RoadVitals

2003 Dodge Caravan Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
195
Latest Mar 24, 2021
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
18

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Dodge Caravan, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

41
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 COOLER HOSE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V386000 (STEERING) WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000.

NHTSA ID 11403052 · filed Mar 15, 2021

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 WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 11099032 · filed May 31, 2018
All 41 reports naming steering

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 5-10 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO STOP HE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE POLICE WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THE DEALER. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR BRAKE AND MASTER CYLINDERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 100,671.

NHTSA ID 10467845 · filed Jul 26, 2012

THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER HAS LOCKED UP REPEATEDLY AND CAUSES SEVERE HEAT BUILD IN THE FRONT WHEEL WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE AND THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED TO MY BUDDY'S WIFE'S VAN TOO ALSO THE BACK BRAKES LOCK UP AFTER SITTING THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THIS IS COMMON IN DODGES. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10430297 · filed Oct 15, 2011
All 35 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

FUEL WIRING HARNESS IS TO CLOSE TO EXHAUST CAUSED MELTING OF WIRES WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL IN THE CABIN OF CARAVAN. IT HAPPENED APPROX. A MILE FROM MY HOUSE AT APPROX 45MPH AND A STRONG ODOR OF GAS WAS NOTICEABLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED. VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL COMING UP DRIVE WAY. WE STILL HAVE THE CARAVAN BUT HAVE PARKED IT. WE BELIEVE WHEN THE MELTING OCCURRED IT CAUSED OTHER POSSIBLE ISSUES AND ARE SCARED TO HAVE IT FIXED, NOT KNOWING WHAT OTHER ISSUES THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED THAT WE WILL NOT KNOW UNTIL WE ARE GOING DOWN THE ROAD, IT'S NOT A RISK I'M WILLING TO TAKE...ESPECIALLY WITH GAS BEING FLAMMABLE AND SHORTENING OF FUEL ELECTRICAL WIRES. THAT'S A FIRE IN THE MAKING, IT'S NOT WORTH RISKING OUR LIVES OR ANYONE ELSE'S ON ROAD. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ON REVIEW PAGES AND MECHANICS BLOGS/POSTS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A CONTINUING ISSUE THAT HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED. I HAVE SEEN THAT OTHER YEAR MODELS WERE RECALLED DUE TO THE SAME ISSUE BUT NOT THE 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SPORT. CAN YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER? IT COULD BE A SIMPLE FIX BY MOVING WIRES AWAY FROM EXHAUST BUT YOU ARE UNAWARE THAT, IT'S A ISSUE, UNTIL IT HAPPENS. BECAUSE IT NOT A VISIBLE HARNESS THAT YOU CAN SEE JUST BY RAISING HOOD.IT'S ONLY WHEN YOU HAVE PROBLEMS THAT YOU REALLY GET TO LOOKING AND THAT'S WHEN YOU SEE IT MELTED AND BURNED WITH STRONG ODOR COMING OUT FROM UNDER HOOD WHEN WE CHECKED IT. ALSO CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS HOT THIS SHOULD NOT BE A CONSUMER EXPENSE WHEN IT HAPPENS. DUE TO WIRES TO CLOSE TO EXHAUST IT SEEMS TO BE A ISSUE FOR DODGE, SINCE THIS IS DUE TO THEIR FAULT AND NOT THE CONSUMER, DODGE SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR COST WHEN FUEL HARNESS WIRES MELTS AND ANY FURTHER DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE WIRES SHORTENING OUT . THIS IS A DANGEROUS/SERIOUS ISSUE THAT I HOPE CAN BE ADDRESSED SOON...BEFORE A LIFE IS LOST.

NHTSA ID 10978732 · filed Apr 17, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MADE A LOUP POPPING NOISE WHEN IT WAS BEING ROLLED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER WINDOW MECHANISM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED LATER AND THE WINDOW DROPPED DOWN INTO THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,000.

