We are very happy with our 15 Grand Caravan. Has it been 100% problem free? No, but the minivan segment seems to be pretty equal across the brands. A lot of Toyota opinions are based on either Camry, Corolla or the late 90s or early 2000s models, which were a lot more reliable than the new ones.
Anyways, here is what my minivan needed so far:
- Under warranty, a new navigation unit as it was freezing when you wanted to enter a destination.
- The second issue was front blower making intermittent squeaking noises, that would surface only on longer trips. Our dealer replaced it based only on a video my wife took on our vacation trip.
- The third issue was rear shocks, the no self leveling type, making clunking noises. I overloaded mine when we were renovating our previous house and then when we moved, so I had to change them. Didn't bother to get it under warranty.
- The fourth issue I had to address recently and it was transmission oil pan leaking ATF. Nothing catastrophic, just a slight seep that would leave few drops of ATF on my garage floor when parked for few days. Didn't bother to get it under warranty.
Things to watch out for:
- The rear AC, if equipped, tend to develop leaks quite early in the salt belt because the expansion valve is located right behind the rear wheel. It's quite an expensive repair. I rigged up a protective cover to keep debris and water spray from the rear tire to a minimum when I was in Canada, I also sprayed it with rustproofing oil and it works surprisingly well. I don't have to worry about it in California, but since the cover didn't fall off, I keep it there.
- The oil filter housing is prone to cracking when over tightened during oil changes. The oil will collect in the cylinder valley and eventually leak on the ground. I would inspect that area when looking at the vehicle. Also not a cheap repair.
- The rear, non self leveling shocks tend to start clunking quite early. Mine did at 30k miles, but I did overload the van a number of times. Still, many report them clunking around 80k miles. These are easy to change and quite cheap. I paid around $60 for a pair of KYB replacements.
- The plastic coolant crossover Y pipes may may also develop cracks over time, seems to be at over 100k though, but when they fail, you risk overheating the engine. Doorman makes aluminum replacements and it's quite an easy fix. I already purchased them and plan to replace proactively.
I think those are the most commonly found issues with them.
Here is a good thread at Chrysler Minivan Forums about how many miles members got on their 5th generation Grand Caravans and Town & Country minivans.
This is a very good forum with very knowledgeable and honest members. You won't see other brand bashing threads there.
https://forum.chryslerminivan.net/threads/whats-the-mileage-on-your-5th-generation.136769/