Dodge Grand Caravan RT 5th Generation 2008-2020 Review

The Dodge Grand Caravan RT receives a significant update for the 2011 model year, with a brand-new engine and numerous exterior updates and an all-new interior.

The frontal changes start with the significantly larger twin-lens headlights with curved scallops below the outer lenses¹, a new bumper², and new larger grille³. The Ram logo no longer sits in the middle of the grille, and instead, there is an offset "Dodge" script⁴. There is a new hood pressing to blend in with the revised grille and headlights⁵. The fussy previous lower air dam with all its slots and slats is now a simpler continuous blacked-out intake⁶.

The R/T trim gets black headlight bezels¹ and a blacked-out crosshair grille².

The protruding rear bumper with its right angles and three distinct sections is changed to a smoothed-out one-piece molding¹ that blends into new taillights, which curve down into the bumper. The taillights' lens arrangement is completely revised, with the red section now at the top in the shape of two stacked LED-studded round lenses². The liftgate is new, with a larger license plate recess and a horizontal styling line running across the top of the recess and another horizontal crease below it³. The license plate recess' brow is now body color and contains the "Dodge" script instead of the Ram logo⁴.

The protective strips on the doors and the door handles are now body color on all trims, even the base Express¹, and the changes to the front² and rear bumpers³ and lights can clearly be seen in profile, along with some new wheel styles⁴.

The interior is comprehensively revamped, and the dashboard² is completely new to address criticism against the plasticky item used in the old car. The new style is much smoother and loses almost all the sharp edges and right angles of the old dash. The instrument cluster¹ loses the odd green lighting, and the steering wheel³ and far more stylish door panels with their curves and rounded shapes are all-new too. There is no mistaking the facelifted model for the old one inside.

At its 2008 launch, the 5th-gen Dodge Caravan was equipped with a trio of gas V6s. The two base engines are from the same engine family and lack formal codes; they are known as the Chrysler 3.3 and 3.8 engines. Both are 60-degree V6s with low-profile OHV layouts, built for transverse installation in FWD applications. They are old-school cast-iron pushrod designs and lack power and economy. The base 3.3 develops only 175 horsepower and is further hamstrung by its four-speed automatic transmission. The 3.8 develops an adequate 197 hp and benefits from a six-speed automatic, making it far more adept at hauling the big bus body around. The 4.0-liter is from the Chrysler SOHC V6 engine family and is the performance flagship with 251 hp, also mated to a six-speed automatic. For the 2011 model year, the brand-new 283-hp DOHC 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 replaced all these engines for the remainder of the model years until the Grand Caravan is discontinued in 2020. It sticks to the 62TE six-speed automatic transmission.

A big, gas-powered minivan is not expected to be thrifty, and such is the case with the 5th-generation Dodge Caravan too. The old-style OHV engines were rather poor, but the newer 4.0 and 3.6 OHC engines at least manage to break 20 mpg on the EPA's combined cycle. These estimates are spot-on since real-world consumption figures submitted by owners are evenly distributed below and above the combined EPA figures. The OHC engines are neck and neck, but the more modern and powerful Pentastar does just edge out the 4.0 in real-world driving. With a gas-tank size of 20 gallons, a Pentastar-powered Grand should be able to cover an average of 400 miles on a full tank. The thirsty 3.8 is unlikely to make it past 360 miles.

* Real-world mpg and MPGe figures are provided by the EPA. Once a car has been on sale for a significant period of time, the EPA gets real-world figures directly from the customer base. These figures are then provided on the EPA website. Real-world figures are not available for certain models due to a lack of sales, or not enough people partaking in this after-sales survey.

Safety is important in a family vehicle, and the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan fifth generation has most of the features you'd expect. Every model gets front and full-length, three-row curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and brake assist, traction and stability control, tire-pressure monitoring, and LATCH-ready child-seat anchors for two compatible child seats. Optionally available are a built-in child booster seat, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. In 2009, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert become optionally available on the SXT trim. From 2010, active front headrests are standard on all models, and a backup camera is standard on the newly available top Crew trim.

