8.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,220
Average Mileage:
79,900 miles
Total Complaints:
141 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace TIPM module (47 reports)
  2. not sure (36 reports)
  3. replace TIPM (24 reports)
  4. replace the TIPM (15 reports)
  5. bypass TIPM with relay for fuel pump (12 reports)
  6. reconnecting ground on TIPM fuse box (2 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Dodge dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #81

Jan 122016

Grand Caravan Crew 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,600 miles

I bought the van used. I have been a Chrysler fan since the first caravan's came out. I have a 1995 town and country. Never had any real problems with it. I was able to do most repairs on it myself. The vehicle has currently 295,000 miles on it still runs like a charm.

I bought a used Grand Caravan with over 95000 miles on it. All and all pretty nice vehicle. So far I have had starting problems. First thing I noticed was when I try to start it some times it won't kick over it just tries to start. So after a while of this I started to listen for the fuel pump to see if it was running before starting. Well I noticed it doesn't run some times when I go to start it.

I then turn the key to the run position to hear for the fuel pump. If I hear it I will then start the vehicle. If I don't hear it I will turn the key to the off position and then to run for three times then after the vehicle will start. I had a problem where I would turn the key to start and all I would hear is cling. Sounded like the battery was dying.

I was in a parking lot I got a jump and the vehicle started. I called AAA After getting home to replace the battery. the guy from AAA tested the battery and tested fine. I have done nothing to get this fixed yet. I have been always to get it started except for that one time. I guess I'm waiting for a recall to get out. It seems like a lot of people have the problem that I'm having.

- Michael G., Chatsworth, CA, US

problem #80

Jan 252016

Grand Caravan Mainstreet 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

We had the battery and alternator fixed 2 years ago. Now we were told we need a bother new battery but after they replaced it my van was still not cranking correctly so I had to pay more to get diagnosised and found out the TIPM needs to be replaced. That will cost roughly $1200 plus there is a back order for it with no ETA. Our family needs our van and now we are stuck. Dodge/ Chrysler should do the right thing and issue a recall so people like me can get our van fixed without having to suffer without our van.

- Michelle T., Virginia Beach, VA, US

problem #79

Jan 202016

Grand Caravan Crew

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

Actually this problem started at the end of last Winter. I would try to start the van and get nothing. It sounds like it is starving for fuel. Then a few minutes later, VROOM...... it would start. My local mechanic (who is awesome) changed a sensor. It worked for a few days, then nothing. Again a sensor change and it worked. The weather also got warmer.........

Now this Winter, January 2016........... Same issue. Not starting. It seems to act up when the temperature drops below 40 degrees F. But this time it is worse than last Winter. Had sensor changed twice. No help. My mechanic suggested that there may be a recall on the electrical system and to take it to the dealership. Which brings us to today....... At first they reprogrammed my sensors with the software that only the dealership owns. Only to find that it did not work!

The van has been at the Chrysler/Dodge dealship for 2 weeks. I am a stay at home mom of 3 girls. I do a lot of running around with them and for them. This is not a good time to be without a vehicle. The dealership is telling me that they think (key word here is think) it is the fuel pump and it will have to be replaced. After parts and labor the cost will be around $1000. Then I get a call to say that maybe it is something with the electrical components and will cost close to $1300!!!!!!! That's when I started my own research, to discover this site and the numerous exact complaints that I am having! (I must say though, that the service person with whom we are dealing, has been very patient and kind with all of this.)

Why has this part not been recalled on these vehicles? I have done more research to find out that other Dodge/Chrysler vehicles use the same TIPM equipment and have been recalled.

Someone please help!!! This is not fair to any of the owners of this vehicle. Not to mention unsafe!!! Does Dodge/Chrysler not care about the safety of their customers and others? Makes me second guess ever purchasing a Dodge/Chrysler product ever again.

- Julie A., Houston, PA, US

problem #78

Jan 222016

Grand Caravan Mainstreet 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,500 miles

Our van would not start we would turn the key and the starter would stay in gauged not start took it to the dealership they tested the TIPM and it was bad they replaced it for now the actuators on the back end of the van to control the heat for the back . I think that it should be all under warranty since they have had problems with the TIPM on other vehicles before.

- Steve S., Washington, IL, US

problem #77

Feb 012016

Grand Caravan Crew

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,800 miles

I had my car towed to my local garage because it would not start and they ran a diagnostic and said it was the TIPM. They could not fix it because it has to be programmed at the Dodge dealership. They suggested I call different dealerships because they thought there might be a recall on the TIPM and I might be covered.

I called 2 dealerships, they ran my VIN and no recall on the Caravan. I go online and I see there are recalls on the Durango and the Jeep Cherokee but nothing on the Caravan which I know uses the same part. I take it to Summit dodge and they say they will try a TIPM update that they say is available and hopefully will fix it for $207. They do the update, I pick up my car and it sputters when I start it, but it does start. I go home and the next morning, nothing, it won't start.

So I call them & they fit me in the next day and another $1130 later, I have a new TIPM. I'm really angry because I can see by the numerous complaints online that this is a problem for more than just the Durango & Jeep. I also see that there is a class action lawsuit against Chrysler for faulty TIPMs and I'm now out $1300 and I want it back! Please help!!

- Tracie G., Cicero, NY, US

problem #76

Sep 302015

Grand Caravan Mainstreet 3.2L V6 Flexfuel

  • Manual transmission
  • 70,000 miles

As other users have noted, sometimes the fuel pump would not engage, other times it would stay on after the car was turned off...one specific instance filled my entire garage with gasoline fumes...probably not the safest symptom...would my entire garage have exploded once the saturated fumes reached the pilot light on my water heater???

I had a battery replaced, then a fuel pump, the dodge service department tried to get me to replace the fuel pump again within one week...even telling me "I have been fixing cars for 25 years, and this, sir, is a bad fuel pump".

The biggest issue here is that Chrysler clearly knows that this is a problem and is obviously just hoping that it goes away without having to issue a costly recall...but this is a safety issue, it is problematic, it is systemic across many vehicle platforms, and they aren't educating their local service departments about it...so they are ripping off consumers with costly unneeded repairs...(I paid for one fuel pump replacement, but luckily I pressed them hard before doing the second one.

- srbrown013, Henderson, NV, US

problem #75

Sep 202014

Grand Caravan Street 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

It started when I was out of town, it would not start. I came home and changed the fuel pump thinking that will take care of the problem but it didn't. Then I took it to the dealer and they told me it was the fuse box. I end up paying almost $2,000 with the fuel pump and the fuse box.

- dvera72, Houston, TX, US

problem #74

Oct 022015

Grand Caravan Crew 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,000 miles

The TIPM has been replaced on other Dodge vehicles with the same engine as a recall item, Dodge however thinks that when they put the same part in a minivan it is magically not an issue when it fails.

- curtisflip, Peoria, AZ, US

problem #73

Oct 092015

Grand Caravan Crew V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,500 miles

We just replaced our fuel pump only to find out that the issue was still occurring. After researching the problem along with the repair shop, it was determined to be the TIPM. The part is on a backorder and as of now we do not have an estimated date. It's unfortunate that Dodge hasn't addressed this issue better.

- mdp7210, Ringgold, GA, US

problem #72

Jul 242015

Grand Caravan Express 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

The problem started in July of 2015 and has progressively gotten worse, I have replaced the battery and lead tested every wire on the fuse panel. I have noticed that most of the complaints are from regions of higher then average humidity and believe that this may be part of the problem. I coated all of the fusible connections with dielectric (light bulb) grease and the frequency of the problem was greatly reduced. I will register with the class action suit if a recall is not issued soon. this can be fixed in under 2 hours and under $500 dollars if Chrysler group just got their act together.

- Kasey A., Houston, TX, US

problem #71

Nov 182015

Grand Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

It started one morning when my wife tried to start the van. It only started after I jumped the van. I had the problem for few more days and I decided to change the battery first and check the alternator (didn't help). I decided to take it to the dealer for overnight. The next day, dealer called and said they couldn't find a problem. I called Dodge Corporate to report the problem but didn't get no feedback. The van wouldn't start and I took it part to the dealer again. The dealer asked me to pay $600 for diagnostic. I then decided to take it to another shop for another diagnostic. The shop was able to find the problem; bad fuse box(tipm). I have a extended warranty but it doesn't cover for the tipm. Car note $450 and I have to pay $1300 to get a new tipm . Any lawsuit against Dodge the manufacturer yet?

- ouedr7, W, US

problem #70

Dec 212015

Grand Caravan Mainstreet 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,900 miles

Don't know cost or timeline yet. Over 500+ backordered for part. Only vehicle with 3 children.

- Matthew L., Wantage, NJ, US

problem #69

Oct 292015

Grand Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,652 miles

I wanted to add my case to this issue. Sounds like all the others. Fuel pump stays on even when van is turned off and the appropriate fuse is pulled!!!. (NOTE: We pulled several fuses that we thought it could be and none of them turned off the fuel pump, could have been the fuse to my cigarette lighter for all I know) I took it to the dealer who tells me its the fuel pump relay and the whole unit has to be replaced. BECAUSE OF ONE F%&KING CROSSED WIRE! $1,200.00 because some dummy can"t put wire A into slot B.

What I don't understand is why the recall was allowed to proceed with the Durango, but not factored in when talking about the grand caravan. Its the same part!!!!. This kind of sidestepping crap has severely tarnished my appreciation of Chrysler and has me looking elsewhere for future vehicles if this is the respect they show their customers.

- Aaron B., Richmond, BC, Canada

problem #68

Dec 052015

Grand Caravan Mainstreet

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

At first starting my Dodge Grand Caravan Mainstreet was a headache. We would go out to start our Caravan and it took about 20 to 30 cranks before it would turn over. It stopped cranking on Saturday December 5, 2015. We had to get it towed home. Mind you I work two jobs and had to be at my second job on Saturday at 2:30 pm. We got it towed and had a mechanic come out to look at it. He found that the starter had stopped. We took the starter to an Auto Parts store for them to check it. The starter had died. We purchased the starter and got it installed and our car still would not stay cranked. The mechanic tested all our fuses and our fuse pump and found that one of our fuses (M25) that goes to the fuel pump was not getting enough power to it.

Researching online I found that Dodge has a civil suit against them for the TIPM (totally integrated power module). I have had to walk two hours to get to my second job. On some days I have to pay for a taxi (total cost at $46 dollars) that is more than I make a day at my second job. I go to see if there is a recall on my vehicle for the TIPM and it's not.

What do you do? I need transportation. I pay a car note of $480.00 a month and I can't afford to get this fixed. I will never purchase another DODGE.

- Angela C., HOUSTON, TX, US

problem #67

Dec 132015

Grand Caravan Crew 3.6L V6 Flex

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

My daughter noticed today when she went to get something out of the van she could here a noise. We came home about an hour earlier so I thought nothing should be running. It sounded like the fuel pump. I disconnected the battery and it shut off but when I hooked the battery up again about a minute later it started running. I jiggled the fuse for the fuel pump and it shut off. I started the van and let it run for a little then shut it off and the pump stayed off. I am getting tired of Dodge products breaking down on me.

- weicht, Pueblo West, CO, US

problem #66

Dec 072015

Grand Caravan Crew 3.6L

  • Manual transmission
  • 61,000 miles

The car began having issues turning over yesterday, but the electrical issues have gone on for months. There are always fuses blowing and once and a while the wipers (although off) will start going crazy and not stop until you turn off the car!

It's time for Dodge to do the RECALL of the TIPM!!!

- desertgator, Annandale, VA, US

problem #65

Nov 072015

Grand Caravan 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,197 miles

I thought we were doing the right thing buying a Dodge. We had just had a premature baby and needed a vehicle large and comfortable enough for our family. We believed buying American was the way to go. Not knowing if and when your car will start is scary with a baby.

- Robert R., Sebring, FL, US

problem #64

Oct 152015

Grand Caravan Crew 3.6L Vvt

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,915 miles

I find it absolutely ridiculous Chrysler has knowingly used a faulty TIPM in their vehicles causing so many of us to have to pay to replace them, yet, they refuse to issue recalls over all. Are ya'll looking for job security? This surely isn't the way to do it. But it is the way to get people to NEVER buy your crappy vehicles again. Don't you people care about the safety of your buyers? Cars are stalling out in the middle of highways because of this. My husband stalled out under an overpass in my mom's Dodge Journey. What if he had been slammed into? Cars are expensive enough and then you do this? Forcing us to have to pay well over an arm and a leg to get the issue fixed. How can you people sleep at night?

It started off as small, occasional starting issue. We checked the battery and figured since it was the battery that came with the car when we bought it last year, and it was two years old, we'd just get a new one. Less than a week and $179 later we're still having the same issue. So, I start researching starting issues with our vehicle and holy crap what a mess I found. Hundreds if not thousands of people with the SAME EXACT PROBLEM!!! Yet a very limited recall has been issued for other vehicles.

CHRYSLER, ISSUE THE DAMN RECALL FOR ALL VEHCLES YOU HAVE PUT THIS FAULTY PART IN SO WE CAN MAKE THE ROADS A LITTLE SAFER!!!

- cmethvin, Pasadena, TX, US

problem #63

Jan 032015

Grand Caravan Express V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,400 miles

3 times I'm stuck on the road. The car does not start. I called towing 3 times already. I went to local mechanic. The guy don't figure the problem. They change the battery and told me buy new smart key. I spend $900. Last couple days same problem, I'm stuck.

Update from Dec 2, 2015: I'm just call to dealership Im metion the tipm problem recall but the service employee ,told me don't have recall this issue I'm just search on the Internet they have recall don't know what I supposed to be

I don't have any extra money to fix and replace tipm module the cost $12000

I can't drive my van I'm scared to stranded againt

- Sean V., Portland, OR, US

problem #62

Nov 252015

Grand Caravan 3

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,387 miles

My 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan has been having the problem for several months. I have taken it to the dealer and they said it was the door switch that operated the wing vents. The switch was replaced on a recall notification on 10/01/15. This seemed to fix the problem of my batter draining and not starting the car. Since this issue started last year I have had three batteries replace and was told I may need my alternator replaced. On 11-25-15 I went shopping at night and when I went to my car the battery was dead again. I called Jacksonville Chrysler-Jeep- Dodge-Ram dealer where my car has been serviced since I purchased it. There address is 1101 Nursery Field Dr. Jacksonville, FL, 32256 (service department number 904-493-5545) they told me to bring the car in on Friday the day after Thanksgiving to see what is wrong. I had to charge the battery over Thanksgiving in order to get the car there. We had to use my daughter’s car for transportation. I was afraid to drive my Dodge not knowing what was wrong with it. My daughter had just returned from shopping on Thanksgiving night and told me she could hear something running in my car she said it sounded like an electrical motor. I when outside to start the car since i had full charged the batter some 8 hours earlier but it would not charge. I put the charger on long enough to start the care again and turned it off, I that time I also hear a sound like a motor was running even though the key was not in the ignition. I charged the battery again and started the car one again I hear the same sound. I then removed the positive side battery cable and the sound stopped. I was able to start the car the next day because the cable was not connected and drove it to the dealership. I explained the issue to the service agent and he said they would check the car out and give me a call later. After 8 hours I called them and was told that the issue may be a TIPM (Total integrated power module). The service agent (Joey) said it would be very costly to fix this problem. He said that they would like to keep the car overnight and double check it. I told them that I need the car on Saturday because of prior commitments. He told I could pick car up but would have to pay the $128.00 diagnostic fee. He said they would have better idea if it was the TIPM and agreed with me that I should contact Chrysler Corporation Customer Center and speak with them about this since my car was only 4 years old and the mileage was so low. Joey never told me that there was an issue with the TIPM and that there was ongoing litigation. I called Joey today to find out if thy verified the problem. I was told Joey was off until Monday, which made me mad, since my conversation with Joey gave the indication that he was working Saturday and he was going to give the updated information. I ended up speaking to someone who answers the phone and was told she would have someone call me about my car. About 2 hours later I received a call and was told I could pick my car up and they would wait until I had worked out the issue with Customer Center. I was told, to my surprise, that the $128.00 fee was going to be waived. I was not told why the fee was waived nor was I told that there was an issue with the TIPM. I found this strange. It was not until I started my research on the Internet did I find that there was ongoing legal issues regarding this problem. I was very anger that they would allow me to drive the car away without warning me of the problems that I could have with the car beyond my current issue. They allowed me to drive a car where this was a great likelihood that the car could stop running thus causing loss of steering and usage of brakes. I hope there is some type of action that can be taken against the dealership since they knew about the issues and possible dangerous driving conditions the TIPM could cause.

- basicrnln, Jacksonville, FL, US

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