The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan lasts around 200,000 miles with some small rust and door alarm issues. At $13,375 to $14,450, it’s cheaper than other minivans, making it a decent value for shoppers on a budget.
Is the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan a Good Used Minivan?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2016 is a good year for the Grand Caravan, although it’s not as nice as some competitors, giving it an average overall rating. Owner reviews praise the comfortable cabin, reliable engine, and low ownership costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials hold up well over time even if they aren’t very nice, the seats are comfortable for long trips, cargo space is also excellent.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are no major problems on the 2016 Grand Caravan reported by owners. Avoid models from 2008–2013 which have computer problems. Models from 2014–2020 are more reliable choices.
- Performance 7/10 – The V6 engine found in the Grand Caravan offers good power, although it still drives like a heavy minivan.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2016 Grand Caravan is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5-stars in government crash tests. Optional safety features include a rear view camera along with blind spot monitoring.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 20 MPG, giving 400 miles of range from the 20 gallon tank. Gas costs are $12 cheaper than average, at $265 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The Grand Caravan is cheaper than most other minivans on the market while still being decently reliable, giving in a good value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Dodge Grand Caravan?
- Consumer Reports says the Grand Caravan is a versatile & affordable minivan with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Grand Caravan at 3.7/5, praising the great stow ‘n go seating system, but doesn’t like the lack of safety technology.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Grand Caravan a 3.8/5 enjoying the powerful V6 engine, while owners don’t like the basic interior.
What Common Problems Does the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan Have?
Common problems found on the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan include rust forming on the hood, door alarm issues, as well as cylinder misfires. Overall, these problems are similar to other minivans, with slightly higher repair costs than some competitors.
Rust forming on the hood is a common complaint from Grand Caravan owners at around 55,000 miles. If paint chips on the hood rust forms easily, which will cause the paint to blister. The only way to fix the problem is by repainting the hood, which costs roughly $1,000 depending on local labor rates.
Door alarm issues show up on some Grand Caravan models at roughly 100,000 miles. The door open sensor fails as the van ages, and has to be replaced to fix the problem. Changing out the sensor is a fairly easy project which costs around $300.
Cylinder misfires have also been reported by owners of the 2016 Grand Caravan at around 80,000 miles. There are several reasons misfires may happen. One common source is bad spark plugs, which cost roughly $350 to replace. Some owners report repairing or replacing the cylinder head as a fix, which costs around $2,500.
There are 8 recalls on the 2016 Grand Caravan, which is worse than other minivans from 2016. The most serious recall covers fuel rail tubes which can leak, leading to a fire. Dodge will replace the fuel rail tubes on affected models for free. Other important recalls cover transmission pump failures, cruise control system issues, along with the front brake caliper, which cracks.
How Long Will the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan Last?
A well-maintained 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan should last around 200,000 miles, which is about 100,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota Sienna. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $564 per year.
Since many used 2016 Grand Caravan models have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the ABS control module for $750, oil cooler costing $350, as well as the wheel bearings which cost $150.
It is reliable. I have no issues with commuting long distances for work. Gas mileage is exceptional, as well. No problems are noted.
As I stated before it had fuel pump issues that were replaced under warranty. I have heard they also have a lot of transmission issues but I haven't seen that in my vehicle yet.
Extremely; as I stated previously this is our 5th dodge grand caravan and we have never had one breakdown on us and need a tow or repair. We have kept each one an average of 4 years.
It has been more than reliable. After 100,000 miles it has had no major problems. Besides routine maintenance there has been no issues.
The car is very reliable since I have purchased the vehicle. There have been mo problems that I have encountered.
So far this vehicle has been completely reliable. Nothing but routine maintenance. Look forward to years of use.
The time you need to accelerate to merge in the highway makes me think about it because I used to drive a Honda and there weren't any issues like that
It has not had any problems yet. I've only had to do regular maintenance. It also gets excellent gas mileage for a van
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is worse than other minivans from 2016, offering a simple stereo system found in entry-level models. A 6.5-inch touchscreen system and Bluetooth are available as optional upgrades. Safety technology is also basic with an optional rear view camera and blind-spot monitoring.
Is the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan a Good Value?
Yes, the 2016 Grand Caravan is a good value for shoppers looking for an affordable minivan. Blue book prices range from $13,375 to $14,450, making it cheaper than a Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Town & Country. When new, the price range was $23,595 to $32,495. Depreciation is similar to other minivans, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Dodge Grand Caravan?
There are six models of the Dodge Grand Caravan offered in 2016, from the base AVP all the way up to the well-equipped R/T.
AVP is the entry-level model with:
- 17-inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Power Locks & Windows
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX
- Second Row Captain’s Chairs
SE is next in the lineup, adding:
- Tri-Zone Climate Control
- Stow ‘n Go Folding Seats
- 6-Speaker Stereo System
SE Plus has features such as:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Overhead Console
- Upgraded Upholstery
SXT includes:
- Unique 17-inch Alloy Wheels
- Power Sliding Rear Doors
- Larger Floor Console
- Power Sliding Doors
SXT Plus has additional items such as:
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Leatherette Seating
- Fog Lights
- Power Driver’s Seat
R/T is the flagship model with:
- Performance Suspension
- Remote Start
- Leather Seating
- Black Exterior Accents
- 5-Inch Touchscreen
- Rear view Camera
- 9-Speaker Stereo System
What Engines Come In the Dodge Grand Caravan?
The engine found in the 2016 Grand Caravan is a strong 3.6L V6 which makes 283 horsepower while getting up to 20 MPG. Performance is average for a minivan, taking 8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Dodge Grand Caravan Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Dodge Grand Caravan?
The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan is a very comfortable minivan with seating for 7 people since the second row offers captain’s chairs. The seats are basic, but they hold up well over time with durable materials.
Passenger room is fantastic throughout the cabin with enough room to fit adults easily in all three rows of the minivan.
How Much Storage Space Does the Dodge Grand Caravan Have?
Cargo space is excellent in the 2016 Grand Caravan, offering enough space for 5-6 suitcases behind the third row, 14-15 behind the second, and over 20 with all of the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Dodge Grand Caravan was launched in 2008, and was retired after 2020 because of a restructuring by Dodge.
2014: Crew model discontinued.
2015: Standard 17-inch wheels, power adjustable pedals removed.
2016: No major changes.
2017: Standard touchscreen & rear view camera across the lineup
2018: No major changes.
2019: Upgraded auto-dimming rear view camera is standard.
2020: SE Plus model gets new exterior options, final model year of the Grand Caravan.
How Does the Dodge Grand Caravan Compare to the Competition?
The Dodge Grand Caravan ranks slightly lower than other minivans since it’s outdated. It offers a durable interior paired with decent reliability scores, making it a decent choice for shoppers on a budget.
The Honda Odyssey is another minivan which costs around $3,000 more. Technology is more advanced in the Honda Odyssey, while the seats hold up better over time in the Dodge Grand Caravan. We recommend the Honda Odyssey since they have slightly better reliability ratings with lower ownership costs.
The Chrysler Town & Country is a competitor which is available for about $200 more. Both the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country are built on the same platform, while the Chrysler Town & Country offers a more luxurious interior. We recommend the Chrysler Town & Country since you get more for your money.
Do Owners Recommend the Dodge Grand Caravan?
Yes. It is dependable, spacious, and perfect for transporting children to and from school and extracurricular activities. It rides comfortably and is perfect for road trips and commuting longer distances for work, as well.
Yes. It did leave me sitting once when the fuel pump went out. But that was covered under warranty. I am otherwise pleased with the vehicle.
Very, this vehicle is our 5th dodge grand caravan. We are pleased with the interior layout and the functionality of the vehicle. When we travel it is perfect and the gas mileage is very acceptable. We have never had one breakdown on us and need towing or repair.
It is the perfect vehicle for a large family. The amount of space for people and cargo is more than enough.
I would recommend it. Handles great and smooth drive. It is very spacious and a lot more space with the stow and go's.
It is fantastic for a family on the go. There is enough space for a family and all our things. It is comfortable on trips of all lengths. Powerful enough to get around.
Yes but it takes more time to accelerate than others vehicles. The space is great and the back seats are designed to hide at any moment. The car has useful compartments to store personal things
Yes, it is excellent. It is very trustworthy hand doesn’t require a lot of repairs. It is comfortable and the kids love the DVD player