The 2007 Dodge Caravan is a workhorse minivan plagued by two major weak points: catastrophic automatic transmission failures (especially oil cooler contamination) and 3.3L/3.8L V6 engine issues including head gasket leaks and lower-end failures. The 2.4L is less common but has its own valve-train problems.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure Leading to Total Transmission Loss
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink milkshake (coolant/ATF mixture) in radiator overflow or transmission pan, Transmission slipping, delayed engagement, or sudden no-movement, Overheating transmission temp gauge, Coolant loss with no external leaks
Fix: The internal trans cooler in the radiator ruptures, mixing coolant into ATF and destroying clutch packs and valve body. Requires radiator replacement, transmission rebuild or replacement, complete fluid flush of cooling system. 12-16 hours labor for full job with reman transmission.
Estimated cost: $3,200-5,500
3.3L/3.8L V6 Head Gasket Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Coolant consumption with no external leaks, Overheating, especially under load, Rough idle, misfires, or oil in coolant (if severe), Sweet smell from exhaust
Fix: These V6s have thin-wall casting and blow head gaskets between cylinders or into coolant passages. Often find warped heads requiring machine work. Both heads typically done together. 14-18 hours labor with head resurfacing.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
3.3L/3.8L V6 Lower-End Bearing Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 150,000-200,000 mi
Symptoms: Heavy knocking from bottom of engine, worse when warm, Metallic rattling at idle that increases with RPM, Low oil pressure warning at idle, Metal shavings in oil filter or on magnetic drain plug
Fix: Rod or main bearings spin due to oil sludge buildup or wear. Often find scored crankshaft requiring replacement. Most cost-effective fix is used low-mileage engine or reman short block. 18-24 hours for engine R&R and short block swap.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000
Transmission Mount Collapse (Front/Rear)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Visible engine/trans movement when revving in Park, Drivetrain shudder on acceleration
Fix: Hydraulic mounts fail and the transmission droops, causing driveline angles to change and CV axle bind. Front mount most common failure. 2-3 hours for front, rear adds another 1.5 hours if needed.
Estimated cost: $350-650
2.4L I4 Valve Cover and Rocker Arm Noise
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping from valve cover area, Oil leaking from valve cover onto exhaust manifold (burning oil smell), Check engine light with camshaft position sensor codes, Rough running if rocker arm wears through and loses lash
Fix: The 2.4L DOHC has weak rocker arms that wear cam lobes and make noise. Valve cover gasket also leaks oil. Often need cam followers and sometimes camshaft resurface. 4-6 hours for valve cover service plus rocker replacement.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
EVAP System Leaks and Check Engine Lights
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: P0442, P0456 (small EVAP leak) or P0440 (large leak) codes, Check engine light after refueling, Fuel smell near rear of vehicle, Failed emissions test
Fix: Common culprits are failed EVAP canister, cracked vent valve, or deteriorated hoses at charcoal canister. Smoke test required to pinpoint. Gas cap rarely the issue. 1.5-3 hours depending on component location.
Estimated cost: $250-600
Power Sliding Door Motor and Track Failures
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Door stops mid-cycle or reverses, Grinding or clicking noise during operation, Door won't latch or open on command, Warning chime and door ajar light even when closed
Fix: The power door motors and plastic rollers/tracks wear out. Door often binds if track is dirty or bent. Motor replacement is 2-3 hours, track cleaning and roller replacement adds another hour. Often need both sides eventually.
Estimated cost: $500-1,200
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 50,000 mi and install external trans cooler to bypass factory radiator cooler — prevents the pink-milkshake disaster
Use quality synthetic oil and change every 5,000 mi on the V6 engines to minimize sludge buildup and bearing wear
Inspect coolant regularly for oil contamination (milky appearance) — early catch of head gasket seepage saves thousands
Lubricate sliding door tracks every 6 months and keep them clean to extend motor life
Buy only if under 100,000 miles with documented transmission cooler bypass, extended trans fluid changes, and no history of overheating — otherwise budget $4,000+ for inevitable powertrain work.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Battery located under hood on driver side; standard top post terminals
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Every control module on the 2001-2007 Dodge Caravan — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Anti-Lock Brake System Controller (ABS)1.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, left inner fender or integrated with hydraulic unit
🔧 DRB-III, StarSCAN, or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Bosch 5.7 or Teves system. Requires bleeding and sensor calibration.
Body Control Module (BCM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
⚠️ Optional equipment. Compass requires zone calibration after replacement.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
CURT MFG IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 3 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 13347, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1997-2007 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VANS, 1996-2007 DODGE CARAVANS, AND 1996-2004 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VANS. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE HITCH MAY FRACTURE OR BREAK AT THE BEND LOCATION WHERE THE MAIN BODY OF THE HITCH MEETS THE HITCH MUFFLER STRAP.
Consequence: IF THE AREA IN QUESTION FRACTURES OR BREAKS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN UNSTABLE DRIVING CONDITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Remedy: CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE THE HITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG AT 1-715-831-8713.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 08E048000
2008-08-08
EAGLE EYES IS RECALLING 11,534 HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. CS090-B001L AND CS090-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE LOWER BEAM PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: EAGLE EYES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EAGLE EYES AT 1-800-568-1098.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · 08E039000
2008-06-10
MAXZONE IS RECALLING 2,520 HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 3341103L-AS AND 334-1103R-AS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR 2001-2007 DODGE CARAVAN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: 1-888-286-1188 (WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, AZ, MT, WY, UT, CO, KS, NM, OK, TX, AR, LA, AK, HI) 1-877-253-8930 (ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ, PA, MD, DE, WV, VA) 1-800-859-4755 (NC, SC, GA, FL, TN, AL, MS) 1-866-783-6858 (ND, SD, NE, MN, IA, MO, WI, IL, MI, IN, OH, KY).
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR · 07E104000
2007-12-11
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 FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, "GLAZING MATERIALS."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT(S) MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED BY SHATTERED GLASS.
Remedy: SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS RETAIL CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. RETAIL CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE TOLL FREE AT 1-888-843-2906. SAFELITE WILL NOTIFY ITS WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS AND REIMBURSE WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS FOR CURRENT INVENTORY AND AT A SPECIFIED RATE FOR REPLACING THEIR CUSTOMER'S GLASS. WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT SAFELITE'S WHOLESALE DIVISION, SERVICE AUTOGLASS TOLL FREE AT 1-888-246-6298. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2008.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
17mpg
Highway
24mpg
Combined
20mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Minivan - 2WD
Wiper blades
4th generation (2001-2007). Final year before discontinuation. Rear wiper standard on minivan body style.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2007 Dodge Caravan 3.3L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.