2003 Chrysler Town and Country recalls and problems

The 2003 Chrysler Town and Country has 2 safety recalls and 245 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chrysler dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
245
Crashes / fires
15 / 7
Injuries / deaths
28 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Chrysler Town and Country vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Chrysler Town and Country recalls

Recall 05V-134: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Apr 6, 2005 · 70,235 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain minivans, the power liftgate (Plg) latch may not engage the striker allowing the liftgate to open while driving.

Risk: In the event of a crash, an unbelted passenger could be ejected from the vehicle.

Fix: Dealers will replace the power liftgate control module free of charge. The recall began april 26, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Recall 04V-386: Steering

Reported Aug 5, 2004 · 681,000 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: 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.

Risk: Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an under hood fire.

Fix: 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.

2003 Chrysler Town and Country problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering61
Electrical System44
Power Train29
Air Bags25
Visibility17
Engine and Engine Cooling17
Exterior Lighting16
Structure15
Service Brakes, Hydraulic15
Latches/Locks/Linkages14
Suspension12
Fuel System, Gasoline11

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 18
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections — 11
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 8
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 8
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump — 7
  • Steering › Rack and Pinion — 7
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 5
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 5

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 60,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Chrysler Town and Country complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Oct 21, 2025
While driving the van in town it completely shut off. I was driving straight at 35 mph. It would not restart and had to be towed to service garage. When it shut off the first time all of the dash warning lights came on for a second then shut off. The garage said the ignition switch had to be replaced and the main computer. Then the Chrysler dealership had to flash the computer. They said they did and I drove the van 20 miles at 55 mph and it shut off again. No codes were shown when tested. I was able to get it started again after 20 minutes of sitting and tried to drive it again and it kept…
Engine · reported Aug 18, 2023
Power steering failure and water pump failure smoking under hood and power steering fluid all on the exhaust system almost caught fire.
Unknown or Other · reported Mar 29, 2021
Vehicle poor design on the alternator bracket. Can't find a brand new part and every used part I find it has the exact same break in the same spot.
Air Bags · at 134,553 miles · reported Aug 6, 2019
The airbag on the passenger side blew up. On robin hood rd when car was almost stopped for a traffic light on buena vista rd. When the airbag blew up with my daughter-in-law in that seat. Calling chrysler they said there was no recall on it and they would do nothing because of the age of the car. A month earlier I spent $2000 on repairs on this car and now it is useless. Starting the car it smells like it's going to catch on fire. The car was in motion and almost at a complete stop for a traffic light when the airbag exploded which was very scary. When I first called chrysler they ask the…
Electrical System · reported Jan 7, 2019
Sometimes the tailgate after opening will immediately close and there is no way to stop it. Then it won't stay open. The left side sliding door doesn't open with remote and the remote lock/unlock doesn't work. I have talked to several people who have the same problem with their vehicle (Same year). Someone could get crushed by this.

Other Chrysler Town and Country years

Compare all Chrysler Town and Country years · All Chrysler models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Chrysler Town and Country have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Chrysler Town and Country: 05V-134 (latches/locks/linkages), 04V-386 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chrysler Town and Country?

Owners report steering problems most often (61 reports), followed by electrical system (44). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 60,000 miles.

Are Chrysler recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chrysler dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.