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2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 219 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan, most often about the steering (21% of complaints, typically around 40,000 miles). It is 18th of 21 Grand Caravan model years by number of complaints and has 2 recalls.

Complaints219
Recalls2
Crashes reported13
Fires reported5
Injuries reported27

Most common 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan problems

  1. Steering

    45 complaints · 21%

    Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles. Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist, rack and pinion, hydraulic power assist system, linkages.

    Two tsb's that should have been done when the recall was done have now cost me $300.00 because chrysler does not feel responsible, since they were not part of the recall, even though they do deal with the steering,that is not covered by the warranty..I was told that the 2 updates are required on all 2000-2004 chrysler…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 40,000 miles
    About six months ago, my wife's van has been making a whining sound from the steering pump. The noise intensifies once the steering wheel is being turned. I was told that the steering pump may have to be replaced. Eventhough this van is 6 years old, it was in storage for 3 years. The car was operated once a month in…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2009, at 40,000 miles

  2. Electrical

    32 complaints · 15%

    Half of these problems showed up before 85,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, horn, alternator/generator/regulator, 12v/24v/48v battery.

    2003 Dodge Grand Caravan engine died while driving for no apparent reason causing a major accident and injury to my wife. Power steering and brakes became inoperable and airbag did not deploy.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 90,000 miles
    2003 Dodge Grand Caravan sport, the head lights and dash will dim for a quick second. This happens when its cold out side and when the transmission is down shifting when braking. I have had the batter and alternator test and received passing results. Once the engine and tranny is warmed up there is not problem. Have…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 79,850 miles

  3. Transmission

    28 complaints · 13%

    Half of these problems showed up before 24,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline.

    On 6/18/03, vehicle stalled without warning while driving. Dealer diagnosed problem with control module and replaced. The next day, vehicle stalled again while driving.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 22,000 miles
    When the consumer depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle had no acceleration. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and they indicated that vehicle was operating as designed by the manufacturer. When the vehicle passed another, it would sound as if the clutch was out of gear and the motor would race and slow…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 26,000 miles

  4. Air bags

    24 complaints · 11%

    Half of these problems showed up before 90,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, on-off switch assembly.

    2003 Dodge Grand Caravan engine died while driving for no apparent reason causing a major accident and injury to my wife. Power steering and brakes became inoperable and airbag did not deploy.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 90,000 miles
    Tl contact owns a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the air bag indicator illuminated and the horn and vehicle speed control stopped working. The dealer stated that the clockspring was the cause of the failure. The repair would cost $300. The failure mileage was 92,000.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 92,000 miles

  5. Brakes

    17 complaints · 8%

    Half of these problems showed up before 33,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, antilock.

    I purchased 2002 grnd caravan in february 2003 from Dodge dealer had 20k. The brake pads and rotors were shot by dec 2003 w/32k. I took to dealer I purchsed it from they said it was my problem and offered to repair at my cost. I replaced w/ new brake pads and rotors and oct 2004 w/ 48k the brake pads and rotors were…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 32,711 miles
    The brake fault light int he consuemr's 2003 Grand Caravan illuminated. Consumer had teh front brakes replaced but that did notresolve the broblem. The light continues to illuminate. ** answer required***
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 33,503 miles

  6. Lights

    17 complaints · 8%

    Half of these problems showed up before 42,500 miles. Parts named most often: headlights, tail lights.

    Since purchasing the van used headlights flicker when driving, usually including the interior lights. They have never actually failed, but this does not inspire confidence when driving at night. I understand a NHTSA recall is possible for 2001-2002 models, but I hope this will be extended at least to 2003 models as…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 42,650 miles
    More and more often headlights flicker or go off completely while driving. It is very unnerving and unsafe since sometimes I don't realize they are off even though the switch is in the on position. Sometime they come back on, other times I have to turn the switch off and on quickly. Nobody can trace the problem so far.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 38,000 miles

  7. Engine

    17 complaints · 8%

    Half of these problems showed up before 63,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.

    The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the engine stalled without warning while driving 70 MPH. The contact was able to coast onto the emergency lane where the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic for further inspection. The failure was experienced several times. The vehicle was not…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 63,000 miles
    Wife went to start car in morning. Loud explosion followed by smoke from engine compartment. She left vehicle. She smelled burnt plastic smell. I checked later and saw exploded intake manifold and hose on top of engine. Obvious explosion in engine intake area with enough force to blow manifold into pieces. Car is at…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2009, at 60,000 miles

  8. Seat belts

    15 complaints · 7%

    Half of these problems showed up before 36,000 miles. Parts named most often: rear/other, front, integrated child seat.

    Dt: 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan - the seat belts did not lock during an accident. This was a rear impact crash. Consumer's vehicle stopped at a light, and traffic has just started to move, and vehicle in front started a chain reaction of stopping. The vehicle in the rear did not stop, hitting consumer's vehicle at 45…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 32,000 miles
    While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a rear end collision. Upon, impact both passenger front and rear seat belts failed to restrain the passengers. This caused both passenger to sustained minor injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. Please provide further details.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 22,690 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2003 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls

  1. Steering: hose, piping, and connections

    NHTSA 04V386000 · August 5, 2004 · 681,000 vehicles

    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.

    Full defect summary

    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.

  2. Body and structure: structure

    NHTSA 03V094000 · March 7, 2003 · 3,674 vehicles

    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.

    Full defect summary

    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.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

NHTSA defect investigations

Questions about the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan?
By NHTSA owner complaints: steering (45 complaints, typically around 40,000 miles); electrical (32 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles); transmission (28 complaints, typically around 24,000 miles).
How many recalls does the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan have?
2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from August 5, 2004 (steering). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
Is the 2003 a bad year for the Dodge Grand Caravan?
It is 18th of 21 Grand Caravan model years by number of complaints, with 219 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Dodge Grand Caravan years

Dodge Grand Caravan problems by year