Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan has a moderate number of complaints and four recalls, primarily involving electrical and brake components. Issues are not overwhelmingly common but these categories should be carefully inspected. Limited evidence exists on other potential problems, requiring general checks.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 270 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V876000 Wheelchair Restraint Retractor May Not Lock NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V278000 Fuel Pump Gasket Fuel Leak NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V524000 Voltage Regulator may Fail and Cause Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V523000 Insufficient Coating on Rear Brake Caliper Pistons NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 92 complaints
- Unknown or Other 65 complaints
- Structure 59 complaints
- Engine 34 complaints
- Power Train 23 complaints
- Latches/Locks/Linkages 15 complaints
Of the 270 complaints on file, 8 report a crash; across all 270 complaints, owners report 14 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Wiring harness risks
How to check: Inspect underhood wiring for damage or corrosion.
Rear brake caliper issues
How to check: Test brake performance and inspect calipers for wear.
Fuel system leaks
How to check: Check undercarriage for fuel leaks or strong odors.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for electrical warning lights on the dashboard.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Loud knocking or shaking
- 03
Low speed driving
What to check: Ensure brakes do not feel spongy or unresponsive.
Red flag: Soft brake pedal
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor for hesitation or poor acceleration.
Red flag: Lag in acceleration
- 05
Hard braking
What to check: Feel for smooth deceleration without pulls.
Red flag: Vehicle pulls to one side
- 06
City driving
What to check: Listen for electrical buzzing or smells.
Red flag: Strong burning smell
- 07
Parking maneuver
What to check: Test power steering for smoothness and ease.
Red flag: Steering feels stiff or noisy
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- What is the recent service history?
- Have all recalls been addressed?
- Any electrical issues encountered?
- Has the fuel system been serviced?
- How often were the brakes changed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service records and history
- Recall repair documentation
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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