The 2018 Grand Caravan with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 is a solid platform marred by two major weaknesses: the 62TE transmission runs hot and fails prematurely, and the 3.6L engine suffers catastrophic rocker arm/lifter failures that destroy the valvetrain and often require full engine replacement.
62TE Transmission Failure (Overheating and Internal Clutch Pack Damage)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: harsh or delayed 2-3 upshifts, transmission slipping in 4th or 6th gear, limp mode with P0750 or P0871 codes, burnt ATF smell, complete loss of forward gears
Fix: Transmission rebuild or replacement required. External cooler typically fails first, causing internal damage. Full rebuild: 8-12 hours labor. Reman unit swap: 6-8 hours.
Estimated cost: $3,200-5,500
3.6L Pentastar Rocker Arm/Lifter Failure Leading to Valvetrain Destruction
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: sudden loud ticking or rattling from cylinder heads at startup, P0300 random misfire or cylinder-specific misfire codes, metal shavings in oil, catastrophic loss of power, check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes
Fix: Rocker arms seize or needle bearings fail, damaging camshaft lobes, valves, and pistons. Often requires both cylinder heads, camshafts, and sometimes short block if debris circulates. Conservative repair: both heads R&R with cam replacement, 16-20 hours. Worst case: short block or long block replacement, 24-30 hours.
Estimated cost: $4,500-9,000
Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) Electrical Gremlins
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: fuel pump not priming (no start), wipers activating randomly, horn honking on its own, power locks cycling, ABS or airbag warning lights with no stored codes
Fix: TIPM internal relays fail due to corrosion or heat. Chrysler updated part numbers multiple times. Replacement: 1.5-2 hours labor. Programming sometimes required.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion and Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: ATF puddles under vehicle near radiator, low transmission fluid warning, transmission temperature warning, pink fluid mixing with coolant (internal radiator leak)
Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through at crimps or where they pass frame rails (salt belt especially). External lines: 2-3 hours. If cooler in radiator fails, flush cooling system and replace radiator, add 4-5 hours total.
Estimated cost: $400-1,100
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking over bumps, steering wander, excessive tire wear on inside edge, alignment won't hold
Fix: Rubber bushings separate or tear. Replace control arms as assemblies (bushings not sold separately from Mopar). Both sides: 2.5-3 hours.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Evaporative Emissions System Leak (ESIM Module and Purge Valve)
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: P0456 small EVAP leak code, P0457 loose fuel cap code (when cap is tight), fuel smell near tank, check engine light
Fix: ESIM (Evaporative System Integrity Monitor) pump module on fuel tank fails, or purge valve sticks. ESIM replacement requires dropping tank: 3-4 hours. Purge valve only: 0.5 hours.
Estimated cost: $300-900
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 50,000 miles with Mopar ATF+4 or equivalent — this transmission runs hot and fluid breakdown accelerates clutch wear
Use quality synthetic oil (0W-20 or 5W-20) and change every 5,000 miles max to reduce rocker arm failure risk on the 3.6L
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually in rust belt states — catch corrosion early before it strands you
If you hear ANY ticking from the engine at cold start, investigate immediately — rocker arm failure goes from noise to catastrophic in under 500 miles
Buy only if under 70,000 miles with documented transmission services and extended warranty coverage — the trans and engine failure risks make this a dice roll beyond that point.
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: Standard top post battery; located under hood on driver side
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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.
Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain Vantage-modified 2016-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. The fuel pump gasket may deteriorate, allowing fuel to leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Vantage will notify owners, and will provide parts and reimbursement to owners for repair facilities to replace the fuel tank gasket, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2020. Owners may contact Vantage customer service at 1-800-488-9082.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER · 18V523000
2018-08-09
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
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 2018 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.