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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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 severityTypical 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.
Estimated cost: $600-900 solenoids, $1,800-2,600 torque converter
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Failure
Occasional · high severitySymptoms: 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 severityTypical 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 severitySymptoms: 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
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.