2018 Dodge Grand Caravan

The 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan is a popular minivan known for its affordability and practicality. It is equipped with a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine producing 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate its spacious interior, Stow ‘n Go seating, and user-friendly features. Common complaints include its somewhat dated design, fuel economy, and ride quality compared to newer minivans.

Engine

3.6L Pentastar V6

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, loss of power, check engine light illumination. Often caused by faulty ignition coils or spark plugs.
  • Solution: Replace faulty ignition coils and/or spark plugs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak areas include the oil filter adapter housing or valve cover gaskets.
  • Solution: Replace leaking gaskets or the oil filter adapter housing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $800+ depending on the location.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (62TE)

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable delays or jolts during gear changes, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear. May be caused by a faulty valve body or solenoid pack.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the valve body or solenoid pack. A complete transmission replacement may be necessary in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Cooler Line Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaks, shifting issues, overheating. Typically occurs at the crimped fittings.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking transmission cooler lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Suspension Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear of the vehicle sits lower than the front, leading to a bumpy ride and reduced handling. Often caused by worn-out rear shocks or coil springs.
  • Solution: Replace rear shocks and/or coil springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Clunking Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises coming from the front or rear suspension, especially when going over bumps. Could be caused by worn sway bar links or bushings.
  • Solution: Replace worn sway bar links and/or bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Sliding Door Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Sliding doors that fail to open or close properly, or make unusual noises. May be caused by a faulty door motor, wiring harness, or latch mechanism.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace the faulty door motor, wiring harness, or latch mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows that fail to operate, move slowly, or stop working altogether. Often caused by a faulty window motor or regulator.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty window motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Radio/Uconnect Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Radio freezing, glitching, or failing to connect to Bluetooth.
  • Solution: Software update, radio replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Power Sliding Door Cable Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The cable breaks which means the door will not automatically open or close.
  • Solution: Replace power sliding door cable
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Stow ‘n Go Seating Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficult to fold or unfold the Stow ‘n Go seats, or latches that fail to engage properly.
  • Solution: Adjust or repair the seat latch mechanisms. In some cases, the seat frame may need to be repaired or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Large cracks appear on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan, while a practical and affordable minivan, is prone to certain issues. Engine misfires and oil leaks are common concerns, as well as transmission problems such as harsh shifting and cooler line leaks. Electrical problems with sliding doors and power windows, and suspension issues contribute to the most frequent complaints. Dashboard cracking is also a common interior problem. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to more significant repairs, with costs varying from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on the specific problem and required solution.