NHTSA ID 10744911 · filed Jul 30, 2015
All 27 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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..

NHTSA ID 11404631 · filed Mar 24, 2021

AFTER REFUELING ENGINE DIES WHEN PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC. HAPPENED LAST THREE TIMES AFTER REFUELING.

NHTSA ID 11065549 · filed Jan 28, 2018
All 19 reports naming engine

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MAINTAIN CURRENT SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED, AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,968 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,974. UPDATED 9/13/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE FUEL INJECTION HARNESS WHICH WERE BARE AND HITTING THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. ALSO, THE O2 SENSOR AND AC COMPRESSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 10/31/11

NHTSA ID 10419835 · filed Aug 17, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE VEHICLE AT 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A SOUND FOR THE FIRST TEN MINUTES OF DRIVING, AND THEN IT WOULD STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,380. UPDATED 05/20/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEERING, TRANSMISSION, REAR LIGHTS THAT WERE HANGING, THE REAR WIPER CAME OFF, THE SLIDING DOOR DID NOT SHUT PROPERLY. THE CLOCKSPRING WAS REPLACED. THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, THE WATER PUMP WAS COMING APART THE VALVE COVER GASKET AND OIL PAN GASKET WERE LEAKING. UPDATED 05/20/08. *JB

NHTSA ID 10226034 · filed Apr 29, 2008
All 16 reports naming transmission

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON TOOK TO MIDDAS HAD INSPECTION $200 LATER LIGHT STILL ON NO ONE KNOWS WHY SCARED IT'S GOING TO BUST WAS ON A STRAIGHT ROAD NO BUMPS

NHTSA ID 10969672 · filed Mar 31, 2017

CPSC: I1530226A. 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. CONSUMER STATED THE CAR AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION NEITHER DID IT HIT ANYTHING. *LN

NHTSA ID 10733128 · filed Jul 7, 2015
All 14 reports naming airbags

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AFTER REFUELING ENGINE DIES WHEN PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC. HAPPENED LAST THREE TIMES AFTER REFUELING.

NHTSA ID 11065549 · filed Jan 28, 2018

FUEL WIRING HARNESS IS TO CLOSE TO EXHAUST CAUSED MELTING OF WIRES WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL IN THE CABIN OF CARAVAN. IT HAPPENED APPROX. A MILE FROM MY HOUSE AT APPROX 45MPH AND A STRONG ODOR OF GAS WAS NOTICEABLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED. VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL COMING UP DRIVE WAY. WE STILL HAVE THE CARAVAN BUT HAVE PARKED IT. WE BELIEVE WHEN THE MELTING OCCURRED IT CAUSED OTHER POSSIBLE ISSUES AND ARE SCARED TO HAVE IT FIXED, NOT KNOWING WHAT OTHER ISSUES THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED THAT WE WILL NOT KNOW UNTIL WE ARE GOING DOWN THE ROAD, IT'S NOT A RISK I'M WILLING TO TAKE...ESPECIALLY WITH GAS BEING FLAMMABLE AND SHORTENING OF FUEL ELECTRICAL WIRES. THAT'S A FIRE IN THE MAKING, IT'S NOT WORTH RISKING OUR LIVES OR ANYONE ELSE'S ON ROAD. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ON REVIEW PAGES AND MECHANICS BLOGS/POSTS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A CONTINUING ISSUE THAT HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED. I HAVE SEEN THAT OTHER YEAR MODELS WERE RECALLED DUE TO THE SAME ISSUE BUT NOT THE 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SPORT. CAN YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER? IT COULD BE A SIMPLE FIX BY MOVING WIRES AWAY FROM EXHAUST BUT YOU ARE UNAWARE THAT, IT'S A ISSUE, UNTIL IT HAPPENS. BECAUSE IT NOT A VISIBLE HARNESS THAT YOU CAN SEE JUST BY RAISING HOOD.IT'S ONLY WHEN YOU HAVE PROBLEMS THAT YOU REALLY GET TO LOOKING AND THAT'S WHEN YOU SEE IT MELTED AND BURNED WITH STRONG ODOR COMING OUT FROM UNDER HOOD WHEN WE CHECKED IT. ALSO CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS HOT THIS SHOULD NOT BE A CONSUMER EXPENSE WHEN IT HAPPENS. DUE TO WIRES TO CLOSE TO EXHAUST IT SEEMS TO BE A ISSUE FOR DODGE, SINCE THIS IS DUE TO THEIR FAULT AND NOT THE CONSUMER, DODGE SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR COST WHEN FUEL HARNESS WIRES MELTS AND ANY FURTHER DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE WIRES SHORTENING OUT . THIS IS A DANGEROUS/SERIOUS ISSUE THAT I HOPE CAN BE ADDRESSED SOON...BEFORE A LIFE IS LOST.

