2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is a popular minivan known for its Stow ‘n Go seating, affordability, and practicality. Engine options include a 3.3L V6 producing 175 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque, a 3.8L V6 rated at 197 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.0L V6 generating 251 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options varied depending on the engine: either a 4-speed automatic with the 3.3L engine, or a 6-speed automatic with the 3.8L and 4.0L engines. Owners often appreciate the van’s spacious interior and versatility, but common complaints include reliability issues and relatively poor fuel economy.
Engine
3.3L V6
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and front crankshaft seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the vehicle, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
- Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
3.8L V6
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and front crankshaft seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the vehicle, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
- Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
4.0L V6
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and front crankshaft seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the vehicle, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
- Solution: Replacing the leaking gasket or seal.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Overheating
- Description/Symptoms: The engine may overheat due to a failing water pump, thermostat, or radiator. Symptoms include the temperature gauge reading high, steam coming from under the hood, and coolant leaks.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty component (water pump, thermostat, or radiator).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic (paired with 3.3L)
- Rough Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between gears. Can be more noticeable when the transmission is cold.
- Solution: Fluid flush and filter change. In severe cases, transmission rebuild or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ for fluid flush; $1500 - $3500+ for rebuild/replacement
- Recalls: None Found
6-Speed Automatic (paired with 3.8L and 4.0L)
- Torque Converter Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations at highway speeds, especially under light acceleration. Can be related to torque converter lockup.
- Solution: Transmission fluid flush with specific fluid compatible with the 6-speed, or torque converter replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ for fluid flush; $800 - $1500+ for torque converter replacement
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Worn Struts/Shocks
- Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll in corners, and increased stopping distances.
- Solution: Replacing worn struts and/or shocks.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per axle
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Suspension Sagging (Load Leveling System - if equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: The rear of the vehicle sits lower than normal, especially when loaded. The load leveling system (if equipped) may fail.
- Solution: Replacing the air shocks, compressor, or associated components of the load-leveling system.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Sliding Door Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Power sliding doors may fail to open or close properly. This can be due to a faulty motor, wiring harness issues, or problems with the door latch mechanism.
- Solution: Replacing the door motor, repairing the wiring harness, or replacing the latch mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Various electrical issues, including stalling, no-start conditions, fuel pump failure, and issues with power windows or locks.
- Solution: Replacing the TIPM or attempting to repair faulty circuits within the TIPM.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Window Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Power windows not operating correctly or at all.
- Solution: Replacing the window motor, regulator, or switch.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ per window
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Sliding Door Cable Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The sliding door cable snaps, rendering the door inoperable.
- Solution: Replacing the sliding door cable assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Stow ‘n Go Seating Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty folding or unfolding the Stow ‘n Go seats due to broken latches or mechanisms.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing the faulty latch or mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ per seat
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is generally considered a practical and affordable minivan, but it’s prone to several common issues. Engine oil leaks are frequently reported across all engine options. Transmission issues, particularly with the 6-speed automatic, are also common, leading to potential repair costs. Electrical problems, often stemming from the TIPM or sliding door mechanisms, can also be expensive to address. Suspension wear and Stow ‘n Go seat malfunctions further contribute to the ownership experience. The severity and cost of these potential issues suggest that prospective buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic.