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2003 Dodge Caravan

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Dodge Caravan do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 182.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

137 reports with mileage · 58 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports5 fire reports13 injury reports

Seats complaints

5 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2005
Seats

DT: NOTICED THAT AROUND SEPTEMBER 1, 2004 THAT THE DESIGNED SEAT OF THE SECOND ROW SEATS HINGE IN THE FRONT SEAT LOCKS ON THE BACK. WHEN LOCKING THE SEAT IT APPEARS THAT THEY ARE LOCK. BUT, IN REALITY, THEY ARE NOT LOCKING IN THE BACK OF SECOND ROW SEAT. THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT THE SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY LOCKED. WHEN CHIL…

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DT: NOTICED THAT AROUND SEPTEMBER 1, 2004 THAT THE DESIGNED SEAT OF THE SECOND ROW SEATS HINGE IN THE FRONT SEAT LOCKS ON THE BACK. WHEN LOCKING THE SEAT IT APPEARS THAT THEY ARE LOCK. BUT, IN REALITY, THEY ARE NOT LOCKING IN THE BACK OF SECOND ROW SEAT. THERE IS NO INDICATION THAT THE SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY LOCKED. WHEN CHILDREN ARE IN THE SEAT AND ITS IS NOT LOCKED IT WILL ROTATE FORWARD. THE ROW IN FRONT FEATURES A HARD PLASTIC HANDLE THAT IF THE CHILDREN WOULD HIT WOULD CAUSE EVEN MORE DAMAGE WHEN NOT PROPERLY LOCKED DOWN. THIS HAPPENED WITH THE CONSUMER'S CHILD IN THE VEHICLE, AND THE ENTIRE WEIGHT OF THE SEAT WAS ON HIM. HE HIT THE BACK FRONT SEAT, AND THIS BROKE TEETH. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER AND THEY JUST COMPLAINT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10137412

7,051 miles · Jul 15, 2004
SeatsInjury

THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT LUNGED FORWARD. AS A RESULT, CONSUMER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND A BLACK EYE. *AK THE SEAT WAS LEFT RECLINED BY THE OWNER'S DAUGHTER BEFORE INCIDENT OCCURRED. AS CONSUMER TRIED TO RETRIEVE SOME ITEMS FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE, CONSUMER LEANED ACROSS THE SEAT AND PULLED THE LEVER TO RAISE IT FROM T…

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THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT LUNGED FORWARD. AS A RESULT, CONSUMER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND A BLACK EYE. *AK THE SEAT WAS LEFT RECLINED BY THE OWNER'S DAUGHTER BEFORE INCIDENT OCCURRED. AS CONSUMER TRIED TO RETRIEVE SOME ITEMS FROM THE REAR DRIVER SIDE, CONSUMER LEANED ACROSS THE SEAT AND PULLED THE LEVER TO RAISE IT FROM THE RECLINED POSITION. AS THE SEAT LUNGED FORWARD, IT HIT THE CONSUMER'S HEAD FORCING IT TO HIT THE HANDLE OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10079494

10,000 miles · Dec 18, 2003
SeatsCrashInjury

VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP. DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BACKS COLLAPSED. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10051738

48,000 miles · Dec 4, 2003
SeatsCrashInjury

WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT, THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM THE BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, DRIVING FROM 55 TO 60 MPH. AT THE MOMENT OF IMPACT THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK COLLAPSED, SLAMMING THE CONSUMER ONTO THE REAR SEATS. SEAT BELTS WERE WORN AT THE TIME OF THE COLLISION. THE POLICE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AND CITED THE OTHER…

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WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT, THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM THE BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, DRIVING FROM 55 TO 60 MPH. AT THE MOMENT OF IMPACT THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK COLLAPSED, SLAMMING THE CONSUMER ONTO THE REAR SEATS. SEAT BELTS WERE WORN AT THE TIME OF THE COLLISION. THE POLICE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AND CITED THE OTHER DRIVER. THE CONSUMER SUFFERED NECK AND SPINAL INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *PH *MR

NHTSA ODI #10050078

18,250 miles · Nov 29, 2003
Air BagsSeatsCrashInjury

40 TO 60 MPH REAR END CRASH BY BMW INTO STATIONARY (TRANS IN DRIVE, WAITING TO EXIT EXPRESSWAY) 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SPORT - (ONLY DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER IN CARAVAN, BOTH WITH SEAT BELTS FASTENED) ALL SEAT BACKS COLLAPSED BACKWARD, INCLUDING MIDDLE BENCH, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE FLUNG BACK CAUSING NECK INJURIES. IF A …

