2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Engine Problems

Your engine shut off unexpectedly while driving 70 mph on the highway, and your power steering stopped working at the same time. After you pulled over safely and restarted the vehicle, the problem got worse and eventually your car wouldn't start anymore, with several warning lights flashing on the dashboard. The issue started around 130,000 miles. Diagnosing this will likely require a dealer scan tool to read the engine and electrical fault codes.

Your car is producing smoke from the corner of the hood near the antenna, and fumes are coming from the vents that irritate your eyes and throat. You've already replaced the oil, power steering fluid, and radiator, but the problem persists and you're concerned about a potential fire risk. The source of the smoke and fumes needs to be identified through a professional diagnostic inspection to rule out dangerous conditions like coolant leaks, oil leaks, or electrical issues.

Your van is stalling (shutting off completely) while you're driving, and it's happening more frequently. This is a serious safety issue since it's caused near-miss accidents and leaves you without power steering or brakes. Your mechanic hasn't been able to identify the cause yet. The fix will likely involve diagnosing the engine's fuel, ignition, or sensor systems to find why the engine is shutting down unexpectedly.

Your engine stalls shortly after you start driving, though the dashboard lights remain on. You're able to restart the engine without difficulty by turning the key off and back to ignition. This problem occurs unpredictably—sometimes weeks apart, sometimes months apart. The issue may involve the fuel system, ignition system, or engine sensors that need diagnosis and possible replacement.

Engine cooling system has failed multiple times causing the engine to overheat, it has been reproduced by an independent service provider and is available for inspection upon request. To attempt to remedy the issue, the following have been replaced or inspected: thermostat, thermostat housing, radiator, hoses, water pump, oil filter adaptor/coolant bypass, fan, wiring and other associated electrical components. There were no warning lamps or other symptoms of the problem prior to the system failure. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. I have attempted contacting Chrysler several times and have been given the run-around regarding a safety recall that matches the symptoms, year, make, and model of my vehicle and have been told that my vehicle's VIN is not part of the recall and that there is no way to get it evaluated and added to the recall. I am unable to upload the repair invoices I have amassed so far with this issue at this time, but can furnish them at a later date if required.

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

My mechanic let me know of a commercial recall on my engine for the coolant system. However, the same engine in my car is not recalled for private sale engine. He said that my engine should have been recalled due to the information he downloaded and I should contact you because it needs to be replaced. But they did not recall the private vehicle engine, only the commercial.

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked at his residence, he lifted the hood and notice that the oil filter housing was cracked and there was a puddle of oil on the transmission casing. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 231,000.

The vehicle engine has stopped running while driving at highway speeds (50-70 mph). I have been able to roll off of the travel portion of the highway, but there was concern with vehicles behind me possibly hitting me. All electrical components continued to operate when this happens, including the radio, lights and AC/Heat blowers. It has happened in December 2020, May 2021 (2 times within about 1 hour), July 2021 (2 times within 2 days), December 2021, and April 2022. In all instances the vehicle has restarted in about 30 minutes. An independent repair shop investigated the issue in July 2021 and was not able to find any codes or to reproduce the engine stopping. Several years prior to these instances the vehicle began to "not start" immediately when the key-fob was turned; it starts after tuning the key on and off several times. The vehicle was inspected by a Chrysler dealer and the dealer could find no codes or reproduce the instance.

The vehicle engine just stops while driving. Theis is the second time this has happened. The first time, the fule pump was replaced, plus the starter. That was only 6 months ago. This time it was towed home, (97) miles. It sat for over an hour waiting for the tow truck, tried to start several times, but would not start. after the tow truck dropped it off, in the driveway, it started right up! This is a vary unsafe problem with this vehicle. I have read many such posts as mine concerning this make and model of Van

The vehicle was inspected and seemed fined when purchased. However my engine shut down on the interstate almost causing me wreck with my children. The vehicle has been diagnosed and the problem was the engine, however I only had it for two weeks and I can’t afford $700 plus dollars and even though I have a warranty on the engine, the warranty company says it’s not covered. I seen that the temperature hand had moved from the middle to hot, but then it moved all the way to cool.

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the air conditioning independently turned off with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle started to lose motive power as he began to pull off to the shoulder of the highway. The contact stated that another unknown warning light illuminated and the vehicle shut-off. The contact pulled over and saw black smoke coming from the engine. After opening the hood, there was more smoke coming from the engine. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine had caught fire due to a defective oil pump. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that an inspector would be sent out to perform an investigation. The vehicle remained in the possession of the mechanic. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Engine shut off while driving down highway. No warning alarms. I managed to pull off highway. Vehicle started back up with no problems. Wife is now afraid to drive it.

DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ENGINE SHUTS DOWN AND LOSE POWER TO BRAKES AND STEERING ITS HAPPENED THREE TIMES SO FAR ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT

ENGINE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. THIS IS HAPPENING ALMOST DAILY NOW, USUALLY WHEN THE CAR IS FIRST STARTED. WAS ACCELERATING INTO A TURN NEAR ONCOMING TRAFFIC AT 20MPH WHEN THIS MOST RECENT EVENT HAPPENED. THIS IS LIFE ENDANGERMENT.

WHILE SLOWING DOWN FROM 20 MPH TO MAKE TURN, ENGINE SHUTS OFF WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS OR CODES STORED.

VEHICLE STALLS COMPLETELY WHILE IN MOTION (DRIVING, ABOUT 10-30 MPH). ELECTRICAL SHUTS OFF AT THE SAME TIME AS WELL AS POWER STEERING. CAR IS ABLE TO RESTART NORMALLY AFTER PUT BACK IN PARK. HAPPENED A SECOND TIME 30 SECONDS AFTER RESTARTING. HAVEN'T DRIVEN THE VEHICLE SINCE. DEALER FOUND NO ISSUES.

MY CAR STOPPED RUNNING. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO THE MECHANICS. THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REBUILT DUE TO ENGINE BLOCK DEBRIS. THIS IS A RECALL FOR 2012 GRAND CARAVANS BUT ONLY MANUFACTURED UNTIL AUG 2011. MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN APRIL 2012. THE RECALL NUMBER IS L33. I HAVE SPENT $5,734 IN REPAIRS. I'VE WAITING IN HOPES DODGE WOULD EXTEND THE RECALL BUT THEY HAVE NOT. *TR

ONCE MY VAN LOST ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT ROAD. HAD TO TOW TO MECHANIC'S SHOP. FOUND NO PROBLEM AFTER TESTING. ONCE MY VAN REFUSED TO CRANK, HAD NO POWER. HAD TO TWO TO MECHANIC'S SHOP AGAIN. BOTH TIMES THE MECHANIC COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. EVENTUALLY THE VAN CRANKED AND DROVE AS IT SHOULD.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT 40 MPH, THE ENGINE CEASED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT BUT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CALLED TO THE RESIDENCE AND THE STARTER REPLACED HOWEVER; THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 107,000.

IT CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT A FAILURE COULD NOT BE FOUND. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

ROD BEARING FAILURE DUE TO DEBRI IN OIL. RECALL REFERENCE #11V487000

WE OWN A DODGE CARAVAN THAT HAS SOME MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEMS THAT SEEM TO BE COMMON FOR THE 2012-2013 V6 PENSTAR ENGINE. THE PROBLEM IS IN THE ENGINE HEAD AND VALVES. OUR VAN HAS COLLAPSED CAM LOBES DUE TO FAILING ROCKER ARMS. THE SYMPTOM THAT REVEALED THIS PROBLEM WAS A MISFIRE IN THE LEFT CYLINDER HEAD. THE SYMPTOMS ARE VERY SIMILAR TO THE PROBLEMS NOTED IN TSB NO. 09-002-14B INCLUDING A MISFIRE IN THE LEFT CYLINDER HEAD AND A LOUD TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THIS AREA. CHRYSLER HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY KNOWN AS X56 THAT ADDRESSES THE PROBLEM NOTED IN TSB NO. 09-002-14B. UNFORTUNATELY, THEIR WARRANTY ONLY COVERS THE HEAD REPLACEMENT (WHICH INCLUDES THE VALVES AND CAMS) IF THE HEAD IS CRACKED. WHILE INVESTIGATING MULTIPLE DODGE/CHRYSLER FORUMS I HAVE NOTED A LARGE NUMBER OF DODGE OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT WE HAVE. IN FACT, I HAVE LEARNED THAT THE PROBLEM IS SO PERVASIVE THAT CHRYSLER HAS AN INTERNAL STAR CASE BULLETIN, S1309000016 RELATED TO THE ROCKER ARMS AND CAM LOBE PROBLEMS. THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON WHILE WE WERE DRIVING.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE PULLING INTO A HANDICAP PARKING SPACE. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE IN LARGE QUANTITIES AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED TO PUSH THE VEHICLE INTO THE PARKING SPACE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FUEL ODOR ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY AFTER THE FUEL TANK WAS FILLED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY AND WAS ILL DUE TO THE STRONG ODOR OF FUEL. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A VEHICLE MODIFICATION COMPANY MODIFIED THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A MOBILITY CENTER WAS ALSO MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 32,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT COASTED MOSTLY OFF THE HIGHWAY AND ONTO THE SHOULDER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,090.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. AFTER RECENTLY PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT PARKED IT IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT. UPON MOVING THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ENGINE OIL LEAKED OUT ONTO THE GARAGE FLOOR. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF THREE AREAS ON THE OIL PAN THAT WERE RUSTED AND HAD HOLES, WHICH ALLOWED ENGINE OIL TO LEAK FROM THE OIL PAN. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE OIL LEAK COULD CAUSE A FIRE AND INJURIES TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL OR WARRANTY FOR THE OIL PAN ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000. *TT

2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN STALLED WHEN DRIVING AND I LOST THE STEERING.THIS CAN BE LIVE THREATENING!! NO CODES COME UP WHEN TRYING TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. MECHANIC TRIED TO DUPLICATE THE STALLING ISSUE BY DRIVING IT FOR A WEEK. NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. LOOKING AT FORUMS THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ONGOING ISSUE. HOPEFULLY NOBODY WILL DIE FROM A STALLING ENGINE THAT LOOSES STEERING. WHEN PUT IN PARK IT TURNS BACK ON WITH NO ISSUES. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME NOW FOR THE THIRD TIME. AGAIN, THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT BEFORE SOMEONE DIES!!!!

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, A KNOCKING SOUND EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT CALLED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THEIR FACILITY. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ROD BEARING FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER (SKYLAND CHRYSLER/JEEP/DODGE IN ASHVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND FILED CASE NUMBER: 33531139. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A TICKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BEARINGS AND PUSH ROD UNDER THE ENGINE WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (JIM BROWN (844-251-0682) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED VIA PHONE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DCH CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FIAT OF TEMECULA AT (951) 225-4541 LOCATED AT 26845 YNEZ RD, TEMECULA, CA 92591 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE CYLINDER HEAD OF THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT NO WARRANTY WAS ON THE RIGHT SIDE CYLINDER HEAD BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TT *JS *TR

PO302 CYL2 MISFIRE CODE.CYLINDER HEAD PREVIOUSLY REPLACED UNDER SAME CODE. THIS TIME CAMSHAFT INTAKE AND EXHAUST , 16 ARM- VALUE AND 24 TAPPET VALVE LASH HAD TO BE REPLACED. CAR ONLY HAS 82,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS HAD TWO MAJOR ENGINE REPAIRS REQUIRED. CONDITION CAUSED BY THE ROLLER BEARINGS IN THE ROCKERS COMING APART. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. THIS REPAIR WAS $2180.94. MY MECHANIC AND I THINK IT IS ALL ONE RELATED ENGINE PROBLEM AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS METALLIC DEBRIS IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MOTOR VILLAGE LA CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (2025 S FIGUEROA ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90007) WHO STATED THAT THEY COULD DO THEIR OWN DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE REPAIR WOULD BE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V487000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT WHILE THE PARTS WERE SIMILAR, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO RETURN TO THE DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,641.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE CYLINDER HEAD OF THE MOTOR WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIKE RIEHL'S ROSEVILLE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM IN ROSEVILLE, MICHIGAN 48066, BUT THE SOURCE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

