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 Oct 2, 2026
220 of the 1,001 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 51 of those describe transmission failure.
Tick what matches of 51 reports
Transmission failure on other Grand Caravan years
No other Grand Caravan model year has enough reports of transmission failure for a sheet of its own. See every Grand Caravan year.
What this problem usually is
This is the end of the road for a transmission: the car stops moving under its own power, or a shop says the unit has to be replaced or rebuilt. Half of the owners here mention a warning light or message, and a quarter mention it happening again or to a second unit.
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.
The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.
All 6 recalls on the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Grand Caravan
Trans park system failure. Closed dec 31, 1991.
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.
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. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Sliding door won't open, close or latch 395 reports
- Doors, latches or locks fail 108 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 71 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 42 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 32 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 30 reports