Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
Electrical component in the glove compartment that controls the heater smells of burning and when heat is turned on smoke blows out the heat vents, also causing the heat to go out. When the wires were checked they were all melted from burning.
We were driving down the freeway going 75mph and everything died. No power steering, no power brakes! Luckily we were in the far right lane and were able to barley able to make it of the side of the road without being hit or hitting anyone. In 110 degree weather, we sat with our 4 small children waiting for a tow truck. And then for someone to pick us up. We don't' even know how the tow truck was able to get the vehicle without getting hit, it was that close to the side of the road. Nothing started and after 3 shops, finally found it was the computer, took the part out and its messed up and we were told not only by all 3 shops, but by all the parts places that its common in this make and model. That is unacceptable! My kids not only are afraid to get in the car, but I have had to start taking something for anxiety, I am so afraid to drive any car now, afraid of that happening again. …
Driving to meet my husband. I was on a highway I got up to 60 MPH. My van started losing the instrument panel. At first only a little bump (ding) then as I continue driving I lost the whole instrument panel intermittently and the wind shield wipers came on and sprayed wiper fluid and all lights would not work. When I got the panel back it would leave the air bag light on. It had no effect on the rest of the engine. I had something similar happen before and it was a dead battery. I went and had both battery and alternator tested they are fine. It has not happened again but it had happened at least every 2 weeks for 6 months with no answers. This is the first time it completely lost the instrument panel but not the first time it would lose 5 MPH or so on the instrument panel and nothing to the engine. I am going crazy thinking my car is possessed! …
Tl contact owns a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the vehicles exterior lighting system failed which also decreased the visibility. While driving 65 MPH at night, the windshield wipers came on, when the contact tried to turn on the low beams. The weather was not a factor. The contact stated that when the right turn signal was activated the left turn signal came on instead. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact replaced the electrical unit himself, and found that there was oil in the electrical unit. The contact retained the electrical unit for examination. The contact also stated that the vehicle functioned properly after the electrical unit was replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000. The current mileage was approximately 119,000.
2003 Dodge Caravan had intermittent failure to start. Would start 5-15 minutes after not cranking. Engine died while idling and would not start. Checked battery and it would not start. Vehicle started next day after being towed. Problem traced to chafed insulation on wiring harness. Corrected insulation and vehicle started. Engine died while driving in traffic and would not restart in neutral. Coasted and parked vehicle and it would not start. Two minutes later vehicle started. Traced problem to ignition switch or computer. Currently in process of replacing ignition switch. Engine dying in traffic and refusing to start is major safety problem. Incidents occurred 10/31/04 through 11/9/04.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact tested and replaced the battery, but the vehicle failed to successfully restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair facility. The mechanic stated that the pc module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the horn would continuously activate. The mechanic disabled the horn and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Vehicle was being driven on road totally cut out, would not re start, after some 20 minutes restarted, decided to drive on thruway back to mechanic, would run for a short time then cut out again. Given to Chrysler Dodge dealer, unable to locate problem, could not fix.. Replaced ECM module replace OEM module no better. Own mechanic replaced a wire, at least it run but now cuts out in car wash, puddles, slush. Chrysler still have no idea, except that they have several instances of the same problem. Also ignition key works only when tapped with a hammer and turn, apparently this is also a common fault.
While driving, the left headlamp stopped working. It started working again a few minutes later, and has continued to turn on and off for no apparent reason. High beams work OK. The same problem occurred with two different bulbs. When the ignition is off, I can turn on the headlights, but the left light has a slight delay turning on. When I turn the ignition on, the left headlight goes out. I cannot find any relays or fuses for the headlights. Two mechanics have looked at the problem, and have not been able to fix it. This seems to be a common problem on the web, but I can't find any solutions.
Electrical complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan, 15% of the model year's 219 complaints. The component named most often is horn (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan, though it has 2 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 Grand Caravan electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.