2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jan 10, 2024 · 219 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Grand Caravan years
Fewer complaints than other years 22nd of 26 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 219 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. That ranks 22nd out of 26 Grand Caravan model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is steering (45 complaints, 21%), typically at around 40,000 miles. Complaints mention 13 crashes, 5 fires, 27 injuries. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 3 defect investigations involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Steering45 · ~40,000 mi
Electrical System32 · ~84,925 mi
Power Train28 · ~24,000 mi
Air Bags24 · ~90,000 mi
Exterior Lighting15 · ~46,325 mi
Seat Belts15 · ~36,000 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic14 · ~25,356 mi
Structure14 · ~97,170 mi
Visibility12 · ~68,990 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling10 · ~46,640 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Steering4521%40,000——
Electrical System3215%84,925——
Power Train2813%24,000——
Air Bags2411%90,000——
Exterior Lighting157%46,325——
Seat Belts157%36,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic146%25,356——
Structure146%97,170——
Visibility125%68,990——
Engine and Engine Cooling105%46,640——
Latches/locks/linkages105%7,495——
Engine73%149,000——
Fuel System, Gasoline73%52,500——
Tires73%26,000——
Vehicle Speed Control73%94,120——
Child Seat42%50,000——
Equipment42%30,000——
Suspension42%30,000——
Unknown or Other42%24,188——
Interior Lighting31%39,500——
Seats31%97,750——
Fuel/propulsion System21%157,500——
Service Brakes21%99,000——
Visibility/wiper21%111,000——
Wheels21%94,000——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)10%———
Fuel System, Other10%40,000——
Service Brakes, Air10%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2004, with 39 complaints
2002: 1200212003: 28282004: 392004392005: 23232006: 292006292007: 20202008: 142008142009: 12122010: 142010142011: 662012: 5201252013: 552014: 7201472015: 662016: 3201632017: 332018: 1201812019: 222024: 120241

n = 219 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2003 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connectionsAug 5, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V386000 · 681,000 vehicles

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.

StructureMar 7, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V094000 · 3,674 vehicles

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.
  • Power liftgate latch (EA04031) — opened Nov 22, 2004, closed Apr 7, 2005, led to recall 05V134000.
  • Power liftgate latch (PE04054) — opened Jul 30, 2004, closed Nov 22, 2004.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning, the vehicle made an abnormal growling sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering fluid was leaking. The vehicle was…

Steering · received Jan 10, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11564617

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge grand caravan. While driving, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the right. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the clockspring pin was fractured and caused the failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were not…

Air Bags · received Jun 24, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11222228

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge grand caravan. While accelerating from a stop, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road and powered off the engine. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was…

Engine · received Mar 26, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11191715

There are two problems that are very serious. First, in 2017 as i was exiting the interstate, i drove through a puddle. As i attempted to turn left onto the road, my steering wheel locked and it was only with extreme force and slamming on the brakes that i kept from running through the guardrail…

Electrical System · received Nov 18, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11152335

The passenger side seat belt warning light turns on even when there is no one in that seat and the passenger side seat belt releases when there is someone in the seat! Adults and older children have put the seat belt in place but the warning light stays on. While driving or sitting still, the seat…

Seat Belts · received Nov 30, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 11051525

Other Dodge Grand Caravan years

← 2002 Grand Caravan · 2004 Grand Caravan →

See all Dodge Grand Caravan problems by year, every Dodge model, or the Dodge VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan?

Owners most often report steering, electrical system, power train problems. The top one, steering, accounts for 45 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Grand Caravan model years, the 2003 has fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.