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 Grand Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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.
Tubes carrying coolant to the rear heater rusted through, causing coolant to leak out of the system. Repair was not covered by extended warranty. Have spoken with other Caravan owners that have had the same failure. Some were covered under warranty. Have read on numerous forums 1) about this same failure on multiple model years (1999 - 2005) 2) how the bracket material is different than the tube, thereby causing galvanic corrosion 3) how Chrysler has since changed the material of the tubes to reduce the possibility of galvanic corrosion. The repair (tube replacement) is relatively expensive, but potentially more so if there is complete drainage of coolant, causing engine/transmission failure.
The main problem was the vehicle not going into gear or moving, plus we notice that on any incline the vehicle will roll backwards if you have to stop at a light. The first problem has been fixed, according to the mechanic there was a leak and the solenoid was replaced. However, we are still experiencing problems with the incline, which they say is normal and the transmission is operating as designed. I totally disagree, I've been driving for a while and only manual transmission react this way on an incline. Thus far the vehicle is still under warranty and there has been no cost. My wife refuses to drive the vehicle after these problems.
Summary - rough shift or slip at 1500-2000 RPM began around 30,000 miles. Dodge visits- 10/26/05 - 32,088 miles - clutch replaced. 11/30/05 - 33,179 miles - "special order part". 12/14/05 - 33,803 miles - valve body. 12/20/05 - 33,920 miles - tans-axle replacement. 03/31/06 - 36,709 miles - quick learn reset. 05/04/06 - 38,214 miles - Dodge would not evaluate unless I paid the extended warranty deductible of $100. Refused to provide me paperwork for this attempt at repair. I feel problem existed and was not fixed so should not have to pay $100 for further attempts.
My 2003 new Dodge Caravan had the transmission replaced x3, air conditioner replaced x1 then repaired again x 2, replaced starter, wheel bearing, tie rod & continues to have problems. These major problems started when the car had only 30, 000 miles and is only at 60, 000 miles. The dealer nor Chrysler corporation will replace or refund this car stated it does not fall under lemon law. Multiple time lost from taking in this car to be fixed along with extra money spent to get rentals while this car was in the shop.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle stalled four times while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealership who was unable to duplicate the problem. Finally the dealership determined the black box needed to be replaced. While driving the vehicle 25 MPH, there was a very loud noise. The vehicle would not go into gear. The vehicle began to roll when placed in park. The emergency brake was engaged to stop the vehicle which was later towed to a dealership for inspection.
Dt*: the contact stated when the vehicle was initially placed in drive, there was a clunking sound coming from the engine in the area of the transmission. The same clunking noise was heard every time the vehicle automatically downshifted at any speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined there was internal problem with the transmission; however no further diagnostic testing or repairs were completed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle erroneously accelerated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the transmission control module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. Updated 4/22/14 updated 04/28/2014
Transmission complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan, 13% of the model year's 219 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 26,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.