Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased in 2010, the vehicle was missing the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle idled roughly, jerked and stalled while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed with power train failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was missing the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve. The contact was provided DTCs: P0403 and P0404. The vehicle was not repaired. In 2019, the vehicle was taken to a tire business and the EGR valve was installed on the vehicle. …
Investigation: dp 14-002; prompted by: defect petition; date opened: 09/05/2014; investigator: [redacted]; reviewer: [redacted]; approver: [redacted]; subject: engine stall after refueling. Please include me in the above mentioned complaint/investigation # dp 14-002. After refueling, my engine stalls about 1 to 2 minutes after starting almost every time I fill-up with fuel. When the fueling nozzle trips for the first time, I do not attempt to continue adding more fuel and possibly overfilling the fuel tank. I have been caught in heavy traffic at times with the engine stalling and it takes 2 to 3 attempts to restart the vehicle. This is very dangerous! Now after refueling, I pull away from the pumps and park out of the way and allow the engine to stall. …
After filling up with gas engine stalled approximately 1/2 mile from the gas station. Had to coast to side of the road without power steering. Placed engine in park, turned of key and restarted. Engine ran rough had to depress accelerator for additional gas. Once restarted engine ran fine for the rest of the trip. This same problem also occurred in early January 1/03/2015 after filling up with gas. Not only is this an inconvenience, but very dangerous in heavy traffic scenarios.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan sxt. While attempting to shift the vehicle into park, the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly. As a result, the vehicle crashed into the rear of another parked vehicle. The contact suffered from hip pain. An independent mechanic cleaned the throttle plate. The vehicle sustained severe front end damage and was repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000. Updated 05/18/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,000.
After filling fuel tank, pulled into traffic and the van stalled 30 seconds later. Was able to pull out of traffic and restart. This happens now every time the fuel tank is filled. Within a minute or two of leaving the gas station, the engine will at least hesitate and many times stalls completely.
I've taken the vehicle to pepboys twice because although the gas gauge was working, the vehicle would click the gas nozzle off and would not accept fueling. Pepboys replaced the in-tank pump as a remedy twice. Dodge/Chrysler said it was the breather tube. Who's right?
After fueling, the vehicle with surge and often stall with need for restart. Very frequently it does this when taking off from a stop sign which can cause a stall in the middle of an intersection.
Back rear window imploded for the second time(first time 2009, second time 2010), nobody seems to have an answer for why this happens other than it was cold and snowy outside so the weather must have caused this to occur, (that is what they say) my family was in the van in the driveway getting ready to leave so I know for a fact that "nothing" went thru the window just a major defect of Dodge. Numerous issues with this van starting when van had 5000 miles, air bag sensor on, sliding doors do not work properly, loud sound from engine, tie rods need replaced for third time, control arm broke, locks make a whiny sound, check service engine light on told 3 times that we needed new spark plugs . Really at 30,000 miles. We changed them, light still on today. …
For at least six months, I have heard a whining sound coming from my engine, normally after driving on the interstate for about fifteen miles. When I slow down, the whining lowers in pitch; when I accelerate, the pitch goes up. In recent weeks, the whining has gotten louder. I have had the car for under two years. It has handled well and has been regularly serviced. The Dodge dealership, after spending seven hours, informed me that the steering fluid was low due to a leak and that the steering rack would have to be replaced at a cost of $1250 plus labor (it would be an all day job). They also indicated that I would soon need a serpentine belt, which would cost $125 plus labor. Upon researching on the internet, I have discovered that this problem has been common in 2006 Grand Caravan models but that Dodge has chosen not to recall them. …
Engine complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan, 11% of the model year's 286 complaints. The component named most often is engine (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.