Dodge Grand Caravan / 2003
2003 Dodge Grand Caravan problems
Owners have filed 289 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 15.6% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of electrical system at 11.1%.
Complaints289
Crashes17
Fires7
Injuries31
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 15.6% · 45
Electrical system 11.1% · 32
Power train 10.0% · 29
Air bags 8.3% · 24
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.2% · 18
Exterior lighting 5.9% · 17
Structure 5.5% · 16
Seat belts 5.2% · 15
Severity
Of those complaints, 17 describe a crash, 7 describe a fire and 31 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 29 model years of the Dodge Grand Caravan in this data, 2003 sits 24th by complaint volume. 2008 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 20 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 50,000 miles.
In owners' own words
I have a 2003 Grand Caravan that I purchased new. There was sporadic shudders in the steering system when new and at low(parking lot) speeds. Now at approx 62000 miles I have to replace the steering rack and power steering pump to the tune of approx $1100 (not completed at this time) there is no warranty coverage for this failure. This failure at this low mileage cannot be normal ware and tear. Thank you. Steering · reported at 62,000 miles
Noise in steering when first started took it to dealer said it was internal leak in rack & pinion checked service record and saw that rack&pinion was replaced a year ago.Confronted service department they said warranty had expired. In my opinion apart as important as this should not need to be replaced in one year. Also notice that alot of people complaining about this same problem on the internet. Steering · reported at 58,000 miles
Power steering fails on 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan on mornings when it rains. Huge safety risk since vehicle cannot be turned without extreme manual effort...Impossible for my wife! Dealership says rack and pinion is bad and needs replacing ($1400). Internet says this is very common in these vehicles from 2002-2006! Why has it not been recalled for a safety retrofit? Steering · reported at 175,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…