Which Dodge Caravan Years to Avoid and Why? (Explained)

One of the most popular minivans is the Dodge Grand Caravan. Since it was initially debuted in 1984, this car has been a favorite among owners for its many appealing features.

Apart from its widespread appeal, there are a few years to avoid. Three specific model years have received a great deal of negative feedback from customers. In addition to early brake wear, engine stalling and hard gear shifts to mention just a few of the common concerns.

A minivan is an excellent investment, but you need be aware of which types to avoid and which ones are good bets. And I will tell you which years to avoid and which are safe to buy.

Dodge Caravan Years to Avoid (List of Years)

The Dodge Caravan difficulties have overshadowed the positive things about them, and have proved through the years notably from 2005 to 2012.

The Dodge Caravan years to stay away from:

  • 2002 Dodge Caravan
  • 2005 Dodge Caravan
  • 2008 Dodge Caravan
  • 2010 Dodge Caravan
  • 2011 Dodge Caravan
  • 2012 Dodge Caravan

These years difficulties are the most often highlighted. Additionally, 2000, 2001 and 2003 models all have their own set of problems. Just to be on the safe side, steer clear of these model years, as Carcomplaints has registered at least 80 complaints for each year.

The older versions of the dodge caravan, such as the 1996 and 1998 models, also had troubles, according to Carcomplaints, with 57 plus faults reported on various concerns.

Worst Years of Dodge Caravan:

There are three years in all that are the worst and have a big number of complaints. These three worst models are-

  • 2005 Dodge Caravan
  • 2008 Dodge Caravan
  • 2011 Dodge Caravan

Caravan issues are most prevalent in the 2005 model, yet in spite of this, the 2011 model is frequently listed as the worst model due to its frequency, severity, onset time, and mileage at which these Caravan problems occur.

What Makes These Dodge Caravan Years Worth Avoiding?

The Dodge Caravan has several models that are problematic. Various factors contributed to the decline in these years, and these were collected from numerous forums and complaint websites where owners discussed their issues.

2002 Dodge Caravan Problems:

The transmission problem with the 2002 Dodge Caravan is the most often reported issue.

Among the other difficulties with this car are issues with the engine, the air conditioning and heating system, transmission issues, braking problems, and electrical problems, among others.

Ina 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan, transmission problems can cause the vehicle to jump or grind when it starts to move, the vehicle to shake at any speed, or whistling noises or a burning smell to come from under the hood.

2005 Dodge Caravan Problems:

With over 210 complaints, the most common user issue with this 2005 Dodge Caravan is with the interior accessories.

The second most common user issue is with the brakes, followed by the AC heater. The NHTSA got the most complaints about the Dodge Caravan’s external accessories, then about the electrical system and the lights.

The brakes section of the Dodge Caravan has most complaints, with the most common issues being premature rotor and brake pad wear, the ABS light coming on for no apparent reason, the brake callipers locking up, and the flexible brake line bulging at the callipers. This category also has the most user complaints.

The last set of Dodge Caravan flaws that have deterred buyers is the AC and heater.

These include poor airflow from the AC or heater, corrosion and leakage in the rear evaporator core, failure of the AC and heater motors, excessive noise from the AC while operating, inappropriate functioning of the heater and a foul odor from the AC when operating.

2008 Dodge Caravan Problems:

The brakes, electrical problems, and air conditioning problems are the most often reported faults with the 2008 model of this minivan. This year’s brakes are much worse than the ones from 2005.

Other issues mentioned included a malfunction in the air conditioner’s blower, which stopped producing chilly air. Even after recharging the device, several claimed that the air conditioner had freon.

Replacing the blower in some cases and the problem was solved, but in others, the problem came back after two months.

Problems with this model’s Total Integrated Power Module (TIPM) are the most costly and irritating. It’s a fuse box beneath the hood of the van, and that’s all there is to it. Owners also experienced electrical problems that were out of the ordinary.

2011 Dodge Caravan Problems:

The 2011 Dodge Caravan model’s biggest flaw is the same TIPM issue that plagued the 2008 version. In most cases, however, the problems were with the fuel pump relay, which is responsible for powering the fuel pump and allowing it to provide gas to the engine for starting the car.

If it didn’t have enough power, the vehicle wouldn’t be able to start, or it would start hard. Changing the TIPM to a newer one might alleviate the problem, but this would be an extremely costly undertaking.

This van’s brakes have a tendency to fail prematurely. People have to resurface their rotors or buy new brake pads every year because of this.

Despite the concerns of other users, the engine of this minivan continues to perform poorly.

The engine service light would turn on in the van, and the diagnostic codes would indicate a problem with the cylinders not firing properly.

As a result, you may need to swap out the faulty components, such as the ignitor and spark plugs.

2012 Dodge Caravan Problems:

There are a variety of electrical problems that have been reported in vehicles of this type, including the following: TIPM failure, multiple electrical problems, intermittent failure to start, shut down while driving, alternator failure, and dead battery.

This year, there have been a total of 212 complaints. Electrical difficulties are quite prevalent in this model year. Among the electrical difficulties are TIMP failure, battery and alternator problems, and the car shutting down while driving.

Which Dodge Caravan Years are Safe to Buy?

Model 2020 of the Dodge Caravan is the greatest year to buy. The 2020 model has not yet been the subject of any recalls.

Safest years to buy the Dodge Caravan are:

  • 2007 Dodge Caravan
  • 2010 Dodge Caravan
  • 2019 Dodge Caravan
  • 2020 Dodge Caravan

The 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan is one of the most dependable automobiles an individual can buy and drive. This model has a lot of wonderful features, despite its age

The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan is also excellent choice for families due to its numerous amenities.

Additionally, the 2019 model is also reliable. There are just two recall alerts for the 2019 Grand Caravan. Although they were inconvenient, the 2019 recalls addressed minor issues. They addressed problematic hood release wires used as power door lock replacements.

The 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan has to be the finest minivan year ever. This is a luxury model with numerous unique and exciting features.

Conclusion

I hope that after reading this post, you will have a better understanding of the greatest and worst years for the Dodge Grand Caravan. The Dodge Grand Caravan is undoubtedly a fantastic minivan choice, as several automobile review websites have given it high marks.

This vehicle is ideal for families, as it is large, comfortable, quiet to drive, and extremely efficient in its performance. Numerous other safety elements will significantly improve and improve the reliability of driving.

Purchase just the safest model years, but conduct your own research and get all key information verified by a skilled technician.

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