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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

Tires complaints

8 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2011
Tires

15" COOPER LIFELINER GLS TIRES OF VARIOUS AGES FROM NEW TO 2 YEARS OLD ARE CRACKING ON THE INSIDE EDGE NEAR THE RIM. WE HAVE APPROXIMATELY 38 TIRES SHOWING THIS CONDITION. WE HAVE PURCHASED NEW TIRES FROM ANOTHER COMPANY AS REPLACEMENTS. WE FEEL OBLIGATED TO LET PEOPLE KNOW AS WE FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. [XXX] …

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15" COOPER LIFELINER GLS TIRES OF VARIOUS AGES FROM NEW TO 2 YEARS OLD ARE CRACKING ON THE INSIDE EDGE NEAR THE RIM. WE HAVE APPROXIMATELY 38 TIRES SHOWING THIS CONDITION. WE HAVE PURCHASED NEW TIRES FROM ANOTHER COMPANY AS REPLACEMENTS. WE FEEL OBLIGATED TO LET PEOPLE KNOW AS WE FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10380234

Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2010
Tires

2003 DODGE CARAVAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDING TIRE INSTALLATION SERVICES AT SAM'S CLUB. *TGW THE CONSUMER PURCHASED FIVE TIRES FROM TWO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, BUT THE SAME COMPANY. THE TIRES THAT WERE INSTALLED WERE BF GOODRICH P215/70R15 97T TOURING T/A PRO TIRES. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE TIRES …

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2003 DODGE CARAVAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDING TIRE INSTALLATION SERVICES AT SAM'S CLUB. *TGW THE CONSUMER PURCHASED FIVE TIRES FROM TWO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, BUT THE SAME COMPANY. THE TIRES THAT WERE INSTALLED WERE BF GOODRICH P215/70R15 97T TOURING T/A PRO TIRES. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE TIRES WAS IN FACT THE WRONG SIZE TIRE AND HAD AN INADEQUATE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY FOR HIS VEHICLE. HE ALSO NOTICED THE TIRES WERE ALMOST WORN OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED WITH THE TIRES WEARING OUT PREMATURELY, IT WAS A TESTAMENT THAT THE TIRES WERE INADEQUATE FOR HIS VEHICLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10360894

Mileage unknown · May 25, 2009
Tires

MY DODGE VAN HAS FOUR "SLOW LEAK" BRIDGESTONE TIRES. WHAT SHOULD I DO? I HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE I GOT THIS VAN. DO NOT BUY BRIDGESTONE TIRES. BRIDGESTONE 215/65R16 98T M+S EL4213Z DOT 7X6V CTO 2203 C19L TUBELESS RADIAL . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10269857

70,810 miles · Mar 19, 2009
Tires

I HAVE RECEIVED TWO DIFFERENT DOUGLAS 215/70R 15BWX-TRACII TIRES. BOTH HAVE SEPARATED ON ME. THE TIRES ARE NO LONGER USABLE. I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THE QUALITY OF TIRE. THESE OCCURRENCES HAPPENED WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF EACH OTHER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10262465

20,776 miles · Dec 22, 2008
Tires

WE EXPERIENCED A SIDEWALL BLOWOUT OF A BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL42 (21565R16 98T) ON OUR 2003 DODGE CARAVAN (ONLY 20,800MI) WHEN I DROVE TO THE HOME. WHEN I CHECK OTHER TIRES. I FOUND A SAME PROBLEM ON ANOTHER TIRE --- FEW CRACKS ON THE SIDEWALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10252486

Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2006
TiresCrash

2003 GRAND CARAVAN TIRE BLEW OUT. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, SHE FELT THE VEHICLE SWERVE TO THE RIGHT AND HIT THE GUARDRAIL. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10176447

900 miles · Feb 19, 2004
Fuel System, GasolineTires

CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE'S MANUAL AND THE TIRE MANUAL HAVE SPECIAL CUSTOM SHOWING A TREAD PATTERN WITH SOLID RUBBER ON THE SIDE OF THE TIRE. AS A RESULT, WATER WAS UNABLE TO ESCAPE WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO HYDRO PLANE OR SPIN EASILY WHEN DRIVING ON WET SURFACES. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM…

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CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE'S MANUAL AND THE TIRE MANUAL HAVE SPECIAL CUSTOM SHOWING A TREAD PATTERN WITH SOLID RUBBER ON THE SIDE OF THE TIRE. AS A RESULT, WATER WAS UNABLE TO ESCAPE WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO HYDRO PLANE OR SPIN EASILY WHEN DRIVING ON WET SURFACES. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM, BUT THE FUEL WAS LESS PER GALLON THAN ANTICIPATED IN THE MANUALS. *AK *JB

NHTSA ODI #10053564

2,600 miles · Jul 28, 2003
Tires

THE BRIDGESTONE TIRE, TURANZA EL42 ,215/65R16, BLACK WALLS. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO GET A HOLD OF THE MANUFACTURER BUT WAS LEFT ON HOLD SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO RESULTS. *AK THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN WHEN THE VEHICLE FISHTAILED . THE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND VIEWED SMOKE IN THE REAR. WH…

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THE BRIDGESTONE TIRE, TURANZA EL42 ,215/65R16, BLACK WALLS. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO GET A HOLD OF THE MANUFACTURER BUT WAS LEFT ON HOLD SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO RESULTS. *AK THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN WHEN THE VEHICLE FISHTAILED . THE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND VIEWED SMOKE IN THE REAR. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE CONSUMER SAW THE TIRE WAS SHREDDED. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10026775

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