2003 Dodge Caravan Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 195 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,850miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2003 Dodge Caravan, 3% of the 195 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,850 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The side sliding door on the driver's side will not unlock with the unlock button nor are you able to unlock it manually with the child safety switch off. This is a safety hazard as you are unable to unlock or open this door in an emergency. This is the door my small child is accessed through. Apparently it is a very common issue with this vehicle too!!! I can't afford to have a dealer fix it. & there is no other option available.”
NHTSA complaint #10478422, filed 2012-10, 100,000 miles“Passenger sliding door on driver side, lock will no longer lock using remote or driver door lock switch, also auto lock at 20mph no longer auto locks, this is safety hazard and theft hazard. Did not know that all doors were not locking items could be easily stolen.”
NHTSA complaint #10238618, filed 2008-08, 52,850 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Caravan. While attempting to turn the vehicle at 5 MPH, the contact heard a sound for the first ten minutes of driving, and then it would stop. The vehicle was serviced by the dealer, but the failure persists. The failure mileage was 18,380. Updated 05/20/08. The consumer had problems with the power steering, transmission, rear lights that were hanging, the rear wiper came off, the sliding door did not shut properly. The clockspring was replaced. The engine light was on, the water pump was coming apart the valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket were leaking. …”
NHTSA complaint #10226034, filed 2008-04, 18,380 miles“2003 Dodge Caravan only equipped with 3 tether latches. Two on the 2nd row buckets and one in the middle of the rear bench. If a child seat is placed in the middle of the bench, you can not fit another child seat beside it. It is not possible to legally and safely install more than three child seats in a 2003 Caravan.”
NHTSA complaint #10390414, filed 2011-03“Dt: contact owned a 2003 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated while trying to get into vehicle a few weeks ago realized that on the passenger side door there was no key lock to unlock the door from the outside. The vehicle has the keyless entry system which unlocks all of the doors. He driver's side door was the only door that has the actual key lock. The consumer contacted the service dealer, who stated it was the design of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10131251, filed 2005-08Related recalls
- 05V134000Apr 6, 2005On certain minivans, the power liftgate (plg) latch may not engage the striker allowing the liftgate to open while driving.Covers: Dodge Caravan 2003, Chrysler Town And Country 2003
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 16 | 9% |
| 2005 | 203 | 38% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 3% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 8 | 3% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 8 | 1% |
| 1998 | 5 | 1% |
| 1997 | 10 | 1% |
| 1996 | 61 | 4% |
| 1995 | 22 | 5% |
| 1994 | 57 | 9% |
| 1993 | 30 | 3% |
| 1992 | 36 | 4% |
| 1991 | 39 | 6% |
| 1990 | 48 | 17% |
| 1989 | 28 | 15% |
| 1988 | 23 | 22% |
| 1987 | 15 | 22% |
| 1986 | 12 | 24% |
| 1985 | 7 | 14% |
| 1984 | 6 | 33% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge Caravan
41 complaintsBrakes
35 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 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