2016 Dodge Caravan Safety Report

The 2016 Dodge Caravan presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to a lack of comprehensive crash test data from NHTSA, with all overall, frontal, side, and rollover ratings listed as N/A. This absence of official ratings makes it difficult to assess its crashworthiness definitively. However, an analysis of 36 consumer complaints reveals several recurring issues, with STRUCTURE (8 complaints) and POWER TRAIN (7 complaints) being the most frequently cited components. A significant pattern within the STRUCTURE complaints points to widespread problems with the sliding door lock actuators, leading to doors becoming stuck in either locked or unlocked positions, posing a potential safety hazard, especially for occupants needing to exit in an emergency. There are no recalls issued for this specific model year, which is notable given the consistent nature of some complaints. Beyond the door issues, power train complaints include instances of loss of power in reverse, failure to engage drive, rapid acceleration, and hard shifting, indicating potential transmission or engine control problems. One complaint specifically mentions the engine shutting off while driving at highway speeds, leading to a loss of power steering, which is a critical safety concern. Another serious incident involved a crash at 50 MPH where the airbags failed to deploy, resulting in injuries, although this is a single reported incident among the 36 complaints. The overall safety picture is concerning due to the lack of crash test data and the prevalence of critical mechanical and structural complaints. While the total number of complaints (36) is not exceptionally high, the nature of issues like door malfunctions, power train failures, and a reported airbag non-deployment are significant. The absence of recalls for these known issues suggests that consumers are left to bear the burden of repairs for problems that appear to be systemic.

Our recommendation: Given the lack of official crash test ratings and recurring critical complaints regarding sliding door failures and power train issues, potential buyers should proceed with caution and thoroughly inspect the vehicle, paying close attention to door functionality and transmission performance.