2003 Dodge Caravan problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Steering (16) · Electrical System (10) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic (9)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Dodge Caravan model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
136 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (1)
Equipment 2010-08-10 · campaign 10E034000 · 6,686 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Service bulletins (70)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
key, master if replacing the key/fobik on a wj, kj, tj, or pt cruiser, use the "ac" nic level part number. the "ab" nic level will not program to these platforms. for all other platforms, if the "ab" nic level will not program to the vehicle, use the "ac" nic level part and submit a part warranty.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
key, master if replacing the key/fobik on a wj, kj, tj, or pt cruiser, use the "ac" nic level part number. the "ab" nic level will not program to these platforms. for all other platforms, if the "ab" nic level will not program to the vehicle, use the "ac" nic level part and submit a part warranty.
Structure 2020-04-30 · 23-015-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
disinfectant solution recommended for covid-19
Equipment 2020-04-22 · 08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
charging system, battery diagnostic tools and warranty this information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
Structure 2019-11-20 · 3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
use of aftermarket parts this bulletin involves discussing fca us llc position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Structure 2019-11-20 · 3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
use of salvage/recycled parts this bulletin involves discussing fca us llc position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Showing the 6 most recent of 70 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2021-03-24 · Engine · 154,000 mi“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.. …”
2021-03-15 · Steering · 108,000 mi“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 repl…”
2020-02-12 · Suspension · 137,000 mi“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.…”
2018-05-31 · Steering:electric Power Assist System · 100,000 mi“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.…”
2018-01-28 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 92,052 mi“after refueling engine dies when pulling out in traffic. happened last three times after refueling.…”
2018-01-19 · Unknown Or Other · 36,000 mi“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…”
2017-04-17 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 242,000 mi · 🔥 fire“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 ha…”
2017-03-31 · Air Bags · 200,000 mi“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…”
2016-06-08 · Wheels“i had tire seperation on a firestone supreme si. i was traveling 70 mph on the highway. thankfully, no one was injured and there was no accident. this is very dangerous and apparently happens quite frequently. why hasn't this issue been resolved?…”
2015-07-30 · Visibility/Wiper · 98,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge caravan. while driving at approximately 40 mph, the front driver side window made a loup popping noise when it was being rolled up. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power window mechanism failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the failure recurre…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.