2003 Dodge Caravan Problems
- Complaints
- 195filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles, 136 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.3L 6-cyl · flex-fuel FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Dodge Caravan (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2003 Dodge Caravan most often describe steering and brake problems: power-steering noise or loss of assist, worn rack-and-pinion and tie-rod parts, and pedals that sink or brakes that grind. Many of these appear at relatively low mileage, while electrical complaints (headlights cutting out, dash and module faults) tend to show up on higher-mileage vans. Transmission and cooling-system reports also come in early, sometimes within the first few thousand miles.
- Steering
Power steering noise, loss of assist, rack and hose problems
- 32 complaints (16%)
- median 35,000 mi at 3.2 yrs old (25 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2021
Owners describe a whine or groan from the power steering, loudest when cold or after highway driving, and sometimes steering that is briefly hard to turn. Others report knocking or popping from the front end over bumps or in turns, with dealers diagnosing worn rack-and-pinion units, tie-rod ends or the upper power steering cooler hose. Several owners had the rack replaced more than once, and one complaint notes a hose failure after the 04V386000 hose campaign had already been performed. Some dealers topped up or overfilled the fluid reservoir rather than replacing parts. Mostly reported between roughly 15,000 and 80,000 miles, with some noise reports at very low mileage and a few hose or rack failures past 100,000 miles.
Recall 04V3860001 related service bulletin
What to check: Listen for steering whine at cold start and after a highway drive, and check for play or knocking in the front end over bumps. Ask whether the power steering cooler hose campaign 04V386000 was completed and whether the rack or tie-rod ends have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The power steering rack and pinion assembly on my 2003 Dodge Caravan has had to be replaced twice in 50000 miles of driving. There was no specific event leading to these componant failures. The defect causes rough vehicle handling I.e. Alignment problems. This will be the third rack and pinion assembly installed on this vehicle, factory installed and two replacements. Originally installed assembly was discarded. The two repalcements were performed by the original selling dealership, monroe chrysler superstores, using mopar replacements.”
NHTSA complaint #10116570, filed 2005-04, 28,775 miles“Power steering pump whines when vehicle has been driven at highway speeds for a period of time. When vehicle comes to a stop a loud whining noise comes from power steering. Whining is aggrevated when steering wheel is turned from side to side. Noise changes with speed of the engine. My fluid level is at normal. My dealers answer was to overfill the reservoir with fluid. Now that the fluid level is completely filled to the top of the reservoir, including the neck of the reservoir, the noise has gone away. It appears the reservoir is too small for the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10056935, filed 2004-02, 18,144 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal sinking, grinding and premature brake wear
- 25 complaints (13%)
- median 40,000 mi at 3.1 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2012
Complaints describe the brake pedal going low or all the way to the floor, sometimes with the vehicle continuing to roll, and in some cases the pedal had to be pumped or the parking brake used to stop. Others report grinding or rust-related noise and unusually early pad and rotor wear, with dealers replacing calipers, master cylinders, rear brake components or pads and rotors. Some owners were told the problem could not be duplicated or was attributed to driving style. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 100,000 miles, with several cases in the 20,000 to 65,000 mile range.
What to check: With the engine running, hold firm pressure on the pedal and check that it does not creep toward the floor, and have the rear drums and brake lines inspected for rust or water intrusion. Ask about service history for the master cylinder, calipers and rear brake hardware.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2003 Dodge Caravan and when it had about 20000 miles, the brakes began to act weird. In november of 2005, my wife rear-ended another vehicle because the brake pedal went almost to the floor and the brakes wobbled. I had the brakes replaced right after the accident, but now the brakes are doing the same thing. The vehicle now has 34000 miles and I am going to take it to the dealer for inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10166585, filed 2006-08, 20,000 miles“2003 Dodge Caravan thought it was great had little problems that I never thought much of until now, now that my vehicle has been in a shop and unusable for about 8 weeks. …”
NHTSA complaint #10241850, filed 2008-09, 50,000 miles - Electrical system
Headlights and dash cutting out; wiring faults
- 18 complaints (9%)
- median 45,787 mi at 4.0 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2017
Owners report headlights and dash lights that dim, flash or shut off intermittently while driving, sometimes for several seconds at a time, and in some cases lights stayed on after the key was removed until the battery was disconnected. Other complaints involve gauges flickering, wipers and locks acting on their own, alarm lamps lighting, and stalling; dealers variously replaced the headlight switch, cluster module, ignition switch, battery or body control module, and some diagnoses were inconclusive. Reported across a wide mileage range, from under 10,000 miles to around 120,000 miles, with many reports between about 40,000 and 100,000 miles.
