2003 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls and problems

The 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan has 2 safety recalls and 219 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

219

Crashes / fires

13 / 5

Injuries / deaths

27 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls

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.

Recall 03V-094: Structure

Reported Mar 7, 2003 · 3,674 vehicles affected · SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS

Problem: 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.

Risk: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southern comfort at 1-800-745-6096.

2003 Dodge Grand Caravan problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Steering	45
Electrical System	32
Power Train	29
Air Bags	24
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	18
Exterior Lighting	17
Structure	16
Seat Belts	15
Visibility	12
Latches/Locks/Linkages	10
Engine and Engine Cooling	10
Tires	7

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 20
Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 11
Steering › Rack and Pinion — 6
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections — 6
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 5
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 5
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 49,000 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 Dodge Grand Caravan complaints

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

Steering · at 329,281 miles · reported Jan 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning, the vehicle made an abnormal growling sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering fluid was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V386000 (Steering) in 2004. The failure mileage was approximately 329,281.

Air Bags · at 367,000 miles · reported Jun 24, 2019

The contact owns a 2003 dodge grand caravan. While driving, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the right. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the clockspring pin was fractured and caused the failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 367,000.

Engine · at 238,000 miles · reported Mar 26, 2019

The contact owns a 2003 dodge grand caravan. While accelerating from a stop, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road and powered off the engine. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 238,000.

Electrical System · at 238,958 miles · reported Nov 18, 2018

There are two problems that are very serious. First, in 2017 as I was exiting the interstate, I drove through a puddle. As I attempted to turn left onto the road, my steering wheel locked and it was only with extreme force and slamming on the brakes that I kept from running through the guardrail, and dropping down to the interstate below. I was unable to make the turn and stopped on the overpass until my steering wheel unlocked. Yes, my engineer husband keeps up with all of our regular maintenance, including the belts. Next, with an unusually heavy rain this past week, my battery light came…

Seat Belts · at 191,600 miles · reported Nov 30, 2017

The passenger side seat belt warning light turns on even when there is no one in that seat and the passenger side seat belt releases when there is someone in the seat! Adults and older children have put the seat belt in place but the warning light stays on. While driving or sitting still, the seat belt will release at random, causing the passenger to have to click it into place again. When the passenger clicks the seat belt in place and pulls on it, it either stays in position or releases. If it stays in position, then while driving and or parked, the seat belt will suddenly release. When the…

Other Dodge Grand Caravan years

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Dodge Grand Caravan years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan: 04V-386 (steering), 03V-094 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan?

Owners report steering problems most often (45 reports), followed by electrical system (32). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 49,000 miles.

Are Dodge recall repairs free?

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