Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2003 Dodge Caravan, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Steering41
- Service brakes, hydraulic31
- Electrical system29
- Power train22
- Engine and engine cooling17
- Air bags14
- Fuel system, gasoline11
- Exterior lighting10
- Suspension8
- Tires8
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 23 injuries and 1 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2003 Dodge Caravan failed the safety check 2.24% of the time — 6% more often than the average 2003 passenger car (2.11%). Median odometer at inspection: 138,676 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 3 variants: combined 11.8–17.8 L/100 km (about 13–20 mpg US), CO₂ 271–285 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caravan · Minivan · Regular gasoline | 13.5 | 9.7 | 11.8 |
| Caravan FFV · Minivan · Regular gasoline | 13.5 | 9.7 | 11.8 |
| Caravan FFV · Minivan · E85 ethanol | 20.4 | 14.6 | 17.8 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
1 Transport Canada recall for the 2003 Dodge Caravan.
| 2004276 4 Aug 2004 | Steering On certain minivans equipped with a 3.3L or 3.8L engine, the upper power steering cooler hose could split, causing a fluid leak. Power steering fluid leakage i… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) LATCH MAY NOT ENGAGE THE STRIKER ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO OPEN WHILE DRIVING.
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Dodge told its dealers about the 2003 Dodge Caravan: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 635728 | SOME VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH ANTI-SKID BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MAY HAVE THE ABS, BRAKE AND TRAC OFF LAMPS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *TT |
| 635674 | CONCERNS WITH THE ABS, BRAKE AND TRAC OFF CLUSTER LAMPS ILLUMINATED ON VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH ABS BRAKES. *TT |
| 635672 | SUBJECT REGARDING REAR BRAKE CYCLIC RUBBING SOUND FROM REAR OF VEHICLE DURING MEDIUM TO LIGHT BRAKE APPLICATION ON VEHICLES WITH REAR DRUM BRAKES. *TT |
| 634272 | FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC |
| 634082 | CHROME WHEEL CARE. *SLC |
| 630800 | SNOW/WATER INGESTION INTO REAR BRAKE DRUM. *YD THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES 05-001-02 DATED MARCH 4, 2002. *TT |
| 10229256 | KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty. |
| 10229181 | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine. |
| 10223854 | Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make |
| 10223602 | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine. |
| 10221686 | KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty. |
| 10220101 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
| 10220099 | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
| 10220097 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10191460 | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. |
| 10175743 | Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19 |
| 10175735 | Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary. |
| 10169249 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
| 10169247 | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
| 10169245 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10139595 | Part Description: Insulator in Lever Assembly - Valve Body - Trans Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and an instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement lease order 68253099AA. Note: Insulator color is not relevant for service |
| 10129008 | 82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio). Mopar offers an alternative product (82213192) which is a water based product approved for sale in the aforementioned states.~ ~ Please inform the customer & your prep dept that spraying excessive amounts of the fabric protector on load floors will result in the breaking down of the adhesive (glu |
| 10022182 | POWER SLIDING DOOR ADJUSTMENT AND DIAGNOSIS AID. *KB UPDATED 10/26/07. *NJ |
| 10021668 | CLEANING PROCEDURE FOR THE MECHANICAL THROTTLE BODY. *KB |
| 10021239 | POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE INITIALIZATION. *KB |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Engine Stall After Refueling
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation