YearToAvoid

2006 Dodge Caravan Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

75/100

#4 most-complained of 13 Caravan years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2006 Dodge Caravan has 173 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 75 out of 100 — #4 highest of 13 Caravan model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is electrical system (37 complaints, 21% of the total). Complaints report 12 crashes, 2 fires, and 18 injuries.

Complaints
173
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
12 / 2
Injuries / deaths
18 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2006 Dodge Caravan problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System37 (21%)
  2. Engine32 (18%)
  3. Airbags27 (16%)
  4. Steering27 (16%)
  5. Structure & Body26 (15%)
  6. Fuel System15 (9%)
  7. Brakes13 (8%)
  8. Transmission & Powertrain13 (8%)
  9. Visibility & Wipers11 (6%)
  10. Other7 (4%)
2006 Dodge Caravan complaints: complaints filed per quarter102006 Q22008 Q12009 Q42011 Q32013 Q22015 Q32017 Q32020 Q1
217 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2006 Q2 to 2026 Q1; peak 2010 Q2 (10).

2006 Dodge Caravan recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 10V008000Jan 11, 2010Airbags308,950 vehicles

    Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  2. NHTSA 06V067000Mar 8, 2006Visibility & Wipers268,800 vehicles

    Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor

    On certain vans and sport utility vehicles, the front windshield wiper motor armature shaft may break.

    Risk: During certain operating conditions, loss of front windshield wiping capability could occur, and the driver's vision could be obscured which could result in a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield wiper motor free of charge. The recall began on june 19, 2006, to dodge durango owners. Minivan owners will be notified during july 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

2006 compared with other Caravan years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005Avoid1005374—
2006Avoid751732—
2007Caution50810—
2008Avoid923022—

All Dodge Caravan years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2006 Dodge Caravan a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 Dodge Caravan ranks #4 of 13 among Caravan model years (Complaint Index 75/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 173 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Dodge Caravan?
The most reported problem areas are electrical system (37 complaints), engine (32 complaints), and airbags (27 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 58,000 miles.
Does the 2006 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2006 Dodge Caravan, most recently reported 2010, covering airbags and visibility & wipers.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.