2003 Dodge Caravan: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Dodge Caravan: 3 recalls, 195 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 6 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #03V094000 · 2003 · 3,674 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Steering Vehicle recall #04V386000 · 2004 · 681,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #05V134000 · 2005 · 70,235 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain minivans, the power liftgate (plg) latch May not engage the striker allowing the liftgate to open while driving.
Why it matters: 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.
6 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Equipment Equipment recall #03E045000 · 2003 · 45,870 vehicles
What's wrong: Aftermarket replacement fuel filters manufactured between September 17, 2002, and January 20, 2003, sold under the brand names listed above. The filter May experience malfunction of the quick connector either blocking fuel flow to the engine or causing a fuel leak. This does not involve any products manufactured by the daimlerchrysler Corp. nor any dailmerchrysler dealers.
Why it matters: If this condition occurred while the vehicle is in motion, the engine could stall. Also, in the presence of an ignition source, the fuel leak could result in a vehicle fire.
The fix: Aftermarket replacement fuel filters for 1995-2000 short wheelbase Chrysler town & country, Plymouth voyager and Dodge caravan minivans part no. 18232 and date code 0237, 0249, or 0252. Replacement fuel filters for 1995-2000 long wheelbase Chrysler town & country, Plymouth voyager and Dodge caravan…
Fuel system Equipment recall #03E053000 · 2003 · 68,563 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aftermarket replacement fuel filters, models wix filter part numbers 33576, 33577, 33734; napa filter part numbers 3576, 3577, 3734; and carquest filter part numbers 86576, 86577, 86734 used on 1996-2000 daimlerchrysler town & country, Dodge caravan, and Plymouth voyager vehicles, can cause the fuel lines to leak.
Why it matters: A possible fire can occur in the presence of an ignition source.
The fix: Wix will notify its customers and replace the fuel filters free of charge.
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #06E022000 · 2006 · 7,440 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain Ford, daimlerchrysler, and Jeep passenger vehicles. These brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. Only products that were manufactured from July 27, 2005 through January 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. When…
Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Affinia (brake parts, Inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #08E039000 · 2008 · 2,520 vehicles
What's wrong: 3341103l-as and 334-1103r-as sold for use as aftermarket equipment for 2001-2007 Dodge caravan passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Maxzone will notify owners and offer reimbursement for any noncompliant headlights. The recall began on June 16, 2008.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #08E048000 · 2008 · 11,534 vehicles
What's wrong: Cs090-b001l and cs090-b001r, sold for use as replacement equipment for the above listed passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the lower beam photometry requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Eagle eyes will notify owners and offer replacement headlamps free of charge. The recall began on September 30, 2008.
Equipment Equipment recall #10E034000 · 2010 · 6,686 vehicles
What's wrong: When the hitch is loaded to the maximum rating, the hitch May fracture or break at the bend location where the main body of the hitch meets the hitch muffler strap.
Why it matters: If the area in question fractures or breaks, this could cause an unstable driving condition, possibly resulting in a crash.
The fix: Curt mfg will notify owners of record and will replace the hitch free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during August 2010.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 23 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (41): the most common themes are steering problems (36), noise or vibration (22), leaks (8).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (31): the most common themes are noise or vibration (9), brake failure / soft pedal (9).
- Electrical (29): the most common themes are electrical failure (11), stalls / loses power (8), noise or vibration (6).
- Transmission & drivetrain (22): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (9), noise or vibration (7).
The 2003 Dodge Caravan has 195 owner complaints, ranking #16 of 28 Caravan model years for complaints (well below the 359 average). Complaints peaked in 2005 (40 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 40,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (245 complaints, 4 recalls), 2004 (65 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Dodge Caravan.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2003 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Dodge Caravan, plus 6 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Dodge Caravan problems?
Owners have filed 195 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (41), brakes (hydraulic) (31), electrical (29).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Dodge Caravan get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Dodge Caravan repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.