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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

195 reports
30,000 miles · Jul 31, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES HAD A RUST PROBLEM AND GRINDED EVERY TIME THEY WERE APPLIED. THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE BACKER PLATE ALLOWING WATER INTO THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE BRAKES WERE SERVICED TWICE BY AN INDEPENDENT DEALER AND ONCE BY A SERVICE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS A LEASE AND TH…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES HAD A RUST PROBLEM AND GRINDED EVERY TIME THEY WERE APPLIED. THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE BACKER PLATE ALLOWING WATER INTO THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE BRAKES WERE SERVICED TWICE BY AN INDEPENDENT DEALER AND ONCE BY A SERVICE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS A LEASE AND THE BRAKES WERE OUT OF WARRANTY.

NHTSA ODI #10164008

Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THE BRAKE DRUMS ON THE CONSUMER'S 2003 DODGE CARAVAN WERE TAKEN OFF 3 TIMES TO CLEAN OFF RUST WHICH CAUSED GRINDING WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THEY WERE FIRST CLEANED AT 12000 MILES.*TS THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10162617

33,000 miles · Jun 25, 2006
Air Bags

MY 1998 DODGE CARAVAN SUFFERED FROM THIS TWICE IN THE 5 1/2 YEARS WE DROVE IT. FAILURE OF THE CLOCKSPRING, WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE HUB OF THE STEERING WHEEL. RECALL NO. D17. MY 2003 DODGE CARAVAN WITH 33000 MILES ON IT NOW HAS THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMING ON JUST LIKE MY 1998 DID. IS THERE A SIMILAR PROBLEM ON THE 2003? *JB

NHTSA ODI #10160706

61,200 miles · Jun 15, 2006
Equipment

I HAD A FLAT TIRE AND TRIED TO USE THE SPARE. HOWEVER, THE WINCH TO LOWER THE SPARE TIRE HAD STRIPPED GEARS AND WOULD NOT LOWER. THIS IS ONLY THE THIRD TIME I'VE EVER USED IT. I FINALLY HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THEY CHARGED $265. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10159929

40,000 miles · Jun 12, 2006
Parking BrakeService Brakes, Hydraulic

EMERGENCY BRAKE WILL NOT ENGAGE. LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING IS LOCKED UP INSIDE THE REAR DRUM RESULTING IN BRAKES TO ENGAGE WITH HIGH FORCE WITH JUST LIGHT BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10159599

39,289 miles · Jun 3, 2006
Electrical System

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SPORT, ON HIGHWAY 664 WHEN THE ALARM INDICATION CAME ON AND THE VAN STALLED OUT, HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. IT WOULD NOT START UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING AND THIS TIME ON 664 WITH MY TWO CHILDREN IN THE VAN AND AN 18 WHEELER BEHIND HER THE ALARM LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THE DARN THING STALLED OUT…

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MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SPORT, ON HIGHWAY 664 WHEN THE ALARM INDICATION CAME ON AND THE VAN STALLED OUT, HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. IT WOULD NOT START UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING AND THIS TIME ON 664 WITH MY TWO CHILDREN IN THE VAN AND AN 18 WHEELER BEHIND HER THE ALARM LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THE DARN THING STALLED OUT AGAIN. AGAIN IT WAS TOWED HOME AND IT IS STILL WON'T START. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME SINCE I BOUGHT THE VAN USED IN AUG 2004. I CALLED THE DODGE CORPORATE OFFICE AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING, THE VAN ONLY HAS 39,294 MILES ON IT. THE SECOND TIME MY WIFE AND CHILDREN WERE ALMOST KILLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TOOK THE VAN TO FIRESTONE AND THEY PUT THE ECU ANALYZER ON IT AND FOUND NO PROBLEMS CAUSED BY ANYTHING IT MONITORS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10158908

Mileage unknown · May 23, 2006
Electrical System

WE JUST HAD OUR 2003 DODGE CARAVAN FIXED AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD BEEN ON, AND IT STARTED TO SPUTTER. NOW IT WAS WORKING FINE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON, THEN THE SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE, HEAT GUAGE, AND DIGITAL MILEAGE DISPLAY ALL TURNED OFF AND WENT HAYWIRE. THE DIGITAL DISPLAY TURNED OFF, WHILE THE GAUGE…

