1.3

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
129,042 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Dodge Caravan drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2003 Dodge Caravan Owner Comments

problem #6

Jun 102017

Caravan

  • 36,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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. 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.

- Tacoma, WA, USA

problem #5

Aug 032014

Caravan

  • miles
I have read time and time again about the power train module or computer going out on the Dodge 2003 Caravan 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!

- Dover, DE, USA

problem #4

Aug 202003

Caravan

  • miles
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.

- Carlsbad, NM, USA

problem #3

May 102008

Caravan

  • 720,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car has been making loud "pop" sounds when steering wheel is turned to the left. The sound is not continuous. It may not happen again for another 2-3 weeks. Car continues to drive until it happens again within another week or two. It came to complete halt while turning in my driveway on May 10th 2008. Towed car to Firestone Sunday May 11th and on Monday May 12th was told that they could not hear any sounds when driven and could see nothing wrong from inspection. Knocking sounds could possibly mean transmission. My car was driven home from Firestone by my brother-in-law who also did not hear any sounds. Sounds occur randomly when you least expect. On Wednesday May 14th my brother who works at a Ford dealership drove it to work for a second opinion they too can see nothing wrong with the car. I am very frightened to drive this car fairing the worst is yet to come. First occurrence was on April 22nd 2008.

- Coral Springs, FL, USA

problem #2

Jul 152003

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,755 miles
The first problem happened on 4/24/03 transmission stuck in second gear would not shift. Dealership removed and disassembled transmission. Found a lot of metal filings and found torque converter failure. They replaced clutches and converter, reassembled. The second time the transmission blew. The dealership inspected transmission and there was a hole in the case, differential failure. They replaced the transmission. The brand new from the factory transmission is doing the same as when we first bought it. I believe it is a lemon.

- Fairfield, ME, USA

problem #1

Dec 302002

Caravan 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 500 miles
Bought a 2003 sport Grand Caravan on Dec 30, 2003. The same day, I discovered the vehical vibrate on reverse on gentle slope. Later, test drive two other new 2003 sport Grand Caravan = less vibration. Test drive 2002 (13000 miles) sport Grand Caravan = no vibration at all. The dealer acknowledge the problem and refuse to fix the problem because there is no recall from the manufacturer.

- Seattle, WA, USA

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