The auto-dimming rearview mirror becomes optionally available on all trims of the facelifted 2011 lineup, and on the Crew trim only, you can add rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. When the Crew trim was discontinued for 2014, these features became optionally available on the R/T only. The 2012 lineup gains a driver's knee airbag on all trims, and the Crew and R/T trims get a standard backup camera. The only 2014 trims to get a standard auto-dimming rearview mirror are the 30th Anniversary Edition of the SE and SXT; the latter and the R/T trims also gain automatic headlights. In 2015, both the SE and SXT "Plus" trims gained auto-dimming rearview mirrors, and the latter also got automatic headlights, while all trims had daytime running lights added. A backup camera is added as standard across the board for the 2017 model year, in line with federal regulations, while automatic headlights are added to the SXT trim for 2017 and to the SE Plus trim for 2018. An auto-dimming rearview mirror becomes standard on all trims for 2019.

Rated according to the NHTSA's less strict pre-2011 standards, the Grand Caravan scored five out of five stars for all tests except the rollover test, for which it scored four stars. The 2012 model was fully tested according to the new criteria and still netted a decent four-star result overall, four stars for both the frontal impact and rollover test, and five stars for the side crash.

The range launches with two trims, SE and SXT, the former with the 3.3-liter V6 and the latter with a standard 3.8 or optional 4.0. At launch, the trim structure was quite intricate, with the base SE subtrim called 24F, but with 24G and 24H SEs gaining some extra equipment, which can be regarded as options being added to the base trim. The SXT is even more complicated, with four subtrims at launch, namely 25K, 25L, 28M, and 28N, with 25K being the "base" SXT and the others ticking progressively more boxes. For example, the 4.0 V6 comes only with the '28' subtrims. These subtrim structures change almost annually. For the purposes of this review, we'll only describe the base subtrims of each trim, with higher subtrims considered to be the base trim plus extras.

A ton of family-friendly extras were available at launch on the Grand Caravan, such as a DVD rear-seat entertainment system, Sirius Backseat TV with three children's channels, satellite radio, navigation, leather upholstery, three-zone climate control, upgraded audio system, hands-free phone connectivity, and a rearview camera. As the years went by, some of these became standard fitments.

Because the Grand Caravan ran for so many model years, here is a summarized breakdown of the range's most important annual changes:

2008:

• The brand-new RT 5th-generation Grand Caravan launches

2009:

• Stow 'n Go foldaway rear seats are made standard across the board
• The braking system is upgraded on all models

2010:

• Active front headrests are added as standard on all trims
• Three-zone manual climate control is added to all trims
• Hero and Crew trims are added

2011:

• The trim levels are revised and renamed and a new sporty R/T trim is added above Crew
• 3.3-, 3.8-, and 4.0-liter V6s are all dropped in favor of the new Pentastar 3.6-liter V6
• An exterior facelift is applied and a brand-new interior and soft-touch dashboard debut
• Assembly quality, fit, and finish are significantly improved, especially inside
• The steering column gains telescoping adjustment across the board
• The suspension, steering, and transmission are revised for a better driving experience
• A stiffer structure and more sound-deadening improve refinement and reduce noise
• Seat comfort of the Stow 'n Go foldings seats are improved with new cushioning
• The SE trim is renamed Express and the SXT trim is renamed Mainstreet

2012:

• Express and Mainstreet trims are dropped, while SE and SXT trims return
• New American Value Package (AVP) base trim
• Third-row Stow 'n Go "tailgate seats" debut - these can now flip over to the tailgate position
• A driver's knee airbag is standard on all trims
• A backup camera becomes standard on top trims

2013:

• Blu-Ray-compatible DVD system with HDMI and dual USBs are made available on Crew and R/T models
• Stow 'n Go foldable rear seats are now Super Stow 'n Go and can be folder with a lever
• Second-row captain's chair Super Stow 'n Go seats become available

2014:

• The Crew trim is dropped
• SE and SXT 30th Anniversary trims become available
• Larger 17-inch wheels are fitted on base trims

2015:

• "Plus" trims added for both the SE and SXT
• Power-adjustable pedals deleted from all trims that had them
• Daytime running lights are added to all trims

2016:

• Two 12V power outlets are added across the board - one front and one rear

2017:

