2014 Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan is a popular minivan known for its affordability, practicality, and spaciousness. It was offered with a single engine option: the 3.6L Pentastar V6, producing 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the Stow ‘n Go seating, which allows for easy folding of the second and third-row seats into the floor, creating a large cargo area. Common dislikes include the somewhat dated interior, relatively poor fuel economy, and potential reliability issues.
Engine
3.6L Pentastar V6
- Oil Cooler Housing Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant and/or oil leaks, often resulting in a puddle under the vehicle. Overheating can also occur. The plastic oil cooler housing is prone to cracking and leaking.
- Solution: Replacement of the oil cooler housing, often with an updated aluminum version to prevent future leaks.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Engine Misfires
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and the check engine light illuminating. Can be caused by faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors.
- Solution: Diagnosis to identify the specific cause (coil, plug, injector), followed by replacement of the faulty component(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the component and number of cylinders affected)
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, rough idling, poor performance, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty camshaft position sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic (62TE)
- Harsh Shifting/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Rough or delayed shifts, slipping between gears, especially when accelerating or going uphill.
- Solution: Could be caused by low transmission fluid, worn valve body, or internal damage to the transmission. Sometimes, a fluid flush and filter change can resolve minor issues. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or a transmission rebuild/replacement is required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid flush) - $3000+ (rebuild/replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration, especially at lower speeds or when the torque converter is locking up.
- Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Rear Coil Spring Breakage
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the rear suspension, uneven ride height, or sagging in the rear. Can be caused by corrosion or metal fatigue.
- Solution: Replacement of the broken coil springs. It’s recommended to replace both rear springs at the same time.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
- Recalls: None Found
- Worn Struts/Shocks
- Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll in turns.
- Solution: Replacement of the worn struts and/or shocks.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 (depending on the location and type of replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Power Sliding Door Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Sliding doors not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making unusual noises. Can be caused by a faulty motor, damaged rollers or tracks, or a malfunctioning latch.
- Solution: Diagnosis to identify the specific cause (motor, rollers, track, latch), followed by repair or replacement of the faulty component(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the component and severity)
- Recalls: None Found
- TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Variety of electrical problems including the vehicle not starting, fuel pump issues, wipers malfunctioning, or horn not working.
- Solution: Replacement of the TIPM or repairing individual circuits within the module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500
- Recalls: None Found
- Clock Spring Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Airbag light illuminated, horn not working, or issues with steering wheel controls.
- Solution: Replacement of the clock spring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Power Sliding Door Cable Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Cables break/fray on the power sliding door. Causes door to not open properly.
- Solution: Replacement of the cable.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Stow ‘n Go Seat Latch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty folding or unfolding the Stow ‘n Go seats, or the seats not locking securely in place. Can be caused by a broken latch mechanism or worn cables.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the faulty latch or cable.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300
- Recalls: None Found
- Uconnect System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity problems, or loss of audio.
- Solution: Software update (if available), or replacement of the Uconnect unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan has a number of potential issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. The most concerning are engine-related problems like oil leaks from the oil cooler housing and transmission issues, as these can be costly to repair. Electrical problems stemming from the TIPM can also be frustrating and expensive. While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others, like a complete transmission failure, can be quite significant. Before purchasing a 2014 Grand Caravan, it’s recommended to have it thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential problems. A pre-purchase inspection can help you negotiate a better price or avoid buying a vehicle with serious, pre-existing issues.