Total Complaints
378 filings
DODGE GRAND CARAVAN · model year
378 NHTSA complaints, 18 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2006DODGEGRAND CARAVAN carries 378 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 18 crashes, 7 fires, 29 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2006 GRAND CARAVAN is steering with 49 filings, followed by electrical system (37) and air bags (36). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 20 investigation files overlapping the 2006 GRAND CARAVAN, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
378 filings
Crashes Reported
18 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| STEERING | 49 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 37 |
| AIR BAGS | 36 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 28 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 25 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | 21 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR | 19 |
| ENGINE | 16 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 15 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 9 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 8 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 7 |
| STEERING:RACK AND PINION | 7 |
| STRUCTURE | 7 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7 |
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.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
CERTAIN CURVED TEMPERED REPLACEMENT GLASS MANUFACTURED BY HANGZHOU SAFETY GLASS LTD AND SUPPLIED TO SAFELITE BY AUTO TEMP INC., IDENTIFIED AS DOT-430, AND SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN VEHICLES MAY NOT BREAK INTO SMALL PIECES AS EXPECTED OF TEMPERED GLASS AND FAILS TO CONFORM TO FEDER
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, MISS
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
ON CERTAIN VANS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ARMATURE SHAFT MAY BREAK.
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. The failure was progressively worsened, and the vehicle was no longer being driven. Upon further investigation, the contact found information on various
Mileage: 122,000
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving 5-10 MPH and pulling out of the parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast into a gas station. The contact stated that the engine was running, but the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving near the residence. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle responded as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that the sliding doors had failed to close and lock automatically and sometimes opened while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that one of the windows failed to roll down. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Mileage: 130,000
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving 5-10 MPH and pulling out of the parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast into a gas station. The contact stated that the engine was running, but the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving near the residence. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle responded as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that the sliding doors had failed to close and lock automatically and sometimes opened while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that one of the windows failed to roll down. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Mileage: 130,000
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving 5-10 MPH and pulling out of the parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast into a gas station. The contact stated that the engine was running, but the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving near the residence. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle responded as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that the sliding doors had failed to close and lock automatically and sometimes opened while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that one of the windows failed to roll down. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Mileage: 130,000
My complaint involves more than one incident...it is the braking system on this vehicle. One incident was in Panama City Beach, Florida. My entire braking system locked up and I had numerous items replaced. Another more recent incident happened in Alabama. My left front brake heated up to the point it smelled like the vehicle was on fire. I have had several calipers and rotors replaced, numerous brake pads and not all of these repairs has been done by the same garage. I read complaints from others about the manufacturers brake system is too small for this style vehicle. They have experienced the same problems I have had. I bought this vehicle in 2015 and I have 155,000 miles on it. I have had to replace a water pump and spark plugs and wires, regular oil changes, etc. The only real problem I have had has been the brakes. I have spent almost $3,500 on brakes alone. I would think the braking system could be a very hazardous situation in the traffic of today. Please help me a
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that on several occasions, the air bag warning light illuminated for two minutes and then disappeared. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,032.
Mileage: 146,032
The headlights and taillights come on randomly throughout the day and night while the car is parked and off. The warning dings for accidentally leaving your lights on happens every time you open the doors even though the lights are off. This has been going on since we got the vehicle.
LIGHTS GO OUT WHEN THE RAIN GETS UP UNDER THE CAR FROM SPLASHING ON THE ROAD. YOU HAVE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURN IT OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON SEVERAL TIMES AND IT STAYS ON FOR A SHORT TIME. PROCEDURE IS REPEATED AGAIN. ONLY IN RAINY WEATHER AND OREGON GETS A LOT OF SPORADIC RAIN. ALSO, THE IGNITION TENDS TO TURN THE AIRBAG LIGHTS ON AND OFF WHENEVER I TURN A CORNER LEFT OR RIGHT OF HIT A BUMP.
Mileage: 168,101
LIGHTS GO OUT WHEN THE RAIN GETS UP UNDER THE CAR FROM SPLASHING ON THE ROAD. YOU HAVE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURN IT OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON SEVERAL TIMES AND IT STAYS ON FOR A SHORT TIME. PROCEDURE IS REPEATED AGAIN. ONLY IN RAINY WEATHER AND OREGON GETS A LOT OF SPORADIC RAIN. ALSO, THE IGNITION TENDS TO TURN THE AIRBAG LIGHTS ON AND OFF WHENEVER I TURN A CORNER LEFT OR RIGHT OF HIT A BUMP.
