The 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan lasts around 200,000 miles with some relatively minor engine misfire and door lock issues. At $14,650 to $15,400, it’s a good value for a minivan, even if it’s showing its age.
Is the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan a Good Used Minivan?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2017 is a good year for the Grand Caravan, however, it’s not as nice as some other minivans giving it an average overall rating. Owner reviews praise the affordable ownership costs, passenger room, as well as the strong V6 engine.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are more durable than luxurious in the Grand Caravan, seating is nice throughout the cabin, cargo space is also great.
- Reliability 7/10 – Reliability ratings are good with no widespread problems. Buyers should avoid models from 2008–2013 which have computer issues. Models from 2014–2020 are much more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is similar to other minivans from the V6 engine, although it’s still slow to drive.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2017 Grand Caravan is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional safety tech includes rear parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, as well as blind spot monitoring.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 20 MPG, giving roughly 400 miles of range from the 20 gallon tank. Gas costs are $12 cheaper than average at $258 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2017 Grand Caravan is cheaper than other minivans while still offering good reliability, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Dodge Grand Caravan?
- Consumer Reports says the 2017 Grand Caravan is definitely dated compared to the competition, with lower owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Grand Caravan at 3.6/5, praising the affordable ownership costs, but doesn’t like the rough suspension.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Grand Caravan a 3.8/5 enjoying the comfortable cabin, but owners don’t like the lack of all-wheel drive.
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Have?
Common problems found on the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan include engine misfires, sliding door lock issues, as well as some reports of transmission failures. Overall, most of the problems on the Grand Caravan are similar to other minivans, with lower repair costs as well.
Engine misfires are the most common issue reported by owners at around 35,000 miles. Usually, when the engine misfires there’s a problem with spark the fuel injectors. Replacing the spark plugs costs around $150, while cleaning out the injectors is another $200.
Sliding door lock issues show up on some 2017 Grand Caravan models at around 75,000 miles. The latch occasionally loses alignment, or gets damaged after slamming the door shut as the van gets older. Replacing the latch costs around $300, depending on local labor rates.
Transmission failures are not a widespread problem on the Grand Caravan, however, they are serious if they do happen. A small number of owners have reported the transmission failing completely at around 60,000 miles. Replacing the transmission is an expensive job, costing over $3,000.
There are 2 recalls on the 2017 Grand Caravan, which is similar to other minivans. The first recall covers a voltage regulator, while the second covers a fuel pump gasket leak. Both can cause the van to stall while driving. Dodge will replace the parts on affected Grand Caravan models for free.
How Long Will the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan Last?
A well-maintained 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan can last around 200,000 miles, which is around 100,000 less than the top-rated Toyota Sienna. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than other minivans, according to data from Repair Pal, at $375 per year.
As a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan reaches 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the throttle position sensor for $250, a headlamp switch costing $225, as well as the throttle body, which costs $525.
Yes, very reliable. I have not had any problems with this vehicle I have had the vehicle for a little over a year.
No, it has not given us any problems at all. I have had it for 2 1/2 years and we purchased it brand new. It has been really reliable.
Yes, very reliable. It's my main source of a car that we drive every single day. I feel safe in the van & my girls love that we can hook up DVD players to the back of the seats.
This is a very reliable vehicle. I had a Chevy with a lot of mileage and costs way too much to fix and seemed like it was having problem after problem. So we went with a minivan a little newer and lower mileage. That and we wanted captains chairs so the dog didn't have to lay on the kids lap.
Extremely. It has a good heads up display providing good information. No major issues. The jack is easily accessible.
My van has no issues. It's like a dream!! Rides smooth and quiet. I would definitely recommend this van for any family!!
I do not worry about it, I am very confident my van runs well. I abide by recommendations to have it serviced when needed.
No it does not have any problems. It has been a reliable vehicle so far. The brakes are starting to squeak a little bit though, so we need to get those checked.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is average with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, although the software is outdated compared to other Dodge vehicles. Safety technology is worse than other minivans with a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, which are not very advanced compared to the competition.
Is the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan a Good Value?
Yes, the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan is a good value if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly minivan. Blue book prices range from $14,775 to $15,650, making it cheaper than a Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Pacifica. When new, the price range was $25,995 to $34,395. 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 four models of the Dodge Grand Caravan offered in 2017, from the base SE, all the way up to the sportier GT.
SE is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Cruise Control
- Tri-Zone Climate Control
- Heated Mirrors
- Rearview Camera
- Power Locks & Windows
- 5-Inch Touchscreen
- Six Speaker Stereo System
SE Plus is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Upgraded Cloth Upholstery
- Second Row Captain’s Chairs
- Front Floor Console
SXT is next in the lineup with:
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Leather Upholstery
- Power Sliding Doors
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Remote Start
- Power Liftgate
- Foglights
- Automatic Headlights
- Roof Rails
- Eight-Way Power Driver’s Seat
GT is the flagship model which has:
- Body-Colored Grilled
- Premium Leather Seating
- Performance Tuned Suspension
- Black Interior Trim
- Nine-Speaker Stereo System
What Engines Come In the Dodge Grand Caravan?
The engine found in the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan is a strong 3.6L V6 which makes 283 horsepower while getting up to 20 MPG. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. 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 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan is a very comfortable minivan offering seating for 7 to 8 people, depending on the configuration. Seats throughout the van are very nice, offering a good amount of cushioning.
Passenger room is fantastic, there’s more than enough legroom to easily fit taller adults in all three rows of the van. The second row bucket seats are also very nice.
How Much Storage Space Does the Dodge Grand Caravan Have?
Cargo space is excellent in the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. There’s enough space for 6-7 suitcases behind the third row, around 15 behind the rear seats, and over 20 with all of the seats folded.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Dodge Grand Caravan came out in 2008, and was discontinued after 2020 when Dodge decided to focus more on SUVs as minivan sales declined.
2014: Fleet-focused crew model discontinued.
2015: Power adjustable pedals removed, standard 17-inch wheels added.
2016: No major changes.
2017: Rearview camera & touchscreen infotainment system standard on all models.
2018: No major changes.
2019: Upgraded rear-view camera is included as standard.
2020: Final model year for the Grand Caravan, SE Plus model has new exterior trim.
How Does the Dodge Grand Caravan Compare to the Competition?
The 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan is a basic minivan compared to other choices on the market, although low prices make it an appealing choice for shoppers on a budget.
The Chrysler Pacifica is another minivan which costs around $2,000 more. Interior materials and technology are both better in the Chrysler Pacifica, while the Dodge Grand Caravan offers higher reliability ratings. We recommend the Dodge Grand Caravan since there are fewer problems reported by owners.
The Toyota Sienna is a competitor, which is available for about $7,000 more. Reliability ratings are better in the Toyota Sienna, while the Dodge Grand Caravan offers a more durable interior for younger children. We recommend the Toyota Sienna since they last so much longer, and have a lot more safety features for the money.
Do Owners Recommend the Dodge Grand Caravan?
Yes, meets my family needs, has all the features I was looking for. Quiet, smooth ride. Plenty of storage space.
Yes! It has plenty of seat space/ legroom for my children and even trunk space. It has not given me any problems.
Yes it runs very good,. It has plenty of room for my twins & all their luggage that we have to take with us everyday.
Yes it is I love it. My first time getting a minivan. I love every option from remote start. To being able to put a luggage rack up top and even the stow and go on the floor board.
Reliable, feature packed, loads of room, family friendly. Stow and go is a must have. Road trips are awesome now.
I love this van!! Very spacious and all the amenities are amazing!! Seat and steering wheel warmers, automatic doors.
I love the stow and go seats and heated seated heats/steering wheel. It is roomy and very comfortable. I am so glad I upgraded from my old van.
Yes it has a lot of space for our growing family. I love the stow-and-go seating. It isn't the best on gas but also not the worst. It doesn't have a ton of high-tech features but it has everything you need in a reliable vehicle.