2003 Dodge Caravan problems & reliability
195 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Dodge Caravan, alongside 3 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
13 complaints report injuries (23 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 41 | 21% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 31 | 16% |
| Electrical System | 29 | 15% |
| Power Train | 22 | 11% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 17 | 9% |
| Air Bags | 14 | 7% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 11 | 6% |
| Exterior Lighting | 10 | 5% |
| Suspension | 8 | 4% |
| Tires | 8 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 40,650 miles (middle 50% between 20,194 and 64,761 miles), based on 130 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Driving down the highway at regular speed and engine compression shut down and vehicle stalled, as I barely coasted off to the side of the highway, as this situation was very dangerous..”
Engine · filed Mar 24, 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge caravan. The contact stated while driving at 25 mph, the power steering started to fail which made the vehicle difficult to steer. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the upper power steering…”
Steering · filed Mar 15, 2021
“I was driving and hit a pot hole and the rear axle broke cause by cheap design rear axle support. After checking out you tube it is e common problem with dodge and chrysler vans. If this happened on the highway one can end up under a 18 wheeler.”
Suspension · filed Feb 12, 2020
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- Engine Stall After Refueling
Defect Petition DP14002 · opened Sep 5, 2014 · closed Apr 6, 2015
Technical service bulletins
70 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Dodge Caravan. The 10 most recent:
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…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020
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…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020
Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
23-015-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 30, 2020
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…
08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 22, 2020
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.
3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
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.
3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100619 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
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.
31-005-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
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.
31-003-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-006-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2003 Dodge Caravan has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2003 Dodge Caravan?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 40,650 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.