2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems: All 6 Known Failures
🕵️ MILO THE MOTOR MOLE · REPORT

2017 Dodge Grand Caravan problems: every known failure

All 6 documented failure points for this exact year — what goes wrong, when, what it costs, and how to spot it on a test drive. Free, from Milo's research on this model.

6known failure points
411NHTSA owner complaints
3safety recalls
$2,500worst-case single repair

The last of the old-school minivans — cheap, cavernous, and mechanically ancient, with power sliding doors that will eventually betray you

Every documented failure, earliest first

Ordered by the mileage the problem typically appears. VERY HIGH confidence means it's tied to a documented NHTSA recall, and 1 of these are rated Critical.

0k–40k mi● Watch$300–$700HIGH
Power sliding door actuator/cable failure (both sides)
How to catch it: Lubricate door tracks and cables every oil change; disable auto-open feature if it starts hesitating to avoid stranding cables mid-cycle.
Source: owner-reported (21 NHTSA complaints)
60k–90k mi● Plan$400–$2,500MODERATE
62TE transmission solenoid pack / valve body wear causing harsh or delayed shifts
How to catch it: Do a fluid and filter change every 30k miles with Mopar ATF+4 only — this transmission punishes neglect harder than most.
Source: multi-source pattern (AI synthesis)
70k–100k mi● Critical$400–$900VERY HIGH
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) glitches causing random stalling, fuel pump relay failure, or no-starts
How to catch it: If you notice random dash flickers or intermittent no-crank, get the TIPM tested before it strands you on the highway.
Source: documented (NHTSA recall)
80k–110k mi● Watch$300–$600MODERATE
Front strut mounts and sway bar end links wearing out (clunks over bumps)
How to catch it: Replace end links proactively in pairs — cheap insurance against a failed alignment inspection.
Source: multi-source pattern (AI synthesis)
100k–130k mi● Plan$600–$1,000MODERATE
Water pump failure (driven off timing chain, buried)
How to catch it: Have it inspected for weeping/bearing noise at 90k — catching it before it dumps coolant on the timing chain saves a much bigger bill.
Source: multi-source pattern (AI synthesis)
120k–200k mi● Watch$150–$400MODERATE
Rear liftgate/sliding door wiring harness fatigue (flex points crack insulation)
How to catch it: Wrap exposed harness flex points with split loom tape at the door hinge before wires start shorting intermittently.
Source: multi-source pattern (AI synthesis)

Buying one of these?

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Findings blend documented NHTSA recalls and complaints with patterns synthesized from owner communities. Confidence is labeled on every item; an inference is never presented as documented fact. Always inspect the specific vehicle and verify open recalls by VIN before buying.

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