The 2015 Grand Caravan with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 is mechanically similar to the platform that's been around since 2008. While the engine is generally reliable, transmission cooling issues and cylinder head problems are the two major concerns that can lead to catastrophic failures if ignored.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure Leading to Transmission Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid appears milky or strawberry-colored (coolant mixing), Harsh shifting or delayed engagement, Check engine light with transmission codes, Radiator overflow with pink/red fluid
Fix: The external cooler (inside radiator tank or inline) develops internal leaks allowing coolant and ATF to cross-contaminate. Requires cooler replacement, full transmission flush (often multiple cycles), and filter change. If caught early: 3-4 hours labor. If transmission already damaged from contamination, you're looking at rebuild or replacement: 8-12 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200 if caught early; $2,800-4,500 for transmission rebuild
Cylinder Head Gasket Failure and Left-Bank Head Cracking
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Oil in coolant or coolant in oil, Misfires on cylinders 1, 3, or 5 (left bank), Overheating under load
Fix: The left cylinder head (driver side) on some 3.6L engines develops cracks between valve seats or gasket failures. Requires head removal, machining or replacement, new gaskets, and timing chain service while you're in there. Book time: 12-16 hours for both heads if doing the job properly with timing components.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
62TE Transmission Shifting Issues and Solenoid Pack Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 or 3-4 shifts, Transmission stuck in second gear (limp mode), Delayed engagement when shifting to drive, Check engine light with solenoid or pressure control codes
Fix: The solenoid pack or valve body develops wear, causing erratic pressure control. Drop the pan, replace solenoid pack and filter, update fluid. Some cases need valve body replacement. Labor: 4-6 hours for solenoid pack; 8-10 hours if valve body is involved.
Estimated cost: $800-1,800
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Fuel pump not priming (no start), Wipers running on their own, Gauges going haywire or shutting off, Windows or locks operating randomly, Multiple electrical gremlins at once
Fix: The TIPM (fuse/relay box under hood) has known issues with internal relay failures, especially fuel pump relay. Chrysler extended warranty on some VINs. Replacement requires programming. Labor: 1.5-2 hours, but module is expensive.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Front Lower Control Arm Bushings and Ball Joints
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front end, Wandering or loose steering feel, Uneven tire wear on inside edges, Steering wheel off-center after hitting potholes
Fix: The front lower control arm bushings wear out, and the ball joints develop play. Control arms come as complete assemblies (can't press bushings separately on most aftermarket parts). Replace both sides at once with alignment. Labor: 3-4 hours both sides.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Power Sliding Door Motor and Cable Failures
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Door opens or closes halfway then reverses, Grinding or clicking noise during operation, Door won't latch properly, Error message on dash about door obstruction
Fix: The power sliding door cables stretch or fray, and motors wear out from heavy use. Requires door panel removal and cable/motor replacement. One door: 2-3 hours labor. Cables are sold in kits per door.
Estimated cost: $400-800 per door
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 50,000 miles with OEM ATF+4 — the 62TE does NOT have lifetime fluid despite what the manual says
Inspect transmission cooler lines and external cooler for leaks every oil change; catch cooler failure before contamination happens
Use OEM coolant (HOAT formulation) and maintain 50/50 mix to reduce cylinder head gasket degradation
Check TIPM recall status by VIN — some got extended warranty coverage for fuel pump relay issues
Decent family hauler if transmission has been maintained and you can verify no head gasket history, but budget $2,000-3,000 reserve for eventual transmission or engine work after 100k miles.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Fitment notes: Battery located in front of driver-side front wheel, accessible from wheel well
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Every control module on the 2008-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Rear cargo area, driver side or behind rear bumper
🔧 wiTECH or Autel/Launch
⚠️ Optional equipment; controls trailer lighting and integrated brake controller
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Consequence: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
EQUIPMENT · 17V824000
2017-12-21
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · 16V461000
2016-06-24
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.
Consequence: 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.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD · 16V044000
2016-01-28
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town and Country, and 2014-2015 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 16, 2014, to December 5, 2015. The windshield on the affected vehicles may have been installed using expired urethane primer, allowing the windshield to become displaced in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Consequence: If the windshield dislodges during a crash, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield, free of charge. The recall began March 4, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S02.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
17mpg
Highway
25mpg
Combined
20mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Minivan - 2WD
Wiper blades
Fifth generation (RT platform). Both front wipers are same length.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.6L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.