2003 Dodge Caravan Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 11%of 195 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 17,755miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Dodge Caravan, 11% of the 195 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 17,755 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“Dt: the transmission would not go into drive, reverse, and all the way to park. It would finally go into drive after in was in park for a few minutes. Had not contacted Dodge dealer yet, but this started happening last saturday july 16, 2005. Noticed since then when coming to a stop it made a clinking noise like it was tryingto shift down.”
NHTSA complaint #10129419, filed 2005-07, 49,240 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“Transmission problem, when taking off vehicle hesitates shifting into gear. When coming to a stop hard downshift and feels like being hit in rear end. On one occasion recently going up hill van shifted into neutral for no reason. First time fixed at 4493 miles 9/10/04, mileage 2nd time problem appx 5850 mileage today 5950 as of 6/17/05 reported to dealer 6/14/05 5908 miles apt for fixing 6/29/05”
NHTSA complaint #10125591, filed 2005-06, 4,493 miles“Bought a 2003 sport grand Caravan on dec 30, 2003. The same day, I discovered the vehical vibrate on reverse on gentle slope. Later, test drive two other new 2003 sport grand Caravan = less vibration. Test drive 2002 (13000 miles) sport grand Caravan = no vibration at all. The dealer acknowledge the problem and refuse to fix the problem because there is no recall from the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #10005024, filed 2003-01, 500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10021239Aug 25, 2006Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10013731Mar 2, 2005Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10012343Jan 22, 2005Transmission delay engagement.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 6 | 26% |
| 2014 | 2 | 10% |
| 2013 | 2 | 7% |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 5 | 6% |
| 2010 | 14 | 8% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 11 | 4% |
| 2007 | 9 | 11% |
| 2006 | 13 | 8% |
| 2005 | 13 | 2% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 22 | 11% |
| 2002 | 27 | 11% |
| 2001 | 19 | 7% |
| 2000 | 86 | 18% |
| 1999 | 96 | 17% |
| 1998 | 103 | 16% |
| 1997 | 133 | 19% |
| 1996 | 185 | 13% |
| 1995 | 93 | 19% |
| 1994 | 111 | 17% |
| 1993 | 101 | 11% |
| 1992 | 110 | 12% |
| 1991 | 57 | 9% |
| 1990 | 75 | 27% |
| 1989 | 48 | 25% |
| 1988 | 4 | 4% |
| 1987 | 7 | 10% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 6 | 12% |
| 1984 | 3 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge Caravan
41 complaintsBrakes
35 complaintsElectrical system
29 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