MY ENGINE KEEPS MISFIRING ALL THE CYLINDERS AND I HAVE CHANGED MULTIPLE CYLINDERS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION THE LIGHTS ON THE INSIDE ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I TOOK IT TO GET THE CODES READ AND IT SAID P301, P302, P303, P304. I HAVE GOT THIS FIXED MULTIPLE TIMES BECAUSE IT KEEPS HAPPENING.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH THAT THE VEHICLE MISFIRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE DIAGNOSED THAT THE CYLINDER FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ONLINE ON THE CYLINDER COVERED UP TO 150,000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (ADAMS JEEP OF MARYLAND INC, 3485 CHURCHVILLE, ABERDEEN, MD, 21001) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE SECOND CYLINDER HAD FAILED AND WAS INCLUDED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, ALSO THAT THE CAM SHAFT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, AND CONFIRMED THE WARRANTY FOR THE SECOND DRIVER CYLINDER HEAD, HOWEVER STATED THAT THE CAM SHAFT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND BY COINCIDENCE THEY BOTH FAILED AT THE SAME TIME, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 112,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE ON MY VAN WOULD FLUCTUATE BETWEEN NORMAL AND HOT WHILE DRIVING ANYWHERE AND AT ANY SPEED. THE COURTESY DODGE DEALER IN CONYERS, GA SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM, JUST SOME AIR THAT NEEDED TO BE REMOVED. A FEW DAYS LATER THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. THIS TIME THE DEALER SAID IT WAS A BAD HEAD GASKET ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE. I HAD TO HAVE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE HEAD GASKETS REPLACED AT AN INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR SHOP FOR $1500!. THE MECHANIC SAID HE SEES THIS TROUBLE ALL THE TIME WITH THE 3.6L PENTASTAR ENGINE I HAVE. HE SAID THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE ONLY 111,000 MILES ON THE ENGINE AND ITS ONLY FIVE YEARS OLD!

CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING EVERYTHING GOES OFF LIGHTS RADIO ENGINE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS IT'S HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES VERY SCARY. *TR

HIGH PITCH NOISE FROM ENGINE AND DEALER FOUND NO ISSUES .THE SOUND PERIODICALLY RETURNS TO DURING COLD WEATHER DAYS CURRENTLY UNTIL THE CAR IS WARMED. I HAVE HAD THE TENSION BELT ADJUSTED BUT STILL THE SOUND RETURNS

MY 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SHOWED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AT 67,000. I CHECKED THE CODE TO FND OUT P0303 IS A ENGINE MISFIRE. COULD BE IGNITION, PLUG, OR VALVE-CYLINDER COMPRESSION. I HAD THE ENGINE SERVICED AND THE LIGHT GOES OUT. THE NEXT DAY THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON. I RETURN THE VEHICLE FOR SERVICE TO INVESTIGATE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALS THERE IS A BAD COMPRESSION ON CYLINDER 03. I TAKE THE VEHICLE TO DODGE AND THEY COULD HAVE TOLD ME UP FRONT THAT THE RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM CHRYSLER. THEY TAKE MY CAR INTO SERVICE AND FIND A LEAK ON CYLINDER 04 ALSO. THEY GONG TO REPLACE THE LEFT CYLINDER HEAD BUT NOT THE RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD WITH THE SAME IDENTICAL PROBLEM. I AM LOOKING AT $3500.00 IF I CHOOSE TO REPLACE THE RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD. THIS EXTENDED WARRANTY SHOULD COVER THE DEFECT NO MATTER WHICH CYLINDER HEAD IS DEFECTED. MY WIFE LOVES THE CAR. SHE WANTS ANOTHER ONE. I TOLD HER THAT BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE WE WOULD BE RIGHT BACK HERE IN 4 YEARS WITH ANOTHER 3.6L V6 PENTASTAR ENGINE. I AM TORN. DO I TRADE THE ISSUE BACK TO DODGE AND GET A 4.0L V6 PENTSTAR. I HAVE ALMOST PAID IT OFF. THIS SUX GREAT TIMES FLUSHED DOWN THE DRAIN BECAUSE OF A ENGINE DEFECT. I LOVE IT BUT I HAVE LEAVE IT. TOYOTA HERE I COME.

THE VEHICLE JUST STALLS WHILE DRIVING. THIS WAS THE CASE YESTERDAY AND TODAY. I HAVE TO PUT IT BACK ON PARK IN ORDER TO RE-START THE ENGINE. THE LATEST INSTANCES ARE NOT THE FIRST TIME WE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. MY WIFE REPORTED IT AT LEAST A COUPLE OF TIMES. THE DEALERSHIP ONCE TOLD ME THAT WAS PROBABLY CAUSED BY THE WEIGHT OF THE KEY RING AND WITH OTHER THINGS ATTACHED TO IT. SINCE THEN, I MAKE SURE TO DRIVE WITH ONLY THE DODGE KEY ON THE IGNITION, TAKING DOWN ALL EVERYTHING ELSE FROM THE KEY RING. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOWED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS VERY HOT. IN ADDITION, THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AFTER PULLING THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ALLOWING IT TO COOL DOWN, THE CONTACT CHECKED THE COOLANT AND NOTICED A SLUDGE LIKE SUBSTANCE INSTEAD OF COOLANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

VERY LOUD TICKING NOISE FROM ENGINE CYLINDER HEADS, CAUSING ENGINE HESITATION AND MISFIRE. FORTUNATELY I HAVE NOT GOTTEN STOCK ON THE ROAD BUTBI FEEL IS ABOUT TO HAPPEND.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE BLOCK (CONNECTION ROD) FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED BY BYSTANDERS THAT SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO IMMEDIATELY CHECK THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD, UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, AND FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,249.

BOUGHT CAR WITH AN EXTENDED WARRANTEE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CODES SHOW THAT MIS-FIRES WERE HAPPEN IN RIGHT SIDE OF ENGINE. AFTER ENGINE WAS INSPECTED DEBRIS WAS FOUND IN THE ENGINE AND MECHANIC THOUGHT IT NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. LOOKED UP RECALLS AND THE PENNSTAR WAS BEING RECALLED FOR CYLINDER PROBLEMS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF ENGINE. THE ENGINE ONLY HAS LESS THAN 130000 MILES ON IT AND NOW I AM SADDLED WITH PAYING IT OFF AND PUTTING IN A 6000 ENGINE, .

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LEFT CYLINDER HEAD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THERE WAS A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V487000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE CYLINDER HEAD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,022.

AFTER HAVING TROUBLE USING THE KEY TO START THE VEHICLE FOR A COUPLE DAYS MY CAR JUST TURNED OFF WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MILES PER HOUR. DEFINITELY AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF AS IF I TURNED IT OFF WITH THE KEY.[NO DASH LIGHTS OR RADIO] I WAS ABLE TO COAST AND MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION AND RESTART THE CAR AND PROCEED. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THE DEALER COULD NOT HELP ME BECAUSE NOTHING WAS STORED IN THE COMPUTER ABOUT THE INCIDENT. REALLY? THE NEXT DAY I WAS DRIVING AND TAPPED THE KEY AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN AGAIN. SAME IGNITION SWITCH RECALLED BE GM? SOMEBODY BETTER FIGURE THIS OUT. THE DEALER DID NOT AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH MY BELIEF THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS THE CULPRIT. I AM AFRAID OF MY WIFE DRIVING THIS CAR. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN TO AN UNEXPERIENCED DRIVER NOT REALIZING THAT STEERING WILL BE DIFFICULT AND ONLY A COUPLE MORE PUMPS LEFT FOR THE POWER BRAKES, IT WOULD BE CATASTROPHIC. AGAIN, SOMEBODY HAS TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THIS PROBLEM AND FIX IT BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED.

