Dodge›Caravan›1999›3.8L V6/dodge/caravan/1999/3-8l-v6/

NS platform

1999 Dodge Caravan — 3.8L V6

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1999 Caravan 3.8L V6.

Engine 3.8L V6Transmission Automatic 4-spd

The 1999 Dodge Caravan 3.8L V6 was a minivan built on the NS platform, equipped with a 3.8L V6 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission, requiring 4.5 quarts of 5W-30 or 10W-30 oil and delivering EPA fuel economy ratings of 15/22/18 mpg across city/highway/combined driving. This model year falls within a broader complaint history spanning 1990 to 2017, with the 1996 model year recording the highest owner complaint count at 1,647 and the 2017 model year the lowest at just 1 complaint. With 12 recalls issued for the 1999 model and Engine & Engine Cooling emerging as the primary complaint area among 574 total owner-reported issues, this vehicle represents a period in the Caravan's history marked by notably higher reliability concerns than either its earlier or later counterparts.

Model year2007 2006 2005 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.5 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-30 / 10W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque85-115 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy15/22/18 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 34 · 600 CCA battery, OE oil filter 05281090AB. Note the factory engine air filter, fuel filter, spark plug and thermostat are now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 34 · 600 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP205-75SR14OEM · verified

Wheel / rim6-JJ inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	05281090AB alt 04105409AE
Engine air filter	04213583AB discontinued
Fuel filter	04809117AC discontinued
Spark plug	68304174AA discontinued · alt 68303949AA
Battery	BB34F101AA alt 82300133
Front wiper blades	05096134AC
Serpentine belt	05086140AB alt 04612727
Thermostat	04573560AE discontinued · alt MD997310

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	186.2 in
Overall width	75.6 in
Overall height	68.5 in
Wheelbase	113.4 in
Curb weight	3660 lb
Track (front / rear)	63 / 64.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	59/41

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	15 / 22 / 18 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.5 qt of 5W-30 / 10W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-115 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 20.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Engine Coolant	ETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API · 10W-30
Engine Oil Capacity	4.5 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API · 10W-30
Engine Oil Capacity	4.5 qt
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API · 10W-30
Engine Oil Capacity	5.0 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	40 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	AT: 55 ft-lbs, MT: 70 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	20.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs	9 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	85-115 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	PTU: 20.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	PTU: 14.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	180 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	180 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	100 rpm
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance	.45-.65 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance	7000-15,800 ohms
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Champion
Spark Plug Gap	0.048-0.053 in
Spark Plug Torque	20 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	ND 8 oil
Standard BCI Group Number	34
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	600 cca
Optional BCI Group Number	34
Optional BCI Cranking Performance	685 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test	15 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	192-198 °F
Injector Primary Resistance	4.2-5.0 na CNG ohms
Engine Compression	100 Minimum psi
Engine Oil Pressure	30-80 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	3000 rpm
Intake Valve Lash	Hydraulic in

Brakes

Brake Application	WITH REAR DISC BRAKES / WITH STANDARD
Torque to Knuckle	16 ft-lbs / 30 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.312; Rear: 0.281 Specifications
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.030; Rear: 0.030 specification
Brake Application	WITH REAR DISC BRAKES / WITH STANDARD
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0005 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.003 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	0.482 in / 0.939 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

40 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

40 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Use new bolts. Lubricate bolts with clean engine oil. · M8 Bolts:

1	25.0 ft. lbs.; M11 Bolts:	25 ft. lbs
1	45.0 ft. lbs.	45 ft. lbs
2	65.0 ft. lbs.	65 ft. lbs
3	65.0 ft. lbs.	65 ft. lbs
4	90 degrees Do not use a torque wrench for this step.	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat new bolts with the specified engine oil.

1	45.0 ft. lbs.	45 ft. lbs
2	65.0 ft. lbs.	65 ft. lbs
3	65.0 ft. lbs.	65 ft. lbs
4	90 degrees CAUTION: Do not use a torque wrench for this step.; After fourth step torque should be 90.0 ft. lbs. If not, replace bolts.; Bolts should be checked for stretching using a straight edge. Any bolts that show stretching should be replaced.	90 degrees

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

1	25.0 ft. lbs.	25 ft. lbs
2	50.0 ft. lbs.	50 ft. lbs
3	50.0 ft. lbs.	50 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

30 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

30 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 mi	Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Steering System (inspect) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 45,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 45,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 100,000 mi	Spark Plugs (replace) · Timing Belt (replace)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified

Tool required	DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
Why	Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module

Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified

When needed	After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool required	DRBIII scan tool
Also required	The vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 1999 Dodge Caravan sits in a declining federal-record arc after the 1996 peak of 1,647 complaints and 16 recalls, with 1999 recording 574 complaints, 12 recalls, 2 investigations, and 101 TSBs. That complaint count is lower than 1996–1998 (1,647, 787, and 671 respectively) and roughly comparable to 2000’s 526, while recalls and TSBs trend downward from the 1996–1998 period. The top complaint categories for 1999 are Engine & Engine Cooling (87), Power Train (80), Air Bags (79), and Service Brakes, Hydraulic (37), plus 47 crash-related and 20 fire-related complaints, though the data does not specify root causes. With only 2 investigations, 1999 marks the lowest investigative activity in the 1996–2000 window, suggesting reduced regulatory scrutiny relative to adjacent years. Given its position on the downside of the model’s complaint curve and lower complaint/investigation volume than 1996–1998, a well-maintained 1999 Caravan is a comparatively reasonable choice within this generation, but the 20 fire complaints and elevated engine, powertrain, and air-bag reports still warrant a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

101

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

574

Owner complaints

47 involved a crash · 20 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98’99’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 574 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine & Engine Cooling87

Power Train80

Air Bags79

Service Brakes, Hydraulic37

Electrical System25

Suspension22

Seat Belts19

Steering18

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 14 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

07E104000Visibility:Glass, Side/RearReported 11/12/2007

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… 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…

09E012000Exterior LightingReported 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE… Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 101 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
9004275	2020-07-22	Electrical System	KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC…
9004275	2020-07-22	Electrical System	KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC…
08-049-20	2020-04-22	Electrical System	Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin…
3100519	2019-11-20	Structure	Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with…
3100619	2019-11-20	Structure	Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Caravan. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 34 battery Vehicles taking 4.5 qt NS-platform vehicles Engine oil filter 05281090AB Engine air filter 04213583AB Fuel filter 04809117AC Spark plug 68304174AA

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 1999 Caravan 3.8L V6 take?

4.5 qt of Below 32 F: 5W-30 API, Below 100 F: 5W-30 API, Above 0 F: 10W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 1999 Caravan have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.8L V6 get?

EPA figures are 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined mpg.