Two problems related to engine oil leaking have been reported for the 2006 Dodge Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2006 Dodge Caravan based on all problems reported for the 2006 Caravan.
I own a 2006 Dodge Caravan with 2. 4 liter, 4 cyl dohc 16 engine. This van was built at the factory in 2005 - sold new in January 2006 to a rental agency and I purchased later when the vehicle had about 19,000 miles on it. The van now has 63,000 miles (in November 2010). I noticed very significant engine oil leak near the oil filter housing. The leak was determined to be coming from the front crankshaft seal. I had this seal replaced but within a days it had popped out and was leaking again. I understand that there is a technical repair/service bulletin - case number [xxx] (do a google search to find) on this issue. I also see that there are two NHTSA cases with identical problems to mine listed on this site (10333917, 10257511). Anybody see a trend here???? it's pretty clear to me that Dodge has manufacturing issues with this engine if the crankshaft is continuously kicking out the seal. I wasn't expecting major engine overhaul or replacement on this vehicle when I purchased it and, as I said, the van only has 63,000 miles. Last Dodge I will be buying!! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
On 7/29/08 I drove my vehicle to a business meeting and noticed the oil light flashing on and off. When I was through with the meeting I checked my oil to see if it was low and found that it was, when I pulled out of the parking space I found a puddle of oil on the ground. I drove directly to monro-joppa rd. Shop to get it checked out and they found that the crank shaft had cracked and was causing oil to pour out of the car. The replaced all parts necessary and it cost me $737. One week later on 8/8/08 I drove to another business meeting and coming out to my car found that it was leaking again. I took it back to monro-joppa rd. And they found that it was the same problem. They went to schaefer & strominger to obtain a Dodge part (crank shaft) and was told by the service man there that they have been seeing this problem with certain Dodge cars. The mechanic from monro asked why haven't the cars been recalled. The Dodge service man gave the mechanic from monro a paper with the solution number and what would need to happen if it continues. The next step if this problem is not corrected, would be to replace the engine. I was given a copy of this form as well. So far this problem has been repaired twice and I am concerned about it happening again and causing me to replace an engine on a 2 year old van.