2006 Dodge Caravan Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2006 Dodge Caravan ranks 4th worst out of 13 model years with a complaint index of 75 and 173 NHTSA complaints, earning an Avoid verdict. Electrical system issues lead the complaints at 21%, followed by engine (18%) and airbags (16%), with two recalls on file.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #4 of 13 Caravan years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 173
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 12
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 18
- Top issue
- Electrical System
Top 2006 Dodge Caravan problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System37 (21%)
- Engine32 (18%)
- Airbags27 (16%)
- Steering27 (16%)
- Structure & Body26 (15%)
- Fuel System15 (9%)
- Brakes13 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain13 (8%)
- Visibility & Wipers11 (6%)
- Other7 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during frontal or rear-end collisions, sometimes leaving occupants with injuries.
- Power steering failed suddenly, in one case spraying fluid throughout the engine compartment shortly after purchase.
- Engine stalled or surged unexpectedly, including a case where the vehicle lost power while exiting a freeway at speed.
- Electrical system caught fire in the engine compartment while driving, with doors and windows failing to open.
- Seat belts failed to lock during a rear-end collision, resulting in neck injuries to multiple occupants.
- Vehicle rolled unexpectedly while parked on an incline despite the parking brake being engaged.
2006 Dodge Caravan recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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.
- 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
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Dodge Caravan reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 Caravan ranks 4th worst among 13 model years, with a complaint index of 75 and an Avoid verdict. Electrical system, engine, and airbag complaints are the most common problem areas.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Dodge Caravan?
- Electrical system issues make up 21% of complaints, followed by engine problems at 18%, and airbags and steering each at 16%. The median mileage at failure across the vehicle was 58,000 miles.
- Does the 2006 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2006 Caravan: one for front airbag sensors and one for windshield wiper motors that could break. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- What year Dodge Caravan should I avoid?
- Among Caravan model years, 2005 has the highest complaint index at 100, followed by 2008 at 92 and 2006 at 75, all rated Avoid. Later years like 2014 and 2013 rate Best and Good with much lower complaint indexes.
- How does the 2006 Caravan compare to other years?
- The 2006 model has a complaint index of 75, higher than 2007 (50), 2009 (67), and 2011 (42), but lower than 2005 (100) and 2008 (92).