Model year record

2005 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls & problems

The 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan has 6 safety recalls and 995 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is latches/locks/linkages (339 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints995filed by owners

Crashes · fires28 · 7reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths44 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Equipment adaptive/mobilityJun 15, 2010

Equipment adaptive/mobility

Recall 10V27100013 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ALL IN ONE MOBILITY IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2008 CONVERSION VANS EQUIPPED WITH VMI/RICON 6-WAY POWER SEAT BASES. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF A DEFECTIVE WELD AT THE JOINT BETWEEN THE PIVOTING PLATE AND THE PIVOTING PLATE PIN.
Risk: THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY BE INJURED IF THE SEAT BASE PIN WERE TO BREAK.
Fix: ALL IN ONE MOBILITY WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE VEHICLES WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ALL IN ONE MOBILITY AT 1-503-255-5005.

SeatsJun 14, 2010

Seats

Recall 10V2610002 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ARIZONA MOBILITY PRODUCTS (AMP) IS RECALLING ONE 2005 AND ONE 2007 CONVERSION VANS BUILT ON DODGE GRAND CARAVAN CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH VMI/RICON 6-WAY POWER SEAT BASES. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF A DEFECTIVE WELD AT THE JOINT BETWEEN THE PIVOTING PLATE AND THE PIVOTING PLATE PIN.
Risk: THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY BE INJURED IF THE SEAT BASE PIN WERE TO BREAK.
Fix: AMP WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 10, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AMP AT 1-602-385-5988.

Air bagsJan 11, 2010

Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive

Recall 10V008000308,950 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 DODGE CARAVAN, GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, TENNESSEE, UTAH, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, ALASKA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT CRASH SENSORS MAY CRACK UNDER CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND ALLOW WATER TO ENTER INTO THE SENSOR. THIS CAN CAUSE THE SENSOR TO BECOME INOPERATIVE AND ILLUMINATE THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. THESE SENSORS WERE ADDED TO ENHANCE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IN CERTAIN FRONTAL CRASHES.
Risk: IF THE FRONT CRASH SENSORS BECOME INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER IS IMMEDIATELY ALERTED BY ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE PROMPTLY SERVICED. UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS REPAIRED, THE AIRBAGS MAY NOT PROVIDE THE ENHANCED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AIRBAG SENSORS WITH A NEW DESIGN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN WILL BEGIN DURING JUNE 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

VisibilityDec 11, 2007

Glass, side/rear

Recall 07E1040001,657 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
Fix: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.

VisibilityMar 8, 2006

Windshield wiper/washer › Motor

Recall 06V067000268,800 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN VANS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ARMATURE SHAFT MAY BREAK.
Risk: DURING CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS, LOSS OF FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPING CAPABILITY COULD OCCUR, AND THE DRIVER'S VISION COULD BE OBSCURED WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2006, TO DODGE DURANGO OWNERS. MINIVAN OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Seat beltsFeb 3, 2004

Front › Retractor

Recall 04V0470003,200 vehicles

Problem: AFTER PERFORMING THE NCAP TEST, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITHOUT THE AVAILABLE "STOW 'N GO" SEATING OPTION, THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED.
Risk: AS A RESULT, THE SEAT BELT MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS, WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLIES AND ANY SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE STAKE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2005 Dodge Grand Caravan Later Release

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2005 Dodge Grand Caravan Early Release

