2016 Dodge Caravan Safety Report
2016 Dodge Caravan Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Dodge Caravan
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Dodge Caravan. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Low (0) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (36) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Structure | Compare structure issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2019 | Compare against the 2019 Dodge Caravan with 3 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Dodge Caravan before buying across this generation. |
Dodge Caravan Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Dodge Caravan years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Dodge Caravan | 11 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Dodge Caravan | 23 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Dodge Caravan | 5 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Dodge Caravan | 3 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Dodge Caravan | 3 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Dodge Caravan Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Dodge Caravan, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Structure
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Dodge onlyPower Train
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Dodge onlyUnknown Or Other
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Dodge onlyElectrical System
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Dodge onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other issues Dodge onlyElectrical System,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Engine issues Dodge onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Dodge Caravan
Reliability Score
The 2016 Dodge Caravan receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2016 Dodge Caravan
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Dodge Caravan:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Sliding Door Lock Failure Frequent reports of rear sliding door lock actuators failing, making the doors inoperable. This can be dangerous, especially for passengers. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Driver'S Side Sliding Door Lock Failure Driver's side sliding door lock failure, preventing the door from opening manually or electronically. This poses a significant safety risk. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Stalling And Power Loss Reports of the engine stalling and power loss, particularly in reverse, which can be dangerous. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bag Deployment Issues Rare reports of air bag deployment issues, though no specific incidents have been reported. |
Low | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Dodge Caravan:
Frequent failure of rear sliding door lock actuators.
Frequent failure of the driver's side sliding door lock.
Reports of engine stalling and power loss, particularly in reverse.
Issues with the electrical system, including air bag deployment.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Dodge Caravan
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Dodge Caravan with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
IN TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE LOCK ACTUATORS WHAT BAD ON BOTH REAR SLIDING DOORS FOR THE PASSENGERS SIDE AND DRIVERS SIDE. THIS IS A COSTLY PROBLEM TO HAVE AND UNCALLED FOR ON A RELIABLE FORM OF TRANSPORTATION. I HAVE THE UNDERSTANDING BY TALKING TO THE MAINTENANCE MANAGER THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM FOR DODGE MINIVANS. THIS A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR OWNERS DUE TO THE FACT THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCI...
THE PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. IT APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE LOCKING MECHANISM. ONE DAY WE PARKED AND LOCKED THE CAR TO GET ICE CREAM AND WHEN WE CAME BACK THE DOOR WOULDN'T UNLOCK. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SLIDING DOOR FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO MILFORD AUTO GROUP JEEP CHRYSLER DODGE RAM (1470 BOSTON POST RD, MILFORD, CT 06460, 203-878-2471) AND RECEIVED A QUOTE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE PARTS THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WA...
LOSE ALL POWER FOR REVERSE, PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND SHIFT INTO BUT NO POWER WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PUSHED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE IN PARK, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO ENGAGE INTO DRIVE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND JERKED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SAN ANTONIO CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (11910 I-35 FRONTAGE RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78233, (210) 239-1808) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR FILTER NEEDED T...
LOCKS FAIL TO DISENGAGE AND DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED MANUALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY. MY CHILD HAD TO CLIMB OUT THROUGH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IN ORDER TO EXIT THE VAN. THIS POSES A DANGER DURING AN EMERGENCY. PLEASE ADVISE DODGE TO RECALL LOCK ACTUATORS ON CARAVAN MODELS. I RESEARCHED AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A PREVALENT COMPLAINT AMONG MANY DODGER OWNERS.
WE HAVE A 2016 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN THAT HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A MECHANIC TO NEED A REAR AC EVAPORATOR INSTALLED AT A COST OF OVER $1000.00. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AS WE WERE TOLD IT IS A KNOWN MOPAR PROBLEM. AS THE HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD FOR A FAMILY OF FIVE, I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO FIND THIS AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR THE REPAIR. THIS VAN WAS PURCHASED TO ACCOMMODATE OUR 17 YEAR OLD SON WITH DUCHENNES MUSCULAR ...
DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR LOCK , WANT OPEN.
BOUGHT THE CAR USED A YEAR AGO. IT HAS 57,578 MILES ON SPEEDOMETER. DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR LOCKED SHUT, WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE, OUTSIDE OR REMOTELY. JUST DROVE IN DRIVEWAY AND PARKED AND IT WILL NOT OPEN. FIVE MINUTES BEFORE IT OPENED AND CLOSED FINE AS WE HAD BEEN SHOPPING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD NOISE AND SHUT OFF. ALL POWER TO THE VEHICLE, INCLUDING THE POWER STEERING, WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO GUIDE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN RECALL...
THE DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER DOOR IS STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN MANUALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY.
DRIVERS SIDE SLIDING DOOR WONT UNLOCK AND WONT OPEN. HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. *DT CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED.*JB
DRIVERS SIDE REAR SLIDING DOOR REMAINS LOCKED AND CANNOT BE OPENED MANUALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR'S BUZZING ACTUATOR WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SISK CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (270-885-9900, LOCATED AT FORT CAMPBELL BLVD, HOPKINSVILLE, KY 42240) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE DEALER REBUILT THE...
TURN THE KEY OFF AND ENGINE DOESN'T SHUT OFF. NEEDED TO REMOVE FUEL PUMP FUSE TO STOP ENGINE
TAKATA RECALL DODGE CARAVAN SLIDING DOOR ACTUATOR WHEN PARKED THE SLIDING DOORS CAN GET STUCK CLOSED OR OPEN ONCE THEY ARE STUCK IF STUCK OPEN THAT DOOR WONT LOCK, AND IF STUCK CLOSED YOU CAN NOT OPEN THE DOOR AND CAN NOT UNLOCK. I CURRENTLY HAVE BOTH ISSUES.
"TAKATA RECALL" SLIDING DOOR ON DRIVERS SIDE WON'T UNLOCK OR OPEN (NOT AUTOMATIC OPEN DOOR, MANUALLY OPEN) TRIED USING THE DOOR UNLOCK PAD THE KEY FOB AND THE LOCK IN THE DOOR AND IT STILL DOESN'T UNLOCK OR OPEN. MY 1 YEAR OLD SITS ON THAT SIDE AND I AM WORRIED THIS IS A VERY HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. IF I WERE IN AN ACCIDENT I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET TO HIM QUICKLY. MY 3 YEAR OLD SITS ON THE OTHER SIDE...
BACK SIDE DOOR IS LOCKED AND CANNOT BE OPENED OR UNLOCKED NEITHER MANUALLY OR WITH FOB OR INTERIOR BUTTON, DOOR IS JAMMED SHUT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CARAVAN. AFTER THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, HE BEGAN TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AS IT STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, PUSHED IT BACK INTO THE PARKING SPOT, RESTARTED THE ENGINE, PLACED THE GEAR IN PARK, AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SCHEDULED TO BE TOWED TO HUNTI...
THE DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DONOR'S LOCK WAS STUCK. THE DOOR WOULDN'T OFTEN WITH THE KEY FOB OR MANUALLY UNLOCKING. I PRESSED THE FOB SEVERAL TIMES TRYING TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. I TRIED MANUALLY UNLOCKING THE DOOR AGAIN AND IT FINALLY UNLOCKED. MY TWO AND THREE YEAR WERE IN THE CAR AND I COULDN'T GET THEM UNBUCKLED FROM THEIR CAR SEATS. ANNOYING AS WELL AS UNSAFE. THE DOOR NOW MAKES A BUZZING/ RATTLING N...
Showing 20 of 36 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Dodge Caravan
Has the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN been recalled?
No, the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN has no recalls on record with NHTSA as of our latest data update.
How many complaints does the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN have?
The 2016 DODGE CARAVAN has 36 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. 2 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN?
The 2016 DODGE CARAVAN does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN involve structure (8 complaints), power train (7 complaints), unknown or other (7 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, electrical system,unknown or other, electrical system,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN out of 36 total complaints (2.8% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN have?
There are no fire reports for the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN?
2 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 DODGE CARAVAN?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 36 complaints, 0 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN are: 1. STRUCTURE (8 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (7 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints). STRUCTURE is the single most-reported problem area with 8 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 DODGE CARAVAN?
Be cautious of the frequent rear sliding door lock failures and driver's side sliding door lock issues, which can pose significant safety risks. The 2016 DODGE CARAVAN has 36 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN?
The 2016 DODGE CARAVAN receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 36 owner complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Rear sliding door lock failure and Driver's side sliding door lock failure.
What are the known issues with the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN?
Known issues with the 2016 DODGE CARAVAN include: Rear sliding door lock failure, Driver's side sliding door lock failure, Engine stalling and power loss, Air bag deployment issues. These are based on patterns found across 36 NHTSA complaints.
What are the most common safety issues with the 2016 Dodge Caravan?
The most common safety issues are rear sliding door lock failures and driver's side sliding door lock failures.
Can the driver's side sliding door be opened if it's locked electronically?
No, the driver's side sliding door cannot be opened electronically or manually if it's locked.
Are there any known issues with the air bags in the 2016 Dodge Caravan?
There are rare reports of air bag deployment issues, but no specific incidents have been reported.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of the frequent rear sliding door lock failures and driver's side sliding door lock issues, which can pose significant safety risks.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Dodge Caravan
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Dodge Caravan. The data includes 36 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14