What are the most common Dodge Grand Caravan problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 300+ owner reports, the 2006-2006 Dodge Grand Caravan has 1 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Cooling System Failures (3.3L/3.8L V6). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Dodge Grand Caravan reliable?

The 2006-2006 Dodge Grand Caravan has 1 known issues documented across 300+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Cooling System Failures (3.3L/3.8L V6). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Grand Caravan problems?

Repair costs for known Dodge Grand Caravan issues range from $400 to $1,200, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Cooling System Failures (3.3L/3.8L V6), typically costs $400-$1,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

2006 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2006 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

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Community Reported

300 owners

On the 2001-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan, the 3.3L and 3.8L V6 engines suffer from water pump failures, thermostat sticking, and radiator fan relay failures. Overheating can cause head gasket failure. Fan relay is the most common single failure point. Same cooling system as Chrysler Town & Country.

This issue also affects: Citroën C3, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson

Common Symptoms

Engine overheating, especially at idle or in traffic
Coolant leak from water pump area
Temperature gauge fluctuating
Heater blowing cold air
Radiator fan not running at idle

How to Fix

Replace water pump (Gates 43090 for 3.8L), thermostat (Stant 45359, 195F), and radiator cap as a set. Check fan relay (5149541AA) and fan module (5017407AB). Use Mopar OAT coolant (68048953AB) only.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 300+ owners who fixed this issue

TipGates water pump 43090 (3.8L). Replace thermostat (Stant 45359), water pump, and radiator cap together as a preventive set
NoteFan relay 5149541AA is the most common single failure point causing overheating. Keep a spare (~$15). Fan module: 5017407AB
TipUse Mopar OAT coolant 68048953AB only. Flush every 30,000 miles. Same cooling system as Chrysler Town & Country
UpgradeDenso OE-quality radiator — direct fit replacement (Denso Radiator)
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UpgradeMishimoto performance aluminum radiator for improved cooling (Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator)
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UpgradeGates water pump — OE-quality replacement with gasket (Gates Water Pump)
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UpgradeGMB water pump — reliable OEM alternative (GMB Water Pump)
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UpgradeStant thermostat — OE-spec temperature control (Stant Thermostat)
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UpgradeGates thermostat with housing for complete replacement (Gates Thermostat)
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UpgradeTYC cooling fan assembly — complete bolt-on replacement (TYC Cooling Fan Assembly)
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UpgradeDorman cooling fan motor — OE replacement (Dorman Cooling Fan Motor)
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Typical repair cost:$400 - $1,200

Research This Issue

300+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence300 reportsLast reported by owners Aug 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls17 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.

Campaign #20V39600007/07/2020

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

Freedom Motors Inc., (Freedom Motors) of Savaria Vehicle Group (formerly The Liberty Motor Company) is recalling one model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan and certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country wheelchair accessible vehicles modified by The Liberty Motor Company from February 2008 through January 2011. Over time and with use, the vehicle's rear axle may develop cracks which could lead to axle failure.

Campaign #14V05500011/02/2014

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.

Campaign #16V04700029/01/2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Campaign #14V37300026/06/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Chrysler Group, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, through October 31, 2013. The affected vehicles may experience overheating of the vent window switch in the driver's door armrest.

Campaign #14V23400007/05/2014

+ 12 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

2006 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 1 Known Issues

2001-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan: Cooling System Failures (3.3L/3.8L V6)#