Model year record

2003 Dodge Caravan recalls & problems

The 2003 Dodge Caravan has 9 safety recalls and 195 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is steering (44 complaints).

Recalls9safety recalls

Complaints195filed by owners

Crashes · fires13 · 5reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths23 · 1reported in complaints

2003 Dodge Caravan in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

EquipmentAug 10, 2010

Equipment

Recall 10E0340006,686 vehicles

Problem: CURT MFG IS RECALLING CERTAIN CLASS 3 RECEIVER HITCHES, P/N 13347, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1997-2007 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VANS, 1996-2007 DODGE CARAVANS, AND 1996-2004 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VANS. WHEN THE HITCH IS LOADED TO THE MAXIMUM RATING, THE HITCH MAY FRACTURE OR BREAK AT THE BEND LOCATION WHERE THE MAIN BODY OF THE HITCH MEETS THE HITCH MUFFLER STRAP.
Risk: IF THE AREA IN QUESTION FRACTURES OR BREAKS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN UNSTABLE DRIVING CONDITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Fix: CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE THE HITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG AT 1-715-831-8713.

Exterior lightingAug 8, 2008

Headlights

Recall 08E04800011,534 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: EAGLE EYES IS RECALLING 11,534 HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. CS090-B001L AND CS090-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE LOWER BEAM PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: EAGLE EYES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EAGLE EYES AT 1-800-568-1098.

Exterior lightingJun 10, 2008

Headlights

Recall 08E0390002,520 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: MAXZONE IS RECALLING 2,520 HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 3341103L-AS AND 334-1103R-AS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR 2001-2007 DODGE CARAVAN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: 1-888-286-1188 (WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, AZ, MT, WY, UT, CO, KS, NM, OK, TX, AR, LA, AK, HI) 1-877-253-8930 (ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ, PA, MD, DE, WV, VA) 1-800-859-4755 (NC, SC, GA, FL, TN, AL, MS) 1-866-783-6858 (ND, SD, NE, MN, IA, MO, WI, IL, MI, IN, OH, KY).

Service brakes, hydraulicMar 13, 2006

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 06E0220007,440 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
Risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.

Latches/locks/linkagesApr 6, 2005

Hatchback/liftgate › Lock

Recall 05V13400070,235 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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.

SteeringAug 5, 2004

Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections

Recall 04V386000681,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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.

Fuel system, gasolineOct 24, 2003

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 03E05300068,563 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, MODELS WIX FILTER PART NUMBERS 33576, 33577, 33734; NAPA FILTER PART NUMBERS 3576, 3577, 3734; AND CARQUEST FILTER PART NUMBERS 86576, 86577, 86734 USED ON 1996-2000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, DODGE CARAVAN, AND PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VEHICLES, CAN CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LEAK.
Risk: A POSSIBLE FIRE CAN OCCUR IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
Fix: WIX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. NOTE: THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT WIX AT 704-864-6711.

EquipmentSep 26, 2003

Equipment

Recall 03E04500045,870 vehicles

Problem: AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 17, 2002, AND JANUARY 20, 2003, SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES LISTED ABOVE. THE FILTER MAY EXPERIENCE MALFUNCTION OF THE QUICK CONNECTOR EITHER BLOCKING FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE OR CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS.
Risk: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE COULD STALL. ALSO, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THE FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 SHORT WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18232 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, OR 0252. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 LONG WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18230 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, 0251, OR 0304. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 2001-2004 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 28871 AND DATE CODE 0249. THESE PART NUMBERS AND DATE CODES APPEAR ON THE GOLD-TONE FILTER. DISTRIBUTORS AND RETAILERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO ISOLATE AND RETURN AFFECTED INVENTORY. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE FUEL FILTER SERVICED ON ONE OF THE APPLICABLE VEHICLES AFTER SEPTEMBER 17, 2002 SHOULD RETURN THEIR VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE FACILITY TO BE INSPECTED TO SEE IF THE FUEL FILTER THAT WAS INSTALLED IS ONE THAT IS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. IF SO, THE OWNERS SHOULD HAVE THE FILTER REPLACED. TO RECEIVE A FULL REFUND PLUS THE COST OF POSTAGE, OWNERS SHOULD CUT THE CONNECTORS FROM THE HOSES, RINSE THE CONNECTORS AND RETURN THEM TOGETHER WITH PROOF OF THE AMOUNT PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART AND LABOR, TO INTERCONTINENTAL AT INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS, INC., P.O. BOX 861, MAHWAH, NJ 07430, ATTN: FUEL FILTER RECALL. INTERCONTINENTAL WILL MAIL A FULL REFUND TO THE OWNER.

StructureMar 7, 2003

Structure

Recall 03V0940003,674 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2003 Dodge Caravan

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2003 Dodge Caravan NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
SteeringHydraulic power assist system; Rack and pinion	44	1	1	0	35,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Pads	35	3	0	1	24,000 mi
Electrical systemWiring › Interior/under dash; Ignition › Switch	29	0	1	0	53,206 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift	22	0	0	0	18,067 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Exhaust system › Emission control	17	0	3	0	18,380 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	14	4	0	16	64,000 mi
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly; Delivery › Fuel pump	11	0	0	0	72,984 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights › Switch; Headlights	10	1	0	0	38,000 mi
SuspensionFront	8	0	0	0	45,566 mi
TiresTread/belt	8	1	0	0	11,688 mi
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner	7	0	0	2	61,200 mi
Seat beltsFront › Anchorage; Rear/other	5	1	0	1	37,180 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Engine
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..
Mar 23, 2021 · 154,000 miles
Steering
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 UPPER POWER STEERING COOLER HOSE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V386000 (STEERING) WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000.
Jun 11, 2018 · 108,000 miles
Suspension
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.
Jan 21, 2020 · 137,000 miles
Steering › Electric power assist system
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 APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
May 31, 2018 · 100,000 miles
Engine
AFTER REFUELING ENGINE DIES WHEN PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC. HAPPENED LAST THREE TIMES AFTER REFUELING.
Jan 15, 2018 · 92,052 miles
Power train
I HAD ALREADY SENT INFO TO DOL (BELOW) ON 03 CARAVAN I FROM UNLICENSED DEALER MICHAEL RANKIN. PLEASE SEE COMPLAINT FORM INATTACHMENT -IT'S TOO LONG TO ADD. THEY'RE IN PROCESS OF CHARGING MICHAEL RANKIN ON 12 COUNTS FOR DIFFERENT VEHICLES SOLD,AND ASESSING MONETARY FINES. I HAVE DONE TRANSMISSION REPAIRS TO THIS POSTAL FLEET VEHICLE.ACCORDING TO EXPERIENCED MECHANISS AT 32,300 MILES THE TRANSMISSION HAD ALREADY BEEN REBUILT -IMPROPERLY. I'M COMPLAINING BECAUSE I WAS STUCK ON FAST MOVING ARTERIAL WITH LEAKING TRANSMISSION (UNSAFE CONDITION) BECAUSE OF IMPROPER REPAIRS ,AND COULD NOT MOVE THE VEHICLE IN CONJESTED TRAFFIC 1621-72ND ST EAST,TACOMA,WA 98404. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT THAT MOMENT…
Jun 10, 2017 · 36,000 miles
Electrical systemFire
FUEL WIRING HARNESS IS TO CLOSE TO EXHAUST CAUSED MELTING OF WIRES WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL IN THE CABIN OF CARAVAN. IT HAPPENED APPROX. A MILE FROM MY HOUSE AT APPROX 45MPH AND A STRONG ODOR OF GAS WAS NOTICEABLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED. VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL COMING UP DRIVE WAY. WE STILL HAVE THE CARAVAN BUT HAVE PARKED IT. WE BELIEVE WHEN THE MELTING OCCURRED IT CAUSED OTHER POSSIBLE ISSUES AND ARE SCARED TO HAVE IT FIXED, NOT KNOWING WHAT OTHER ISSUES THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED THAT WE WILL NOT KNOW UNTIL WE ARE GOING DOWN THE ROAD, IT'S NOT A RISK I'M WILLING TO TAKE...ESPECIALLY WITH GAS BEING FLAMMABLE AND SHORTENING OF FUEL…
Jan 23, 2017 · 242,000 miles
Air bags
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON TOOK TO MIDDAS HAD INSPECTION $200 LATER LIGHT STILL ON NO ONE KNOWS WHY SCARED IT'S GOING TO BUST WAS ON A STRAIGHT ROAD NO BUMPS
Mar 1, 2017 · 200,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Engine Stall After RefuelingClosed
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…
DP14002 · opened Sep 5, 2014 · closed Apr 6, 2015