Dodge›Caravan›2000›3.8L V6/dodge/caravan/2000/3-8l-v6/

NS platform

2000 Dodge Caravan — 3.8L V6

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2000 Caravan 3.8L V6.

Body VANEngine 3.8L V6Transmission Automatic 4-spd

The 2000 Dodge Caravan is an NS-platform van propelled by a 3.8L V6 and a 4-speed automatic transmission, a combination rated at an EPA-estimated 18 combined mpg that requires 4.5 quarts of 5W-30 or 10W-30 API oil with a filter change. Across the model's 1990–2017 lifespan, complaint volume peaked at 1,647 in 1996 before dropping to a single complaint in 2017, placing this year's 526 total owner complaints well beneath the model's historical ceiling yet still markedly high. With power train concerns dominating the grievance list alongside 13 separate recalls, this model year sits in a problematic middle ground in the van's reliability timeline, meaning researchers should expect notable mechanical vulnerabilities rather than trouble-free operation.

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 qt w/ filterOEM · 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 Note the factory engine air filter, fuel filter, spark plug and thermostat are now discontinued — plan on a superseded or quality aftermarket equivalent, which the part pages below list where known.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 sizeP215-65R15OEM · verified

Wheel / rim6.5-J 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 w/ filter of 5W-30 / 10W-30 API engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, 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
Differential Gear Oil	80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	8.5 Pints,
Engine Coolant	ETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API · 10W-30
Engine Oil Capacity	4.5 qt w/ filter
Engine Oil	5W-30 · API · 10W-30
Engine Oil Capacity	4.5 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
Refrigerant Capacity	1.54-1.63 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	5.70-6.40 oz
Refrigerant	R134a
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	ND 8 oil

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; coolant every 100,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 100,000 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	CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 22,500 mi	Brake Linings (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Steering System (inspect) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 45,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 60,000 mi	PCV Valve (inspect)
Every 100,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · 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 2000 Dodge Caravan sits at the tail end of the third generation (1996–2000), and the federal record shows a clear downward complaint trend from the generation’s peak of 1,647 complaints in 1996 to 526 in 2000. However, its 13 recalls are only a slight drop from the 14–16 recalls seen in 1996–1998, and its 71 TSBs are the lowest of the generation, suggesting that while owner-reported issues are moderating, the vehicle still required frequent dealer intervention. The top complaint areas—Powertrain (78), Engine & Engine Cooling (54), and Air Bags (52)—along with 65 crash-related complaints and 5 fire complaints, indicate persistent safety and drivetrain concerns. Compared to the subsequent generation (2001–2004), which saw complaints fall to 195–260 and recalls drop to 8–10, the 2000 model year is less reliable. Given its high recall count and unresolved complaint areas, this is not a strong year to buy; a 2001 or 2002 model would offer a better risk profile.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

526

Owner complaints

65 involved a crash · 5 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 526 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train78

Engine & Engine Cooling54

Air Bags52

Suspension36

Service Brakes, Hydraulic36

Steering29

Seat Belts23

Structure22

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 13 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 71 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 w/ filter 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 2000 Caravan 3.8L V6 take?

4.5 qt w/ filter 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 2000 Caravan have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 13 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.