Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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. …
I am the victim of a fraudulent close out of a factory recall. I have been trying to get Chrysler to fix one of their own recalls on a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. I took the car to three dealerships to try to get satisfaction. Two of those have since gone out of business. The third refuses to help in any way. My complaint is that some dealership has already closed out the ticket for fixing the power steering return hose on my 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. The car was never fixed: it still has the factory hose. Finally I took the car to an independent garage where a former Chrysler technician worked who was familiar with the problem.. He said that not only had the recall never been done, but the design was faulty. …
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. …
After making "clunking noises for approximately 25,000 miles my steering rack wore out at approximately 35,000 miles. The dealer replaced it under 100% warranty, and now my replacement rack ( a remanufacured unit) started making the same noises after approximately 4,000 miles. Hen the rack was replaced I was informed that I May incur the same problem with the replacement rack as Chrysler was having a problem with their steering racks. I complained about the noise after I had exceeded the 3yr./36000 mile warranty. As I mistakenly thought I had a 12 mo./12,000 warranty on the replacement rack. The dealer informed me that the warranty had expired once I exceed the 3/36,000 guaranty and after speaking to Chrysler customer service in detroit the dealer offered me a 50/50 guarantee...I am still in communication w/the dealer and am waiting to find out what their district mgr. …
I own a 2003 Grand Caravan currently with 43,000 miles on it. At a little less than 40,000 miles the power steering pump starting making a horrible noise, didn't matter if you were turning the wheel or not; more often on a rainy or cold morning, now its all the time. I contacted Dodge since I have an extended service plan, to no avail. I have no coverage on the power steering pump or rack and pinion, but im covered on things that my husband could do in the backyard. What a story I was fed, when I bought this $900 coverage. I was told to go to a certified service center and pay $65 for a diagnostic test, ummm it doesn't require a diagnostic test, it requires 30 seconds of listening. Then and only then would they consider possibly helping me with this repair. When I bought the service plan, I was told $100 deductible for all repairs, end of story. …
Dt: beginning last year owner was having repeated problems with vehicle. About two weeks ago, there was a noise coming from front end, two or three people looked at it and couldn't find a problem. Then another dealership found the problem which was the bushings had not been greased, and all front end suspension bolts were loose. No recalls on the vehicle as far as owner knows. As owner was driving the vehicle for the last few months, there has been a cracking noise and a snapping noise that seemed to come from the front suspension. This problem happened everytime the vehicle was driven. There are no other problems, problem with front end seems to be fixed. Vehicle has been repaired 15 times in the last year. These repairs have had to do with steering and suspension noise. There have been bushings replaced, steering fluid replaced, and the transmission had to be replaced at 15,000 miles.
I have a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan that was purchased in December of 2004. I noticed that the power steering was making a humming noise. Turning, and idling. I also noticed that it was sporadic and would go on for days and then one day would not make a sound. I have taken it to the dealer and they told me the power steering fluid was low. I checked it many times and it was fine. They told me that the power steering needed to be flushed and there should be no reason for power steering to be flushed. I am seriously concerned that something terrible is going to happen with this issue. I have an extended warranty and the dealer said that it is not anything that needs to be replaced. I don't feel good about this at all!!! We are about at 54,000 miles and this started happening about 8 months ago or so.
Dt: the contace owns a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan sport. The there are approximately 20,000 miles on the tires. The service dealer states that one of the tires has less than tread, the other three have approximately tread. The tires are unsafe in the snow and rain. Vibration in the vehicle while in reverse or when slowling. He has noticed the sounds because of the vibration. The dealer suggested the consumer May have towed something to cause the tires to wear, but the contact said the vehicle was only used under normal circumstances. The contact felt it May be from the front end being out of alignment from the manufacturer. The contact stated rack and pinion steering wasa replaced. The dealer will extend the warranty on the tires, but will not replace the tires.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. In December 2003, four months after purchasing the vehicle, the contact heard a noise coming from the steering column at 20 MPH. The vehicle was inspected and no failures could be found. Throughout the years, the failure occurred on approximately twelve occasions. The mechanic test drove the vehicle, heard the noise, and stated that it was a common failure among the 2003-2005 Grand caravans. Although the mechanic completed other recall repairs, he felt that he could not remedy this particular failure. The contact stated that the mechanic May have caused the failure to worsen. The contact has documentation of all the repairs. The current mileage is 23,100 , and failure mileage was 2,025.
Related recalls
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.
Steering complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan, 21% of the model year's 219 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-386 (hose, piping, and connections, Aug 5, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 18% 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.