2003 Dodge Caravan Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 18%of 195 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Dodge Caravan, 18% of the 195 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 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“While driving in the parking lot of a store I experienced a total brake pedal failure. When I applied the brakes the van simply kept on going. I checked for the pedal and could not see it any longer. It had practically disappeared - only the top of the pedal was visible at the floor. After trying to stop the van with the gears, I hit the emergency brake and came to a stop. This was a life threatening situation. The car is now at the shop. The mechanics stated that a small part necessary for the brakes to function was missing. Apparently the part only costs $12. …”
NHTSA complaint #10362099, filed 2010-10, 60,000 miles“Monday, march 12, 2007 I am planning to up grade my Caravan se to a newer car and before I change to a new problem I what to solve my old problem!!! The Caravan to me is an excellent car on the highway very comfortable and stable. In 2003 I perches a new Caravan fist I researched to check on possible defects. With 18 thousand I was told I needed new brake pads at 20.000 the metal started to rub on the rotor. Interestingly only the inner passenger side shoes had excessive where. To me this was unusual on all my new cars I never needed brakes before 30 thousand. …”
NHTSA complaint #10184861, filed 2007-03, 10 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10020494Sep 23, 2006Snow/water ingestion into rear brake drum.
- 10019632Mar 9, 2006Snow/water ingestion into rear brake drum.
- 10011941Dec 3, 2004Anti-lock brake rear wheel speed sensor replacement.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 | 9% |
| 2014 | 2 | 10% |
| 2012 | 9 | 10% |
| 2011 | 6 | 8% |
| 2010 | 23 | 13% |
| 2009 | 11 | 9% |
| 2008 | 62 | 21% |
| 2007 | 10 | 12% |
| 2006 | 12 | 7% |
| 2005 | 19 | 4% |
| 2004 | 8 | 12% |
| 2003 | 35 | 18% |
| 2002 | 16 | 7% |
| 2001 | 14 | 5% |
| 2000 | 55 | 12% |
| 1999 | 50 | 9% |
| 1998 | 48 | 8% |
| 1997 | 72 | 10% |
| 1996 | 153 | 11% |
| 1995 | 62 | 13% |
| 1994 | 63 | 10% |
| 1993 | 338 | 36% |
| 1992 | 271 | 30% |
| 1991 | 215 | 35% |
| 1990 | 16 | 6% |
| 1989 | 10 | 5% |
| 1988 | 4 | 4% |
| 1987 | 3 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 5 | 10% |
| 1984 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge Caravan
41 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsEquipment
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsTires
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Dodge Caravan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology