Dodge Grand Caravan Stalling Problems Reviewed by NHTSA

Federal safety regulators may be preparing to recall about 160,000 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, as an investigation continues into reports of problems where the minivan engines stall suddenly after refueling. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a Dodge Grand Caravan investigation on September 5, following at least eight complaints of problems involving minivans from the 2007 model year.

The potential Dodge Grand Caravan stalling problems appear to be linked to refueling of the vehicles, and may require fuel tank replacements to properly address the issue.

The NHTSA investigation will look at the scope, frequency, and safety consequences of the problem, which may impact up to 160,000 Dodge Grand Caravans, or any other Chrysler minivan with a similar fuel system.

The complaint that initially led to the investigation involved an owner whose Dodge minivan had only 44,000 miles on it. The vehicle reportedly began stalling after he or his wife filled the gas tank. In one instance, the engine stalled on his wife while she was on the freeway with the children onboard. The vehicle stalled during a turn, making it impossible for her to turn the steering wheel; a situation that could lead to an auto accident, posing a risk of serious injuries or deaths.

Last year, the NHTSA found similar issues with some Chrysler 300s and Dodge Magnums, but the agency ruled the problem low-risk and said it could be addressed by the company’s extended warranty.

Chrysler has announced it will work with the NHTSA on the latest investigation.

This is the second major investigation into Dodge Grand Caravans this summer. In June, the NHTSA announced it was investigating about 700,000 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravans in connection with complaints that the ignition key springs back too far when turned. Instead of ending up in the RUN position, the key springs back past the RUN position and ends up between the RUN and ACC position, according to at least 23 complaints. No recall has yet been announced in either case.