 41 complaints
2016: 3201632017: 3201732018: 112018112019: 332019332020: 412020412021: 292021292022: 252022252023: 302023302024: 182024182025: 192025192026: 920269

n = 221 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Power train:automatic transmissionJun 24, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V461000 · 26,298 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.

Risk: If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and jerked slightly before accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, and the…

Received Sep 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11767999

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission pump needed to be replaced. The contact associated…

Received Sep 9, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11763002

The transmission on this vehicle has started to make a whining noise from the transmission which is consistent with the symptoms of a failing transmission pump cover under recall S44. If this were to fail while driving it can lead to a serious or fatal accident. I have not yet taken the vehicle in…

Received Aug 3, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11754491

Frequently asked questions

Do all 2016 Dodge Grand Caravans have power train problems?

No. NHTSA has 221 owner complaints about power train for the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan (22% of the 1,002 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan power train?

Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

At what mileage do power train problems start?

The median reported mileage is 88,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.

What do owners say about power train problems on the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan?

The most frequent phrase is “transmission pump”, in 56 of 221 complaints, followed by “chrysler jeep ram” (18).

Other 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan problems

See all 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan problems or power train problems across all Grand Caravan years.