• AVP, SXT Plus, and R/T trims are dropped; GT trim is added
• A 6.5-inch touchscreen is now standard on all trims
• A rearview camera is fitted to all models

2019:

• The GT trim is dropped
• An auto-dimming rearview mirror is made standard on all trims
• SE and SXT 35th Anniversary trims become available

2020:

• Final model year

There were a few special editions:

• 2014 30th Anniversary editions. Celebrating 30 years of the Caravan, this special edition is available on two trims. The one is based on the 2014 SE and gets 17-inch Satin Carbon alloy wheels, body-color side mirrors, 30th Anniversary badging, black premium-cloth upholstery, a steering wheel and shift knob trimmed in black leather, a black headliner and overhead console, silver interior accent stitching, piano-black touches, powered second- and third-row windows, and the Uconnect Hands-Free Group with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth streaming, voice commands, and more. The other is based on the 2014 SXT and also adds automatic headlights and leatherette/suede upholstery.
• 2019 35th Anniversary editions. The 35th Anniversary editions of the Grand Caravan SE and SXT are very similar to the 30th Anniversary editions of five years prior, save for the range-wide styling and equipment updates that happened over the years. The interior is similarly black, but with Cranberry Wine stitching on the seats - leather/suede in the SXT - and the Driver Convenience package added to the SXT.

The 5th-generation Dodge Grand Caravan's interior is available in many different configurations and colors, with a ton of options available that changed over the years, so check carefully which equipment has been fitted to a used one. The captain's chair Super Stow 'n Go second row wasn't offered on base models and came and went over the years, so seating capacity varies from seven to eight. The facelifted 2011+ models have a far better interior, but by the time the Grand went to greener pastures circa 2020, it was very outdated, plasticky, and behind on the available tech, with smartphone mirroring not being available on any fifth-gen Grand Caravan. It's a practical old bus with plenty of space, even if the Stow 'n Go seats cannot be moved forward or back to vary legroom. There is more than 31 cubic feet of storage space available behind the rearmost seats.

The 2008-2010 Grand Caravans with the previous-generation V6s are very sensitive with regards to maintenance, and skipped services will lead to all kinds of problems. On the OHV 3.3 EGA and 3.8 EGH engines, oil changes should happen every 6,000 miles, but this should be reduced to 5,000 miles or less in severe use, such as when towing or in dusty or sub-zero conditions. The bigger 30,000-mile service should cost about $240 at an independent shop and $430 at a Dodge dealer. Both the spark plugs and their wires should be replaced every 100,000 miles; this service should amount to $1,030 at an independent shop and $1,380 at Dodge.

Next up is the 4.0-liter EGQ SOHC engine and although the lube-service interval on this is also 6,000 miles, experience has shown that this fragile engine requires oil changes at half that distance to offer proper long-term reliability. Its other service requirements are as per the 3.3- and 3.8-liter engines above, except for the recommendation to replace the PCV valve every 30,000 miles and the timing belt at 100,000 miles. Replace the water pump at the same time as the timing belt to save on labor. The 30,000-mile service, including the PCV-valve replacement, should come to about $415 at a shop and $655 at a Dodge dealer. That 100,000-mile service is the big one, of course, and it should cost around $2,050 or $2,620, respectively due to the timing-belt job.

The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 used from 2011 has a better design for the lubrication system and can keep going for hundreds of thousands of miles with oil changes every 5,000 miles and with no special treatment. It also has a timing chain that requires no maintenance if oil changes are adhered to. The PCV valve should be replaced every 100,000 miles.

The cabin air filter must be replaced every 12,000-15,000 miles, depending on which mile multiple of minor service corresponds with your year model. Air and fuel filters on all engines must be replaced every 30,000 miles, and spark plugs on all engines last 100,000 miles. Given the fact that the six-speed automatic 62TE transmission has a constant trickle of failures every year, it is critical to replace its oil at least every 60,000 miles and preferably sooner.

