Dodge Grand Caravan Air Bags Problems
Owners have filed 1,642 complaints with NHTSA about air bags problems on the Dodge Grand Caravan across 26 model years. The 2008 model year has the most (294). The words owners use most often: “air bags electrical” (25% of reports).
- 1,642air bags complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 179mention a crash
- 128mention an injury
- 11related recalls
- $440typical repair cost reported by owners
- 27%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Air bags electrical: mentioned in 411 of 1,642 complaints (25%)
- Clock spring: mentioned in 202 of 1,642 complaints (12%)
- Horn cruise: mentioned in 107 of 1,642 complaints (7%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical air bags repair on the Dodge Grand Caravan at $440, and half of them between $340 and $720.
Based on 41 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2001–2021), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do air bags problems happen?
Based on 670 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 1,642 complaints, 179 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 128 an injury.
Dodge Grand Caravan air bags complaints by model year
| Model year | Air Bags complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Grand Caravan | 5 | 25% | 10,900 |
| 2019 Grand Caravan | 13 | 5% | 61,000 |
| 2018 Grand Caravan | 13 | 5% | 47,112 |
| 2017 Grand Caravan | 21 | 5% | 56,000 |
| 2016 Grand Caravan | 22 | 2% | 58,000 |
| 2015 Grand Caravan | 24 | 9% | 78,556 |
| 2014 Grand Caravan | 48 | 13% | 62,000 |
| 2013 Grand Caravan | 34 | 7% | 71,000 |
| 2012 Grand Caravan | 18 | 3% | 96,100 |
| 2011 Grand Caravan | 19 | 4% | 74,788 |
| 2010 Grand Caravan | 144 | 17% | 74,925 |
| 2009 Grand Caravan | 137 | 25% | 83,500 |
| 2008 Grand Caravan | 294 | 23% | 96,475 |
| 2007 Grand Caravan | 16 | 9% | 72,000 |
| 2006 Grand Caravan | 54 | 19% | 51,000 |
| 2005 Grand Caravan | 103 | 10% | 53,000 |
| 2004 Grand Caravan | 5 | 4% | 73,900 |
| 2003 Grand Caravan | 24 | 11% | 90,000 |
| 2002 Grand Caravan | 59 | 20% | 54,000 |
| 2001 Grand Caravan | 48 | 16% | 75,000 |
| 2000 Grand Caravan | 29 | 7% | 82,001 |
| 1999 Grand Caravan | 83 | 19% | 78,600 |
| 1998 Grand Caravan | 104 | 19% | 88,200 |
| 1997 Grand Caravan | 107 | 18% | 91,000 |
| 1996 Grand Caravan | 211 | 18% | 96,000 |
| 1995 Grand Caravan | 7 | 6% | 120,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (11)
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module; steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Model years: 2008, 2009, 2010
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.
Risk: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.
Air bags:frontal
Model years: 2011, 2012
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.
Risk: Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T33.
Air bags:frontal
Model years: 2008, 2009
Problem: FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
Risk: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.
Air bags; electrical system:ignition:switch
Model years: 2008, 2009, 2010
Problem: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.
Air bags
Model years: 2013
Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured June 11, 2013, through June 12, 2013. The occupant restraint control module (ORC) has incorrect software installed which may adversely affect air bag deployments in collisions. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and No. 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy, or deploys improperly, may increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC module, free of charge. The recall began on October 3, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N48.
Air bags; electrical system
Model years: 2013
Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and RAM C/V Tradesman vehicles manufactured May 10, 2012, through June 7, 2013. A software error may result in the opposite side airbags deploying from the collision point (a left side impact would deploy the right side airbags and vice versa).
Risk: In the event of a crash, the wrong side airbags could deploy leaving the occupant with no airbag protection at the point of impact, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the occupant restraint control module, free of charge. The recall began during September 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N44.
Equipment:appliance:air conditioner; air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
Model years: 2008
Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2008 chrysler grand voyager, town and country and dodge grand caravan vehicles manufactured from june 24, 2007, through july 30, 2008. These vehicles may experience a heating and air conditioner (hvac) condensate leak from the hvac drain grommet onto the occupant restraint control (orc) module, which can lead to the illumination of the airbag warning light and a potential inadvertent airbag deployment without warning.
