The 2003 Dodge Caravan has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 754,909 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 252 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) LATCH MAY NOT ENGAGE THE STRIKER ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO OPEN WHILE DRIVING.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AN UNBELTED PASSENGER COULD BE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
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.
STEERING04V3860002004-08-05681,000 affected
Defect
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.
Consequence
POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.
Remedy
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.
STRUCTURE03V0940002003-03-073,674 affected
Defect
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…
Consequence
THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy
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.
Complaints by component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
20
1fires
STEERING
19
1crashes1deaths
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
13
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
10
2fires
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
10
AIR BAGS
9
1crashes6injuries
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
7
1crashes1injuries
SUSPENSION
7
TIRES
7
1crashes
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
6
Total complaints252
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“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..”
“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.”
“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…”
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge caravan. While driving 15 mph and attempting to make a right or left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…”
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge caravan. While driving 15 mph and attempting to make a right or left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…”
“After refueling engine dies when pulling out in traffic. Happened last three times after refueling.”
“After refueling engine dies when pulling out in traffic. Happened last three times after refueling.”
“I had already sent info to dol (below) on 03 caravan I from unlicensed dealer michael rankin. Please see complaint form inattachment -it's too long to add. They're in process of charging michael rankin on 12 counts for different vehicles sold,and asessing monetary fines. I have done transmission…”
Defect investigations
InvestigationDP14002 Opened 2014-09-05 · closed 2015-04-06
Engine 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 minivan.The RS platform includes MY 2003 through 2007 Dodge Grand…
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2003 Dodge Caravan as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.