2006 Dodge caravan 2.4 engine. Crank seal went out at 90,000 miles. 450.00 put in a new seal and replaced timing belt that was covered in oil. Started dripping oil again a few weeks ago; now running oil again out of same spot. Valve cover was repaired a few months ago after it developed an oil leak involving the valve cover seal that fits around spark plug tube. Repaired that without too much trouble, but this is my third oil leak since I purchased the van less than two years ago. Dodge has made some good engines, but stay away from this one!
It's sad to find out what the real problem was after replacing the seal 2x in three days. The problem : Dodge's problem of the end play on the crankshaft, from the bearing wearing out pops out the crankshaft oil seal. ( Oil was changed every 3000 miles. ) SHAME ON DODGE !!!!!! MADE IN AMERICA !!!!!! Many of my dollars spent to repair that !!!!
Replace seal (3), Replace PCV and hose, Oil continues to leak out as soon as you start car. Car bought used with 32000 miles, soon as extended warranty expired everything went wrong with this and still making payments
Only found out after this experience that Dodge stopped making this engine after 4 years. Mechanic said it was the worst design he'd seen for crank bearings. Dodge service was slow to respond and ended up not helping or addressing any of my concerns, expressed in the first call I made to them and in the subsequent calls. They acted as if this was an unknown problem they would have to evaluate at a dealer. They offered to evaluate it (if I towed it there) for half the dealer's $100 diagnostic fee, but their charge for the repair would've been 1.5-2 times higher than a national car repair chain. Further, the dealer couldn't even look at it for two more days. Poor design followed by poor customer service with multiple unreturned calls (when they were promised).
- Mark W.,
Lyndhurst, OH, US
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have not had a problem with oil leaking, car running hot, ect-then all of a sudden, oil was pouring out-used 2 quarts going 8 miles(to get to repair shop) - had to remove and replace camshaft, front crankshaft seals, timing belts a/c belt, p/s belts, water pump -was told by mechanic, it looked like seals were never put on from manufacture and had never heard of a car with that few miles having this problem. wondering if anyone else has experienced a problem like this with their caravan. called dealerships and of course they were no help.
Update from May 21, 2011: Car now has 57,000 miles, only 4 mos after replacing camshaft, front crankshaft seals, timing belt, a/c belt, p/s belt, water pump and fuel pump--seals came loose AGAIN.. leaking oil AGAIN..found out too much play in crankshaft. If fixed AGAIN, will just work its way loose AGAIN. Called Crysler, guess what, they DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT..I was told I should have taken the van to the dealer. How do I know they just would not cover up the problem? I told Crysler, I did not trust their mechanics..not could I drive the van to a dealership - leaking oil. They need to recall the vans and check into it....
took my van in for an oil leak and had them check the brakes but found out I needed a new oil pan gasket. replaced that but still leaking and now it needs a rear main seal.
Garage called and said that they needed to order the part from detroit because dodge remade this part due to defects. But no one will help me at Dodge what so ever. It's seems in todays ecomony companies would take some pride in what the produce.
Whats the advantage to buying an American made product when no one stands behind them. Please help me.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2006 Dodge caravan 2.4 engine. Crank seal went out at 90,000 miles. 450.00 put in a new seal and replaced timing belt that was covered in oil. Started dripping oil again a few weeks ago; now running oil again out of same spot. Valve cover was repaired a few months ago after it developed an oil leak involving the valve cover seal that fits around spark plug tube. Repaired that without too much trouble, but this is my third oil leak since I purchased the van less than two years ago. Dodge has made some good engines, but stay away from this one!
- Aaron L., Canandaigua, NY, US