How reliable is a 2019 Dodge Caravan?

In general, the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan is not considered one of the more reliable minivans, with owner reports and professional reviews pointing to transmission and electrical concerns more often than rivals. That said, condition varies with maintenance history and mileage.

Reliability landscape of the 2019 Grand Caravan

The Grand Caravan sits in a generation that has drawn mixed reliability assessments from major consumer and automotive testing organizations. It remains a practical and affordable option, but experts and owners frequently cite certain fault patterns as the vehicle ages, particularly around the drivetrain and electronics. Individual experiences will depend heavily on how well the van has been cared for and how many miles it has accumulated.

What reliability sources tend to say

The following points summarize the typical consensus from well-known reliability trackers and owner feedback:

• Consumer Reports and similar rating organizations often place the 2019 Grand Caravan in the average-to-below-average range for reliability within the minivan segment.


• Owner surveys commonly highlight transmission-related concerns (shifting quality, occasional hesitations) and electrical-system faults as common aging issues.


• Recall history for this model year includes campaigns related to airbags, fuel systems, and other safety-critical components, underscoring the importance of verifying any recall work has been completed.

Taken together, the reliability picture for the 2019 Grand Caravan is generally less favorable than that of top rivals, particularly for buyers prioritizing long-term dependability.

Common problems and ongoing maintenance

Understanding frequent failure points helps buyers and owners gauge potential repair costs and maintenance needs as the vehicle ages. The issues below have been reported in owner experiences and recall records for the 2019 Grand Caravan.

Typical trouble spots

• Transmission and driveline: complaints about shifting smoothness, occasional transmission hesitations, and other transmission-related faults as mileage increases.


• Electrical and electronic systems: warning lights, dashboard glitches, and problems with power sliding doors or infotainment hardware.


• Recall-related components: safety-related campaigns addressing airbags, fuel system pieces, and other critical systems.


• Interior and climate systems: door lock mechanisms and HVAC components showing signs of wear over time.


• Exposure and corrosion: rust on body components or signs of water intrusion in certain climates or poor seal conditions.

Maintenance costs for a higher-mileage Grand Caravan can add up, and ongoing repairs may be more frequent than with some newer minivans. Parts, while generally available due to shared Chrysler components, can still require specialized service for older models.

Buying a used 2019 Grand Caravan: what to check before you buy

If you’re considering a used 2019 Grand Caravan, a thorough pre-purchase review is essential. The following checks help identify a car with a solid maintenance history and lower risk of unexpected repairs.

Pre-purchase checklist

• Review the service history for transmission service, fluid changes, and any recalls that have been completed. Confirm alignment with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals.


• Test all electrical components, including power windows, doors, and the infotainment system. Note any persistent warning lights or fault codes.


• Check the VIN against recall databases (e.g., SaferCar.gov) to ensure all safety-related campaigns have been addressed.


• Inspect for rust along the undercarriage, wheel arches, and corrosion-prone areas; look for signs of water intrusion around doors and seals.


• Take a thorough test drive to assess transmission feel, steering response, braking performance, and any unusual noises from the engine or suspension.


• Ask for documentation of recent maintenance items common to higher-mileage minivans (tires, brakes, suspension components, timing chain condition, etc.).

Having a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) can uncover hidden issues and provide a clearer estimate of future repair costs.

Is it worth considering the 2019 Grand Caravan against rivals?

Compared with newer or more highly rated minivans—such as the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, or Chrysler Pacifica—the 2019 Grand Caravan typically offers lower purchase prices but weaker reliability and fewer modern safety features. If reliability and lower risk of costly repairs are top priorities, buyers may prefer a newer model or a rival with a stronger reliability track record. If budget constraints are paramount and a well-documented maintenance history is available, a well-cared-for 2019 Grand Caravan can still serve as a practical family vehicle.

Summary

The 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan remains a spacious, affordable option in the used-minivan market, but its reliability profile is generally weaker than many peers. Transmission and electrical issues are among the most commonly reported concerns, and the vehicle benefits greatly from a thorough maintenance history and a clean recall record. Prospective buyers should prioritize a detailed pre-purchase inspection, verify recall work, and assess ongoing maintenance costs. For some buyers, the savings upfront may justify the trade-off, while others may prefer stronger reliability guarantees offered by newer or more highly rated rivals.

Do 2019 Dodge Caravans have transmission problems?

Conclusion. Transmission problems with the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan have posed significant challenges for owners, ranging from harsh shifting to complete transmission failure.

How many miles can a 2019 Dodge Caravan last?

The 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan has a potential life expectancy of over 200,000 miles, with one study showing an average potential of about 209,350 miles. Its actual lifespan depends heavily on regular maintenance, as some owners have reported extremely high mileage with proper care, while others experience issues, particularly with the transmission, as early as 50,000 miles. 
Factors influencing the Grand Caravan's lifespan

• Maintenance is key: The most significant factor in its longevity is consistent and proper maintenance. Owners who prioritize this can expect a longer service life. 
• Potential for high mileage: With dedicated care, Grand Caravans have been known to last well over 200,000 miles, with some anecdotal evidence pointing to figures over 600,000 miles. 
• Common issues: Potential problem areas can significantly shorten the lifespan, and some of these issues are known to appear early. Examples include transmission problems, such as harsh shifting or outright failure. Other common issues include power window failures, coolant leaks, and problems with the ignition key. 
• Engine performance varies: The 3.6-liter Pentastar engine can be "hit or miss" in terms of longevity, with some experiencing issues before 50,000 miles while others are still going strong at much higher mileages. 

How to maximize your 2019 Grand Caravan's life

• Follow the recommended maintenance schedule: This is the most critical step you can take to ensure your vehicle lasts a long time. 
• Address problems promptly: Don't ignore warning lights or strange noises, especially regarding the transmission. 
• Monitor fluid levels: Regularly check and change your engine oil, and be aware of potential leaks. 

What year to stay away from a Dodge Caravan?

Years to avoid for the Dodge Caravan include 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2018, due to issues like brake problems, electrical faults, and transmission troubles. Other potentially problematic years include the first year of a new engine (such as the 3.6L in 2011) and models with the 4.0L engine due to a variety of potential issues.
 
This video discusses common problems with the Dodge Grand Caravan from 2014 to 2020: 47sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Feb 6, 2023
Years with significant issues 

• 2005: Known for brake issues and interior accessory problems. 
• 2008: Common complaints include brake problems, a slipping transmission, and A/C issues. 
• 2011: Electrical issues are frequently reported, and this was the first year for the 3.6L engine, which may have issues in its first year. 
• 2018: Recalls include an issue with rear brake lines and a faulty fuel tank gasket that can cause a fire risk. 

This video explains the top 5 problems with the 5th generation Dodge Grand Caravan: 46s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Mar 28, 2020
Other considerations

• Engine and transmission: Avoid the 4.0L engine. The 62TE transmission is also known to have major issues in some models. 
• First-year models: It's best to avoid the first model year for any new engine, such as the 3.6L introduced in 2011, as they often have issues that are fixed in later years. 
• Power sliding doors: Vehicles with power sliding doors have a potential for expensive door issues, regardless of the model year. 

Is a 2019 Dodge Caravan reliable?

The 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan's reliability is considered mixed, with a 3.5 out of 5 rating from RepairPal and 3.9 out of 5 from Kelley Blue Book. While the 3.6L Pentastar engine is generally durable, common issues include problems with the transmission, oil cooler leaks, and potential electrical or braking issues.
 
This video discusses the reliability of Dodge Grand Caravans and some common issues: 51sScotty KilmerYouTube · Mar 7, 2023
Common problems

• Transmission: Some owners have reported transmission failures, even at relatively low mileage. 
• Oil cooler: Oil leaks due to a faulty oil cooler are a recurring problem. 
• Engine: While the engine itself is durable, other components can fail, such as the head gasket, cylinder head, or timing chain/belt. 
• Brakes: Some owners have experienced brake problems. 
• Electrical system: Issues with the electrical system have also been reported. 

Other considerations

• No spare tire: The 2019 Grand Caravan does not come with a spare tire, jack, or lug wrench. 
• Recalls: The 2019 model has had a few recalls, so it's important to ensure all have been addressed. 

How to improve reliability

• Perform regular maintenance: Follow the recommended maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes. 
• Address issues promptly: Fix any problems, such as leaks, as soon as they arise to prevent more significant damage.
• Check for recalls: Make sure any safety recalls have been fixed before purchasing.