The 2020 Grand Caravan is essentially a carryover of the fifth-generation RT platform that launched in 2008, making it a 12-year-old design in its final year. While mechanically proven, age-related issues with the 62TE transmission and 3.6L Pentastar engine's oiling system are the primary concerns.
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure and Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink or milky fluid in coolant reservoir (transmission fluid mixing with coolant), Transmission slipping or delayed engagement after engine reaches operating temp, Overheating transmission, harsh shifts, White smoke from exhaust if coolant enters transmission
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler and all lines, flush cooling system and transmission completely. If contamination occurred, transmission rebuild is often required as coolant destroys clutch packs. 3-4 hours for cooler only, 18-25 hours if transmission rebuild needed.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 cooler only, $3,500-5,500 with transmission rebuild
3.6L Pentastar Left Cylinder Head Failure (Cylinder 2 Dropout)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0302 (cylinder 2 misfire) code, Ticking noise from left side of engine that doesn't go away when warm, Loss of power, rough idle, Metal shavings in oil or oil consumption
Fix: Early 3.6L engines (2011-2013) had rocker arm/valve seat issues, but even 2016+ engines can experience left head failure due to oiling problems. Requires left cylinder head replacement, new rocker arms, and thorough oiling system inspection. 12-16 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $3,200-4,800
62TE Transmission Solenoid Pack and Torque Converter Shudder
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Shudder or vibration during light acceleration at 30-50 mph (feels like driving over rumble strips), Harsh or delayed 2-3 or 3-4 shifts, Check engine light with transmission solenoid codes (P0750, P0755, P0760), Transmission stays in limp mode (3rd gear only)
Fix: Solenoid pack replacement requires pan drop and valve body removal, 3-4 hours. Torque converter shudder often requires fluid flush with Mopar ATF+4 and friction modifier first, then converter replacement if persistent. Converter requires transmission removal, 8-10 hours.
Symptoms: No start, no crank (even with good battery and starter), Engine starts then immediately dies, Random stalling while driving, Multiple electrical system codes, instrument cluster going haywire, Theft light flashing (SKIM system error)
Fix: PCM located under hood near battery. Requires programming/flashing to VIN after replacement. Water intrusion from cowl area or failing TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) can damage PCM. 1.5-2 hours for replacement plus dealer programming time.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise over bumps from front end, Steering wheel off-center or vehicle pulls to one side, Excessive tire wear on inside or outside edge, Loose, vague steering feel
Fix: Chrysler control arms use pressed-in bushings that fail before the ball joint. Most techs replace entire control arm assembly rather than pressing new bushings. 2-3 hours for both sides including alignment.
Estimated cost: $500-750 both sides
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Relay Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Fuel pump not priming (no start), Wipers running on their own, Horn honking randomly or not working, ABS/traction control lights on with no other cause found, Power sliding doors or liftgate inoperative
Fix: TIPM located under hood controls most electrical loads via internal relays. Early versions had solderjoint failures. Some can be repaired by reflowing solder, but replacement is typical solution. Requires programming. 1.5-2 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 60,000 miles with Mopar ATF+4 only — this transmission is extremely fluid-sensitive
Use only Mopar or Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-20 synthetic in the 3.6L; oil quality matters for rocker arm life
Inspect transmission cooler lines and connections during every oil change — early catch prevents catastrophic failure
Keep up with PCM and TIPM software updates at dealer; many electrical gremlins resolved by reflashing
Buy only with documented transmission fluid changes and after a cold-start test drive to check for head/valvetrain noise — the platform is otherwise solid for a family hauler, but neglected examples become money pits fast.
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
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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.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
17mpg
Highway
25mpg
Combined
20mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Minivan - 2WD
Wiper blades
Fifth generation Grand Caravan final year. 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 2020 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.