Mileage: 168,101
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE OIL PRESSURE AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. ON NOVEMBER 9, 2019, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS LOSING SPEED, BUT WAS ABLE TO BE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE POLICE DUE TO HER DISABLED HUSBAND BEING IN THE COLD FOR OVER TWO HOURS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL, BUT THERE WERE NO INJURIES OR MEDICAL ATTENTION NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK IN THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED
SLIDING DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FROZE UP.THIS RENDERSTHE SLIDING DOOR COMPLETELY INOPERABLE.IF THAT DOOR WAS NEEDED FOREGRESS,IT WOULDNT BE AVAILABLE!!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD NOISES COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT DROVE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN AN UNKNOWN RECALL; HOWEVER, NO RECALL WAS FOUND. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Mileage: 80,000
DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR IS LOCKED AND CAN'T BE UNLOCKED MANUALLY OR WITH FOB OR OVERHEAD BUTTON. VERY WORRIED ABOUT PASSENGERS NOT BEING ABLE TO EXIT DURING AN EMERGENCY. *DT CONSUMER STATED SHE WILL TAKE IT TO HER LOCAL DODGE DEALER.*JB
Mileage: 45,188
DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR STUCK IN LOCKED POSITION. UNABLE TO UNLOCK USING DOOR LOCK SWITCH, UPPER CONSOLE DOOR SWITCH, KEY FOB OR MANUALLY. PASSENGER STUCK AND HAD TO CRAWL OUT DIFFERENT DOOR.
Mileage: 164,000
2006 DODGE CARAVANS HAVE A DUMMY SPARE TIRE LOCATED NEAR THE GAS TANK SUBJECT TO ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THEY BECOME DRY ROTTED AND CAN EXPLODE.THERE IS NO PROTECTION COVER THAT PREVIOUS DODGE CARS HAD. I HAD ONE BLOW AS I WAS ABOUT TO USE IT ON THE VAN. I SINCERELY NO ONE HAS ONE BLOW WHILE MOUNTED NEAR THE GAS TANK. *TR
Mileage: 100,000
AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, STAYS ON, THEN GOES OFF, THEN BACK ON WHILE DRIVING.
Mileage: 200,000
SLIDING DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FROZE UP. THIS RENDERS THE SLIDING DOOR COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. IF THAT DOOR WAS NEEDED FOREGRESS, IT WOULDN'T BE AVAILABLE.
Mileage: 90,000
SLIDING DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FROZE UP. THIS RENDERS THE SLIDING DOOR COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. IF THAT DOOR WAS NEEDED FOREGRESS, IT WOULDN'T BE AVAILABLE.
Mileage: 90,000
THE REAR POWER LIFT GATE ON MY 2006 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN DOES NOT STAY OPEN WHEN LOADING OR UNLOADING ITEMS BUT KEEPS CONTINUALLY CLOSING HARD AUTOMATICALLY WHEN NEEDING TO HAVE IT STAY OPEN TO ALLOW FOR LOADING OR UNLOADING. THIS HAPPEN WHETHER ONE TRIES TO OPEN THE DOOR USING THE HANDLE MANUALLY OR AUTOMATICALLY WITH THE KEY FOB. THIS HAS HAPPENED OVER THE LAST 3 OR 4 YEARS ESPECIALLY DURING WINTER BUT NOT CONFINED TO WINTER ONLY. MY GRANDSON AND MYSELF ALMOST GOT CAUGHT MORE THAN ONCE AND INJURED IN ITS UNEXPECTED DOWNWARD FREE-FALL. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TO ANYONE TRYING TO ACCESS THE BACK PORTION OF THE VAN AS THE HEAVY LIFT GATES CLOSES ON THEM TRAPPING THEM AND CAUSING POTENTIAL SERIOUS INJURY. THIS HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN THE GARAGE OR STATIONARY IN A SHOPPING PARKING LOT WHEN LOADING GROCERIES OR OTHER PURCHASES. OR WHEN PUTTING THE REAR SEATS UP OR DOWN TO UTILIZE BACK PORTION OF VAN. SOMEONE CANNOT HOLD THE LIFT GATE OPEN WHEN ANOTHER IS TRYING TO ACCESS TH
Mileage: 93,360
UNABLE TO FILL WITH GAS AT SERVICE STATION (EVAPORATIVE SISTEM). THE NOZZLE KEPT SHUTTING OFF EVEN THOUGH THE TANK WAS NEARLY EMPTY.
Mileage: 95,000
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.