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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

Exterior Lighting complaints

10 reports
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150,000 miles · May 10, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

EVERY TIME IS DIFFERENT. ONE DAY THE HORN, LEFT DAYLIGHT, RIGHT BLINKER, RIGHT STOP LIGHT DON'T WORK; NEXT DAY ALL WORK FINE, THEN NEXT DAY: HORN, BLINKERS, LIGHT STOP WORKING AGAIN....CHECK UP FUSES, CHANGED BULBS . AND THIS GOES ON AND OFF...... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10511399

162,000 miles · Dec 16, 2008
Exterior LightingCrash

2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED DUE TO SOME TYPE OF FAILURE WITH THE TURN SIGNALS. WHEN THE LEFT DIRECTIONAL WAS USED TO SIGNAL A LANE CHANGE THE RIGHT DIRECTIONAL TURNS ON INSTEAD. THE CAR THAT WAS BEHIND ME THOUGHT I WAS CHANGING LANES TO THE RIGHT WHEN I WAS ACTUALLY GOING LEFT. I NATURALLY HEARD THE CLICKING …

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2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED DUE TO SOME TYPE OF FAILURE WITH THE TURN SIGNALS. WHEN THE LEFT DIRECTIONAL WAS USED TO SIGNAL A LANE CHANGE THE RIGHT DIRECTIONAL TURNS ON INSTEAD. THE CAR THAT WAS BEHIND ME THOUGHT I WAS CHANGING LANES TO THE RIGHT WHEN I WAS ACTUALLY GOING LEFT. I NATURALLY HEARD THE CLICKING OF MY DIRECTIONAL BEFORE MOVING NEVER THINKING THIS COULD HAPPEN. I NEED TO HAVE THIS CHECKED AS IT HAPPENS AT LEAST A COUPLE OF TIMES PER DAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10251927

18,380 miles · Apr 29, 2008
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE VEHICLE AT 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A SOUND FOR THE FIRST TEN MINUTES OF DRIVING, AND THEN IT WOULD STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,380. UPDATED 05/20/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE VEHICLE AT 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A SOUND FOR THE FIRST TEN MINUTES OF DRIVING, AND THEN IT WOULD STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,380. UPDATED 05/20/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING, TRANSMISSION, REAR LIGHTS THAT WERE HANGING, THE REAR WIPER CAME OFF, THE SLIDING DOOR DID NOT SHUT PROPERLY. THE CLOCKSPRING WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, THE WATER PUMP WAS COMING APART THE VALVE COVER GASKET AND OIL PAN GASKET WERE LEAKING. UPDATED 05/20/08. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10226034

45,787 miles · Dec 28, 2006
Exterior Lighting

TL * - THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT STAY ON. THE VEHICLE HAS 59,000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED NO PARTICULAR WEATHER CONDITION NOR SPEED WERE INVOLVED WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED. THERE ARE NO WARNING SIGNALS. THE VEHICLE DID NOT LOSE POWER. THE CONTACTWAS NOT SURE IF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHWENT OUT WHEN THE HEAD…

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TL * - THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT STAY ON. THE VEHICLE HAS 59,000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED NO PARTICULAR WEATHER CONDITION NOR SPEED WERE INVOLVED WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED. THERE ARE NO WARNING SIGNALS. THE VEHICLE DID NOT LOSE POWER. THE CONTACTWAS NOT SURE IF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHWENT OUT WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS STOPPED. THE DEALER REPLACED A MODULE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW WHAT TYPE OF MODULE, HOWEVER, IT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN\\\ TWO MORE TIMES TO DEALER, AND THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THERE HAVE BEEN NO INJURIES. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10177234

25,000 miles · Oct 19, 2006
Exterior Lighting

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE HEADLIGHT DARKENED INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGNAL PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHERE THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A REFERENCE# 15541666 AND CASE# 8521138 WERE PROVIDED. UPDATED 12/0…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE HEADLIGHT DARKENED INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGNAL PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHERE THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A REFERENCE# 15541666 AND CASE# 8521138 WERE PROVIDED. UPDATED 12/05/06. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10171356

40,000 miles · Oct 3, 2006
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

WE HAVE A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN,WITH A HEADLIGHT/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM. WITHOUT WARNING, THE HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS WILL FLASH, SHUT OFF ALTOGETHER, OR DIM. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS (DASH BOARD) ARE ALSO AFFECTED AND WILL DO THE SAME. PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE WITH THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH, HOWEVER, DIAGNOSIS IS INCONCLUSIVE. …

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WE HAVE A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN,WITH A HEADLIGHT/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM. WITHOUT WARNING, THE HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS WILL FLASH, SHUT OFF ALTOGETHER, OR DIM. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS (DASH BOARD) ARE ALSO AFFECTED AND WILL DO THE SAME. PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE WITH THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH, HOWEVER, DIAGNOSIS IS INCONCLUSIVE. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN LIGHTS GO OUT AT NIGHT AND VERY AGGRAVATING FOR DRIVERS IN FRONT OF YOU WHEN LIGHTS KEEP FLASHING. INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS SEVERAL SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND NHTSA INVESTIGATION / RECALL ON 2001 -2002 VEHICLES FOR SIMILAR PROBLEM. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10169811

36,000 miles · Aug 17, 2006
Exterior Lighting

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEAD LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY GO OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION HOWEVER THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. UPDATED 9/5/2006 - THE LAST TIME THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF THEY REMAINED OFF FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS BEFORE THEY CAME BACK ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE D…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEAD LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY GO OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION HOWEVER THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. UPDATED 9/5/2006 - THE LAST TIME THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF THEY REMAINED OFF FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS BEFORE THEY CAME BACK ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10165714

11,856 miles · Jun 24, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

THE CONSUMER HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH HIS 2003 DODGE CARAVAN; SUCH PROBLEMS WERE A KNOCK IN THE TRANSMISSION AND 2 BRAKE JOBS. *JB THE TWO BRAKES JOBS OCCURRED WITHIN ONE YEAR. THE STEERING WHEEL KNOCKED (RECALL CAMPAIGN #04V386000), THE VEHICLE HAD BROKEN DOWN AT 8K MILES, THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS OFF, THE GEAR PANEL ILLUM…

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THE CONSUMER HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH HIS 2003 DODGE CARAVAN; SUCH PROBLEMS WERE A KNOCK IN THE TRANSMISSION AND 2 BRAKE JOBS. *JB THE TWO BRAKES JOBS OCCURRED WITHIN ONE YEAR. THE STEERING WHEEL KNOCKED (RECALL CAMPAIGN #04V386000), THE VEHICLE HAD BROKEN DOWN AT 8K MILES, THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS OFF, THE GEAR PANEL ILLUMINATED, AND THE WINDOW HAD BECOME LOOSE. 80% OF THE VEHICLES PROBLEMS WAS UNDER 10K MILES. THE ROTATION NOISE CONTINUED AND THE RUBBER LINING AROUND THE SLIDING DOOR WAS COMING OFF. OTHER PROBLEMS: WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE TAKEN OUT OF PARK TO DRIVE, ALL OF THE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE, THE FRONT RIMS/HUB CAPS WERE DIRTY DUE TO EXCESSIVE LEAKAGE AROUND THE BRAKES, EVEN DURING NORMAL WASHING, THERE WAS A MILD RINGING NOISE IN THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT DOOR RATTLED, THE REAR TAIL LAMP WAS DAMAGED, THE BRAKE LIGHT AND BACK-UP LIGHTS HAD GONE OUT, THE BRAKES WERE GOING BAD AGAIN, THE ENGINE WOULD SPUTTER DUE TO NO FUEL PRESSURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE LEFT, WHEN THE DRIVER DOOR WAS SHUT IT MADE A LOUD RATTLE SOUND, THERE WOULD BE A DELAY IN THE TRANSMISSION WHEN GOING UPHILL, WHEN SITTING AT IDLE, THE ENGINE WOULD SOUND AS IF IT WERE REVVING BUT THE GAUGE DID NOT DISPLAY THIS. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10127972

Mileage unknown · May 16, 2005
Exterior Lighting

DT CONSUMER STATES THE HEADLIGHTS ON HER VEHICLE GOES OFF AND ON. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED ON TEN DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, BUT THE SERVICE DEALER STATES THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10120986

Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2004
Exterior Lighting

I RECENTLY PURCHASE A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS NOT ILLUMINATED. MY DEALER SAYS THAT THE ILLUMINATION WAS REMOVED IN THE 2003 MODELS. DOES THIS COMPLY WITH TITLE 49 PART 571 STANDARD NO 101? *AK

NHTSA ODI #10051531

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