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Latches/locks/linkagesDoors › Latch; Hatchback/liftgate › Lock	339	0	0	1	60,000 mi
Electrical systemSoftware; Horn	261	2	5	0	74,000 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Headlights › Switch	157	1	2	0	82,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal › Sensor/control module; Frontal	107	19	0	26	53,000 mi
SteeringRack and pinion; Rack and pinion › Rack	78	0	0	0	47,970 mi
StructureBody › Door; Body	70	0	1	1	74,534 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	41	0	0	0	114,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor	32	1	1	0	27,750 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Glass, side/rear	28	0	0	1	47,500 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Exhaust system	25	0	0	7	39,711 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Axle assembly	24	2	0	0	39,000 mi
SuspensionFront; Front › Stabilizer bar	24	0	0	0	30,498 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Air bagsCrash
See attached document for complaint
Sep 28, 2023
Exterior lighting › Headlights
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to turn on the headlight and became aware that the headlights were inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was unknown.
Oct 1, 2023
Fuel/propulsion system
For some reason my caravan has started leaking gas from on top of the gas tank. not sure why, but I heard the was a recall but it was over 15 years ago so you people don't list anything older. i've only had the car a couple months, and also having a catalytic converter problem as well..
Oct 1, 2023
Tires
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the front driverâs side tire detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the independent mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was provided a cost for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
Aug 21, 2023 · 157,000 miles
Engine
Several times in past year after filling the gas tank, shortly after driving away from gas station the engine misfires and stalls. This has been a safety hazard when merging into traffic. This problem is widely noted in forums on the internet for Chrysler minivans, for many other model years including the 2005. The best explanation being given (link follows) is that the vapor/liquid separator valve on top of the fuel tank has failed, a part that is not replaceable--the entire fuel tank must be replaced. Some report it happened when their minivan was brand new. https://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/engine-stalls-after-filling-tank-chrysler-minivan/
Apr 21, 2022
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO OPERATE AS NEEDED, WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS THE ONLY DOOR THAT COULD BE OPENED MANUALLY WITH THE KEY. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT UPON DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY, THE SYSTEM WOULD RESET AND RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED THE PROCEDURE TWICE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RESUMED SOON AFTER THE RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER NOR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000.
Nov 1, 2020 · 155,000 miles
Service brakes
ON THE EVENING OF 03/04/2021 @ 9:00PM. WHILR DRIVING HOME FROM THE GROCERY STORE DOING APPROX 35 MPH, MY VAN SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND ABILITY TO USE POWER STEERING AND USE OF BRAKES. I HAD MY CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME AND THEY WERE ABLE TO HELP ME GET THE VAN OUT OF THE TRAVEL LANE AND SAFELY INTO A PARKING LOT. VAN DID NOT WANT TO START AFTER CUTTING OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH AND CUTTING IT BACK ON. WHEN I RESTARTED THE VAN IT WOULDNT ACCELERATE PASSED 15MPH WITH THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR THEN IT CONSTANTLY STALLED OUT 8-10 TIMES THE LAST MILE FROM HOME.
Mar 4, 2021 · 198,009 miles
Power train
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ABOUT 35 MPH MY VAN JUST DIED OUT IN TRAFFIC N WOULD NOT RESTART. THANK GOD I WAS NOT ON INTERSTATE
Dec 28, 2020 · 135,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Engine Stall After RefuelingClosed
This defect petition evaluates July 7, 2014 allegations from an owner of a model year (MY) 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan that engine stall occurs in these vehicles without warning after refueling.The petitioner's vehicle is a Chrysler RS platform minivan.The RS platform includes MY 2003 through 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town and Country and Chrysler Voyager minivans.NHTSA evaluated the petition by analyzing consumer complaints submitted to the Agency, analyzing field data, reviewing technical information provided in Chrysler's response to an Agency information request and testing an RS minivan identified by its owner as experiencing post-refuel engine stalls.After completing this evaluation, NHTSA has concluded that further investigation is unlikely to result in a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists.The stalls occurring in these…
DP14002 · opened Sep 5, 2014 · closed Apr 6, 2015