On the 2008-2010 3.3-, 3.8-, and 4.0-liter V6s, the basic lube service should cost less than $200 at an independent shop and around $370 at a Dodge dealer. It's around $150 and $260, respectively, on the 2011+ 3.6-liter V6. The 3.3- and 3.8-liter engines have an oil capacity of five quarts of 5W-20 oil, and to buy the oil and filter yourself for a DIY lube service will cost you around $65. The 4.0-liter takes 5.5 quarts of 10W-30 at about $75, and the 2011+ Pentastar 3.6 takes 5.9 quarts of 5W-20, coming to around $75 with the filter.

A set of six spark plugs cost around $70 on the 3.3 and 3.8 and $50 on the 4.0. An air filter is around $25 for any of the three engines. The 3.6 Pentastar's spark plugs are around $105, and its air filter costs around $40. For details such as which windshield wipers to buy or a specific trim's tire size, ask your Dodge dealer.

The Dodge Grand Caravan 5th generation was generally not as reliable as owners had hoped, with various issues reported. We would avoid the pre-facelift V6 engines from the early years, as well as the four-speed automatic transmission. The other issues are well-documented, and we lay them out for you below. Those first few years also suffered the most recalls.

Here is a list of all the 2008-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls.

There were several restraint-system recalls:

• In a 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan airbag recall that affected close to a million SUVs and MPVs, Dodge replaced steering-wheel airbag covers because the Dodge emblem may come loose and pose a danger during airbag deployment.
• 2008 and 2009 Grand Caravans were also recalled to replace airbag control units that may corrode and prevent airbags from deploying in a crash.
• 2008 Grand Caravans were recalled to replace Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) modules because discharged HVAC condensate and HVAC leaks may drip on the ORC, potentially leading to inadvertent airbag deployment.
• Some 2013 models were recalled to replace an ORC with incorrect software installed that may prevent airbag deployment.
• 2013 models were also recalled to reprogram the ORC because it may trigger the wrong side's side airbags in a side impact.
• 2011 and 2012 Grand Caravans were recalled to replace airbag wiring that may chafe through and cause the driver's airbag to deploy inadvertently.

2011 models were recalled to replace or repair a steering-column pivot rivet that may be missing or misaligned, reducing the strength of the steering column in a crash.

The 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan ignition recall was to replace faulty ignition switches that may be bumped to the Off position too easily while driving, depowering vehicle systems and potentially leading to a crash.

Only a few 2008-2010 Grand Caravans were recalled to replace a rear axle that may fracture.

There weren't any other Dodge Grand Caravan recalls for wheel bearings except for the one for 2012 models to replace an improperly manufactured right-rear hub-and-bearing assembly, which may fail and lead to wheel separation, and despite some other years also experiencing problems.

2008 and 2009 Grand Caravans were recalled to repair electric sliding-door wiring that may wear through and cause a short circuit and even potentially a fire.

There were a few brake-related recalls:

• There were 2008 and 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan brake recalls to reroute rear brake lines that may rub through, leak brake fluid, and lead to braking loss.
• 2015 and 2016 models were recalled to replace a front-left brake caliper that was made from an incorrect material and may crack.
• 2018 and 2019 models were recalled to replace insufficiently coated rear brake calipers that may cause the system to admit air, resulting in reduced braking performance.

2009 models were recalled to seal a driver-assist-system power circuit, of which the electrical connectors may corrode and short circuit, possibly causing a fire.

2010-2014 models were recalled to replace a vent window switch in the driver's armrest that may overheat and potentially cause a fire.

There were several fuel-leak recalls:

• Some 2008-2010 Grand Caravan vans with Braun mobility conversions were recalled because the rear spring hats may contact and puncture the rear tires and some 2008-2010 vans with Braun mobility conversions were recalled because a rear tire may contact a fuel line.
• Only 122 2016-2019 Vantage-modified Grand Caravans were recalled to replace a fuel-pump gasket that may leak fuel.
• 2016 models were recalled to replace a fuel-rail crossover tube that may have become damaged during installation, causing it to leak fuel.

2012 Grand Caravans were recalled to replace faulty pinch sensors on the power liftgate.

Just 667 units of the 2012 Grand Caravan were recalled to replace their Pentastar 3.6-liter engine because debris inside the engine block may cause connecting-rod bearing failure, leading to engine seizure, which can cause a crash.