NHTSA ID 10978732 · filed Apr 17, 2017
All 13 reports naming fuel system

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE SIDE SLIDING DOOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH THE UNLOCK BUTTON NOR ARE YOU ABLE TO UNLOCK IT MANUALLY WITH THE CHILD SAFETY SWITCH OFF. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS YOU ARE UNABLE TO UNLOCK OR OPEN THIS DOOR IN AN EMERGENCY. THIS IS THE DOOR MY SMALL CHILD IS ACCESSED THROUGH. APPARENTLY IT IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE TOO!!! I CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE A DEALER FIX IT. & THERE IS NO OTHER OPTION AVAILABLE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10478422 · filed Oct 3, 2012

2003 DODGE CARAVAN ONLY EQUIPPED WITH 3 TETHER LATCHES. TWO ON THE 2ND ROW BUCKETS AND ONE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE REAR BENCH. IF A CHILD SEAT IS PLACED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BENCH, YOU CAN NOT FIT ANOTHER CHILD SEAT BESIDE IT. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO LEGALLY AND SAFELY INSTALL MORE THAN THREE CHILD SEATS IN A 2003 CARAVAN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10390414 · filed Mar 16, 2011
All 12 reports naming interior & seats

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

EVERY TIME IS DIFFERENT. ONE DAY THE HORN, LEFT DAYLIGHT, RIGHT BLINKER, RIGHT STOP LIGHT DON'T WORK; NEXT DAY ALL WORK FINE, THEN NEXT DAY: HORN, BLINKERS, LIGHT STOP WORKING AGAIN....CHECK UP FUSES, CHANGED BULBS . AND THIS GOES ON AND OFF...... *TR

NHTSA ID 10511399 · filed May 10, 2013

2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED DUE TO SOME TYPE OF FAILURE WITH THE TURN SIGNALS. WHEN THE LEFT DIRECTIONAL WAS USED TO SIGNAL A LANE CHANGE THE RIGHT DIRECTIONAL TURNS ON INSTEAD. THE CAR THAT WAS BEHIND ME THOUGHT I WAS CHANGING LANES TO THE RIGHT WHEN I WAS ACTUALLY GOING LEFT. I NATURALLY HEARD THE CLICKING OF MY DIRECTIONAL BEFORE MOVING NEVER THINKING THIS COULD HAPPEN. I NEED TO HAVE THIS CHECKED AS IT HAPPENS AT LEAST A COUPLE OF TIMES PER DAY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10251927 · filed Dec 16, 2008
All 10 reports naming exterior lighting

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

15" COOPER LIFELINER GLS TIRES OF VARIOUS AGES FROM NEW TO 2 YEARS OLD ARE CRACKING ON THE INSIDE EDGE NEAR THE RIM. WE HAVE APPROXIMATELY 38 TIRES SHOWING THIS CONDITION. WE HAVE PURCHASED NEW TIRES FROM ANOTHER COMPANY AS REPLACEMENTS. WE FEEL OBLIGATED TO LET PEOPLE KNOW AS WE FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10380234 · filed Feb 4, 2011