WHEN IDLING, A RATTLING SOUND CAME FROM ENGINE, IT WAS CONTINUOUS WITH ANY SPEED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DODGE DEALER IN VENTURA, CA FOR REPAIR. THEY STATED IT WAS SOME TYPE OF PLATE IN ENGINE AND WAS ORDERING PART. WAS SUPPOSED TO GET MY VAN BACK WITHIN 3 DAYS BUT "PART WAS STILL BEING TRACKED" AFTER 3 DAYS OF CALLING FOR STATUS. AROUND JUNE 27TH WE FINALLY ASKED FOR A RENTAL. DODGE SAID THEY WOULD PAY FOR RENTAL AND I WOULD PAY FOR GAS. WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE RENTAL FOR ABOUT 3 DAYS. AROUND JULY 1ST WE WERE TOLD STILL WORKING ON VEHICLE, THEY WOULD CALL US IF IT WAS FINISHED THAT NIGHT, NO CALL BACK. IT IS NOW JULY 8TH AND THEY STILL HAVE OUR VEHICLE. OVER THE WEEKEND WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM CHRYSLER STATING OUR WARRANTY WAS EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS, 100,000 MILES DUE TO ENGINE HEADS. WE WERE NEVER TOLD ANYTHING ABOUT ENGINE HEADS BY DODGE, AND STILL HAVE NOT HEARD BACK, STILL HAVE RENTAL. SHOULDN'T THIS BE A RECALL, INSTEAD OF JUST EXTENSION OF WARRANT? SOUNDS FISHY TO US... THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR UPDATED 3/17/2015 *JS

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 AND INTERSTATE. THE WORKDAY IS ABOUT 380 MILES DRIVEN. I DRIVE VERY LITTLE STOP AND GO. I CAN GET 90K MILES OUT OF ORIGINAL BRAKES AND TIRES. I DO USE A VARIETY OF BRANDS OF GAS, BUT I WOULD CONSIDER THEM ALL "BRAND NAME". WE SERVICE OUR VEHICLES AT PROPER INTERVALS, ALL CARAVANS ARE ORDERED TO THE SAME SPEC, BUT THIS CAN DIFFER SLIGHTLY WITH MODEL YEAR. WHILE SEARCHING THE NET, I'VE READ WHERE CHRYSLER IS QUIETLY REPLACING HEADS WITH PROBLEMS. ONE OF MY FELLOW COURIERS RECENTLY HAD THE HEAD WORK DONE AT 80K+ ON HIS DODGE. YOU CAN SEE I AM NOW AT A SIMILAR MILEAGE. OUR FLEET MAN TOLD ME THERE WAS NO INVOICE AND THE ENGINE WAS FIXED FOR FREE AT A CHRYSLER DEALER. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN- A CYLINDER HEAD SHOULD NOT NEED REPLACEMENT AT 80K+ ON A PROPERLY MAINTAINED VEHICLE. I AM SUBMITTING THIS BECAUSE CHRYSLER IS STATING THIS IS SOME SORT OF RARE (LESS THAN 1%) OCCURRENCE DUE TO AN ODD COMBINATION OF FACTORS, INCLUDING BAD FUEL. I BEG TO DIFFER AS WE HAVE HAD 2 PENTASTAR CARAVANS FIXED AT WORK, AND IT'S LIKELY MINE WILL BE NUMBER 3. THIS IS QUITE REMARKABLE, AND CAN'T BE DISCOUNTED AS SOME SORT OF FLUKE. IT'S NOT COINCIDENCE, IN MY VIEW. IT'S A FLAWED HEAD DESIGN, OR POOR MANUFACTURING. THERE SHOULD BE CORRECTION BEYOND THE FACTORY WARRANTY. *TR