2014-2016 Grand Caravans equipped with a fire extinguisher were recalled because this item may not function properly.

2014-2016 models were recalled because they may have an improperly bonded windshield that may become dislodged in a crash.

2014 models were recalled to reprogram a faulty tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

2015 and 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan transmission recalls were issued to replace a transmission pump that may fail, cutting drive to the wheels. A pump error may trigger the P0944 error code.

There were two PCM-related recalls:

• As part of a wider recall involving nearly five million vehicles, 2014-2018 Dodge Grand Caravan cruise-control problems led to a recall to reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) because it may prevent the cruise control from being canceled. You might also see the P0572 OBD-II error code.
• 2017 and 2018 Grand Caravans were recalled to replace their PCMs that may contain a voltage regulator prone to failure, which may lead to a stall.

A few 2016 models were recalled to tighten the third-row seatbacks, which may have been insufficiently torqued during assembly.

2016 Grand Caravans were recalled to replace their hood striker bolts because the ones installed during assembly may work loose and cause the hood to open while driving.

These recalls are problem-dependent and may apply to any or all of the trims in the lineup, as applicable. As such, there were never any Dodge Grand Caravan Crew, Mainstreet, SXT, SE, or other recalls that were for a single trim or specific trims only.

You may encounter some of these OBD-II error codes if you use an OBD-II reader to troubleshoot your Grand Caravan:

• P0072 and P0073 are ambient air-temperature (AAT) error codes.
• P0104 is a mass airflow (MAF) sensor error code.
• P0113 is an intake air-temperature (IAT) sensor error code.
• P0123 is a throttle-position sensor (TPS) sensor error code.
• On any 2008-2020 Grand Caravan, P0128 is a coolant temperature sensor error.
• P0131, P0132, P0138, P0152, P0158, P0171, P0172, P0173, P0175, P0420, P0426, P0430, P0440, P0884, P1129, and P1457 on a 2008-2020 Grand Caravan are error codes associated with one or more oxygen sensor and/or their readings and relate to the engine's fueling, fuel trim, mixture strength, catalyst efficiency, and related parameters. The related evaporative emissions (EVAP) control system may trigger error codes such as P0441, P0443, P0452, P0455, and P0456 on any 2008-2020 Grand Caravan engine.
• On any 2008-2020 Grand Caravan, P0201, P0203, P0204, and P0205 are fuel-injector error codes.
• P0627 is a fuel-pump error code.
• On a 2008-2020 Grand Caravan, P0300 is a random cylinder misfire error code. If the last digit is not a zero, it refers to the number of the misfiring cylinder, so P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, and P0306 mean that cylinders one through six are misfiring, respectively.
• P050d is an error code indicating a cold-start rough idle.
• P0325 is a knock-sensor error code.
• P0507 is an idle-air control system error.
• P0480 on any 2008+ Grand Caravan engine is an electric cooling-fan error code.
• P0218, P0706, P0733, P0734, P0736, P0740, P0750, P076a, P0792, P083b, P0868, P0869, P0871, P0882, and P0928, and P0957 on a 2008-2020 Grand Caravan are all automatic-transmission error codes. P0218 is a temperature error code, and P0706 is a range sensor error. P0733, P0734, and P0736 are error codes for incorrect third-, fourth-, and reverse-gear ratios, respectively. P0740 is a torque converter clutch (TCC) error code. P0750, P076a, and P0928 are solenoid error codes. P0792 is an error code for a defective intermediate shaft speed sensor. P083b, P0868, P0869, P0871, and P1745 are transmission-fluid pressure error codes. P0882 is a TCM error code, and P0957 is an auto-shift manual-mode error code.
• P0600 is a generic error code that means the ECM has experienced a communication failure with one of its modules.
• P0688 is a PCM relay error code.
• P1128 on a 2008-2020 Grand Caravan is a gas cap error code indicating that you need to replace the gas cap.

