The 2019 Grand Caravan rides on Chrysler's ancient RT platform with the proven 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 62TE six-speed automatic. While mechanically similar to 2008-2018 models, oil consumption issues and transmission cooler failures remain chronic weak points that can escalate quickly.
Excessive Oil Consumption / Piston Ring Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Low oil warning light between changes, Blue smoke on cold start, Persistent misfire codes (P0300-P0306), Spark plugs fouled with carbon
Fix: 3.6L Pentastar suffers worn piston rings and cylinder scoring. Requires complete engine teardown, new pistons/rings, cylinder honing or boring. Often cheaper to install remanufactured long block. 18-24 labor hours for in-chassis rebuild, 14-16 hours for long block swap.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leak (Internal to Radiator)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink milkshake in coolant reservoir (trans fluid mixing with coolant), Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Overheating transmission, Coolant level dropping with no external leak
Fix: The 62TE transmission cooler integrated into the radiator develops internal leak, cross-contaminating fluids. Requires new radiator, complete transmission fluid flush (often multiple cycles), sometimes new transmission if contamination was severe. 4-6 hours for radiator and flush; add 12-18 hours if transmission damaged.
Symptoms: Harsh clunk when shifting into Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Excessive engine movement visible when accelerating, Rattling over bumps
Fix: Hydraulic transmission mounts collapse internally, allowing driveline to shift excessively. Front mount is most common failure. Requires subframe drop for access on front mount. 2.5-3.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $350-550
TIPM Failure (Totally Integrated Power Module)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Fuel pump cycling randomly (causes no-start), Wipers running on their own, Power windows/locks operating erratically, Multiple electrical gremlins simultaneously, Stalling at idle after fuel fill-up
Fix: The TIPM (integrated fuse/relay box) develops internal corrosion or solder joint failures. Diagnosis tricky because symptoms are intermittent. Requires TIPM replacement and reprogramming. Some have luck with resoldering fuel pump relay internally (not dealer-supported). 1.5-2 hours for replacement.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400 (new TIPM), $200-400 (DIY resolder/refurbished unit)
Brake Caliper Seizure (Front)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Vehicle pulling to one side during braking, Excessive brake dust on one wheel, Burning smell after driving, Premature brake pad wear on one side, Wheel hot to touch after short drive
Fix: Front brake caliper slide pins seize from corrosion or caliper pistons stick. More common in rust-belt states. Requires caliper replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, and brake fluid flush. 2-2.5 hours per side.
Symptoms: Lift platform will not deploy or retract, Tie-down latches not engaging properly, Electrical faults in mobility equipment, Hydraulic fluid leaks from lift mechanism
Fix: Factory-equipped mobility vans (Braun conversions) suffer from aftermarket component failures. NHTSA recall addressed some latch issues, but hydraulic pump motors and platform mechanisms still fail. Requires specialized mobility equipment dealer—most indie shops won't touch these. 3-8 hours depending on component.
Estimated cost: $600-2,500
Owner tips
Check oil level every 1,000 miles religiously—3.6L oil consumption issues start subtle and escalate fast
Inspect coolant reservoir color monthly; pink/brown means immediate transmission cooler replacement needed
Change transmission fluid every 60,000 miles with Mopar ATF+4 only—aftermarket fluids cause shift issues
TIPM issues can be intermittent for months; if fuel pump cycles randomly, address before you're stranded
Buy only if under 60k miles with documented oil consumption checks and transmission service—budget $2k-3k repair reserve for inevitable cooler/engine issues.
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 in engine compartment
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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.
SEATS · 19V759000
2019-10-24
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. The welds on the outboard rear seat strikers for the second row bench and second row bucket seats may fail during a front impact crash. The front outboard seat strikers for the third row bench seats may fail in the event of a rear impact crash. In addition, the second row bench and second row bucket seats may not withstand the required loads.
Consequence: If the seat strikers fail, the seat or seat belt may not adequately restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will weld in a striker reinforcement bracket on the second and third row outboard seat strikers, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is V91.
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.
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 2019 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.