IllustrationTHE ROTOS AND BRAKES WORN AT 15,000 MILES. CONTACTED THE DEALER. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM REMAINED. *AK
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 reportsWAS DRIVING THE VAN ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE RADIO AND HEAT CONTINUED TO GO ON AND OFF, THEN THE WIPERS AND LIGHTS WENT. ONCE THE VAN SLOWED DOWN AND CAME TO A STOP EVERYTHING CAME BACK ON. WAS LOOKED AT BY A DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE CLUSTER MODULE. ONE MONTH WENT BY WITH NO PROBLEM THEN IT REPEATED ALL THE A…
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WAS DRIVING THE VAN ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE RADIO AND HEAT CONTINUED TO GO ON AND OFF, THEN THE WIPERS AND LIGHTS WENT. ONCE THE VAN SLOWED DOWN AND CAME TO A STOP EVERYTHING CAME BACK ON. WAS LOOKED AT BY A DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE CLUSTER MODULE. ONE MONTH WENT BY WITH NO PROBLEM THEN IT REPEATED ALL THE ABOVE. BROUGHT TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND THEY SAID THAT THEY THOUGHT IT MAY BE THE IGNITION SWITCH. THEY REPLACED SWITCH AND I DROVE THE VAN THEN WHEN RETURNING FROM MY DESTINATION IT REPEATED THE PROBLEM AGAIN. DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT IT AGAIN RAN ALL THE TESTS THEY COULD THINK OF AND COULDN'T FIND THE CAUSE. THEY SAID BRING IT BACK WHEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN AND HOPEFULLY SOMETHING COULD BE PICKED UP ON THE MACHINE. *JB
THE DRIVER WAS FILLING UP THE GAS TANK AT A GAS STATION AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING GASOLINE FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DRIVER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT RECALL NOTICE 02V274000 FUEL TANK CONTROL …
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THE DRIVER WAS FILLING UP THE GAS TANK AT A GAS STATION AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING GASOLINE FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DRIVER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT RECALL NOTICE 02V274000 FUEL TANK CONTROL VALVE WELD WAS ISSUED. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL. THIS DISCUSSION WAS HELD WITH VEHICLE SAFETY HOT LINE OPERATOR. *AK
BRAKE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 20,000 MILES. THE GARAGE THAT DID THE WORK STATED THAT 1ST BRAKES SHOULD LAST APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES. DODGE/CHRYSLER WOULD NOT INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM TOLD ME THAT THEY ONLY COVERED BRAKES FOR 12,000 MILES. I'VE NEVER REPLACED BRAKES AT 12,000 MILES.... *NM
WHEN BRAKING AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO DECELERATE THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED VEHICLE 5 TIMES, BUT THE THE SAME PROBLEMS RECURRED. *AK
MY 2003 DODGE CARAVAN HAD A FAULTY BEARING IN THE ALTERNATOR WHICH REQUIRED COMPLETE REPLACEMENT WITH ONLY 47,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I AM A LONG-TIME DODGE OWNER, HAVING OWNED AND DRIVEN TWO DODGE OMNIS, TWO DODGE DAKOTA PICK-UPS AND THIS IS MY SECOND CARAVAN, THE FIRST WENT 110,000 MILES. I HAVE NEVER NEEDED TO REPLACE AN …
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MY 2003 DODGE CARAVAN HAD A FAULTY BEARING IN THE ALTERNATOR WHICH REQUIRED COMPLETE REPLACEMENT WITH ONLY 47,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I AM A LONG-TIME DODGE OWNER, HAVING OWNED AND DRIVEN TWO DODGE OMNIS, TWO DODGE DAKOTA PICK-UPS AND THIS IS MY SECOND CARAVAN, THE FIRST WENT 110,000 MILES. I HAVE NEVER NEEDED TO REPLACE AN ALTERNATOR, AND I DRIVE MOST OF MY VEHICLES UNTIL THEY HAVE 150,000 TO 200,000 MILES. *NM
THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE WAS RUBBING THE WHEEL WELL. *NM THE INNER FENDER WHEEL COVER HAD BEEN MODIFIED FOR THE HANDICAP WHEEL CHAIR CAUSING THE FUEL TANK AND HOSES TO BE OFF CENTER. MODIFICATIONS WERE NOT MADE BY CHRYSLER. *TC
LOUD VIBRATION TYPE RATTLE COMING FROM UNDER VEHICLE, OCCURS MOSTLY AT AROUND 30 TO 40 MPH WHEN DRIVING SLOW WITH VEHICLE UNDER SLIGHT STRAIN IN GEAR (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). BEEN TO DEALER +- 6 TIMES, ONE DEALER CHANGED EXHAUST SYSTEM TO NO AVAIL. ITS GETTING WORSE AS TIME GOES ON. CHRYSLER HAS NO CLUE WHAT IT IS.? *JB
RECALL 04V386000/POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE: DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR CONSUMER'S RECALL NOTICE.*AK
WHEN DRIVING ANY SPEED STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND MADE A SQUEAKING NOISE. DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM PERRTAINED TO POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURE. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK
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