2003 DODGE CARAVAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDING TIRE INSTALLATION SERVICES AT SAM'S CLUB. *TGW THE CONSUMER PURCHASED FIVE TIRES FROM TWO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, BUT THE SAME COMPANY. THE TIRES THAT WERE INSTALLED WERE BF GOODRICH P215/70R15 97T TOURING T/A PRO TIRES. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE TIRES WAS IN FACT THE WRONG SIZE TIRE AND HAD AN INADEQUATE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY FOR HIS VEHICLE. HE ALSO NOTICED THE TIRES WERE ALMOST WORN OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED WITH THE TIRES WEARING OUT PREMATURELY, IT WAS A TESTAMENT THAT THE TIRES WERE INADEQUATE FOR HIS VEHICLE. *JB

NHTSA ID 10360894 · filed Oct 18, 2010
All 9 reports naming tires & wheels

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAD TIRE SEPERATION ON A FIRESTONE SUPREME SI. I WAS TRAVELING 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. THANKFULLY, NO ONE WAS INJURED AND THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND APPARENTLY HAPPENS QUITE FREQUENTLY. WHY HASN'T THIS ISSUE BEEN RESOLVED?

NHTSA ID 10873338 · filed Jun 8, 2016

SERPENTINE BELT SLIPPING. I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL YEAR MODELS OF CARAVAN AND HAVE FOUND THIS PROBLEM TO BE CONSTANT WITH ALL. DURING RAIN OR OTHER WATER ON THE ROAD CONDITION, THE SERPENTINE BELT SLIPS ENOUGH TO INTERFERE WITH VEHICLE OPERATIONS UNTIL THE WATER IS DISPLACED FROM THE BELT. IF A DRIVER IS NOT PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION OR IS USING THE CRUISE CONTROL AT THE TIME, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE ALTERNATOR, OR LOSE OF ENGINE POWER TO THE DRIVE AXLES. THIS ITEM SHOULD BE STUDIED AND REMEDIED TO PREVENT FUTURE OCCURRENCES. IF THE FIX CAN BE RETROFITTED TO PREVIOUS YEARS, THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD PROVIDE THE REPAIRS AT NO COST TO THE OWNER. THIS CONDITION BEGAN WITH THE PURCHASE DATE THROUGH TODAY. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT CONTAINED TO ONE ENGINE SIZE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10242529 · filed Sep 16, 2008
All 9 reports naming other / unspecified

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11308740 · filed Feb 12, 2020

DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON THE BALTIMORE WASHINGTON PARKWAY IN MARYLAND AT A CONSTANT SPEED IN A STRAIGHT AND LEVEL SECTION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT STEM BROKE NEAR ITS BASE. THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL IMMEDIATELY TURNED 90 DEGREES AND CAR SKIDDED TO AN ABRUPT STOP IN THE DRIVING LANE. THERE WERE ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING SIGNS (NO NOISE, VIBRATION, HANDLING CHANGES, ETC.) BEFORE THE FAILURE. ONLY BY LUCK WAS THERE NO ACCIDENT. THE CAR HAD NO PRIOR ACCIDENT DAMAGE TO THE SUSPENSION AND NO PRIOR SERVICING (OTHER THAN ROUTINE MAINTENANCE - TIRE REPLACEMENT, BRAKE SERVICING, ETC.) HAD BEEN PERFORMED ON THE LOWER BALL JOINT OR NEARBY PARTS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10536218 · filed Aug 19, 2013
All 8 reports naming suspension

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MADE A LOUP POPPING NOISE WHEN IT WAS BEING ROLLED UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER WINDOW MECHANISM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED LATER AND THE WINDOW DROPPED DOWN INTO THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,000.

NHTSA ID 10744911 · filed Jul 30, 2015

WHEN I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH SOMETIMES IT WILL NOT TURN ALLOWING ME TO START THE CAR. WHEN I CALLED THE DODGE DEALER THEY SAID THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME TO INSERT THE KEY PULL IT TOWARDS ME THEN INSERT A FLAT HEAD SCREW DRIVER IN THE KEY AND TAP 2 TO 3 TIMES THEN TURN THE KEY. I WORKS LIKE THAT EACH TIME BUT THE SYMPTOMS MATCH THOSE DESCRIBED IN TV ADS PROMPTING DANGER OF HAVING THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHEN UNSUSPECTING AND CAUSING ACCIDENTS. WHAT CAN BE DONE? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10662170 · filed Dec 4, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 REPAIRS TO THIS POSTAL FLEET VEHICLE.ACCORDING TO EXPERIENCED MECHANISS AT 32,300 MILES THE TRANSMISSION HAD ALREADY BEEN REBUILT -IMPROPERLY. I'M COMPLAINING BECAUSE I WAS STUCK ON FAST MOVING ARTERIAL WITH LEAKING TRANSMISSION (UNSAFE CONDITION) BECAUSE OF IMPROPER REPAIRS ,AND COULD NOT MOVE THE VEHICLE IN CONJESTED TRAFFIC 1621-72ND ST EAST,TACOMA,WA 98404. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT THAT MOMENT AND AT ANOTHER DIFFERENT TIME WHEN DRIVING.THIS IS THE UNSAFE PART. THE MECHANIC CHARGED ME APPROXIMATELY $1500 AND ALSO TOLD ME IT HAD TRANSMISSION ALREADY REBUILT AND (4) LOOSE BOLTS ON PUMP SEAL, ALSO HAD A "PRE OWNED" USED? WRECKING YARD TORQUE CONVERTER WHICH WAS PAINTED BLACK INDICATING THE REBUILD OCURRED. HE ALSO STATED HOW THE 2 FRONT HALF SHAFTS (AXELS) WERE WORN OUT AND I HAD TO REPLACE THOSE, ABOUT $250. IT HAS BAD POWER STEERING PUMP-AND GROANING NOISES CURRENTLY (UNSAFE CONDITION) JUST LIKE WHEN I GOT IT (32.3K MILES) VEHICLE HAS A BAD AIR CONDITIONER NOT UNSAFE. *I HAVE JPEG PHOTOS AND RECEIPS FOR PARTS,AXELS, TRANSMISSION REPAIR AND FLUID I HAD TO BUY TO KEEP FLUID IN TRANSMISSION. PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENT FOR COMPLAINT SENT TO WASHINGTON DOL , JOSH IS THE CONTACT.

NHTSA ID 11063819 · filed Jan 19, 2018

I HAVE READ TIME AND TIME AGAIN ABOUT THE POWER TRAIN MODULE OR COMPUTER GOING OUT ON THE DODGE 2003 CARAVANS AND SHOULDN'T THIS BE A RECALL BY NOW? THE VAN RUNS BEAUTIFUL BUT WILL STOP AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING! WHY DO WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR SO MANY PEOPLE TO DIE BEFORE IT IS A RECALL? I WANT MY VAN FIXED BUT KNOWING THIS HAS BEEN AND STILL IS A PROBLEM WITH DODGE AND THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE! *TR

NHTSA ID 10619366 · filed Aug 6, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A GRACO COMFORTSPORT CHILD SEAT, MODEL NUMBER 8433F0F. THE CHILD SEAT WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL ON THE LATCH SYSTEM IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO RE-ATTACH THE CHILD SEAT SO THAT THE LATCH SYSTEM WOULD FIT PROPERLY ON THE VEHICLE. THE REMEDY LASTED TEMPORARILY, BUT FAILED IN JANUARY OF 2008. THE SEAT IS CURRENTLY NOT FUNCTIONAL AND GRACO REFUSES TO REPLACE IT OR PROVIDE A REPAIR KIT. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 10218108 · filed Feb 15, 2008