Besides the TPMS recall, the TPMS sensor stems are prone to corrosion and failure, so check their condition and for any TPMS error messages on the dash. The stems cost around $220 to replace. Several owners reported that CDs became stuck in the CD player and would not eject due to a failure in the mechanism at an average of 117,000 miles, and requiring the entire unit to be replaced. Take a CD you don't care for along on your test drive and check that it ejects. Other than that, no undue functional or wiring problems with the 2008-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan's radio or aux port, but a loose wire causes an issue or two occasionally - and is easily fixed. There aren't usually any problems with the Dodge Grand Caravan's rear entertainment system when this option is fitted.

Although there was only a recall for 2012 hub-bearing assembly failures, this problem is quite commonly reported for some of the other model years as well, with several reported in 2008 and a few in 2009. Cyclic humming noises that intensify when going around curves at speed give the failing bearings away. Hub bearings typically fail at around 65,000-133,000 miles. Having the hub-bearing assemblies replaced costs around $320-$680, depending on how many you replace at a time. Humming noises coming from one of the wheels will intensify as you go around curves. The noise is more easily heard on smooth roads.

Although perhaps shorter than some other cars, here is a list of things that typically keep working reliably on the Grand Caravan:

• Dodge Grand Caravan throttle-body problems are not common on any of the engines and normally amount to the usual - it has become dirty and simply needs cleaning to restore smooth running.
• Although items such as tie-rod ends and control-arm bushes can wear out with age, and disregarding the recall for the rear axle, there are no serious problems with the Dodge Grand Caravan's suspension or front or rear shocks.
• The TIPM might have proven to be a headache, but thankfully, BCM - or Body Control Module - problems on the Dodge Grand Caravan are rare.
• While a few issues were experienced with the motorized side doors, the Dodge Grand Caravan experiences few driver door-latch or tailgate-latch problems.
• Besides various listed engine issues, 2008-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan motor-mount, fueling, fuel-pump, fuel-pressure regulator, and catalytic-converter problems are almost never reported.
• Except for normal wear and tear, problems with the 2008-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan's low-speed power-steering assistance hardly register a blip on the radar.
• There may have been several recalls for airbag and seat issues, but there were no problems with the Dodge Grand Caravan's headrests or seatbelts.

We wouldn't touch any of the pre-facelifted 2008-2010 Grand Caravans with the old engines. The 3.3 and 3.8 are reasonably reliable if looked after well, but the 3.3's four-speed automatic transmission and low power output make it very hard work. The 4.0 has plenty of power, but the engine is finicky, and you're unlikely to find one that has been babied to the extent that it will give you a long and trouble-free service life. The early models were subject to far more recalls, and the 2008 model year registered by far the largest number of complaints. 2010-2012 models registered many complaints as well, mostly with the troublesome TIPM and a few too many transmission failures.

If the budget only goes as far as a pre-facelift Grand, 2009 is the best model year in terms of the number of problems reported. The 3.8 is the best model, because it has a lot more power than the 3.3 and a six-speed transmission, but fewer mechanical problems than the 4.0. Still, we'd rather go for the facelifted Grand Caravan with the 3.6-liter engine, and we'd opt for 2015 or newer, as the vast majority of problems seem to have been sorted out at this point. In terms of standard equipment, it's a bit of a struggle to find the right spec, as there were so many options, so you'll have to check what has been fitted.

A 2015 or 2016 SXT Plus is a great buy but sadly lacks the standard backup camera that we regard as very important on a family bus, so you'll have to go for the 2015 or 2016 R/T to get that feature. You might not love this model's somewhat firm suspension, so take it for a test drive. It might be worth hunting for a 2015 SXT Plus with the box for the optional backup camera ticked; this being a family car, they shouldn't be too hard to find. A 2017 SXT would give you the softer suspension and the standard backup camera. 2017 is also a very trouble-free model year for the Grand Caravan.

As seems to be typical for Chrysler-derived products of the time, the 5th-generation RT Dodge Grand Caravan was an excellent product in many respects and a people mover with many family-friendly features and a lot of space - but it was marred by too many quality issues. The pre-facelifted models had terrible interior plastics and troublesome drivetrains, and although things improved after that, too many electrical and transmission problems remained. A late model 3.6 fitted with all the best options and with a flawless maintenance record should be reliable, but we'd still opt for an aftermarket warranty for peace of mind.