IllustrationDT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT; A WHINING AND GRINDING NOISE IS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES. THE WATER PUMP, THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND THE ALTERNATOR HAVE BEEN REPLACED. THE REPAIRS HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 2/24/2006 - *NM
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Caravan years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
430–25K
4225–50K
2750–75K
675–100K
10100–150K
9150K+
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 reportsDT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED, WHICH FIXED THE VEHICLE TEMPORARILY. THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED A SECOND TIME A MONTH AFTER THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE D…
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DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED, WHICH FIXED THE VEHICLE TEMPORARILY. THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED A SECOND TIME A MONTH AFTER THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE BRAKES FAILED A THIRD TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE AUTO TRANSMISSION WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WHEN THE BRAKE FAILURE OCCURRED, BUT THE DEALER REPLACED IT IN AN EFFORT TO ALLEVIATE THE BRAKING PROBLEMS. WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP THE BRAKES FAILED ONCE AGAIN. IN FOUR INCIDENTS OF BRAKE FAILURE SPEED OR ROAD CONDITIONS DID NOT APPEAR TO PLAY A PART.*AK
PURCHASED 2003 DODGE CARAVAN AUGUST 10, 2003. JUNE 9, 2004 - 11,438 MILES - BRAKES REPLACED, ROTORS RESURFACED. OCTOBER 23, 2004 - 16,533 MILES - ROTORS RESURFACED. MARCH 5, 2005 - 21,887 MILES - FAULTY BRAKE PADS REPLACED, ROTORS REMOVED AND REPLACED. SEPTEMBER 24, 2005 - 29,609 MILES - ROTORS RESURFACED JANUARY 4, 2006, 3…
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PURCHASED 2003 DODGE CARAVAN AUGUST 10, 2003. JUNE 9, 2004 - 11,438 MILES - BRAKES REPLACED, ROTORS RESURFACED. OCTOBER 23, 2004 - 16,533 MILES - ROTORS RESURFACED. MARCH 5, 2005 - 21,887 MILES - FAULTY BRAKE PADS REPLACED, ROTORS REMOVED AND REPLACED. SEPTEMBER 24, 2005 - 29,609 MILES - ROTORS RESURFACED JANUARY 4, 2006, 33,071 MILES - RECOMMENDED BRAKES REPLACEMENT AND ROTOR RESURFACING, DEALERSHIP REFUSING TO HONOR WARRANTY FOR BRAKES WITH LESS THAN 12 MONTH OR 12K MILES. *JB
TOOK MY 2003 DODGE CARAVAN IN FOR AN OIL CHANGES AND WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP (AFTER HEARING A KNOCKING NOISE) THAT THE FOLLOWINGS THINGS NEED TO BE REPLACED ON THE VAN THAT ON HAS 51,000 MILES ON IT: STEERING RACK AND FRONT SWAY BAR BUSHINGS ALONG WITH THE ALTERNATOR AND BELT. *JB
MY 2003 DODGE CARAVAN MAKES A LOT OF NOISE WHEN YOU GO OVER A BUMP WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY TOLD ME THAT THE SWAY BAR LINK BUSHINGS WERE BAD. CONVENIENTLY MY EXTENDED SERVICE AGREEMENT DID NOT COVER THIS AND THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED IT SHOULD BE BECAUSE EVERY CARAVAN THAT COMES IN HAS NEEDED THESE AND HE WAS SURPRISE…
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MY 2003 DODGE CARAVAN MAKES A LOT OF NOISE WHEN YOU GO OVER A BUMP WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY TOLD ME THAT THE SWAY BAR LINK BUSHINGS WERE BAD. CONVENIENTLY MY EXTENDED SERVICE AGREEMENT DID NOT COVER THIS AND THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED IT SHOULD BE BECAUSE EVERY CARAVAN THAT COMES IN HAS NEEDED THESE AND HE WAS SURPRISED IT WAS NOT COVERED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IF THESE BREAK IT COULD COMPROMISE THE STABILITY OF THE VEHICLE I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ON THIS VEHICLE TWICE AND IT HAS ONLY 59,000 MILES I HAVE ALSO HAD COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE COMPONENTS ON THE FRONT SIDE OF THE MOTOR LEADING TO REPLACEMENT OF THE ALTERNATOR, POWER STEERING PUMP, WATER PUMP, AC, AND THE MAIN DRIVE PULLEY OF THE MOTOR ALONG WITH THE LIGHTS RADIO,HEATER FAN AND TRANSMISSION ALL HAVING PROBLEMS. WHEN I CONTACTED CHRYSLER ABOUT THE SWAY BAR LINKS THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS MY PROBLEM NOT THEIRS. *JB
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTENANCE AND THE NOISE WAS INSPECTED. THEY RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE ALTERNATOR, RACK AND PINION STEERING, AND SWAY B…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTENANCE AND THE NOISE WAS INSPECTED. THEY RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE ALTERNATOR, RACK AND PINION STEERING, AND SWAY BAR BUSHINGS. DUE TO THE LOW MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT WAS SEEKING A SECOND OPINION BEFORE MAKING ANY REPAIRS. *AK
1. OVER THE WEEKEND DRIVERS SEAT BELT FAILURE (FEMALE CLASP) UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS 2. DRIVER OF VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPLIANT WITH OHIO STATE SEAT BELT LAWS AND NOT RESTRAINED IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT 3. I PURCHASED A NEW SEAT BELT PART FROM THE PARTS DEPARTMENT ASAP. *NM
DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE STALLED EVERY TIME THA HE APPLIED THE BRAKES IN COLD TEMPERATURES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
DT: CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE MADE A GROWLING NOISE. ON COLDER DAYS ONE COULD HEAR NOISE MORE OFTEN. IN WARM WEATHER ONE WOULD NOT HEAR THE NOISE AS OFTEN. HE CONTACTED THE DEALER, THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT RACK AND PINION STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY SUGGESTED HE CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. *AK
MY 2003 DODGE CARAVAN, WITH 40K MILES, WENT TO THE SHOP TODAY FOR NEW TIRES. AT THAT TIME I ALSO ASKED THAT THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT BE CHECKED AND CORRECTED, IF NECESSARY. A SHORT WHILE LATER I WAS CONTACTED BY THE MANAGER STATING THAT THEY COULD NOT DO A FRONT END ALIGNMENT DUE TO THE TIE ROD ENDS BEING SO LOOSE AND WORN OUT. W…
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MY 2003 DODGE CARAVAN, WITH 40K MILES, WENT TO THE SHOP TODAY FOR NEW TIRES. AT THAT TIME I ALSO ASKED THAT THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT BE CHECKED AND CORRECTED, IF NECESSARY. A SHORT WHILE LATER I WAS CONTACTED BY THE MANAGER STATING THAT THEY COULD NOT DO A FRONT END ALIGNMENT DUE TO THE TIE ROD ENDS BEING SO LOOSE AND WORN OUT. WE LIVE ON A PAVED ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER IN A FRONT COLLISION OR EVEN HIT A CURB, TO MY KNOWLEDGE. THE VEHICLE IS NOW PARKED AWAITING NEW TIE ROD ENDS. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT CHRYSLER WOULD PUT SUCH JUNK ON A CAR IN SUCH A CRITICAL SAFETY AREA. I WONDER HOW MANY MORE DODGE CARAVAN'S HAVE A SIMILAR SERIOUS PROBLEMS? *JB
Official recalls
305V134000 · 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
1DP14002 · 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