Most common 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan problems
Share of the 219 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Grand Caravan complaints by model year
Best Grand Caravan years: 2020, 2007, 2006. Years to avoid: 2008, 2016, 2005, 2010, 1996. Compare all years →
2003 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls (2)
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the upper power steering cooler hose. This recall began on September 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Structure
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 overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began March 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan:
Power liftgate latch
This investigation was opened on July 30, 2004, based on odi consumer complaints alleging unwanted opening of the vehicle's power liftgate (plg) while driving.in daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc)'s September 17, 2004 response to odi' s information request letter, it provided additional consumer complaints and lawsuits.dcc states in part, ...the plg latch becomes stuck in a semi-closed state not allowing the plg…
Power liftgate latch
This investigation was opened as pe04-054 regarding reports of alleged power liftgate (plg) opening while driving.the investigation was upgraded on November 22, 2004 based on information provided by daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) in its September 17, 2004 response to pe04-054.
Engine Stall After Refueling
This defect petition evaluates July 7, 2014 allegations from an owner of a model year (MY) 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan that engine stall occurs in these vehicles without warning after refueling.The petitioner's vehicle is a Chrysler RS platform minivan.The RS platform includes MY 2003 through 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town and Country and Chrysler Voyager minivans.NHTSA evaluated the…
What 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan owners say
Steering all 45 →
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning, the vehicle made an abnormal growling sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering fluid was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V386000 (Steering) in 2004. The failure mileage was approximately 329,281.
There are two problems that are very serious. First, in 2017 as I was exiting the interstate, I drove through a puddle. As I attempted to turn left onto the road, my steering wheel locked and it was only with extreme force and slamming on the brakes that I kept from running through the guardrail, and dropping down to the interstate below. I was unable to make the turn and stopped on the overpass until my steering wheel unlocked. Yes, my engineer husband keeps up with all of our regular maintenance, including the belts. Next, with an unusually heavy rain this past week, my battery light came on. After parking for an hour, my steering wheel would not turn when I attempted go again. I restarted the car five times before the steering unlocked. All week, during that heavy rain, the steering locked regularly. These problems are all over the web. …
Electrical system all 32 →
Takata recall, my can has had some serious safety electrical issues for quite some time now.I've had many dangerous situations. With this can one thing after the next. I'm not sure exactly the problem but something the power control modual or wiring harness is not OK. The radiator fans didn't work as well as the power controls windows,heat,ac,radio, and the wipers ect.there is sparking coming from the car. Wires had started to catch fire. As well as the car overheating.
There are two problems that are very serious. First, in 2017 as I was exiting the interstate, I drove through a puddle. As I attempted to turn left onto the road, my steering wheel locked and it was only with extreme force and slamming on the brakes that I kept from running through the guardrail, and dropping down to the interstate below. I was unable to make the turn and stopped on the overpass until my steering wheel unlocked. Yes, my engineer husband keeps up with all of our regular maintenance, including the belts. Next, with an unusually heavy rain this past week, my battery light came on. After parking for an hour, my steering wheel would not turn when I attempted go again. I restarted the car five times before the steering unlocked. All week, during that heavy rain, the steering locked regularly. These problems are all over the web. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 28 →
Dt: while the vehicle was in drive and the consumer had foot on the brake pedal the vehicle went forward. The consumer stopped at a stop light on September 14, 2005 and it vehicle rear ended another vehicle. The consumer has been having problems with the transmission slipping. The vehicle is currently at a dealership. No police report was taken. There was only damage to the consumer's vehicle.
Tl *- the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan sport. The contact's vehicle vibrated, but did not stall when making a left or right turns. This incident occurred since June 2006. The mechanic replaced the power steering pump and serviced the transmission. While servicing the transmission the mechanic observed that the oil pan and dip stick had grey debris in it, and the magnet was not in the right location. The contact stated that the power steering returns cooler should be replaced. The contact also observed a burning smell under the hood ,and was concerned about an under hood fire. The dealer did not confirm if there could be a failure if she didn't replace the power steering return cooler. However, he advised her that the new part will eliminate the vibration in the steering wheel. …
2003 Dodge Grand Caravan engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Minivan.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan a good car?
Based on 219 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Grand Caravan rates better than average: 53% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Grand Caravan at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan?
The steering — 45 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rack and pinion. Next are the electrical system (32) and transmission & drivetrain (28).
How many recalls does the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan, the most recent from August 5, 2004 (hose, piping, and connections). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Grand Caravan?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2007 and 2006. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2016, 2005, 2010 and 1996. See the full Dodge Grand Caravan years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 49,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.