Loss of headlight illuminationClosed
The subject vehicle (SV) population includes MY 2005-2006 vehicles built between March 2004 and December 2005 manufactured with a TRW supplied headlight switch assembly (HSA).The HSA was the primary focus of the investigation; earlier and later vehicles utilized different HSAs.Consumers complain that the headlights in the subject vehicles do not illuminate when the HSA is turned on, or that the headlights extinguish while on (subject failure).No other driving lights are affected.The front marker, tail, and instrument lamps operate.Also, the high beams can be illuminated by holding the turn signal stalk in the up position.As reported by consumers, turning the HSA off and on typically corrects the failure.Initially the failures occur infrequently but they become progressively more frequent with age.Chrysler has indicated its intention to offer of an extended lifetime warranty on the HSA,…
EA11010 · opened Sep 6, 2011 · closed Nov 29, 2012
Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion AuditClosed
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and…
AQ10001 · opened Nov 18, 2010 · closed Dec 28, 2015
Loss of Headlight IlluminationClosed
To date, ODI has interviewed several complainants who confirmed that the headlights fully extinguish, and remain extinguished, on an intermittent basis.In most cases this occurred while the vehicle was in motion.The occurrences do not show a repeatable pattern, and the problem occurs at a low frequency, typically one or more weeks between failures.For this reason most complainants have not attempted diagnosis or repair of the problem, so the cause is unknown, and the problem continues to occur.In the cases where repairs have been attempted, which consisted mainly of headlight switch and body control module replacements, mixed success is reported.In interviews complainants advised ODI that they can usually toggle the headlight switch, or turn on the high beams by actuating the column stalk (pulling it upward), when the headlights unexpectedly turn off.Complainants report that toggling…
PE10022 · opened Jul 12, 2010 · closed Sep 13, 2011
FRONT AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR FAILUREClosedLed to recall 10V008000
CHRYSLER WILL REPLACE THE FRAME RAIL-MOUNTED FRONT AIR BAG CRASH SENSORS IN APPROXIMATELY 312,442 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2005 AND 2006 CHRYSLER MINIVANS (RECALL 10V-008).THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH FRONT CRASH SENSORS WITH ULTRADUR BRAND PLASTIC HOUSINGS AND STEEL BUSHINGS AND WERE BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 19, 2005 AND APRIL 5, 2006.THIS ACTION COVERS VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED, IN 27 STATES (ALASKA, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN) AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.VEHICLES SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED OUTSIDE OF THESE STATES, APPROXIMATELY 185,000 MY 2005-2006 MINIVANS, ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.ALTHOUGH THESE VEHICLES USE…
RQ09003 · opened Jul 1, 2009 · closed Feb 18, 2010
FRONT AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR FAILUREClosedLed to recall 07V192000
DAIMLERCHRYSLER (DCC) WILL REPLACE THE FRAME RAIL-MOUNTED FRONT AIR BAG CRASH SENSORS IN APPROXIMATELY 270,958 MY 2005 DAIMLERCHRYSLER MINIVANS (NHTSA RECALL NO. 07V-192).THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH FRONT CRASH SENSORS WITH BRASS BUSHINGS AND WERE BUILT BETWEEN APRIL 24, 2003 AND FEBRUARY 2, 2005.THIS ACTION COVERS VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED, IN 27 STATES (ALASKA, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN) AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.VEHICLES SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED OUTSIDE OF THESE STATES, APPROXIMATELY 133,128 MY 2005 MINIVANS, WILL RECEIVE A LIFETIME WARRANTY ON THE FRONT CRASH SENSORS.ALTHOUGH THESE VEHICLES USE…
EA06003 · opened Mar 8, 2006 · closed May 22, 2007
FRONT AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR FAILUREClosed
THE MODEL YEAR (MY) 2005 DAIMLERCHRYSLER (DC) MINIVANS HAVE THE NEW ADVANCED FRONTAL AIR BAG SYSTEMS WITH TWO FRONT CRASH SENSORS MOUNTED ON THE FRAME RAILS BEHIND THE FRONT BUMPER AND A MAIN CRASH SENSOR INSIDE THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE MOUNTED IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.ACCORDING TO DC, THE FRONT CRASH SENSORS ARE DESIGNED TO OPTIMIZE DETECTION OF FRONTAL OFFSET AND ANGULAR CRASHES.THE ADVANCED AIR BAG SYSTEM OFFERS DIFFERENT LEVELS OF AIR BAG INFLATION BASED ON INPUT FROM THE CRASH SENSORS.THIS INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE FRONT CRASH SENSORS CAN CORRODE FROM WATER ENTERING THE SENSOR ASSEMBLY.DC IS STILL INVESTIGATING ALL POTENTIAL ROOT CAUSES OF SENSOR FAILURES.A CORRODED SENSOR CAN SET A FAULT CODE, ILLUMINATE THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, AND BECOME DISABLED.IT APPEARS THAT FAILURE OF ONE OR BOTH FRONT CRASH SENSORS CAN POTENTIALLY RESULT IN NO/LATE DEPLOYMENT OF FRONTAL AIR…
PE05061 · opened Nov 10, 2005 · closed Mar 8, 2006