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2003 Dodge Grand Caravan

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 284.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

169 reports with mileage · 50 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 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 28 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

Tires complaints

7 reports
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98,538 miles · Jan 17, 2011
Tires

MY FAMILY AND I WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON US 30 BETWEEN AMES, IA AND BOONE, IA. THERE ARE GETTING READY TO DO CONSTRUCTIONS, SO THERE IS A LOT OF BUMPS FROM THE FROST AGAIN THIS YEAR. WE HAVE GOOD YEAR TIRES ON OUR VAN, AND THE BACK REAR TIRE TREAD CAME OFF AND WAS STARTING TO FRAY. THE TIRE DIDN'T BLOW THANK GOODNESS SIN…

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MY FAMILY AND I WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON US 30 BETWEEN AMES, IA AND BOONE, IA. THERE ARE GETTING READY TO DO CONSTRUCTIONS, SO THERE IS A LOT OF BUMPS FROM THE FROST AGAIN THIS YEAR. WE HAVE GOOD YEAR TIRES ON OUR VAN, AND THE BACK REAR TIRE TREAD CAME OFF AND WAS STARTING TO FRAY. THE TIRE DIDN'T BLOW THANK GOODNESS SINCE I NOTICED THIS ISSUE IN A PARKING LOT IN AMES, I RAN OVER AND BOUGHT A NEW TIRE. THESE TIRES HAD LESS THAN 10 THOUSAND MILES ON THEM, THE OTHER 3 LOOK NEW, BUT DUE TO A MANUFACTURE ERROR, THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A DEADLY CRASH. WE HAVE A GOOD YEAR INTREAGE TIRES ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10376892

114,000 miles · Oct 25, 2010
Tires

I PURCHASED 4 NEW BRIDGESTONE INSIGNIA SE200 BL 15/65R16 98T 65,000 MILE TIRES ON 11/30/09 AND ON THE WAY HOME FROM OKLAHOMA CITY THE FRONT LEFT TIRE SEPARATED. THE TREAD COMPLETELY CAME LOOSE FROM THE TIRE AND RUBBER WENT FLYING ALL OVER THE PLACE. THIS TIRE ONLY HAD APPROX 24,000 MILES ON IT AND IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A FATALI…

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I PURCHASED 4 NEW BRIDGESTONE INSIGNIA SE200 BL 15/65R16 98T 65,000 MILE TIRES ON 11/30/09 AND ON THE WAY HOME FROM OKLAHOMA CITY THE FRONT LEFT TIRE SEPARATED. THE TREAD COMPLETELY CAME LOOSE FROM THE TIRE AND RUBBER WENT FLYING ALL OVER THE PLACE. THIS TIRE ONLY HAD APPROX 24,000 MILES ON IT AND IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A FATALITY HAD I NOT BEEN ABLE TO EASE OFF THE ROAD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10362314

74,385 miles · Jan 26, 2007
Power TrainSteeringTires

TL *- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE VIBRATED, BUT DID NOT STALL WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED SINCE JUNE 2006. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND SERVICED THE TRANSMISSION. WHILE SERVICING THE TRANSMISSION THE MECHANIC OBSERVED THAT THE OIL…

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TL *- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE VIBRATED, BUT DID NOT STALL WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED SINCE JUNE 2006. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND SERVICED THE TRANSMISSION. WHILE SERVICING THE TRANSMISSION THE MECHANIC OBSERVED THAT THE OIL PAN AND DIP STICK HAD GREY DEBRIS IN IT, AND THE MAGNET WAS NOT IN THE RIGHT LOCATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING RETURNS COOLER SHOULD BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO OBSERVED A BURNING SMELL UNDER THE HOOD ,AND WAS CONCERNED ABOUT AN UNDER HOOD FIRE. THE DEALER DID NOT CONFIRM IF THERE COULD BE A FAILURE IF SHE DIDN'T REPLACE THE POWER STEERING RETURN COOLER. HOWEVER, HE ADVISED HER THAT THE NEW PART WILL ELIMINATE THE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. EACH VISIT TO THE DEALER/REPAIR SHOP THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A NEW FAILURE INCLUDING THE ORIGINAL CONCERN. THE DEALER STATED THE CONTACT SHOULD ALSO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING RETURN COOLER. . THE CONTACT ALSO REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRES ON TWO OCCASIONS SINCE 2004 DUE TO UNEVEN WEAR. THEY MECHANIC STATED THAT A CARRIAGE BOLT WILL CORRECT THE TIRE FAILURE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10180792

25,000 miles · Aug 24, 2005
SteeringTires

DT: THE CONTACE OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT. THE THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES ON THE TIRES. THE SERVICE DEALER STATES THAT ONE OF THE TIRES HAS LESS THAN TREAD, THE OTHER THREE HAVE APPROXIMATELY TREAD. THE TIRES ARE UNSAFE IN THE SNOW AND RAIN. VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE WHILE IN REVERSE OR WHEN SLOWLING…

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DT: THE CONTACE OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT. THE THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES ON THE TIRES. THE SERVICE DEALER STATES THAT ONE OF THE TIRES HAS LESS THAN TREAD, THE OTHER THREE HAVE APPROXIMATELY TREAD. THE TIRES ARE UNSAFE IN THE SNOW AND RAIN. VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE WHILE IN REVERSE OR WHEN SLOWLING. HE HAS NOTICED THE SOUNDS BECAUSE OF THE VIBRATION. THE DEALER SUGGESTED THE CONSUMER MAY HAVE TOWED SOMETHING TO CAUSE THE TIRES TO WEAR, BUT THE CONTACT SAID THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY USED UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE CONTACT FELT IT MAY BE FROM THE FRONT END BEING OUT OF ALIGNMENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT STATED RACK AND PINION STEERING WASA REPLACED. THE DEALER WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THE TIRES, BUT WILL NOT REPLACE THE TIRES. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10134079

26,000 miles · Jan 24, 2005
Tires

DRIVING ON A MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 50 MPH. TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS AROUND 10 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT (360 DEGREE RIP IN SIDEWALL). THERE WAS ABOUT 25,000 MILES ON THE TIRE AND THE TREAD WAS IN GOOD CONDITION. I MEASURED THE REMAINING TIRE PRESSURES AT ABOUT 36 PSI. FORTUNATELY, THE ROAD AT TH…

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DRIVING ON A MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 50 MPH. TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS AROUND 10 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT (360 DEGREE RIP IN SIDEWALL). THERE WAS ABOUT 25,000 MILES ON THE TIRE AND THE TREAD WAS IN GOOD CONDITION. I MEASURED THE REMAINING TIRE PRESSURES AT ABOUT 36 PSI. FORTUNATELY, THE ROAD AT THAT POINT WAS STRAIGHT AND THERE WAS NO SNOW ON THE ROAD. WE WERE ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER. THE ONLY CORRECTION THAT HAS BEEN DONE, IS THE BRIDGESTONE TIRES WERE ALL REPLACED WITH GOODYEAR TIRES (EVEN THOUGH ALL THE TREADS WERE STILL IN GOOD CONDITION). NOTE: THE ENTRY FORM DIDN'T ALLOW ME TO SPECIFY EXACTLY WHAT SIZE MY TIRES WERE. THEY WERE 215/65R16! *NM

NHTSA ODI #10107806

9,300 miles · Aug 22, 2003
Tires

TIRE BLOW OUT OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING AT 75 MPH.*MR *PH *JB

NHTSA ODI #10037745

1,000 miles · Jul 11, 2003
Tires

WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TIRE EXPLODED UNEXPECTEDLY (GOODYEAR INTEGRITY 215/70R15). *AK *CB *NLM

NHTSA ODI #10022063

Official recalls

2

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

3

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

EA04031 · Power Liftgate Latch

Opened Nov 22, 2004 · Closed Apr 7, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages; Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AS PE04-054 REGARDING REPORTS OF ALLEGED POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) OPENING WHILE DRIVING.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004 BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IN ITS SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO PE04-054. BY LETTER OF APRIL 5, 2005, DCC HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 70,235 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE PLG OPTION.DCC HAS IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM IN EARLY PRODUCTION MY 2003 PLG CONTROL MODULES THAT CAN PREVENT THE PLG DOOR FROM LATCHING CLOSED IN A POWER OPEN/CLOSE CYCLE.IN THIS CONDITION THE PLG CAN RISE (NOT POWER OPEN) DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PLG CONTROL MODULE TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.SEE SAFETY RECALL 05V134 FOR DETAILS.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Latches/locks/linkages

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AS PE04-054 REGARDING REPORTS OF ALLEGED POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) OPENING WHILE DRIVING.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004 BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IN ITS SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO PE04-054. BY LETTER OF APRIL 5, 2005, DCC HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 70,235 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE PLG OPTION.DCC HAS IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM IN EARLY PRODUCTION MY 2003 PLG CONTROL MODULES THAT CAN PREVENT THE PLG DOOR FROM LATCHING CLOSED IN A POWER OPEN/CLOSE CYCLE.IN THIS CONDITION THE PLG CAN RISE (NOT POWER OPEN) DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PLG CONTROL MODULE TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.SEE SAFETY RECALL 05V134 FOR DETAILS.

Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AS PE04-054 REGARDING REPORTS OF ALLEGED POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) OPENING WHILE DRIVING.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004 BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IN ITS SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO PE04-054. BY LETTER OF APRIL 5, 2005, DCC HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 70,235 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE PLG OPTION.DCC HAS IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM IN EARLY PRODUCTION MY 2003 PLG CONTROL MODULES THAT CAN PREVENT THE PLG DOOR FROM LATCHING CLOSED IN A POWER OPEN/CLOSE CYCLE.IN THIS CONDITION THE PLG CAN RISE (NOT POWER OPEN) DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PLG CONTROL MODULE TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.SEE SAFETY RECALL 05V134 FOR DETAILS.

PE04054 · Power Liftgate Latch

Opened Jul 30, 2004 · Closed Nov 22, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages; Latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON JULY 30, 2004, BASED ON ODI CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING UNWANTED OPENING OF THE VEHICLE'S POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) WHILE DRIVING.IN DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC)'S SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO ODI' S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER, IT PROVIDED ADDITIONAL CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND LAWSUITS.DCC STATES IN PART, ...THE PLG LATCH BECOMES STUCK IN A SEMI-CLOSED STATE NOT ALLOWING THE PLG LATCH TO ENGAGE THE STRIKER, THUS NOT CLOSING THE LIFTGATE COMPLETELY.IN THIS CONDITION THE PLG AJAR WARNING LIGHT WILL NOT BE ILLUMINATED AND THE PLG CAN RISE (NOT A POWERED OPEN) WHILE DRIVING. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO EA04-031 FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Latches/locks/linkages

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON JULY 30, 2004, BASED ON ODI CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING UNWANTED OPENING OF THE VEHICLE'S POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) WHILE DRIVING.IN DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC)'S SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO ODI' S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER, IT PROVIDED ADDITIONAL CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND LAWSUITS.DCC STATES IN PART, ...THE PLG LATCH BECOMES STUCK IN A SEMI-CLOSED STATE NOT ALLOWING THE PLG LATCH TO ENGAGE THE STRIKER, THUS NOT CLOSING THE LIFTGATE COMPLETELY.IN THIS CONDITION THE PLG AJAR WARNING LIGHT WILL NOT BE ILLUMINATED AND THE PLG CAN RISE (NOT A POWERED OPEN) WHILE DRIVING. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO EA04-031 FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS.

Latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON JULY 30, 2004, BASED ON ODI CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING UNWANTED OPENING OF THE VEHICLE'S POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) WHILE DRIVING.IN DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC)'S SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO ODI' S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER, IT PROVIDED ADDITIONAL CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND LAWSUITS.DCC STATES IN PART, ...THE PLG LATCH BECOMES STUCK IN A SEMI-CLOSED STATE NOT ALLOWING THE PLG LATCH TO ENGAGE THE STRIKER, THUS NOT CLOSING THE LIFTGATE COMPLETELY.IN THIS CONDITION THE PLG AJAR WARNING LIGHT WILL NOT BE ILLUMINATED AND THE PLG CAN RISE (NOT A POWERED OPEN) WHILE DRIVING. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO EA04-031 FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS.