2003 Dodge Grand Caravan: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan: 2 recalls, 219 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 27 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (45): the most common themes are steering problems (40), noise or vibration (20), leaks (6).
- Electrical (32): the most common themes are electrical failure (17), stalls / loses power (8).
- Transmission & drivetrain (28): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (9), noise or vibration (7), stalls / loses power (5).
- Airbags (24): the most common themes are warning light on (6).
The 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan has 219 owner complaints, ranking #24 of 31 Grand Caravan model years for complaints (well below the 435 average). Complaints peaked in 2004 (39 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 49,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (290 complaints, 5 recalls), 2004 (116 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 Grand 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.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan, plus 1 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 Grand Caravan problems?
Owners have filed 219 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (45), electrical (32), transmission & drivetrain (28).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Dodge Grand 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 Grand 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.