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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

219 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2005
Steering

NHTSA RECALL 04V386000 CONCERNING POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10107028

Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2004
Steering

THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE # 04V386000. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO GET THE VEHICLE SERVICED, BUT THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE PARTS AND WILL NOT RESPOND TO CONSUMER. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10105536

37,400 miles · Dec 28, 2004
Latches/locks/linkages

REAR HATCH DOOR NOT OPENING/CLOSING/LOCKING CORRECTLY. THIS IS A DAILY PROBLEM. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10104618

40,000 miles · Dec 4, 2004
Fuel System, Other

I JUST PURCHASED 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN I WAS IN THE EXPRESSWAY AND JUST SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AND THE ENGINE WANTED TO DIE OUT. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE EXPRESSWAY THERE WERE SOME TRAFFIC. THEN FINALLY I GOT IT UP TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE FUEL GAUGE WAS SHOWING MORE THAN HALF TANK OF GAS. TOOK IT I…

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I JUST PURCHASED 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN I WAS IN THE EXPRESSWAY AND JUST SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AND THE ENGINE WANTED TO DIE OUT. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE EXPRESSWAY THERE WERE SOME TRAFFIC. THEN FINALLY I GOT IT UP TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE FUEL GAUGE WAS SHOWING MORE THAN HALF TANK OF GAS. TOOK IT IN TO THE DODGE DEALER IT TURNED OUT TO BE A FAULTY FUEL SENDING UNIT THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REPLACED AND SOLVED THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10102130

26,000 miles · Dec 1, 2004
Steering

A RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING HOSE WAS ISSUED. CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS REPAIRED THREE TIMES, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 04V386000 *TC

NHTSA ODI #10098958

24,188 miles · Nov 30, 2004
StructureUnknown Or OtherVisibility

INCIDENT #1: 1. WE WERE RETURNING HOME FROM A WEEKEND VISIT TO IOWA. WE HAD BEEN TRAVELING ABOUT 5 HOURS. WE WERE SLOWING DOWN TO EXIT OFF HIGHWAY 212 NEAR GLENCOE, MN. 2. THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW EXPLODED AT ABOUT 4:00 PM AS WE WERE SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE OUR TURN. GLASS WAS SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE …

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INCIDENT #1: 1. WE WERE RETURNING HOME FROM A WEEKEND VISIT TO IOWA. WE HAD BEEN TRAVELING ABOUT 5 HOURS. WE WERE SLOWING DOWN TO EXIT OFF HIGHWAY 212 NEAR GLENCOE, MN. 2. THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW EXPLODED AT ABOUT 4:00 PM AS WE WERE SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE OUR TURN. GLASS WAS SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE (2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN) AND CHIPPED THE PAINT ALONG THE SIDE OF THE VAN. 3. THE WINDOW WAS REPLACE BY OUR INSURANCE COMPANY (PROGRESSIVE) AND THE VAN WAS REPAINTED AND DETAILED (VACUUMED) TO REMOVE THE GLASS INSIDE THE VAN. INCIDENT #2: 1. ON THE SAME VEHICLE (2003 GRAND CARAVAN) A SECOND WINDOW EXPLODED ON OCTOBER 7, 2004. THIS TIME IT WAS THE PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR WINDOW. I WAS ACCELERATING INTO A PASSING LANE EAST OF COKATO, MN. 2. THE WINDOW EXPLODED AT 6:45 AM. GLASS CHIPPED THE PAINT ON THE SIDE OF THE VAN AND WAS SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE INSIDE OF THE VAN - AGAIN. 3. THE SIDE WINDOW ON THE SLIDING DOOR WAS REPLACE BY OUR INSURANCE COMPANY (PROGRESSIVE) AND THE VAN WILL BE PAINTED AGAIN SOON. *AK *SC

NHTSA ODI #10095758

Mileage unknown · Nov 22, 2004
EquipmentSteering

THE POWER STEERING HOSE FAILED. THE POWER STEERING LEAKED AND REPLACED UNDER RECALL 037. *BF THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING AND HAD NO POWER STEERING. THE POWER STEERING HOSE BLEW OFF THE RACK CLAMP WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE GARAGE WAS SMOKE-FILLED AND A POOL OF FLUID WAS ON THE FLOOR. THE REMOTE WAS…

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THE POWER STEERING HOSE FAILED. THE POWER STEERING LEAKED AND REPLACED UNDER RECALL 037. *BF THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING AND HAD NO POWER STEERING. THE POWER STEERING HOSE BLEW OFF THE RACK CLAMP WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE GARAGE WAS SMOKE-FILLED AND A POOL OF FLUID WAS ON THE FLOOR. THE REMOTE WAS INOPERATIVE. *SC

NHTSA ODI #10101817

18,500 miles · Nov 17, 2004
Electrical System

AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE ALL THE GAUGES WORK. AFTER ABOUT FIFTEEN MINUTES ALL THE GAUGES STOPPED WORKING. *JB AS OF 10/22/04, THE PROBLEM HAD GOTTEN WORSE. AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL PARTS IN THE VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING. THERE WOULD BE NO BLINKER. ALL GAUGES IN THE DASH DID NOT COME ON, THE…

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AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE ALL THE GAUGES WORK. AFTER ABOUT FIFTEEN MINUTES ALL THE GAUGES STOPPED WORKING. *JB AS OF 10/22/04, THE PROBLEM HAD GOTTEN WORSE. AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL PARTS IN THE VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING. THERE WOULD BE NO BLINKER. ALL GAUGES IN THE DASH DID NOT COME ON, THE ELECTRICAL PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND THE HATCH STOPPED WORKING. *SC

NHTSA ODI #10095522

39,770 miles · Nov 11, 2004
Electrical System

2003 DODGE CARAVAN HAD INTERMITTENT FAILURE TO START. WOULD START 5-15 MINUTES AFTER NOT CRANKING. ENGINE DIED WHILE IDLING AND WOULD NOT START. CHECKED BATTERY AND IT WOULD NOT START. VEHICLE STARTED NEXT DAY AFTER BEING TOWED. PROBLEM TRACED TO CHAFED INSULATION ON WIRING HARNESS. CORRECTED INSULATION AND VEHICLE STARTED…

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2003 DODGE CARAVAN HAD INTERMITTENT FAILURE TO START. WOULD START 5-15 MINUTES AFTER NOT CRANKING. ENGINE DIED WHILE IDLING AND WOULD NOT START. CHECKED BATTERY AND IT WOULD NOT START. VEHICLE STARTED NEXT DAY AFTER BEING TOWED. PROBLEM TRACED TO CHAFED INSULATION ON WIRING HARNESS. CORRECTED INSULATION AND VEHICLE STARTED. ENGINE DIED WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AND WOULD NOT RESTART IN NEUTRAL. COASTED AND PARKED VEHICLE AND IT WOULD NOT START. TWO MINUTES LATER VEHICLE STARTED. TRACED PROBLEM TO IGNITION SWITCH OR COMPUTER. CURRENTLY IN PROCESS OF REPLACING IGNITION SWITCH. ENGINE DYING IN TRAFFIC AND REFUSING TO START IS MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM. INCIDENTS OCCURRED 10/31/04 THROUGH 11/9/04.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10098678

38,500 miles · Nov 3, 2004
Air Bags

WHILE DRIVING SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE DRIVER WILL CONTACT THE DEALER IN THE MORNING FOR THIS PROBLEM. *AK NOISE STARTED COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. *SC

NHTSA ODI #10095458

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.