What to check: At night or in a garage, watch the headlights and dash for flickering and test every switch, lock and wiper. Ask whether the headlight switch, body control module or cluster has been replaced and whether the battery and charging system were tested.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My wife was driving her 2003 Dodge Caravan sport, on highway 664 when the alarm indication came on and the van stalled out, had to be towed home. It would not start until the next morning and this time on 664 with my two children in the van and an 18 wheeler behind her the alarm light came on again and the darn thing stalled out again. Again it was towed home and it is still won't start. I called the dealership they said there is nothing they can do for me since I bought the van used in aug 2004. …”
NHTSA complaint #10158908, filed 2006-06, 39,289 miles“Was driving the van on the highway when the radio and heat continued to go on and off, then the wipers and lights went. Once the van slowed down and came to a stop everything came back on. Was looked at by a dealer and they said they need to replace the cluster module. One month went by with no problem then it repeated all the above. Brought to the dealer again and they said that they thought it may be the ignition switch. They replaced switch and I drove the van then when returning from my destination it repeated the problem again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10110364, filed 2005-02, 30,070 miles - Engine cooling
Cooling leaks, water pump and under-hood fires
- 18 complaints (9%)
- median 39,566 mi at 3.1 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2021
Complaints mention coolant loss and leaks, water pump problems, and valve cover or oil pan gasket leaks. A few owners describe the engine stalling while driving or an under-hood fire that totaled the vehicle, and others report a carbon monoxide smell or a stall that dealers could not reproduce. Spread from about 10,000 to 180,000 miles, with stall reports at low mileage and fluid leaks more often at higher mileage.
What to check: Check coolant level and look for residue around the water pump, hoses and under the engine, and ask about water pump and gasket replacement history. Have any exhaust or fuel smell investigated before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2003 Dodge Caravan makes a lot of noise when you go over a bump when I took it to the dealer they told me that the sway bar link bushings were bad. Conveniently my extended service agreement did not cover this and the service manager stated it should be because every Caravan that comes in has needed these and he was surprised it was not covered. …”
NHTSA complaint #10146666, filed 2006-01, 44,132 miles“I was driving my car when all of a sudden it started to chock like it was getting no gas I decided to turn around to go home because I live in a rural area with no cell service when I stopped to turn around a man that was behind me came running over to get me out of the car because he said it was on fire under the back drivers side I didn't even know it was on fire if is was not for him I could have been severely injured or even died the car burned up and exploded with in two minutes of me getting out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10543535, filed 2013-09, 180,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Harsh shifting and transmission repairs at low miles
- 14 complaints (7%)
- median 14,805 mi at 1.5 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- filed 2003–2018
Owners describe hesitation when shifting into gear, hard downshifts around 30 mph that feel like a bump from behind, rumbling or jerking on acceleration, and in some cases the van shifting into neutral or losing drive. Complaints mention dealers replacing a control module on the side of the transmission, the front pump inside the transmission, or the transmission itself; some problems were fixed only after repeat visits. One owner reported finding the transmission had already been rebuilt at low mileage. Often reported under 20,000 miles, including within the first few hundred miles; some reports around 34,000 to 36,000 miles.
What to check: Test drive from cold, including a hill start and a cruising downshift near 30 mph, and check for delayed engagement when moving from park or reverse into drive. Ask for transmission service records and whether any control module or pump work was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11063819, filed 2018-01, 36,000 miles“Transmission fluid was replaced by dealer at 34,000 miles. After leaving dealership, van experienced hard downshifting at 30 MPH. Dealer said a control module on the side of the transmission was faulty and it was replaced. Van continued to experience hard downshift at 30mph, so it was again returned to the dealer. Problem was corrected, but no further explanation offered.”
NHTSA complaint #10078764, filed 2004-06, 34,000 miles
Buying note. A 2003 Caravan with a documented steering and brake service history is worth more than a low-mileage example without one, since those two systems account for most complaints here. Before buying, drive it cold and at speed, test the brakes firmly, run every electrical accessory, and ask specifically about rack, hose campaign and transmission work.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 80 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 195 consumer complaints for the 2003 Dodge Caravan. 136 of the complaints include a mileage, and 63% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 40,000 miles. Of all complaints, 13 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 23 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 29 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering41 21%
- Brakes35 18%
- Electrical system29 15%
- Engine cooling17 8.7%
- Air bags14 7.2%
- Fuel system13 6.7%
- Exterior lighting10 5.1%
- Equipment8 4.1%
- Suspension8 4.1%
Also reported: Tires (8), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (7), Latches, locks and linkages (5), Seat belts (5), Seats (5), Other or unknown (4), Body and structure (4), Wheels (4), Vehicle speed control (3), Engine (2).
