DecodedCars2005 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Minivan - 2WD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Overview
The 2005 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan is a minivan offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl and 3.8L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 24 highway), 8% better than the 2005 minivan average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +8% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +8% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD FFV | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 19 | +2% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -3% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 minivans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Toyota Sienna | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2005 Kia Sedona | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Honda Odyssey | 20 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Nissan Quest | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Ford Freestar | 18 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Uplander | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · Jan 11, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V008000 · 308,950 vehicles
- Problem
- CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 DODGE CARAVAN, GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, TENNESSEE, UTAH, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, ALASKA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT CRASH SENSORS MAY CRACK UNDER CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND ALLOW WATER TO ENTER INTO THE SENSOR. THIS CAN CAUSE THE SENSOR TO BECOME INOPERATIVE AND ILLUMINATE THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. THESE SENSORS WERE ADDED TO ENHANCE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IN CERTAIN FRONTAL CRASHES.
- Risk
- IF THE FRONT CRASH SENSORS BECOME INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER IS IMMEDIATELY ALERTED BY ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE PROMPTLY SERVICED. UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS REPAIRED, THE AIRBAGS MAY NOT PROVIDE THE ENHANCED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- CHRYSLER WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AIRBAG SENSORS WITH A NEW DESIGN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN WILL BEGIN DURING JUNE 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Not every 2005 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 18 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 13 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Exterior Lighting — 11 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 122,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Caravan/Grand Caravan years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Caravan/Grand Caravan | 20 | – | Not rated | 2 | 68 |
| 2008 Caravan/Grand Caravan | 19 | – | Not rated | 2 | 133 |
| 2007 Caravan/Grand Caravan | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 25 |
| 2006 Caravan/Grand Caravan | 20 | – | Not rated | 1 | 34 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →