The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan lasts around 200,000 miles with some serious engine and computer issues. At $4,547 to $5,613 it’s cheap, but you’re going to spend a lot keeping it on the road.
Is the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan a Good Used Van?
- No, 2009 is a bad year for the Grand Caravan. Owner reviews complain about issues with the doors, axles, and bad performance in the snow.
- Interior quality is below average, there are a lot of cheap plastic and cloth pieces used in the cabin, and the stereo system is very basic.
- Reliability ratings are bad, with a lot of mechanical issues. We recommend avoiding models from 2008–2012 and go with a 2013–2020 model which are more reliable.
- Performance is below average with the standard V6 engine, but the larger V6 offers decent power for a minivan.
- The Grand Caravan is an exceptionally safe van, earning a perfect 5-star rating across the board in government crash tests, with the lowest score being 4 stars in the rollover rating.
- Fuel economy is average for a minivan at around 20 MPG, which should get owners about 410 miles of range out of the 20.5 gallon tank.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Dodge Grand Caravan?
- Consumer Reports says the Grand Caravan doesn’t compete well against rivals, and has low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Grand Caravan a 3.9/5 praising the storage capacity, but doesn’t like the subpar build quality.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Grand Caravan 3.8/5 and enjoy the rear video monitor for kids, but owners don’t like the expensive repair costs when it breaks down.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Have?
The most common problems found on the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan include the engine stalling while driving, excessive brake wear, and computer failures. Overall, these problems are more serious than in other minivans from 2009, but repair costs are average.
The engine stalling while driving is the most widespread complaint from owners at around 80,000 miles. There are several sources to the problem including the EGR valve, which costs $550, coils are $450, and the crank sensor, which costs $350.
Excessive brake wear is another common problem mentioned by owners at around every 30,000 miles. The brake pads and rotors tend to wear out quicker than on other vehicles and have to be replaced. A new set of pads is around $400, and new rotors are an additional $750.
Computer failures with the totally integrated power module, TIPM, also show up at around 100,000 miles. The TIPM is a known weak spot across many Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles and costs about $1,250 to replace when it fails.
There are 7 recalls, average for a minivan from 2009. The most serious recall is for electrical connectors which can cause a fire, and are replaced with new connectors that are more secure. Many of the other recalls are for airbags which are common on many minivans from 2009.
How Long Will the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Last?
A well-maintained 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan should last around 200,000 miles, which is 100,000 miles worse than top competitors including the Toyota Sienna. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than average, according to Repair Pal, at $609 per year.
Since most 2009 Grand Caravan models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the distributor for $800, door lock actuator costing $325, and the window regulators which cost $260.
It does not have any problems that are prevalent and it is a safe and reliable car as long as the driver is safe.
The 2009 dodge caravan se is a very reliable car. Issues I have had with it in nine years are the brakes.
I have broke down one time in four years with the fuel pump, but it is pretty reliable for me. It has a good battery and decent tires on it.
It is very reliable. We have only had a few problems so far. One was the spark plugs, but they weren't changed when we got the car. And the trunk hinge that held the automatic spring screw flew off. They were both easy fixes and really cheap when done by yourself.
Yes it is reliable. Mine has an issue where it wants to veer to the right more often so you have to keep bl the wheel turned slightly but other than that it runs great
Yes it is reliable. The only problem it has is the low tire light on the dashboard stays on even though the tires are not low.
I have not had any issues with the van. There have been no issues with the engine, or any other part of the vehicle. This is a well made, reliable, dependable vehicle.
Mostly reliable, has had problems with intake valves as well as a check engine light issue that has been minor. It has not broken down in two years.
How Much Is the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Worth?
Blue book values range from $4,547 to $5,613, making the Grand Caravan cheaper than the Chrysler Town & Country and Honda Odyssey. When new, the price range was $22,725 to $28,660. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Dodge Grand Caravan?
There are three models of the Dodge Grand Caravan offered for the 2009 model year. The fifth generation of the Grand Caravan was introduced in 2008, and was discontinued after the 2020 model year due to a restructuring by Dodge.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Power Windows & Locks
- Cruise Control
- 2-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System
SE is a step up, adding:
- Different Wheel Covers
- Keyless Entry
- Stow ‘n Go Folding Seats
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System
SXT is the flagship model and adds:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Power Driver’s Seat
- Power Sliding Door
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Optional Leather Seating
- Optional 9-Speaker Stereo With Bluetooth & USB
What Engines Come In the Dodge Grand Caravan?
- The standard engine is a fairly weak 3.3L V6 which makes 175 horsepower and gets up to 19 MPG.
- A step up is the slightly more powerful 3.8L V6 which produces 197 horsepower and gets up to 18 MPG.
- The flagship engine is the strong 4.0L V6 which generates 251 horsepower and offers up to 20 MPG. Performance is average for a minivan, taking about 8.8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Dodge Grand Caravan Come In?
How Big Is the Dodge Grand Caravan?
The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is an average-sized minivan, similar to the Kia Sedona and Nissan Quest. Passenger room is excellent throughout the cabin, with plenty of room for adult passengers in all three rows of seating.
Cargo space is similar to other minivans with enough space for 5-7 suitcases behind the third row, and will fit over 20 with all the seats folded in the stow ‘n go seating system.
How Does the Dodge Grand Caravan Compare to the Competition?
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a bad minivan with more mechanical problems than other vans on the market from 2009, making it one buyers should avoid.
The Chrysler Town & Country is a popular rival which costs about $1,000 more. Both vans are built on the same platform and share the same engines, but the Chrysler Town & Country is more luxurious. We recommend avoiding both the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country since they suffer from the same mechanical issues.
The Honda Odyssey is another competitor costing about $2,000 more. Performance and reliability are both better in the Honda Odyssey, but the Dodge Grand Caravan has more storage space with the seats that fold flat into the floor. We recommend the Honda Odyssey since it has lower ownership costs and will last longer.
Do Owners Recommend the Dodge Grand Caravan?
Yes, it is very reliable and has needed minimal work since we've bought it and it is not 10 years old. It is very safe. The only problem is that it does not have heating/ac in the back for passengers.
The dodge caravan is an excellent vehicle. I have owned it for 9+ years. It has gotten me and my three boys to and from many places safely. We have put many miles on the vehicle. The only issues I have had with it are the brakes. I would definitely buy another 2009 dodge caravan in the future.
I have had a few larger repairs but overall, it is a four out of five stars in my opinion, the water pump went out and I was able to repair it a few months ago. It is spacious and comfortable.
Yes, very reliable. They run good, smooth to drive. It has great gas mileage and great for long trips. Comfortable seating.
Yes it is pretty decent. I bought it used so it has some slight problems but I can't complain. It drives smooth and the kids love the double set of DVD players in the back.
Yes I love it , I have a big family in this van fits everybody comfortably. It is a nice car inside and out. I have had it for about two years now and have not had any issues with it. Parts last long on it, little to no maintenance needed. Has good gas mileage for a van. Lots of storage and cup holders inside.
I love my 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. Reliable, dependable, stylish, and loaded with extras! I would highly recommend this used vehicle.
It is reliable and runs well, but has had a number of small mechanical issues. I would say it was good, but not great.