FRONT SEAT DRIVER SIDE, SEAT BELT ANCHOR BOLT, TOP JUST FELL OUT. *JB

NHTSA ID 10166717 · filed Aug 28, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MAINTAIN CURRENT SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED, AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,968 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,974. UPDATED 9/13/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE FUEL INJECTION HARNESS WHICH WERE BARE AND HITTING THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. ALSO, THE O2 SENSOR AND AC COMPRESSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 10/31/11

NHTSA ID 10419835 · filed Aug 17, 2011

(1) COUPLE MONTHS BACK, OUR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING. HOWEVER, THE AIR WAS STILL COMING THROUGH AND THE SYSTEM WAS WORKING, ONLY THE COOLING SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING. (2) WE WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO REPORT THE ISSUE. THEY SAID THAT THE COMPRESSOR STOPPED WORKING. BECAUSE OF THAT, THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM HALTED. (3) THEY OFFERED TO REPLACE THE COMPRESSOR FOR THE NORMAL PART CHARGE, PLUS LABOR. WE DECLINED THE OFFER AND LOOKED AT OTHER OPTIONS, SUCH AS FINDING OUT IF THE CAR HAD ANY SERVICE BULLETINS ON SUCH A PROBLEM SINCE THE CAR HADN'T EVEN EXCEEDED 50,000 MILES! LOOKING AROUND, I FOUND SERVICE BULLETIN #24-004-04, UNDER GROUP: HEATING & A/C, DATED JUNE 1, 2004. IT ADDRESSES THE COMPRESSOR MALFUNCTION DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICATION. I AM PRETTY SURE THAT THIS CAUSED OUR FAILURE. HOWEVER, THE BULLETIN, ACCORDING TO THE MOSS BROS. DODGE IN SAN BERNARDINO, APPLIED TO ONLY 3.3L OR 3.8L. I BELIEVE THAT THIS SHOULD APPLY TO OUR 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SE FWD. MY WIFE AND I HAVE SUFFERED BREATHING PROBLEMS DUE TO THE HEAT DURING THIS PAST SUMMER (2007), ESPECIALLY BEING ENCLOSED IN A VEHICLE WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING! *TR

NHTSA ID 10207494 · filed Oct 30, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR ON DRIVER SIDE, LOCK WILL NO LONGER LOCK USING REMOTE OR DRIVER DOOR LOCK SWITCH, ALSO AUTO LOCK AT 20MPH NO LONGER AUTO LOCKS, THIS IS SAFETY HAZARD AND THEFT HAZARD. DID NOT KNOW THAT ALL DOORS WERE NOT LOCKING ITEMS COULD BE EASILY STOLEN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10238618 · filed Aug 18, 2008

ON NOVEMBER 2, 2006 MY WIFE (7 MONTHS PREGNANT) WAS HIT HEAD ON BY ANOTHER SEDAN. SHE WAS DRIVING A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. I BELIEVE THAT AIR BAGS DEPLOYMENT AND VEHICLE DESIGN MAY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF SERIOUS BROKEN ARMS/WRIST AND FOOT. IN ADDITION TO WIFE'S INJURIES, THREE OTHER PASSENGERS ALSO SUFFERED BROKEN LIMBS AND SHOULDERS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10192069 · filed May 30, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

GAS PEDAL GETS STUCK AND COMPRESSOR DOESN'T WORK CAUSING THE DEFROSTER NOT TO WORK. *TR

NHTSA ID 10342465 · filed Jul 10, 2010

2003 DODGE CARAVAN ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK WIDE OPEN.*MR THE DEALER EXPLAINED TO THE CONSUMER THAT THE WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE LINKAGE HAD BEE COMPROMISED DUE TO VARNISH. THEY INDICATED THAT THIS COULD HAS RESULT FROM BAD GAS OR AN UNCLEAN AIR FILTER. *NM

NHTSA ID 10137739 · filed Sep 15, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .