Is the Dodge Grand Caravan 5th Gen reliable?

Our reliability score for the Dodge Grand Caravan 5th Gen is 6.5/10 (65/100), which puts it as below the segment average for reliability. Budget for unexpected repairs. RepairPal rates it 3.5/5.

How much does it cost to own a Dodge Grand Caravan 5th Gen per year?

Total estimated annual ownership cost for a Dodge Grand Caravan 5th Gen is approximately $2,513 for a 25-year-old male driver. This includes fuel at current US average prices, insurance, scheduled maintenance, tires, and oil changes. The 40-year-old female estimate is $2,293.

What is the Dodge Grand Caravan 5th Gen gas mileage?

EPA combined fuel economy for the Dodge Grand Caravan 5th Gen is 20 MPG, with 17 MPG city and 25 MPG highway.

What years does the Dodge Grand Caravan 5th Gen cover?

This generation of the Dodge Grand Caravan was sold from 2008 to 2020.

Is the Dodge Grand Caravan 5th Gen safe?

Our safety score for the Dodge Grand Caravan 5th Gen is 8/10 (80/100), which means it is reasonably safe, with most modern active safety features. IIHS rates the crash protection acceptable. NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Is the Dodge Grand Caravan 5th Gen a good first car?

Not according to our criteria. Good first cars need a safety score 7.5+, insurance under $2,200/yr for a 25-year-old male, repairability score 7.0+, low rollover risk, and compact dimensions. The Dodge Grand Caravan 5th Gen misses on at least one of these.

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Dodge Grand Caravan 5th Gen

08-20 · Dodge Grand Caravan

81out of 100

The Dodge Grand Caravan 5th Gen is the most affordable 7-seat vehicle in the used market — the Pentastar V6 is reliable, but budget for electrical system repairs on early examples.

Scores last updated: January 1, 2025

Score breakdown

65/ 100Reliability×2.5 82/ 100True Annual Cost×2.0 80/ 100Safety×2.5 90/ 100Practicality×2.0 100/ 100Repairability×1.0

68/ 100Long-Distance Comfort

15/ 100Enthusiast Appeal

Practicality is the entire argument. Reliability and safety scores are below average. Best value in 7-seat capacity per dollar — but only the 2015+ years.

Our take

What it really is

The cheapest 7-seat vehicle in the used market. The Pentastar 3.6L V6 is genuinely solid. The electrical system, particularly the TIPM, is not.

Why it's on this list

A 2015-2017 Grand Caravan with under 100k miles can be bought for $8,000-12,000 and runs the same Stow-n-Go seating as the $35,000 Pacifica. It is the budget family hauler.

The honest trade-offs

TIPM failure ($500-1,500) can leave you stranded or cause random electrical behavior. Transmission solenoid failure is common. Interior quality reflects the price. Buy 2015 or newer.

What to buy and what to avoid

The 2015-2017 SE or SXT with the 3.6L Pentastar. Avoid any 2008-2011 TIPM-era units unless recently replaced. Check for transmission shudder and inspect the sliding door tracks.

Annual cost of ownership

Regular fuel. TIPM failure risk amortized in estimates for early-gen examples.

Fuel (12k mi)

$1,870 (USD)^[5]

Maintenance

$673 (USD)^[1]

Tires (prorated)

$480 (USD)

Insurance (25yr male)

$1,280 (USD)^[8]

Insurance (40yr female)

$1,060 (USD)^[8]

Total (25yr male)

$2,513 (USD)

Total (40yr female)

$2,293 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined

20^[5]

MPG city / hwy

17 / 25^[5]

Tank

20 gal^[5]

Engine

3.6L Pentastar V6 / 3.8L V6

Horsepower

283 hp

Torque

260 lb-ft

Seats

Cargo (behind 2nd row)

33.6 cu ft

Cargo max

143.8 cu ft

Tow capacity

3,600 lbs

Ground clearance

5.9"

Stock tires

225/65R16

Body

Minivan

Rear seats

Folds flat

3rd row

Folds flat

Safety

NHTSA overall

4/5 ★^[2]

Rollover risk

22%^[2]

IIHS rating

Acceptable^[4]

ESC standard

Yes

Driver assists

None standard on most trims

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity

Low

Frame rust risk

Low

Salt belt impact

Moderate

Reasonable rust resistance for the class. Inspect lower body panels and sliding door tracks in salt states.

Known issues by mileage

30,000-60,000 Miles (48,000-97,000 KM)

TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failureMajor$1,000 (USD)

2008-2013 especially. Causes random electrical failures, fuel pump, starter. $500-1,500.

60,000-100,000 Miles (97,000-161,000 KM)

Transmission solenoid failureMajor$1,750 (USD)

Rough shifts or failure to shift. $1,000-2,500 repair.

60,000-100,000 Miles (97,000-161,000 KM)

AC compressor failureModerate$800 (USD)

Common. Inexpensive repair relative to class.

Best and worst years

Best years

2015Pentastar V6 proven; TIPM redesigned for better reliability
2016Best reliability of the late generation; good used availability
2017Post-TIPM era; most reliable Grand Caravan year

Years to avoid

2008First year 5th gen; TIPM most unreliable from this era
2009TIPM failures widespread; avoid
2011TIPM failures continued into Pentastar transition year

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost

$673 (USD)^[1]

Industry avg annual cost

$652 (USD)^[1]

RepairPal rating

3.5/5^[1]

Unscheduled visits/yr

0.5^[1]

Severe issue probability

15%^[1]

250k-mile survival

22%^[7]

Repairability

Headlight type

Halogen

DIY replacement cost

$25 (USD)

At major retailer

Yes

Headlight benchmark

10/10

Pentastar V6 parts are extremely affordable. TIPM replacement is available from multiple aftermarket suppliers.

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

[1]dataset
RepairPal
Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability
[2]government
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings
[3]government
NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes
[4]dataset
IIHS Safety Ratings
Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status
[5]government
EPA Fuel Economy Guide
MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size
[6]forum thread
CarComplaints
Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band
[7]dataset
iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used
[8]publication
Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Dodge Grand Caravan?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist