Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. I'm complaining because I was stuck on fast moving arterial with leaking transmission (unsafe condition) because of improper repairs ,and could not move the vehicle in conjested traffic 1621-72nd st east,tacoma,wa 98404. Vehicle was stationary at that moment and at another different time when driving.this is the unsafe part. …
The consumer had several problems with his 2003 Dodge Caravan; such problems were a knock in the transmission and 2 brake jobs. The two brakes jobs occurred within one year. The steering wheel knocked (recall campaign #04V386000), the vehicle had broken down at 8K miles, the wheel alignment was off, the gear panel illuminated, and the window had become loose. 80% of the vehicles problems was under 10K miles. The rotation noise continued and the rubber lining around the sliding door was coming off. Other problems: when the vehicle would be taken out of park to drive, all of the lights would illuminate, the front rims/hub caps were dirty due to excessive leakage around the brakes, even during normal washing, there was a mild ringing noise in the vehicle, the front door rattled, the rear tail lamp was damaged, the brake light and back-up lights had gone out, the brakes were going bad …
Two and a half weeks after the vehicle was purchased there was a jerking and clicking noise whenever the vehicle went up a hill. The vehicle only had 279 miles on it at the time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was told that nothing was wrong. At 1829 miles, check engine light came on and cylinder number 4 was misfiring. The dealer replaced a spark plug. After 13,301 miles this happened again. At 14,456 miles the rear wheels moved but the front wheels would move along with big noise. There was hesitation and rumbling when in drive. Took to dealer and found front pump in transmission had failed. The pump was replaced. On April 4-7, 2005 again to dealer who found nothing wrong. On April 28, 2005 hesitation along with check engine light came on. April 29 car had to be towed to dealer. May 2, 2005 was told need replacement of valve body and transmission. …
Dt: the contact stated when depressing the brake pedal it went all the way to the floor. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, where the master cylinder was replaced, which fixed the vehicle temporarily. The brakes completely failed a second time a month after the master cylinder was replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The master cylinder was replaced again. The vehicle was driven for two weeks before the brakes failed a third time. The vehicle was returned to the dealer where the master cylinder and the auto transmission were replaced. The contact was not having transmission problems when the brake failure occurred, but the dealer replaced it in an effort to alleviate the braking problems. While driving home from the dealership the brakes failed once again. In four incidents of brake failure speed or road conditions did not appear to play a part.
Intermittently when the vehicle was in the reverse with the gear and gas pedal depressed, the vehicle didn't accelerate or when it was in the drive gear and gas pedal was depressed, the vehicle would go into reverse. This problem occurred three times a week when the vehicle was in first gear. The engine revved, but the vehicle didn't move. The consumer's foot was on the gas, and had no idea the vehicle would move. The vehicle had been back to the dealer on three occasions; the first time for warranty, the second time the vehicle was involved in an accident, and the third time the dealer wasn't successful with finding the problem. The consumer discovered Ford had problems with their transmissions.
Tl 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. Updated 05/20/08.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated while traveling 50 MPH the accelerator was depressed, but the vehicle failed to maintain current speed. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic. The manufacturer had not been contacted, and the vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 95,968 and the current mileage was 95,974. Updated 9/13/11 the consumer stated the problem was with the fuel injection harness which were bare and hitting the intake manifold. Also, the o2 sensor and ac compressor needs to be replaced. Updated 10/31/11
The first problem happened on 4/24/03 transmission stuck in second gear would not shift. Dealership removed and disassembled transmission. Found a lot of metal filings and found torque converter failure. They replaced clutches and converter, reassembled. The second time the transmission blew. The dealership inspected transmission and there was a hole in the case, differential failure. They replaced the transmission. The brand new from the factory transmission is doing the same as when we first bought it. I believe it is a lemon.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Dodge Caravan. While his spouse was driving 70mph, the gear box lit up and the vehicle shut off. The contact immediately merged the vehicle to the side of the road and was able to restart it. After shifting in reverse, the vehicle drove forward. The dealer could not duplicate the problem. The failure continued to occur. The failure mileage was 9,365 and the current mileage was 39,000.
My Caravan has some kind of transmission problem. When it starts to mess up it will not change gears when I am driving or will shut down as I am driving (65 MPH). It has been happening for a year and has been to the shop many (5+) times. It is in the shop right now in johnsons of chickasha,oklahoma[phone]) say they can fix it but I don't believe they can. David stanly in midwest city has tried too.
Transmission complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2003 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2003 Dodge Caravan, 11% of the model year's 195 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Caravan transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2003 Dodge Caravan, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Dodge Caravan transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 18,000 miles, and 59% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.