2011 Dodge Grand Caravan

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine
3.6L V6
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-20 Full Synthetic (5.9 qts)
Transmission
Automatic 6-spd
Wheel Torque
95
ft-lbs

The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Dodge Grand Caravan.

For oil changes, the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5.9 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet), and transmission fluid is ATF+4. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Dodge Grand Caravan, torque the lug nuts to 95 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan have reported 5 common issues including "TIPM Failure and Fuel Pump Relay Issues", "Power Sliding Door Cable and Motor Failure" and "Transmission Shudder and Torque Converter Failure". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 4 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (5.9 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 95 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Specifications
Motor Oil5W-20 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity5.9 qt
Lug Nut Torque95 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantMopar OAT (Purple/Violet)
Transmission FluidATF+4
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
ATF+4
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
6,000 mi / 6 mo
5W-20 conventional, 5 qt (3.3L V6) or 5.5 qt (3.8L/4.0L V6)
Tire Rotation
6,000 mi / 6 mo
Rotate every oil change
Cabin Air Filter
15,000 mi / 24 mo
Located behind glove box
Engine Air Filter
30,000 mi / 36 mo
Inspect at 15,000 mi
Brake Fluid
30,000 mi / 36 mo
DOT 3
Transmission Fluid
50,000 mi
4-speed or 6-speed automatic; ATF+4
Coolant
100,000 mi
Mopar OAT; then every 50,000 mi
Spark Plugs
30,000 mi
Copper core; replace every 30,000 mi
Serpentine Belt
60,000 mi
Inspect at 40,000 mi
Battery
48 mo
Inspect annually
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Common problems reported by 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

TIPM Failure and Fuel Pump Relay Issues

The 2016 Grand Caravan's TIPM fails frequently, with the fuel pump relay being the most dangerous failure mode. The relay sticks closed, causing the fuel pump to run continuously even with the ignition off, creating a fire risk and draining the battery. Other TIPM-related issues include random horn honking, headlights turning off, and power window failures.

Solution

Replace the TIPM unit. Chrysler Customer Satisfaction Notification N47 extended warranty coverage for fuel pump relay issues on select models. An external bypass relay kit can be installed as a $50 temporary fix for the fuel pump relay specifically while awaiting full TIPM replacement.

Est. Cost: $400 - $1,200
2

Power Sliding Door Cable and Motor Failure

The power sliding doors stop functioning correctly due to worn cables, failed door motors, and faulty latch mechanisms. Symptoms include the door stopping mid-travel and reversing, refusing to close fully, or becoming stuck in the open position. Cold weather exacerbates the problem as the cable housing and track rollers contract and bind.

Solution

Replace the sliding door cable and motor assembly. Clean and lubricate the door track rails with silicone or white lithium grease. TSB 23-009-16 covers the revised cable assembly with improved wear resistance. Replace the door latch assembly if the latch microswitches are causing false pinch detection.

Est. Cost: $300 - $1,000
3

Transmission Shudder and Torque Converter Failure

The 62TE 6-speed automatic transmission develops a noticeable shudder during light acceleration between 30-50 mph, caused by deteriorating torque converter clutch material. As the clutch material breaks down, it contaminates the transmission fluid and can damage the valve body and solenoid pack, leading to harsh shifts and eventual transmission failure.

Solution

Replace the torque converter and perform a complete transmission fluid flush using ATF+4. TSB 21-003-16 REV. A addresses torque converter shudder diagnosis. If the valve body or solenoid pack is contaminated, those components must also be replaced. A fluid and filter change alone will not resolve an established shudder condition.

Est. Cost: $800 - $3,500
4

Engine Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak

The 3.6L Pentastar V6 oil filter housing gasket leaks oil externally onto the engine and exhaust, creating a burning smell and oil drips. The O-ring seals between the oil cooler and engine block degrade from heat cycling. This leak is extremely common after 50,000 miles and will progressively worsen if not addressed.

Solution

Replace all oil cooler housing O-rings and gaskets. TSB 09-002-16 provides the updated gasket kit part number with improved materials. The housing must be fully removed to access the lower seals. Ensure the mating surfaces are clean and free of old gasket material before reinstalling.

Est. Cost: $200 - $500
5

Premature Rear Brake Caliper Seizure

The rear brake calipers seize due to corrosion of the caliper slider pins and piston bores, causing uneven pad wear, dragging brakes, and reduced fuel economy. The caliper brackets also corrode, making pad replacement difficult. This issue is most prevalent in northern states where road salt accelerates corrosion.

Solution

Replace the rear brake calipers, pads, and rotors as a set. Clean and lubricate the caliper brackets with high-temperature synthetic brake grease. Applying anti-seize compound to the slider pins during brake service can prevent future seizure. Annual brake inspection and cleaning is recommended in salt-belt regions.

Est. Cost: $300 - $800

4 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:

Campaign: 25V876000 Date: 17/12/2025

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.

Consequence

An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

2

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign: 17V376000 Date: 13/06/2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.

Consequence

Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T33.

3

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign: 14V234000 Date: 07/05/2014

Chrysler Group, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, through October 31, 2013. The affected vehicles may experience overheating of the vent window switch in the driver's door armrest.

Consequence

An overheated switch may result in a vehicle fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vent window switch with a newer version, free of charge. The owner notification letter was issued and the remedy campaign launched on on December 31, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P25.

4

STEERING:COLUMN

Campaign: 11V315000 Date: 08/06/2011

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.

Consequence

A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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Grand Caravan — Other Model Years
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See Also
2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2011 Dodge Grand CaravanAll Vehicles Using 5W-20 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2011 Dodge Grand CaravanWiper Replacement: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan