Wheels and suspension issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
Minivans have lost some of their popularity over the past few years, but the 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan still seems to be a popular option. The automaker claims that “high energy is expected” with this model, but owners disagree. Instead, many drivers are met with defective powertrains, poorly-made seats and dangerous service brakes.
A smooth ride is essential for anyone looking to take a drive, especially when children are involved. However, this isn’t what is found with the Caravan models.
One Edmunds review states, “We have these at work to haul crews. They are the roughest riding vehicle. No rear suspension to speak of. You feel every little bump. My 3/4 truck rides smoother than these vans.”
There are no communications available from the manufacturer. It’s as if FCA is hoping to avoid any written acknowledgment that there are faults with this minivan. Otherwise, the company could be held liable, which is what it is currently facing with other issues. While waiting for the automaker to make changes, owners are experiencing a slight thrill ride behind the wheel of this Dodge model.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | |
| Electrical System | |
| Latches/locks/linkages |
Vehicles ride on the tires, so it’s important to look at the entire system to make sure it is working correctly.
Dodge Problems discusses some serious issues with the fifth-generation minivan. “Fiat-Chrysler made a mistake by using aluminum valve stems in some of their early tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), like the one found in the Dodge Journey. The aluminum stem and metal cap are highly susceptible to corrosion from salt and other contaminants.”
It’s unclear yet if the problem has been resolved for the 2020 model year, but it’s unlikely. If this corrosion occurs, owners are facing metallic valve caps that can seize on the stems and destroy the sensors when removal is attempted. The fault can also trigger the TPMS warning light because the advanced technology can no longer read the pressures. If the stems are excessively corroded, it’s possible for them to crack and release all of the air from the tire quickly. Imagine what will happen if this occurs while driving. What’s even scarier is that Dodge was found liable for this defect and the trouble it caused. This isn’t the type of company anyone wants producing family-friendly vehicles. Owners looking to head out on the “long haul” might consider choosing another automaker to partner with.
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Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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