Years affected, the mileage it usually shows up at, and what fixes it
About this problem
Engine stalling while driving means the engine cuts out without warning, often at low speed or when coming to a stop. Power steering and brake assist get heavier when the engine stops, so a stall in traffic is dangerous. Common causes include transmission and fuel system faults and failing electrical modules, and some of these vehicles have recalls or software fixes.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Dodge Grand Caravan since 2012, 452 (12.4%) describe stalling and no-start (TIPM), the second most reported problem we track on the Grand Caravan. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2013 and 2016 model years, and the 2012 drew the most, with 164. It tends to show up at higher mileage: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 60,000 and 120,000 miles. 16 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 3 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Owners report the van stalling while driving, not starting, or the starter clicking. On 2011 to 2013 vans many cases trace to the fuel pump relay inside the TIPM fuse box and to the ignition switch.
How it gets fixed
Fixes include replacing the fuel pump relay or TIPM and the ignition switch, some under recall.
Typical cost: A relay fix costs $100 to $300 and a TIPM about $800 to $1,200.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"We bought a 2016 Dodge caravan and had a "remote" start installed through the dealership. The van would shut off when the remote start was used, sometimes."
2016 Dodge Grand Caravan, 24,503 miles
"The TIPM is just shot and I've had the altnator replaced the starter and it's definitely TIPM related. I don't understand why the recall on this excluded my van, it's been doing this for several months and it's making the vehicle unsafe."
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan, 125,000 miles
"To whom it may concern; TIPM (totally integrated power module) problem, faulty fuel pump related, pumping after turning the vehicle off and draining battery and starting problems related faulty fuel pump and stall vehicle."
2013 Dodge Grand Caravan, 49,600 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured June 11, 2013, through June 12, 2013.
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town and Country, and 2014-2015 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 16, 2014, to December 5, 2015.
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 J
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins
Dodge has sent dealers 7 bulletins that mention this problem on the Grand Caravan. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle.
ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA).
Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor 1) If you are replacing this part due to the cluster displaying Clean Radar Sensor in Front of Vehicle or DTC C1266 ACC Sensor Blinded, please verify that there is no blockage in front of the sensor.
Government investigations
Defect petition DP14004 · 2012–2014 · opened Sep 2014, closed Jul 2015
Before you buy a Grand Caravan
- Let the car idle for several minutes and pull away from stops a few times; watch for stalling or warning lights.
- Ask whether software updates have been done and check by VIN for open recalls.
- Have the battery tested; weak batteries cause many shutdowns on cars with stop-start.
Questions
Which Dodge Grand Caravan years have stalling and no-start (TIPM)?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2013, 2016 model years. The 2012 drew the most, with 164 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 89,000 miles, and half reported it between 60,000 and 120,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A relay fix costs $100 to $300 and a TIPM about $800 to $1,200.