Last updated: 2026-03-06
2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan Reliability Report
The 2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan scores 83/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 1 recall and 15 owner complaints.
Recalls
1
Complaints
15
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Annual Cost
$673
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (7)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
- ENGINE (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is 9 years after the mid-cycle refresh refresh.
- Year 13 in the Fifth generation (2008–2020) (2008–2023).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 5th generation Grand-Caravan (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2008: Fifth generation (2008–2020) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2011: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is 9 years after the mid-cycle refresh refresh.
Should You Buy the 2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan?
The 2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan earns an Excellent 83/100 reliability score. 2020 is 9 years after the mid-cycle refresh refresh.
With 1 recall and 15 owner complaints, most owners report a dependable ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, whether purchased new or used.
See also the 2019 Dodge Grand-Caravan for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Strong reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (11%)
- +Low recall count
- +Low complaint frequency
Cons
- −POWER TRAIN issues reported (7 complaints)
- −Transmission failures reported at 50,000–91,000 miles
Compare 2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan With
2020 Chrysler Pacifica
Reliability: 64/100
2020 Chrysler Voyager
Reliability: 77/100
2020 Ford Transit-Connect-Wagon
Reliability: 67/100
2020 Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN
Reliability: 54/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (7)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan has 1 recall on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
15
complaintsSafety Incidents
3
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Consequence
An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
Dodge Grand-Caravan Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$673
vs $647 avg for minivans
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
11%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan.
Inspect transmission for shuddering or improper shifting
Check for burning metal odors indicating potential transmission issues
Verify airbag system functionality, especially after seat adjustments
Test key fob for unintended vehicle start when buttons are pressed
Examine engine oil filter housing for leaks
Buying a 2020 Grand-Caravan? Check Its History First
Every 2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan Common Problems by Component
15 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan frequently report transmission failures, with multiple complaints indicating issues such as shuddering, improper shifting, and catastrophic failure often occurring between 50,000 and 91,000 miles. Symptoms described include the vehicle lunging forward unexpectedly and the presence of burning metal odors. Safety concerns are significant, as three complaints involve crashes, two of which resulted in injuries when the vehicle unexpectedly rolled away. Additionally, some owners mention difficulties with warranty services and replacement parts, which may be relevant for potential buyers considering the cost and availability of repairs.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the electrical system of the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan, specifically involving the airbag system and unintended vehicle start. One owner describes a thorax squib sensor code related to a driver-side seat wire harness, leading to intermittent airbag and seat belt warning lights when adjusting the seat, indicating compromised airbag functionality. Another owner reports the vehicle starting unintentionally while parked in a garage, triggered by accidental button presses on the key fob while in a pocket. No specific mileage is mentioned, but safety implications include potential airbag failure and unintended engine operation. Buyers should be aware of these electrical concerns, particularly regarding airbag reliability and the sensitivity of the key fob.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaintcatalytic convert failure No complaints from dealer ship No inspection was done warning light came on
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintEngine oil filter housing leaking. Oil leaking and pooling on top of engine. Could cause fire. Technician at Dodge Dealer said this is a common problem on this engine. It affects other Dodge/Chrysler vehicles as well. Component was inspected by our insurer Car Shield. No warnings or messages prior to the failure. Technician found the issue during routine oil change.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintThe vehicle display lights on the interior dash board fail to fully shut off after driving and waiting an appropriate amount of time, causing a drain on the battery over time which results in a failure to start. There may be other drains on the battery, as this is not an isolated incidence and has been happening since May 2022 approximately every two weeks or less.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that on one occasion while driving at while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power. Additionally, the vehicle failed to steer as intended, with the front of the vehicle swaying. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator had frozen, the serpentine belt was missing, and the tensioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the EMC warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,749.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintWhile driving and all seat belts buckled the seat belt and air bag indicator chimes.
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintseat belt incorrectly assembled making it impossible to fasten without twisting the belt
When Do 2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Dodge Grand-Caravan Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Dodge Grand-Caravan Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Dodge Grand-Caravan year is 2020 with a reliability score of 83/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2019 (76/100) and 2018 (76/100).
2020
(Current Model)
2019
2018
Dodge Grand-Caravan Years to Avoid
No Dodge Grand-Caravan years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Dodge Grand-Caravan maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Dodge Grand-Caravan Reliability Score Trend
Dodge Grand-Caravan reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 78/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 83/100 | Excellent |
Dodge Grand-Caravan Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan?
How many recalls does the 2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan have?
Is the 2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 Dodge Grand-Caravan without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
Look Up a VIN →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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