Example complaints
Steering: “My 2003, 6 cyl, 3.3l, Dodge Caravan, loses it's power steering when it rains and you hit even a small puddle of water. The water shield is in place. The Dodge dealer says it is common to all the caravans and there is no fix. I called main Dodge hq which confirmed this. This is incredibly dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10240746, filed 2008-09, 72,000 milesBrakes: “Brake rotors and brake pads had to be replaced at 20,000 miles. The garage that did the work stated that 1st brakes should last approximately 40,000 miles. Dodge/chrysler would not investigate the problem told me that they only covered brakes for 12,000 miles. I've never replaced brakes at 12,000 miles....”
NHTSA complaint #10107559, filed 2005-01, 19,000 milesElectrical system: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10978732, filed 2017-04, 242,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “After auto repair shop change the transmission fluid in my 2003 Dodge Caravan with 3.3l engine (at around 45,000 miles), there is very rough downshifting of the transmission. They used mopar oem transmission fluid and filter. The problem is especially visible when downshifting from 4th to 3rd gear. There was also a little beat rough downshifting before car came to stop, so I believe between the 2nd and 1st gear. This a common problem, and I do not feel safe when it occurs, because the wheels can spin on the wet or snowy roads. …”
NHTSA complaint #10183003, filed 2007-02, 30,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
63% of the 136 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 18,144 and 64,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Dodge Caravan. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caravan · sedan FWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2003 Dodge Caravan version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Caravan/Grand Caravan AWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD | 3.3L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 05V134000Apr 6, 2005Latches/locks/linkages › Hatchback/liftgate › LockCovers: Dodge Caravan 2003, Chrysler Town And Country 2003
On certain minivans, the power liftgate (plg) latch may not engage the striker allowing the liftgate to open while driving.
- 04V386000Aug 5, 2004Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connectionsCovers: Dodge Caravan 2002–2004, Chrysler Town And Country 2002–2004, Voyager 2002–2004 +1 more
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.
- 03V094000Mar 7, 2003Body and structureCovers: Dodge Caravan 2000–2003, Ford Explorer 2000–2003, Dodge Grand Caravan 2000–2003 +9 more
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…
Recall details for the 2003 Dodge Caravan → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 29 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. 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…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. 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…
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Body and structure, Equipment. Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. 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…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. 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.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. 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.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. 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.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Equipment. 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.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Other model years of the Dodge Caravan
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 23 | 46,500 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2014 | 20 | 57,192 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2013 | 30 | 48,000 | 0 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 87 | 51,500 | 0 | — | — | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 78 | 65,000 | 0 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 172 | 51,500 | 2 | — | — | 93 · More | Stable |
| 2009 | 118 | 75,000 | 2 | — | 19 | 58 · Typical | Stable |
| 2008 | 302 | 65,000 | 2 | — | 19 | 94 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 81 | 65,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 173 | 58,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 537 | 64,826 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 65 | 70,850 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 195 | 40,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 245 | 52,500 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 257 | 54,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 470 | 75,000 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 555 | 84,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 629 | 80,000 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 714 | 94,500 | 7 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 1,403 | 96,000 | 9 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1995 | 489 | 87,829 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 644 | 102,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 949 | 130,000 | 8 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 913 | 145,000 | 9 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 617 | 118,772 | 9 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 278 | 140,500 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 191 | 185,542 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 103 | 122,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 69 | 117,500 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 49 | — | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 49 | — | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 18 | — | 3 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
All Dodge Caravan model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge Caravan?
Owners of the 2003 Dodge Caravan most often describe steering and brake problems: power-steering noise or loss of assist, worn rack-and-pinion and tie-rod parts, and pedals that sink or brakes that grind. The issues reported most often: Power steering noise, loss of assist, rack and hose problems; Brake pedal sinking, grinding and premature brake wear; Headlights and dash cutting out; wiring faults.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Dodge Caravan have?
NHTSA recorded 195 consumer complaints for the 2003 Dodge Caravan as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Dodge Caravan is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 41 complaints (21% of the total), followed by brakes with 35.
Has the 2003 Dodge Caravan been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Dodge Caravan get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Dodge Caravan (Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD, 3.3L 6-cyl · flex-fuel) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Dodge Caravan reported?
Among the 136 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 40,000 miles and the middle half falls between 18,144 and 64,000 miles; 63% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.