2016 Dodge Grand Caravan · symptom sheet

Transmission fails or needs replacement

51owner reports
85,000median miles
0involved a crash

Newest report Dec 15, 2025 · checked Sep 9, 2026

219 of the 999 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 51 of those describe transmission failure. Only stalling is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 51 reports

lost drive or would not move

warning lights came on first

it was replaced under warranty

I paid for it myself

a second transmission also failed

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (51 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

16V-461Jun 24, 2016

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.

Risk and remedy

Risk: If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.

NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Grand Caravan

EA91-010opened Dec 10, 1990

Transmission and drivetrain · model years 1984 to 1990

Trans park system failure. Closed dec 31, 1991.

NHTSA summary

There is no summary currently available

None of these investigations covers the 2016 model year.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 62,000 and 99,000 miles, from the 34 reports that gave a mileage.

117

318

419

820

1121

422

823

624

625

What owners wrote

“Driving down Hwy 95 South without warning my transmission went out going at about 65 mph 5 hours from home.”
Filed Dec 7, 2025

“The transmission failed. The transmission pump failed and need to be replaced. This year model had a recall for failed transmission pumps. I was told my VIN was not part of the the recall -yet my transmission failed failed costing me over 3 thousand to repair”
Filed Mar 10, 2025

“Transmission failed with minimal warning. Getting transmission codes for pressure. There is a recall for transmission pressure but shows my VIN isn't a part of recall. This van has less than 88000 miles. I believe the recall should be expanded. This van was manufactured in the same date range affected.”
Filed Jun 9, 2024 · 88,000 miles

“Transmission went out and vehicle did not have 99,000 miles on it. Mechanics said dodge caravans are famous for faulty transmissions. Cost over $4,000 yo repair a 2016 vehicle.”
Filed Mar 19, 2024 · 99,000 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 51 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.