2016 Dodge Grand Caravan maintenance schedule

The 2016 Grand Caravan is part of the RT generation (2008-2020), sold as a minivan. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2016 Grand Caravan needs, and when

All 11 of these items come from Dodge's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Dodge's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

Or dictated by Oil Life Monitor

10,000 mi / 1 yearManufacturer
Engine air filter

Replace filter

30,000 mi / 2 yearsManufacturer
Cabin air filter

Replace filter

20,000 mi / 2 yearsManufacturer
Tire rotation

Rotate front to rear

10,000 mi / 1 yearManufacturer
Brake fluid

Inspect/Flush

2 yearsManufacturer
Engine coolant150,000 mi / 10 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluid

Severe duty schedule; replace fluid and filter

60,000 mi / 5 yearsManufacturer
Spark plugs

Replace spark plugs

100,000 miManufacturer
Serpentine belt

Inspect and replace (approx. 100,000 mi benchmark)

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
PCV valve

Inspect and replace (approx. 100,000 mi benchmark)

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
12V batteryInspect, replace as neededManufacturer

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
5W-20, 6 qt
Coolant
OAT Purple (2013+) / HOAT (2011-2012)
Transmission fluid
ATF+4

Powertrains in this generation

  • 3.6L 6-cyl (ERB), 283 hp, 6-Speed Automatic (62TE), FWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2016 Grand Caravan owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

Premature Brake Wear

medium severity

20,000-40,000 mi · $300-$600 to fix

Rapid degradation of brake pads and warped front rotors, steering vibration

Source: repairpal.com

Safety recalls

6 NHTSA recalls for the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Dodge dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA 25V876000

December 2025

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.

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.

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA 20V278000

May 2020

Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain Vantage-modified 2016-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. The fuel pump gasket may deteriorate, allowing fuel to leak.

Remedy: Vantage will notify owners, and will provide parts and reimbursement to owners for repair facilities to replace the fuel tank gasket, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2020. Owners may contact Vantage customer service at 1-800-488-9082.

December 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

Power train

NHTSA 16V461000

June 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.

May 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured March 16, 2016, to March 17, 2016. The nuts on the third row seatbacks were incorrectly torqued and may become loose.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-torque the third row seatback nuts, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S37.

Latches/locks/linkages

NHTSA 15V595000

September 2015

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 19, 2015 to August 27, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that attach the hood striker may loosen and, as a result, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install new hood striker bolts with the proper torque, free of charge. The recall began on October 22, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is R53.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$122

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Grand Caravan model years

RT (2008-2020)

Shopping new? The Dodge Grand Caravan guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-18. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Grand Caravan for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2016 Grand Caravan earns before you buy it.

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