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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
Mileage unknown · Apr 27, 2003
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

MY "BRAND-NEW" 03 DODGE CARAVAN HAS RUSTY AND OLD PARTS INSIDE. IT HAS LESS THAN 3500 MILES, AND THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION ALREADY, THE BRAKES MAKE A SLIGHT NOISE, AND THE BATTERY STARTED CORRODING, TOO. WHEN I CALLED DAIMLER-CHRYSLER, THEY WOULD NOT GIVE ME SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT MY VEHICLE. I AM QUESTIONI…

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MY "BRAND-NEW" 03 DODGE CARAVAN HAS RUSTY AND OLD PARTS INSIDE. IT HAS LESS THAN 3500 MILES, AND THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION ALREADY, THE BRAKES MAKE A SLIGHT NOISE, AND THE BATTERY STARTED CORRODING, TOO. WHEN I CALLED DAIMLER-CHRYSLER, THEY WOULD NOT GIVE ME SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT MY VEHICLE. I AM QUESTIONING WHETHER MY VEHICLE IS REALLY NEW... I PAID WAY TOO MUCH FOR IT TO BE ACTING THIS WAY - AGAIN UNDER 3500 MILES! *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10016579

1,500 miles · Feb 21, 2003
Wheels

BACK WHEEL FREEZE UP WHEN DRIVEN ON WET ROADS AND WHEN IT GETS COLD AT NIGHT.THE NEXT MORNING YOU CAN'T MOVE IT.

NHTSA ODI #10007944

500 miles · Jan 31, 2003
Power Train

BOUGHT A 2003 SPORT GRAND CARAVAN ON DEC 30, 2003. THE SAME DAY, I DISCOVERED THE VEHICAL VIBRATE ON REVERSE ON GENTLE SLOPE. LATER, TEST DRIVE TWO OTHER NEW 2003 SPORT GRAND CARAVAN = LESS VIBRATION. TEST DRIVE 2002 (13000 MILES) SPORT GRAND CARAVAN = NO VIBRATION AT ALL. THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND REFUSE TO FIX …

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BOUGHT A 2003 SPORT GRAND CARAVAN ON DEC 30, 2003. THE SAME DAY, I DISCOVERED THE VEHICAL VIBRATE ON REVERSE ON GENTLE SLOPE. LATER, TEST DRIVE TWO OTHER NEW 2003 SPORT GRAND CARAVAN = LESS VIBRATION. TEST DRIVE 2002 (13000 MILES) SPORT GRAND CARAVAN = NO VIBRATION AT ALL. THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND REFUSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THERE IS NO RECALL FROM THE MANUFACTURER.

NHTSA ODI #10005024

Mileage unknown · Nov 26, 2002
Fuel System, Gasoline

CONSUMER STATE WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH THEIR WAS A SMALL ROCK ON ROAD CONSUMER AVOID THE WITH TIRE CAUSING ROCK TO TRAVEL UNDER VEHICLE. CONSUMER NOTICE A LOUD NOISE FLOWING FUEL SMELL. CONSUMER PULL VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICE FUEL SPRAYING FROM UNDER VEHICLE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURE HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMA…

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CONSUMER STATE WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH THEIR WAS A SMALL ROCK ON ROAD CONSUMER AVOID THE WITH TIRE CAUSING ROCK TO TRAVEL UNDER VEHICLE. CONSUMER NOTICE A LOUD NOISE FLOWING FUEL SMELL. CONSUMER PULL VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICE FUEL SPRAYING FROM UNDER VEHICLE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURE HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

NHTSA ODI #8023330

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2002
Electrical System

ON THE NIGHT OF OCTOBER 24, 2002, I PURCHASED A NEW 2003 DODGE SXT MINIVAN. ON OCTOBER 25, 2002, I DISCOVERED EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES UNDER BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEATS. WHEN I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER ON OCTOBER 25, 2002, SALES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES INFORMED ME THIS IS THE CONFIGURATION FOR THE…

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ON THE NIGHT OF OCTOBER 24, 2002, I PURCHASED A NEW 2003 DODGE SXT MINIVAN. ON OCTOBER 25, 2002, I DISCOVERED EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES UNDER BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEATS. WHEN I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER ON OCTOBER 25, 2002, SALES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES INFORMED ME THIS IS THE CONFIGURATION FOR THE NEW 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SXT. DAIMLER-CHRYSLER MADE A DECISION TO ELIMINATE WHAT HAD BEEN STORAGE COMPARTMENTS UNDER THE TWO SEATS. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER CHAIR BASE HAS HOLES DRILLED TO ACCEPT STORAGE DRAWERS, HOWEVER, NONE ARE INSTALLED. UNDER BOTH SEATS ONE FINDS AN ACCUMULATION OF EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES. I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THE VAN HAD I DISCOVERED THIS THE NIGHT OF THE PURCHASE. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. ON OCTOBER 25, 2002, THE DAVID STANLEY DODGE SALES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE INFORMED ME THIS IS STANDARD ON THE NEW CARAVAN STX. IN MY OPINION, THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD AFFECTING EVERY 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SXT MINIVAN PRODUCED. CONSEQUENTLY, EVERY OWNER SHOULD BE NOTIFIED OF THIS HAZARD; DAIMLER-CHRYSLER SHOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM ON ALL FUTURE PRODUCTION, A RECALL SHOULD BE MADE TO INSTALL DRAWERS TO COVER THE EXPOSED WIRES OR SOME SORT OF FACE PLATE SHOULD BE MANUFACTURED WHICH COULD BE INSTALLED OVER THE OPENING ON THE FRONT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER CHAIR BASE TO COVER THESE EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES. AGAIN, I REPEAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. THESE EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES EXIST ON EVERY 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SXT. BY THE WAY, THE DEALER FROM WHOM I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE REFUSED TO TAKE ANY CORRECTIVE ACTION CITING COST AS THE REASON. THE DEALER'S CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE ACKNOWLEDGED A SAFETY PROBLEM EXISTS. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE DEALER. I URGE NHSTA TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION ON THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOME CATASTROPHE BEFALLS SOMEONE BECAUSE OF THE EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES ON ALL NEW 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SXT MINIVANS. DT

NHTSA ODI #768950

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