2020 Dodge Grand Caravan — Known Issues & Recalls

Your transmission may shudder and fail to shift properly while driving, even though no warning light appears on your dashboard. This happened to another 2020 Grand Caravan owner at about 91,715 miles, and the dealer determined the transmission had failed completely. The transmission will likely need to be replaced to fix this issue.

Your 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan experienced transmission failure at 3 years old, causing sudden acceleration while driving at 30 mph. After warranty replacement with an incorrect transmission from a junkyard, the replacement developed a leaking gasket that was later sealed with liquid gasket, but now produces a burning metal smell. The transmission may need to be replaced with the correct Mopar-factory transmission designed for your vehicle's computer system.

Your van rolled backward at 5 mph while parked on level ground, even though the shift lever was in Park and the parking brake wasn't engaged. You were injured trying to stop the vehicle, and it collided with a steel signpost, causing damage to the driver's door, rear quarter panel, and sliding door. The issue may be related to a known recall involving the transmission's power transfer unit, which can wear and fail to hold the vehicle in Park.

Your transmission began showing problems around 59,500 miles, but the dealership found nothing wrong during inspection. About 16,500 miles later at 76,000 miles, your transmission completely failed and needed to be replaced at a cost of $5,800. You've noticed online that other owners of this model year report similar transmission failures between 50,000 and 90,000 miles. Fixing this issue requires a complete transmission replacement or rebuild by a qualified transmission shop.

After starting your van with the driver's door open and foot off the brake, your vehicle unexpectedly shifted into reverse and accelerated on its own, dragging you several hundred feet and causing significant injury and property damage. A transmission shop identified a safety recall (W48/NHTSA 20E-037) related to the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) input spline that may have contributed to this unintended reverse motion. The fix will likely involve replacing or repairing the PTU input spline components under the recalled service.

Your engine is misfiring in cylinder #2, which your mechanic believes is caused by low compression in that cylinder. Your mechanic says this doesn't make sense for a vehicle this age with only 70,000 miles and notes this has been a recurring problem across Dodge Caravans. Fixing this will likely require the engine to be partially or fully disassembled to diagnose and repair the compression issue.

While driving, your Caravan suddenly lost engine power and the front end swayed side to side, making the vehicle hard to steer. A dealer found that the alternator had frozen, the serpentine belt was missing, and the tensioner was damaged — they replaced these parts, but the problem happened again. An independent mechanic then replaced the alternator, and the issue was resolved. Later, your check engine light came on, but the problem wasn't diagnosed or repaired. Fixing this will likely involve replacing the alternator, serpentine belt, and belt tensioner.

Your transmission failed at just under 60,000 miles. Additionally, your airbag warning light is illuminated, though the cause isn't clear. You've also experienced repeated issues with front bolts on the driver's side coming loose. These issues may require transmission replacement or rebuild, airbag system diagnostics, and inspection of mounting hardware.

Your driver's side airbag sensor (thorax squib) is showing an error code because the wire harness connected to your seat has become frayed and damaged. When you adjust your seat back and forth, the connection becomes intermittent, causing your airbag and seat belt warning lights to flicker on and off. This means your airbag system isn't functioning properly and may not deploy in a crash. The dealership recommends replacing the driver-side seat wire harness to restore proper airbag function.

Your catalytic converter has failed, as indicated by a warning light on your dashboard. The dealership did not perform an inspection or acknowledge the issue despite your complaint. A failed catalytic converter reduces engine performance and increases emissions, and will likely require replacement to resolve the warning light and restore proper vehicle operation.

Your engine's oil filter housing is leaking, causing oil to pool on top of the engine. The Dodge dealer technician confirmed this is a known issue on this engine and affects other Dodge/Chrysler vehicles. Because oil can be flammable when it accumulates on hot engine surfaces, this should be addressed promptly. The fix will likely involve replacing the oil filter housing or its seals.

Your dashboard display lights don't turn off completely after you stop driving, which drains your battery over time and can prevent the car from starting. This has been happening repeatedly since May 2022, roughly every two weeks or less. The fix may involve checking the dashboard light circuit, replacing a faulty light module, or having the electrical system tested for other battery drains.

Your seat belt is assembled incorrectly, which makes it twist when you try to fasten it. This makes it difficult or impossible to properly secure the belt across your body.

Your vehicle started on its own while parked in the garage with the engine off and the key in your pocket. You accidentally pressed button combinations on the key fob, which caused the engine to crank and run without you intending to start it. You had to go to the garage and manually turn off the engine with the key.

While you're driving with all seat belts properly buckled, your car's seat belt and airbag warning lights and chimes keep activating even though everything is fastened correctly. This appears to be a false alarm from the safety system.