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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
100,700 miles · Dec 27, 2011
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT CLOCK SPRING FAILED AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,700. UPDATED 02/03/12*LJ THE CONSUMER A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT CLOCK SPRING FAILED AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,700. UPDATED 02/03/12*LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL WERE INOPERATIVE, DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE CLOCK SPRING. UPDATED 02/10/12*JB

NHTSA ODI #10441317

40 miles · Nov 4, 2011
Steering

WHEN IT IS RAINING OR ROAD IS WET THERE IS A TENDENCY TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING FOR A MOMENT , ONE TIME STEERING BECOME VERY STIFF CANNOT TURN RIGHT /LEFT , 2ND TIME WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH AND IT WAS RAINING COULD NOT CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE HEADING FOR 10 - 20 SECONDS, THIRD TIME REPEATED WHAT HAPPEN 2ND TI…

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WHEN IT IS RAINING OR ROAD IS WET THERE IS A TENDENCY TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING FOR A MOMENT , ONE TIME STEERING BECOME VERY STIFF CANNOT TURN RIGHT /LEFT , 2ND TIME WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH AND IT WAS RAINING COULD NOT CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE HEADING FOR 10 - 20 SECONDS, THIRD TIME REPEATED WHAT HAPPEN 2ND TIME ON SAT 29 NOV 2011. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10434251

Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER HAS LOCKED UP REPEATEDLY AND CAUSES SEVERE HEAT BUILD IN THE FRONT WHEEL WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE AND THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED TO MY BUDDY'S WIFE'S VAN TOO ALSO THE BACK BRAKES LOCK UP AFTER SITTING THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THIS IS COMMON IN DODGES. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10430297

95,968 miles · Aug 17, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MAINTAIN CURRENT SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED, AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,968 AND THE C…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MAINTAIN CURRENT SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED, AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,968 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,974. UPDATED 9/13/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE FUEL INJECTION HARNESS WHICH WERE BARE AND HITTING THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. ALSO, THE O2 SENSOR AND AC COMPRESSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 10/31/11

NHTSA ODI #10419835

120,000 miles · Jul 20, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ADDING FUEL TO THE VEHICLE, GASOLINE WOULD SPILL OUT ONTO THE GROUND. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CONTROL VALVE FOR THE E…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ADDING FUEL TO THE VEHICLE, GASOLINE WOULD SPILL OUT ONTO THE GROUND. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CONTROL VALVE FOR THE EVAP HAD FAILED AND WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. I THINK WE HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM, WE MOVED THE VENT LINE OVER ABOUT 2", DRILLED A HOLE IN GAS TANK THEN GLUED THE VENT LINE IN HOLE. SORRY TO HAVE BOTHERED YOU! TW UPDATED 10/12/2011 *LN *TR

NHTSA ODI #10413824

Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages

2003 DODGE CARAVAN ONLY EQUIPPED WITH 3 TETHER LATCHES. TWO ON THE 2ND ROW BUCKETS AND ONE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE REAR BENCH. IF A CHILD SEAT IS PLACED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BENCH, YOU CAN NOT FIT ANOTHER CHILD SEAT BESIDE IT. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO LEGALLY AND SAFELY INSTALL MORE THAN THREE CHILD SEATS IN A 2003 CARAVAN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10390414

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

35,000 miles · Dec 14, 2010
Steering

2003 DODGE CARAVAN POWER STEERING PROBLEM WHEN COLD START THE CAR, THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAKES A WHINING NOISE. AT THE BEGINNING THE POWER STEERING IS SOLID HARD, SO I CANNOT TURN THE WHEELS. AFTER A MINUTE THE CAR STRUTS DRIVING NORMALLY. THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED BY CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP, BUT THE PROBLEM CAME BACK …

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2003 DODGE CARAVAN POWER STEERING PROBLEM WHEN COLD START THE CAR, THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAKES A WHINING NOISE. AT THE BEGINNING THE POWER STEERING IS SOLID HARD, SO I CANNOT TURN THE WHEELS. AFTER A MINUTE THE CAR STRUTS DRIVING NORMALLY. THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED BY CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP, BUT THE PROBLEM CAME BACK AFTER 2 YEARS AGAIN. WHEN YOU READ THE AUTOMOTIVE FORUMS FOR DODGE CARAVAN, A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10370628

60,000 miles · Oct 24, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHILE DRIVING IN THE PARKING LOT OF A STORE I EXPERIENCED A TOTAL BRAKE PEDAL FAILURE. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE VAN SIMPLY KEPT ON GOING. I CHECKED FOR THE PEDAL AND COULD NOT SEE IT ANY LONGER. IT HAD PRACTICALLY DISAPPEARED - ONLY THE TOP OF THE PEDAL WAS VISIBLE AT THE FLOOR. AFTER TRYING TO STOP THE VAN WITH THE GEARS,…

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WHILE DRIVING IN THE PARKING LOT OF A STORE I EXPERIENCED A TOTAL BRAKE PEDAL FAILURE. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE VAN SIMPLY KEPT ON GOING. I CHECKED FOR THE PEDAL AND COULD NOT SEE IT ANY LONGER. IT HAD PRACTICALLY DISAPPEARED - ONLY THE TOP OF THE PEDAL WAS VISIBLE AT THE FLOOR. AFTER TRYING TO STOP THE VAN WITH THE GEARS, I HIT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND CAME TO A STOP. THIS WAS A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. THE CAR IS NOW AT THE SHOP. THE MECHANICS STATED THAT A SMALL PART NECESSARY FOR THE BRAKES TO FUNCTION WAS MISSING. APPARENTLY THE PART ONLY COSTS $12. IT HAS BEEN ORDERED AND WILL BE REPLACED SOON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10362099

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

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