Does the 2003 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Dodge Caravan, the most recent reported on April 6, 2005 (Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate, lock). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge Caravan?

Owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (41 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (31).

How many 2003 Dodge Caravan complaints mention a crash or fire?

13 of 195 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 23 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Dodge Caravan recalls and problems

3 recalls and 195 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Dodge Caravan.

recalls

195

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Dodge Caravan recalls

Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate, lock

NHTSA campaign 05V134000 · reported April 6, 2005 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 70,235 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain minivans, the power liftgate (plg) latch may not engage the striker allowing the liftgate to open while driving.
The risk: In the event of a crash, an unbelted passenger could be ejected from the vehicle.
The 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.

Steering: hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connections

NHTSA campaign 04V386000 · reported August 5, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 681,000 vehicles potentially affected

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

Structure

NHTSA campaign 03V094000 · reported March 7, 2003 · SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS · 3,674 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Steering41
Service brakes, hydraulic31
Electrical system29
Power train22
Engine and engine cooling17
Air bags14
Fuel system, gasoline11
Exterior lighting10
Suspension8
Tires8

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Mar 24, 2021 · Engine · 154,000 miles
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..

Mar 15, 2021 · Steering · 108,000 miles
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…

Feb 12, 2020 · Suspension · 137,000 miles
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.

May 31, 2018 · Steering · 100,000 miles
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 APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE VIN…

Jan 28, 2018 · Engine · 92,052 miles
AFTER REFUELING ENGINE DIES WHEN PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC. HAPPENED LAST THREE TIMES AFTER REFUELING.

Caravan model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	4	470	65	5
2001	3	257	9	3
2002	4	245	13	11
2003	3	195	13	5
2004	1	65	2	3
2005	4	537	19	0
2006	2	173	12	2

Across all years, the 2005 Caravan has the most complaints (537). All Dodge Caravan years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Dodge Caravan, the most recent reported on April 6, 2005 (Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate, lock). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Dodge Caravan?: Owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (41 complaints), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (31).
How many 2003 Dodge Caravan complaints mention a crash or fire?: 13 of 195 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 23 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 24, 2021.