Sliding Door Fix

Dodge Caravan Update

FCA, the parent company of Dodge, is wrapping up a class action lawsuit involving certain 2017-2018 Dodge Grand Caravan models. The problem deals with the sliding door actuators, which are meant to lock and unlock the sliding doors. On some models, these actuators have been failing, leaving door security up in the air—a real nuisance for anyone who values their ride’s practicality.

Sliding Door Fix

The affected actuators stop functioning, making it impossible to lock or unlock the electric sliding doors properly. These small motors tend to give out over time, which isn’t unheard of in vehicles, but certainly annoying. For Dodge Grand Caravan owners, FCA’s settlement includes a warranty extension. This extends the original coverage to 10 years or up to 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. That’s FCA trying to keep their “family van” owners trucking along trouble-free.

Settlement Details

While FCA doesn’t admit any wrongdoing, they’re offering this warranty extension to sidestep any further legal battles, which could cost far more in the long run. The settlement is awaiting approval from the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, expected to make a decision in September.

Driving Experience

Driving the Grand Caravan is like having a trusty station wagon in the garage. It might not have the zip of a sports car, but it delivers what many families need—a spacious interior with decent power under the hood. It’s more about comfort and carrying capacity than any sort of thrill ride. Think of the Caravan as the family room on wheels, and it gets the job done reliably.

For those who have laid out cash for out-of-pocket repairs, there could be some reimbursement in line. Anyone who fixed the door actuators during 2017 may also apply for some financial relief. It’s a silver lining for those who’ve already spent money fixing an issue that FCA is now addressing.

All in all, the Grand Caravan continues to hold its ground as a practical choice for families—despite this hiccup with the sliding doors. It’s not setting any speed records, but it’s got the goods where it counts, on reliability and family-friendliness.