Used Guide: 2011-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan

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You just can’t beat a minivan if you’re looking for maximum space for the dollar — and among minivans, the Dodge Grand Caravan is the world’s most popular. 

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This Canadian-built family hauler is the vehicle of choice for countless families from coast to coast, and is popular with families, businesses, pet owners, and anyone who appreciates a lot of easy-to-use room.

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Used Guide: 2011-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan Back to video

We’re focusing on the 2011-and-newer Grand Caravan in this guide. Though the model launched for 2008, the 2011 model year saw a major update and overhaul, including the use of a single Pentastar V6 powertrain for all models. This award-winning engine is one of the highest production-volume engines in the world.

Look for dual sliding doors and a giant tailgate, both available powered. Higher-end models will include things like leather seating, a sunroof, rear-seat entertainment provisions and advanced multimedia systems. All units are V6-powered, automatic, and front-wheel drive.

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Let’s hook you up with plenty more information on the Dodge Grand Caravan, including specs, reviews, news, and features. Below, I’ll share 5 tips to help you find the best used Dodge Grand Caravan you can for the dollar.

Tip 1: Make some Assumptions

Knowing that you’re in a used Dodge Grand Caravan with healthy tires, brakes and suspension is a great way to kick off your ownership experience, though some owners have reported premature wear of suspension system components, braking system parts, and tires.  Many have not.

Still, assume that any used model you’re considering needs some attention to these items — possibly at considerable expense — until you have proof otherwise. Remember that certain drivers and conditions can put excessive wear on vehicle components, even at relatively low miles. 

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Some owners recommend looking for a model with the heavy-duty braking system, which may offer better stopping feel and longer service life from its parts. Here’s how to check.

Use a rough road on your test-drive to coax potentially problematic clunking or popping sounds from beneath the vehicle’s floor, which can reveal trouble.

Tip 2: Engine and Driveline

Some Dodge Grand Caravan owners report trouble from the engine and driveline in their vehicles. Most do not. 

After confirming satisfactory servicing history of the specific unit you’re considering, be on the lookout for trouble signs like fluid leaks, low oil or coolant levels, or electronic malfunctions referenced in the instrument cluster.

Problems are reported with relative rarity against total sales volumes, though some owners have experienced leaky or failing cooling system parts and plumbing, failed water-pumps, and leaky oil filter and oil cooler housings that may cause a visible drip. According to the owner’s community, these checks become more important on higher-mileage units.

For maximum peace of mind, always have a used vehicle inspected by a professional before you buy. 

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Tip 3: AC System Stress Test

Some owners have reported out-of-warranty failure of the Dodge Grand Caravan’s air conditioning system, noting that repairs can be expensive, depending on the cause. 

With a hot engine after your test-drive, park the Grand Caravan and blast the AC for several minutes at the lowest temperature and highest fan speed. A failure to deliver a consistent stream of cold air for several minutes can be a sign of trouble.

Triple-check the operation of the AC system before you buy, to prevent possible headaches.

Tip 4: Test All Motorized Parts

The Grand Caravan you’re considering may have motorized sliding doors, a motorized tailgate, and a motorized sunroof overhead. 

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Confirm satisfactory operation of each of these on your test-drive, several times. Does each door’s window work properly? Can the power tailgate be opened and closed from both keyfobs, and the console button? Do all windows work as expected? Does the sunroof open and close smoothly, or bind, struggle, and make unwanted noises?

Reports of trouble are rare, though problems with these parts can be expensive and frustrating, so be on the lookout.

Tip 5: Final Notes

The vast majority of Grand Caravan owners seem to enjoy a solid and reliable vehicle that’s loved for its versatility and relatively trouble-free operation. 

Note that this generation Grand Caravan was subjected to a lengthy list of recalls, which require dealers to address latent safety defects, free of charge.

Here’s a list of Dodge Grand Caravan recalls. To see which, if any, affect the used Grand Caravan you’re considering, contact a dealer service department. 

Serious and significant problems are reported with rarity against overall sales volumes, and owner reviews and forum surveys reveal a community of largely-satisfied owners. 

Final Thought

These tips are designed to help test-driving shoppers more easily identify possible trouble areas reported by some owners. An attentive test-drive and shopping process that focuses on the areas above can help you find a first-class example of a second-hand Dodge Grand Caravan.