2012 Dodge Grand Caravan CVP 3.6 Pentastar from North America

Summary:

Reliable gas guzzler

Faults:

Nothing went wrong with this minivan.

General Comments:

High gas consumption when city driving (16-24L/100km), but great on gas on highways (8L/100km).

It's hard on the brakes. Changed all brake pads and front rotors within 3 years.

All in all, very reliable during the 3 years of ownership, and I hope it stays that way.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th July, 2015

31st Jul 2015, 04:31

This sounds like realistic fuel consumption, thanks for the review.

As for the brakes, I would try aftermarket parts next time. Aftermarket doesn't mean performance; it's just that with few exceptions, the dealers don't sell the best brake components that are available out there. What is more, they like using parts that wear faster, so the customer comes back more and spends some extra money. Mintex is a good brand, but there are several others available, and car forums are a good place to find out about them.

2012 Dodge Grand Caravan American Value Package 3.6 liter from North America

Summary:

This vehicle is a traffic hazard, with more recalls already than all of 2011

Faults:

My transmission pump seal began spewing fluid at 45 MPH after only driving the vehicle twice. It was documented with only 20 miles on the odometer, but Chrysler refused to replace the transmission under their 5 year 50,000 mile drive train warranty.

The dealership opted to just replace the defective seals, rather than determine the significance of the damage by removing the pan and flushing the metal fragments from the internal components, much less replace the filter to reduce the restriction associated with the blockage, related to premature wear from moving components that were not properly lubricated.

General Comments:

I purchased this vehicle new for dependability and reliability, to have it converted for wheelchair access.

I now own a traffic hazard, that will most likely leave me stranded in the middle of a highway with an 82 year old, 200 pound woman in a wheelchair, because Chrysler will not stand behind their warranty.

I did not get what I paid for.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th June, 2012

11th Jul 2012, 10:03

Thanks for your review. I was seriously considering buying one after renting one for 3 days. I drove it just over a thousand kms in 3 days with family, and it handled really well and we were happy. So I want to replace my 2005 Corolla with it, as the Sienna etc costs much more. But after reading this review, I must think again. It may be worth it to pay more to buy a Sienna or Odyssey.

5th Jan 2014, 19:54

You did not mention how the vehicle is operating now. They do not just replace transmissions because of a minor seal leak. If the transmission was still shifting properly when you bought it in, that is the reason why they only replaced the seals. If it didn't shift at all, they should have replaced the trans under the new car bumper to bumper warranty. The powertrain only takes effect only after the new car warranty expires. If you continue to have problems with the trans, have it replaced.

In reply to 11th Jul 2012, 10:03

1st Oct 2014, 03:44

I believe this is an "isolated" incident as I have driven my 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan over 50,000 km already and never... ever... ever had a problem, and we love this van and think it's exceptional! It is too bad this is happening to you, but many friends in my town and our family have never had problems with this amazing van.

30th May 2015, 01:55

One has to ask: Why Chrysler is not covering this under their warranty?

I recommend taking them to small claims court or filing other complaints where possible. This is rather shameful behavior. It certainly is reflective of why Chrysler and Dodge mini-vans aren't selling so well. I would avoid the Honda Odyssey as they are plagued with transmission problems. Also, Honda has a long history of stator (distributor) problems and A/C condenser design flaws.