2017 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan
Two minivans, compared on what actually matters when you're buying used:
what breaks, when it breaks, and what it costs you.
2017 Chrysler
Pacifica
6/10
The best-driving, most versatile minivan of its generation, undermined by launch-year gremlins in the steering, powertrain, and 9-speed transmission.
VS
2017 Dodge
Grand Caravan
6/10
Buy it for $8k to haul kids and mulch, not because you love cars — the Pentastar/62TE combo is a known quantity, but the electronics are Chrysler-grade sketchy.
Dead heat: both score 6/10. The tiebreaker is which specific car you find.
By the numbers
Green is the better number — higher on every score, lower on failures, complaints and recalls.
| Chrysler Pacifica |
Dodge Grand Caravan |
| Known failure points | 7 | 6 |
| NHTSA complaints | 1495 | 411 |
| Safety recalls | 11 | 3 |
| Service bulletins | 12 | 12 |
| Reliability | 52 | 58 |
| Cheap to own | 58 | 62 |
| Fun factor | 62 | 15 |
| Holds value | 45 | 30 |
| Enthusiast cred | 38 | 10 |
The most expensive thing that goes wrong
2017 Chrysler Pacifica
PHEV models only: high-voltage battery cooling and transmission wiring connector short (subject of dedicated recall)
$0–$2,50080k–120k mi
2017 Dodge Grand Caravan
62TE transmission solenoid pack / valve body wear causing harsh or delayed shifts
$400–$2,50060k–90k mi
If you buy one, buy this one
✅ 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
A 2017 Pacifica Limited or Touring-L Plus, gas-only (not PHEV) 3.6L Pentastar, with all recalls completed and documented, ideally built after mid-2017 with the updated PCM software.
✅ 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan
A one-owner SXT or SE Plus with full service records, 3.6L Pentastar, under 80k miles, and confirmed TIPM recall completion — Stow 'n Go and rear DVD are nice-to-haves, not must-haves.
Narrowed it down? Get the full report
This comparison is model-level.
Milo's report goes car-level — the one you're actually looking at:
- A line-by-line negotiation script
- The pre-purchase inspection checklist
- VIN-specific open recalls
- What it's really worth right now
- Your next 15,000 miles, forecast
- Hidden features & money-savers
Run my free report →
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Scores and findings blend documented NHTSA recalls and complaints with
patterns synthesized from owner communities. Always inspect the specific vehicle and
verify open recalls by VIN before buying.