Risk: An inadvertent airbag deployment could result in injury to the seat occupant in front of the deploying airbag and/or a vehicle crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the affected air bag module free of charge. The safety recall began on october 14, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
Model years: 2005, 2006
Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 dodge caravan, grand caravan and chrysler town & country vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, massachusetts, maine, maryland, michigan, minnesota, missouri, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, north dakota, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin, alaska and the district of columbia. The front crash sensors may crack under certain environmental conditions and allow water to enter into the sensor. This can cause the sensor to become inoperative and illuminate the airbag warning light. These sensors were added to enhance the performance of the airbag system in certain frontal crashes.
Risk: If the front crash sensors become inoperative, the driver is immediately alerted by illumination of the airbag warning light and the vehicle should be promptly serviced. Until the vehicle is repaired, the airbags may not provide the enhanced protection in the event of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will replace the front airbag sensors with a new design. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety improvement campaign will begin during june 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Air bags
Model years: 1998, 1999, 2000
Problem: On certain minivans, the driver's air bag may become disabled due to a failure of the clockspring, which is located in the hub of the steering wheel.
Risk: This condition will manifest itself through illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and could eventually result in a driver's air bag open circuit, if the part is not replaced in a reasonable amount of time.
Fix: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly on all covered vehicles with 70,000 miles or less. For those vehicles with more than 70,000 miles, daimlerchrysler will offer an extended lifetime warranty under which it will replace the clockspring at no charge if it fails. Daimlerchrysler will also reimburse owners who have paid to have the clockspring replaced on their vehicles. The recall began on october 12, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Air bags:frontal
Model years: 1996, 1997, 1998
Problem: On certain mini vans, the clockspring assembly may have been wound incorrectly during the vehicle assembly process.
Risk: This condition will manifest itself through illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and could eventually result in a driver's air bag open circuit, if the part is not replaced in a reasonable amount of time.
Fix: Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly on all vehicles with 70,000 miles or less. An extended lifetime warranty will also be placed on this component for all affected vehicles, regardless of mileage. Daimlerchrysler will also reimburse owners who have paid to have the clockspring replaced on their vehicles. Owner notification began november 18, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Air bags
Model years: 1995
Problem: Vehicle description: mini vans. The wiring that initiates the driver and/or passenger air bag could electrically short circuit to ground. A short circuit to ground that exists immediately after turning the ignition key to the "on" or "start" position can cause the air bag(s) to inadvertently deploy.
Risk: Inadvertent air bag deployment can injure a front seat occupant.
Fix: Dealers will perform an electronic diagnostic check. Any short circuits identified in either the driver's or passenger side air bag initiator wire circuit will be repaired.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that a dealer recently serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V396000 (Air Bags, Steering). The contact stated that the dealer replaced the airbag module components located underneath the center console; however, the connected wiring…
The headrest safety feature deployed while the car was parked with the key OUT of the ignition. The internal plastic components have failed and broken and the headrest is not repairable. This incident happened on 9/23/2026. No prior warning lights were displayed and no previous symptoms were…
Airbag system not working for 7 months because replacement parts are not available. Very serious safety issue!!!!!!
Vehicle has loose horn emblem Vehicle Heat/AC front not operable Vehicle driver side sliding door inoperable. Subject: URGENT SUPPLEMENT TO NHTSA COMPLAINT #11753124 â Unresolved Safety Recalls, Airbag Hazards, Dealer Refusal/Delay, and Conflicting Parts Availability Information Vehicle: 2008…
At approximately 3:40 pm central standard time I was going through a school zone fixing to turn into the school. I was going about 15 mph and decelerating to a stop near the cop conducting school traffic. As I was coming a stop my AHR headrest deployed. This happened very spontaneously and luckily…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge Grand Caravans have air bags problems?
No. NHTSA has 1,642 owner complaints about air bags for the Dodge Grand Caravan. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Dodge Grand Caravan air bags?
Yes: 11 safety recalls list air bags. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix air bags problems on the Dodge Grand Caravan?
Owners report a typical cost of $440 (half paid between $340 and $720), from 41 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about air bags problems on the Dodge Grand Caravan?
The most frequent phrase is “air bags electrical”, in 411 of 1,642 complaints, followed by “clock spring” (202).
Other Dodge Grand Caravan problems
- Electrical System problems (4,325)
- Power Train problems (1,410)
- Engine problems (1,027)
- Structure problems (907)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (743)
- Steering problems (701)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (583)
- Latches/locks/linkages problems (563)
See all Dodge Grand Caravan problems.