2003 Dodge Grand Caravan

219 federal complaints (289 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 16 service bulletins · 2 Canadian recalls
See all 35 model years of the Dodge Grand Caravan →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85, Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
18 city / 25 hwy
Federal complaints
219
Recall campaigns
2
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Steering
45
Electrical system
32
Power train
29
Air bags
24
Brakes
21
Lighting
20
Engine & cooling
17
Body & structure
16
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 39 complaints01 years old: 36 complaints2 years old: 21 complaints3 years old: 31 complaints4 years old: 16 complaints5 years old: 14 complaints56 years old: 9 complaints7 years old: 10 complaints8 years old: 7 complaints9 years old: 6 complaints10 years old: 7 complaints1011 years old: 3 complaints12 years old: 3 complaints13 years old: 3 complaints14 years old: 3 complaints15 years old: 2 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 212 of 219 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 35 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 31 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 26 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 26 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 19 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 5 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 6 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 6 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 4 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 2 complaints200,000+ miles: 5 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 165 of 219 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Steering

45 complaint records
"VAN HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 6 TIMES FOR STEERING PROBLEM WHINING NOISE RACK WAS REPLACED ONCE AND PUMP WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Electrical system

32 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND HORN STOPPED WORKING WAS TOLD BY DEALER IT WAS THE CLOCK SPRINGS BUT ITS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Power train

29 complaint records1 crash report
"WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP TRANSMISSION JUMPED AND SLIPPED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER STATED THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP14002
opened Sep 2014
closed Apr 2015Fuel System, GasolineEngine 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...
EA04031
opened Nov 2004
closed Apr 2005Latches/Locks/LinkagesPOWER LIFTGATE LATCH - led to recall 05V134000
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...
PE04054
opened Jul 2004
closed Nov 2004Latches/Locks/LinkagesPOWER 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...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
04V386000SteeringON 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.Normally free
03V094000StructureCERTAIN 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2005103
2005-04-11
Other3,069On certain vehicles, the power lift-gate (PLG) latch may become stuck in an unopened state and may not cinch on the striker during a PLG closing cycle.
2004276
2004-08-04
Steering150,116On 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 in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
9004275
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemKEY, 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.
23-015-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentDisinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging 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.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse 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.
Show 11 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse 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.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
68332810
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingService - 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.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
9003215
Feb 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingPart 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.
9002519
Mar 2013
Equipment82212076, 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,...
21-001-13
Jan 2013
Electrical SystemMIL Illumination - DTC P1776 Solenoid Switch Valve Latched in LR Position
0308
Sep 2003
TiresDAIMLERCHRYSLER CARGO VAN ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT (OE) FITMENT. BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL42+ 215/65R16 98T - ARTICLE # 122-076. THIS IS BRIDGESTONE FIRESTONE TECHNICAL BULLETIN. *TT
C20
Jun 2003
SteeringPOWER STEERING FLUID COOLER HOSES MAY SPLIT AND CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER ASSIST - CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION NO. C20. *TT

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Dodge Grand Caravan →