2015 Dodge Grand Caravan Safety Report

The 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan presents a mixed safety picture, with a notable number of consumer complaints, particularly concerning its powertrain. With 271 total complaints, 7 crashes, 2 fires, and 17 injuries reported to NHTSA, there are clear areas of concern. The vehicle received a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, including 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover, indicating generally good performance in controlled crash tests. However, the high volume of complaints, especially related to the POWER TRAIN (63 complaints) and SEATS (43 complaints), suggests potential real-world reliability and safety issues beyond crashworthiness. Common complaint patterns reveal significant issues with the transmission, including slipping, loss of motive power, and complete failure, directly correlating with a major recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 16V240000) for transmission loss of hydraulic pressure. Engine problems, such as cylinder head failures and misfires, are also frequently reported (20 complaints). Furthermore, unexpected deployment of active head restraints (AHR) in the SEATS category is a recurring and concerning issue, with multiple reports of passengers being struck. The recall history includes four campaigns, addressing issues ranging from unsecured wheelchair restraints to faulty fire extinguishers, and critically, the aforementioned transmission problem and windshield retention. The recall for the transmission (16V240000) specifically addresses the risk of losing motive power, which aligns with numerous consumer complaints describing the vehicle failing to move or getting stuck in gear. Another significant recall (15V879000) concerns the windshield potentially dislodging in a crash, increasing injury risk. While the crash test ratings are generally positive, the high number of complaints, particularly those related to critical components like the powertrain and unexpected active head restraint deployment, indicate that owners may experience safety-related failures not fully captured by star ratings alone. The 17 reported injuries underscore the real-world impact of these issues.

Our recommendation: Given the significant number of powertrain complaints and recalls, particularly for the transmission, prospective buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, focusing on the transmission and engine, and ensure all four recalls have been addressed.