Last updated: 2026-03-14
Chrysler Pacifica vs Dodge Grand-Caravan: Reliability Compared
Chrysler Pacifica
Dodge Grand-Caravan
Choosing between the Chrysler Pacifica and the Dodge Grand-Caravan? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize minivans.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Dodge Grand-Caravan currently leads with an average score of 78/100 compared to 63/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Grand-Caravan Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Dodge Grand-Caravan is more reliable than the Chrysler Pacifica, scoring 78/100 vs 63/100.
The Dodge Grand-Caravan edges out the Chrysler Pacifica in terms of reliability, with a higher average reliability score of 78/100 compared to the Pacifica's 63/100. The Grand-Caravan also has a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 7.1 per 10,000 vehicles versus the Pacifica's 27, coupled with fewer recalls over its shorter production span. Although both models have similar annual repair costs, the Grand-Caravan's reduced frequency of complaints and recalls makes it a more dependable choice for buyers concerned with long-term reliability.
Key Differences
- 1Dodge Grand-Caravan has 57 fewer total recalls
- 2Chrysler Pacifica costs $26 less per year to repair
- 3Dodge Grand-Caravan has 19.9 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Chrysler Pacifica vs Dodge Grand-Caravan: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Chrysler Pacifica | Dodge Grand-Caravan |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 63/100 | 78/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 3 |
| Total Recalls | 67 | 10 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 27 | 7.1 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $647/yr | $673/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.4/yr | 0.3/yr |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2020 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 0 | 3 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Grand-Caravan?
The Chrysler Pacifica exhibits a higher incidence of complaints across several categories, notably in power train and electrical system issues, with 576 and 562 complaints respectively, both having a significant number of crash-linked incidents. In contrast, the Dodge Grand-Caravan's most frequently reported problem is the electrical system with 132 complaints, but it lacks the same level of crash-linked severity seen in the Pacifica's power train and electrical system issues. While the Pacifica struggles with steering-related problems, resulting in 218 complaints and 13 crash-linked, the Grand-Caravan's issues are more dispersed with no single component reaching similar levels of concern. Overall, the Pacifica's problem profile indicates more severe safety implications, particularly in power train and steering, compared to the Grand-Caravan.
| Component | Chrysler Pacifica | Dodge Grand-Caravan |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 6.4Average | 1.8Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 6.5Average | 1Very Low |
| ENGINE | 3.5Average | 0.6Very Low |
| STEERING | 2.5Low | 0.1Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1.2Low | 1Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.9Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | 0.1Very Low | 0.9Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.5Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.6Very Low | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.5Very Low | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.4Very Low | —None |
| SEATS | —None | 0.4Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0.3Very Low | —None |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chrysler Pacifica or Dodge Grand-Caravan?
How Does Chrysler Pacifica vs Dodge Grand-Caravan Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Chrysler Pacifica | Dodge Grand-Caravan | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 64/1005R / 201C | 83/1001R / 15C | Dodge Grand-Caravan |
| 2019 | 60/1009R / 352C | 76/1005R / 247C | Dodge Grand-Caravan |
| 2018 | 51/10018R / 980C | 76/1004R / 258C | Dodge Grand-Caravan |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica scored 64/100 and the 2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan scored 83/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Chrysler Pacifica vs the Dodge Grand-Caravan?
Chrysler Pacifica vs Dodge Grand-Caravan: Common Questions
- Is the Chrysler Pacifica more reliable than the Dodge Grand-Caravan?
- Based on our data, the Dodge Grand-Caravan is more reliable with an average score of 78/100 compared to 63/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
- Which has more recalls, the Chrysler Pacifica or the Dodge Grand-Caravan?
- The Chrysler Pacifica has more recalls (67) compared to the Dodge Grand-Caravan (10). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chrysler Pacifica or the Dodge Grand-Caravan?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Dodge Grand-Caravan has a lower complaint rate at 7.1 per 10,000 sold versus 27 for the Chrysler Pacifica. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chrysler Pacifica or the Dodge Grand-Caravan?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Chrysler Pacifica is cheaper to maintain at $647/year versus $673/year for the Dodge Grand-Caravan.
- Is the Chrysler Pacifica or Dodge Grand-Caravan safer?
- Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Chrysler Pacifica has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the Dodge Grand-Caravan. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Chrysler Pacifica comparisons
More Dodge Grand-Caravan comparisons
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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