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40 TO 60 MPH REAR END CRASH BY BMW INTO STATIONARY (TRANS IN DRIVE, WAITING TO EXIT EXPRESSWAY) 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SPORT - (ONLY DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER IN CARAVAN, BOTH WITH SEAT BELTS FASTENED) ALL SEAT BACKS COLLAPSED BACKWARD, INCLUDING MIDDLE BENCH, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE FLUNG BACK CAUSING NECK INJURIES. IF A CHILD HAD BEEN SITTING ON THE MIDDLE BENCH SEAT THEY MAY HAVE BEEN CRUSHED. IN ADDITION THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR DETACHED COMPLETELY (ELECTRICAL WIRES TORN OUT FROM VISOR LIGHT) AND FLEW INTO THE DRIVERS FACE. THE CARAVAN AFTER BEING HIT WAS PUSHED INTO THE NEXT CAR IN FRONT OF IT. NEITHER THE DRIVER SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10048839

Official recalls

3

05V134000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock

Apr 6, 2005

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) LATCH MAY NOT ENGAGE THE STRIKER ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO OPEN WHILE DRIVING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AN UNBELTED PASSENGER COULD BE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER LIFTGATE CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN APRIL 26, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

04V386000 · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

Aug 5, 2004

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH 3.3 OR 3.8L V-6 ENGINE, THE UPPER POWER STEERING COOLER HOSE MAY SPLIT AND CAUSE A FLUID LEAK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE UPPER POWER STEERING COOLER HOSE. THIS RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

03V094000 · Structure

Mar 7, 2003

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP14002 · Engine Stall After Refueling

Opened Sep 5, 2014 · Closed Apr 6, 2015

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

This defect petition evaluates July 7, 2014 allegations from an owner of a model year (MY) 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan that engine stall occurs in these vehicles without warning after refueling.The petitioner's vehicle is a Chrysler RS platform minivan.The RS platform includes MY 2003 through 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town and Country and Chrysler Voyager minivans.NHTSA evaluated the petition by analyzing consumer complaints submitted to the Agency, analyzing field data, reviewing technical information provided in Chrysler's response to an Agency information request and testing an RS minivan identified by its owner as experiencing post-refuel engine stalls.After completing this evaluation, NHTSA has concluded that further investigation is unlikely to result in a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists.The stalls occurring in these vehicles only occur immediately after filling up the fuel tank and happen at low engine speeds. The failure rate is low, even after 8 to 13 years of the vehicles being in service, and there are no reports of crashes or injuries resulting from the stall condition.In the Agency's view, additional investigation is unlikely to result in finding the existence of a safety-related defect in the subject vehicles.Given the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA's limited resources to best accomplish the Agency's safety mission, the petition is denied.This action does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency will take further action if warranted by future circumstances. More details concerning our review can be found in the Federal Register Notice for this action.The following 161 VOQs are included in the petition evaluation: 10209242, 10229468, 10240708, 10260923, 10275939, 10276532, 10296487, 10298175, 10328669, 10330144, 10346517, 10349789, 10354758, 10363689, 10372112, 10372368, 10372514, 10378031, 10379764, 10382938, 10387448, 10394063, 10398877, 10413918, 10418652, 10420924, 10427063, 10437525, 10445392, 10446902, 10470028, 10471249, 10473733, 10502231, 10503114, 10504260, 10509862, 10511988, 10512120, 10512385, 10512650, 10513147, 10538154, 10549841, 10551763, 10555188, 10555418, 10556754, 10565367, 10574012, 10574398, 10586555, 10587212, 10587559, 10593433, 10607841, 10607913, 10608922, 10615810, 10622468, 10628141, 10632112, 10632128, 10632172, 10632175, 10632231, 10632262, 10632266, 10632270, 10632305, 10632316, 10632326, 10632370, 10632385, 10632399, 10632492, 10632542, 10632765, 10632833, 10632928, 10633197, 10633281, 10633409, 10633421, 10633483, 10633507, 10637752, 10637804, 10637950, 10637975, 10638032, 10638289, 10638290, 10638401, 10638968, 10639218, 10639623, 10641157, 10641603, 10641614, 10641836, 10644339, 10644705, 10649713, 10649895, 10649932, 10650313, 10652590, 10653147, 10653783, 10654533, 10655226, 10658900, 10659679, 10660320, 10662588, 10662645, 10662662, 10663473, 10667056, 10667437, 10668081, 10668094, 10668131, 10668612, 10668969, 10668970, 10669584, 10669678, 10669729, 10669775, 10669866, 10669895, 10669992, 10670422, 10670506, 10676348, 10676732, 10677120, 10679795, 10679934, 10680057, 10680290, 10680342, 10680714, 10681512, 10682584, 10682906, 10683022, 10683114, 10683549, 10683620, 10683697, 10683743, 10689898, 10690761, 10691284, 10691556, 10691751, 10693061, 10694300