2017 Dodge Grand Caravan

2017 Dodge Grand Caravan

Overview

The 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan, a long-standing contender in the minivan segment, offers a practical and spacious solution for families. While generally considered reliable for its intended purpose, like any vehicle, it has specific areas that have seen more attention from owners and technicians. This analysis focuses on documented technical issues beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into potential concerns for prospective buyers or current owners. The powertrain, while robust, has seen some specific attention points, and electrical systems are a common area for investigation in vehicles of this age. Understanding these potential issues can help in proactive maintenance and informed decision-making.

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Engine

3.6L Pentastar V6

Intake Manifold Leaks

• Symptoms: Coolant leaks, sweet smell of burning coolant, engine overheating, check engine light.
• Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold assembly.
• Cost: $400 - $700

Oil Filter Housing Leaks

• Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, low oil level, burning oil smell.
• Solution: Replacement of the oil filter housing and gasket.
• Cost: $250 - $500

Transmission

62TE 6-Speed Automatic

Harsh Shifting / Delayed Engagement

• Symptoms: Jerky gear changes, difficulty engaging gears (Drive or Reverse), transmission slipping.
• Solution: Software update, transmission fluid and filter change, or internal transmission repair/rebuild.
• Cost: $300 - $2500+

Overheating

• Symptoms: Transmission fluid smells burnt, transmission performance degrades when hot.
• Solution: Transmission fluid and filter change, flush, and potentially an auxiliary transmission cooler installation.
• Cost: $200 - $600

Suspension

Standard Suspension

Worn Sway Bar Links

• Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise over bumps, especially at lower speeds.
• Solution: Replacement of the sway bar links.
• Cost: $150 - $300

Strut Mount Bearing Failure

• Symptoms: Popping or creaking noise when turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds.
• Solution: Replacement of the strut mount bearings.
• Cost: $200 - $400

Electrical

Body Control Module (BCM)

Intermittent Power Failures

• Symptoms: Various electrical components (lights, power windows, radio) acting erratically or not working at all.
• Solution: Diagnosis and potential reprogramming or replacement of the BCM.
• Cost: $500 - $1000+

Power Sliding Door Actuators

Failure to Open/Close

• Symptoms: Power sliding doors do not operate, or operate slowly and intermittently.
• Solution: Replacement of the door actuator motor.
• Cost: $300 - $600 per door

Exterior

Body Panels & Trim

No widespread issues reported.

• Symptoms: N/A
• Solution: N/A
• Cost: Varies

Interior

Infotainment System

Touchscreen Unresponsiveness

• Symptoms: Infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive to touch, or reboots randomly.
• Solution: Software update or replacement of the head unit.
• Cost: $200 - $800

Climate Control System

Blower Motor Resistor Failure

• Symptoms: HVAC fan only works on the highest setting, or not at all.
• Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor.
• Cost: $100 - $250

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Summary Verdict

The 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan is a generally dependable minivan, particularly praised for its utility and value. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine is a strong performer, though owners should be aware of potential intake manifold and oil filter housing leaks, which are not uncommon as the vehicle ages. The 6-speed automatic transmission can sometimes exhibit issues with harsh shifting or overheating, often addressable with fluid services or software updates, but potentially requiring more significant repairs. Suspension components like sway bar links and strut mounts are typical wear items that may require attention. Electrical gremlins, especially concerning the Body Control Module and power sliding door actuators, are also noted concerns. Interior electronics, such as the infotainment system and climate control blower motor, can also present issues. Overall, while not immune to problems, most 2017 Grand Caravan issues are repairable and fall within expected ranges for a vehicle of its age and segment.