2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems
What owners have reported about the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 544 complaints with NHTSA, the 5th most of 12 Grand Caravan model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, airbags and brakes.
544 complaints 7 recalls, 2 fire risk 5th worst of 12 Grand Caravan years
Top 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan problems
Electrical problems
334 complaints (61%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and switch.
Airbag problems
137 complaints (25%) name the airbags, most often the frontal.
Brake problems
64 complaints (12%) name the brakes, most often the rotor.
Engine problems
51 complaints (9%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system and emission control.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (329 of 544). The amber line is the middle value, about 75,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2009 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls
Loose steering wheel emblem can fly during airbag deployment
Injury riskThe emblem in the center of the steering wheel, or its mounting nuts, can come loose. If the driver's airbag deploys in a crash, these parts can become projectiles and increase the risk of injury.
Fix: A dealer will replace the driver's airbag cover with a redesigned cover free of charge.
Recall 20V396000 · Jul 2020Frontal
In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail. If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge.
Recall 16V047000 · Jan 2016Switch
Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.
Recall 14V373000 · Jun 2014Rear axle can crack and fail
Crash riskOver time, the rear axle can develop cracks that may lead to the axle breaking. If it fails, the risk of a crash goes up.
Fix: A dealer will replace the affected rear axles free of charge, and Freedom Motors will notify you.
Recall 14V055000 · Feb 2014Sliding door wiring can short and cause fire
Fire riskThe wire harness in some vehicles may be routed incorrectly, so the lower sliding door hinge bracket can rub through the wire insulation. This can cause a short circuit inside the sliding door, overheating the latch and possibly starting a fire.
Fix: The dealer will repair the wiring free of charge, and Chrysler will notify owners by mail.
Recall 10V235000 · Jun 2010Brakes
The rear brake lines may have been improperly routed and not secured properly during the alteration. If not routed and secured properly, the brake lines could rub against the vehicle causing a brake fluid leak. A brake fluid leak could result in a loss of braking ability, possibly causing a crash.
Fix: Eldorado national amerivan dealers will inspect the vehicles and if the brake lines were improperly routed they will be correctly reinstalled free of charge. These minivans have been altered into wheelchair accessible vehicles by eldorado.
Recall 09V351000 · Sep 2009Fuses and circuit breakers
Fire riskUnused electrical connectors for the blind spot detection system may become corroded and could short circuit, which can cause a variety of conditions. If the fuse for this circuit does not blow, the connectors could overheat and potentially catch fire.
Fix: Dealers will seal the power circuit at the subject connector and replace the fuse for this circuit if necessary free of charge.
Recall 09V046000 · Feb 2009Get an email when your 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Grand Caravan years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2009 Dodge Grand Caravan problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 544 complaints with NHTSA, the 5th most of 12 Grand Caravan model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, airbags and brakes.
What are the most common 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan problems?
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system, airbags, brakes and engine. 334 complaints (61%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and switch.
At what mileage do 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan electrical system problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 64,000–115,000 miles, with a middle value near 85,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan have?
7. Loose steering wheel emblem can fly during airbag deployment (20V396000); Frontal (16V047000); Switch (14V373000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan?
Ask for service records covering the electrical system, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2019, 2018 and 2015 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.