2003 Dodge Caravan Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Caravan years
- About as many complaints as other years 11th of 23 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 3 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Dodge Caravan. That ranks 11th out of 23 Caravan model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is steering (41 complaints, 21%), typically at around 35,000 miles. Complaints mention 13 crashes, 5 fires, 23 injuries. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
- 195owner complaints
- 3safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 13complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2003 Dodge Caravan problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 41 | 21% | 35,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 31 | 16% | 30,000 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 29 | 15% | 53,206 | — | — |
| Power Train | 22 | 11% | 18,068 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 17 | 9% | 18,380 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 14 | 7% | 64,000 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 11 | 6% | 72,984 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 10 | 5% | 38,000 | — | — |
| Suspension | 8 | 4% | 45,566 | — | — |
| Tires | 8 | 4% | 11,688 | — | — |
| Equipment | 7 | 4% | 61,200 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 5 | 3% | 52,850 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 3% | 37,180 | — | — |
| Seats | 5 | 3% | 14,125 | — | — |
| Visibility | 5 | 3% | 17,690 | — | — |
| Structure | 4 | 2% | 52,850 | — | — |
| Wheels | 4 | 2% | 30,250 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | 2% | 40,000 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 2% | 31,928 | — | — |
| Engine | 2 | 1% | 123,026 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 1% | 167,026 | — | — |
| Parking Brake | 2 | 1% | 40,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Air | 2 | 1% | 63,785 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 1% | 98,000 | — | — |
| Child Seat | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 1 | 1% | 8,097 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1% | 100,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2003 Dodge Caravan recalls (3)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Latches/locks/linkages:hatchback/liftgate:lock
Problem: On certain minivans, the power liftgate (plg) latch may not engage the striker allowing the liftgate to open while driving.
Risk: In the event of a crash, an unbelted passenger could be ejected from the vehicle.
Fix: 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.
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Problem: 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.
Risk: Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an under hood fire.
Fix: 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.
Structure
Problem: 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.
Risk: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
Fix: 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.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Engine Stall After Refueling (DP14002) — opened Sep 5, 2014, closed Apr 6, 2015.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Driving down the highway at regular speed and engine compression shut down and vehicle stalled, as i barely coasted off to the side of the highway, as this situation was very dangerous..
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge caravan. The contact stated while driving at 25 mph, the power steering started to fail which made the vehicle difficult to steer. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the…
I was driving and hit a pot hole and the rear axle broke cause by cheap design rear axle support. After checking out you tube it is e common problem with dodge and chrysler vans. If this happened on the highway one can end up under a 18 wheeler.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge caravan. While driving 15 mph and attempting to make a right or left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…
After refueling engine dies when pulling out in traffic. Happened last three times after refueling.
Other Dodge Caravan years
← 2002 Caravan · 2004 Caravan →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 Caravan | 1 | 1 |
| 2016 Caravan | 2 | 0 |
| 2015 Caravan | 23 | 0 |
| 2014 Caravan | 20 | 0 |
| 2013 Caravan | 30 | 0 |
| 2012 Caravan | 87 | 0 |
| 2011 Caravan | 78 | 0 |
| 2010 Caravan | 172 | 2 |
| 2009 Caravan | 118 | 2 |
| 2008 Caravan | 302 | 2 |
| 2007 Caravan | 81 | 0 |
| 2006 Caravan | 173 | 2 |
| 2005 Caravan | 537 | 4 |
| 2004 Caravan | 65 | 1 |
| 2003 | 195 | 3 |
| 2002 Caravan | 245 | 4 |
| 2001 Caravan | 257 | 3 |
| 2000 Caravan | 470 | 4 |
| 1999 Caravan | 555 | 5 |
| 1998 Caravan | 629 | 5 |
| 1997 Caravan | 714 | 7 |
| 1996 Caravan | 1,403 | 9 |
| 1995 Caravan | 489 | 1 |
See all Dodge Caravan problems by year, every Dodge model, or the Dodge VIN decoder.
Similar Dodge models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge Caravan?
Owners most often report steering, service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system problems. The top one, steering, accounts for 41 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Dodge Caravan?
Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2003 Dodge Caravan a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Caravan model years, the 2003 has about as many complaints as a typical year. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.