2006 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
13/100
#14 most-complained of 16 Grand Caravan years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan has a complaint index of 13, ranking 14th worst out of 16 model years, and carries a Good verdict, though the rating is capped due to incomplete records for 2005-2009. It has 284 complaints, 3 recalls, and no reported deaths.
- Complaints
- 284
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 12 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 21 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering61 (21%)
- Electrical System57 (20%)
- Airbags54 (19%)
- Structure & Body51 (18%)
- Engine36 (13%)
- Fuel System31 (11%)
- Brakes16 (6%)
- Visibility & Wipers15 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain12 (4%)
- Other10 (4%)
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in low-to-moderate speed frontal collisions, leaving occupants without expected protection.
- Knee airbags deployed with enough force to cause bruising, abrasions, and in one case skin and tissue damage requiring surgery.
- Electrical wiring harness issues led to smoke and fire under the hood in at least one case.
- Sliding doors and power locks lost power partway through operation, with dealers unable to pinpoint whether the ECM or BCM was at fault.
- One owner reported the engine stalling and the transmission jerking during a turn, followed by the brakes locking up.
2006 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V338000Jul 27, 2010Structure & Body2 vehicles
Seats
Driving specialties ltd is recalling 2 model year 2006 and 2007 conversion vans equipped with vmi/ricon 6-way power seat bases. There is a possibility of a defective weld at the joint between the pivoting plate and the pivoting plate pin.
Risk: The seat occupant may be injured if the seat base pin were to break.
Remedy: Driving specialties will notify owners and the vehicles will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall began on july 28, 2010. Owners may contact driving specialties at 1-707-553-1515.
- 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 Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2006 model has a complaint index of 13, the second-lowest among the 16 model years covered, earning a Good verdict.
- What is the top complaint area for the 2006 Grand Caravan?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 61 complaints and 21% of all complaints filed for this year.
- Does the 2006 Grand Caravan have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2006 Grand Caravan, covering airbag sensors, a windshield wiper motor armature shaft, and a power seat base weld issue in conversion vans.
- Why is the 2006 Grand Caravan verdict capped at Good instead of Best?
- NHTSA complaint records for model years 2005-2009 are considered less complete, so the site caps verdicts for those years at Good regardless of the complaint index.
- How does the 2006 Grand Caravan compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 13, the 2006 year ranks far better than years like 2008 (index 100, Avoid) and 2016 (index 93, Avoid), though 2018 and 2020 score even lower with Best verdicts.