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WE JUST HAD OUR 2003 DODGE CARAVAN FIXED AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD BEEN ON, AND IT STARTED TO SPUTTER. NOW IT WAS WORKING FINE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON, THEN THE SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE, HEAT GUAGE, AND DIGITAL MILEAGE DISPLAY ALL TURNED OFF AND WENT HAYWIRE. THE DIGITAL DISPLAY TURNED OFF, WHILE THE GAUGES ALL FLOATED. ALL OVER THE PLACE. LAST TIME IT WAS THE OIL PRESSURE SENSOR AND THE VACUUM LINE FOR THE FUEL SYSTEM, AND BEFORE THAT AT ANOTHER RECENT EVENT WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, IT WAS THE GAS CAP NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THERE ARE ONLY APPROX. 48,000 MILES ON THE MINIVAN. WE'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE ROTORS TWICE SINCE WE GOT IN IN OCTOBER 2004. IN THE TWO YEARS WE'VE HAD IT, WE'VE NEEDED TO GET RENTALS TWICE BECAUSE OF THIS. STAY AWAY FROM THE 2003 DODGE CARAVAN...IF YOU CAN'T PASS IT UP, GET THE EXTRA COVERAGE.

NHTSA ODI #10158135

40,000 miles · May 23, 2006
EquipmentVisibility

I OWN A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD A REPETITIVE PROBLEM OF DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER WINDOW MOTORS STOP WORKING. UPON A VISIT TO A DODGE DEALER SHIP IN MY AREA OF ORLANDO FLORIDA THE REPAIR PERSON ADMITTED THAT THESE A BAD PARTS AND CONTINUE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM WITH MANY DODGE VEHICLES. ALSO MY SECOND PROBLEM HE ADMIT…

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I OWN A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD A REPETITIVE PROBLEM OF DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER WINDOW MOTORS STOP WORKING. UPON A VISIT TO A DODGE DEALER SHIP IN MY AREA OF ORLANDO FLORIDA THE REPAIR PERSON ADMITTED THAT THESE A BAD PARTS AND CONTINUE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM WITH MANY DODGE VEHICLES. ALSO MY SECOND PROBLEM HE ADMITS IS ALSO A COMMON PROBLEM OF THE VEHICLE WHICH IS THE A/C TO LEAK INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE CARPET CAUSING MOLD TO BE CREATED UNTIL YOU REALIZE THE PROBLEM EXIST. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER HEARING THE REPAIR MAN SAY THAT THIS HAPPENS TO MAJORITY OF THE VEHICLES THEY REPAIR I DECIDED NOT TO REPAIR IT AND INSTEAD COMPLAIN TO ALL AGENCIES INCLUDING DAIMLER CHRYSLER WHO'S RESPOND IS THE ITEM IS OUT OF WARRANTY. YET THEY RECEIVE THE SAME COMPLAINTS OVER AND OVER AND REFUSE TO RECALL ITEMS THEY KNOW TO BE FAULTY. I LEARNED AND WILL NEVER PURCHASE A DODGE. I FEEL THAT THIS AUTOMAKER SHOULD BE REVIEWED AND ASKED TO RECALL ITEMS THAT ARE FAULTY INSTEAD OF MAKING MONEY REPAIRING PARTS THEY KNOW ARE FAULTY AND WILL CONTINUE TO MALFUNCTION. I HAVE A VEHICLE WITH MOLD AND MILDEW DUE TO THE LEAKAGE PROBLEM THEY ARE AWARE THAT EXIST ON THIS A/C UNIT. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10158060

26,000 miles · Apr 18, 2006
Power Train

MY CARAVAN HAS SOME KIND OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. WHEN IT STARTS TO MESS UP IT WILL NOT CHANGE GEARS WHEN I AM DRIVING OR WILL SHUT DOWN AS I AM DRIVING (65 MPH). IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A YEAR AND HAS BEEN TO THE SHOP MANY (5+) TIMES. IT IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW IN JOHNSONS OF CHICKASHA,OKLAHOMA(405-222-2062) SAY THEY CAN FIX…

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MY CARAVAN HAS SOME KIND OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. WHEN IT STARTS TO MESS UP IT WILL NOT CHANGE GEARS WHEN I AM DRIVING OR WILL SHUT DOWN AS I AM DRIVING (65 MPH). IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A YEAR AND HAS BEEN TO THE SHOP MANY (5+) TIMES. IT IS IN THE SHOP RIGHT NOW IN JOHNSONS OF CHICKASHA,OKLAHOMA(405-222-2062) SAY THEY CAN FIX IT BUT I DON'T BELIEVE THEY CAN. DAVID STANLY IN MIDWEST CITY HAS TRIED TOO. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10155586

44,000 miles · Apr 5, 2006
Unknown Or Other

WIRING IN DASH CHEWED BY RODENTS. DEALER STATES THEY CAME IN THROUGH AC DRAIN.....WILL NOT HONOR MAXIMUM CARE WARRANTY AND WILL DO NOTHING TO TRY AND STOP RECURRENCE, IT CAME FROM THE MANUFACTURER LIKE THIS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10154624

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