Owners have filed 289 complaints
about the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan with NHTSA between 2002 and 2024.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 28 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 22
Against the median year of the Dodge Grand Caravan. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 71
13.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 65
38% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2003 compares with every other Dodge Grand Caravan
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
2032.8%
Headlights
1118.0%
Rack AND Pinion
69.8%
Hose, Piping, AND Connections
69.8%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
58.2%
Hydraulic Power Assist System
58.2%
Latch
46.6%
Rotor
46.6%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
94.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2711.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
219.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5524.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3816.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3415.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
188.0%
150,000+ miles
2410.6%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Frontal crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2003 Dodge Grand Caravan w/SAB
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2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
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When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2002peak 11Jan 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
This defect petition evaluates July 7, 2014 allegations from an owner of a model year (MY) 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan that engine stall occurs in these vehicles without warning after refueling.The petitioner's vehicle is a Chrysler RS platform minivan.The RS platform includes MY 2003 through 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town and Country and Chrysler Voyager minivans.NHTSA evaluated the petition by analyzing consumer complaints submitted to the Agency, analyzing field data, reviewing technical information provided in Chrysler's response to an Agency information reques...
EA04031Opened 22 Nov 2004Closed 7 Apr 2005LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
POWER LIFTGATE LATCH
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AS PE04-054 REGARDING REPORTS OF ALLEGED POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) OPENING WHILE DRIVING.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004 BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IN ITS SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO PE04-054. BY LETTER OF APRIL 5, 2005, DCC HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 70,235 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE PLG OPTION.DCC HAS IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM IN EARLY PRODUCTION MY 2003 PLG CONTROL MODULES THAT CAN PREVENT THE PLG DOOR FR...
PE04054Opened 30 Jul 2004Closed 22 Nov 2004LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
POWER LIFTGATE LATCH
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON JULY 30, 2004, BASED ON ODI CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING UNWANTED OPENING OF THE VEHICLE'S POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) WHILE DRIVING.IN DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC)'S SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO ODI' S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER, IT PROVIDED ADDITIONAL CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND LAWSUITS.DCC STATES IN PART, ...THE PLG LATCH BECOMES STUCK IN A SEMI-CLOSED STATE NOT ALLOWING THE PLG LATCH TO ENGAGE THE STRIKER, THUS NOT CLOSING THE LIFTGATE COMPLETELY.IN THIS CONDITION THE PLG AJAR WARNING LIGHT WILL NOT BE ILLUMINATED AND THE PLG CAN RISE (NOT A POWERED OPEN) WHIL...
Recalls on the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
04V386000
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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.
Risk: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.
03E053000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Risk: A POSSIBLE FIRE CAN OCCUR IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
03V094000
STRUCTURE
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.
Risk: THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20051033,069 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the power lift-gate (PLG) latch may become stuck in an unopened state and may not cinch on the striker during a PLG closing cycle. If the operator does not observe the visual and audible indicators that the PLG is not closed, the PLG may rise during typical low speed driving manoeuvres. Correction: Dealers will replace the power lift-gate module.
Recall 2004276150,116 units in Canada
Steering
On certain minivans equipped with a 3.3L or 3.8L engine, the upper power steering cooler hose could split, causing a fluid leak. Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the upper power steering hose.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 98,000 milesNEW Port Richey, FLFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING FROM THE GAS STATION AT 5 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON HIGHWAY 52 IN FLORIDA WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME THAT HELD THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #11013950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesNEW Port Richey, FLFire
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING FROM THE GAS STATION AT 5 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON HIGHWAY 52 IN FLORIDA WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME THAT HELD THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #11013950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesWendell, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TAKATA RECALL, MY CAN HAS HAD SOME SERIOUS SAFETY ELECTRICAL ISSUES FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW.I'VE HAD MANY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. WITH THIS CAN ONE THING AFTER THE NEXT. I'M NOT SURE EXACTLY THE PROBLEM BUT SOMETHING THE POWER CONTROL MODUAL OR WIRING HARNESS IS NOT OK. THE RADIATOR FANS DIDN'T WORK AS WELL AS THE POWER CONTROLS WINDOWS,HEAT,AC,RADIO, AND THE WIPERS ECT.THERE IS SPARKING COMING FROM THE CAR. WIRES HAD STARTED TO CATCH FIRE. AS WELL AS THE CAR OVERHEATING.
NHTSA complaint #10861411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesWeat Columbia, SCCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD SLEES LIMIT WAS 45 I WAS DOING 50 MD A DEER CAME OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I HIT IT HEAD ON THW WHOLE FRONT ENDS OF MY CAR IS AT MY WINDSHIELD. IT WAS A VERY HARD IMPACT THAT BROUGHT ME TO A COMPLETE STOP M Y AIR BAGS DIS NOT DEPLOY AS THEY SHOULD HAVE WITH A IMPACT LIKE THAT
NHTSA complaint #10750245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesWeat Columbia, SCCrash
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD SLEES LIMIT WAS 45 I WAS DOING 50 MD A DEER CAME OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I HIT IT HEAD ON THW WHOLE FRONT ENDS OF MY CAR IS AT MY WINDSHIELD. IT WAS A VERY HARD IMPACT THAT BROUGHT ME TO A COMPLETE STOP M Y AIR BAGS DIS NOT DEPLOY AS THEY SHOULD HAVE WITH A IMPACT LIKE THAT
NHTSA complaint #10750245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesCincinnati, OHFire1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND MANEUVERED INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, WHERE THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES EMITTING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGERS EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BURNS AND ABRASIONS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS BELIEVED TO BE RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V274000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10748797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 329,281 milesSalem, MO
STEERING
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning, the vehicle made an abnormal growling sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering fluid was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V386000 (Steering) in 2004. The failure mileage was approximately 329,281.
NHTSA complaint #11564617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 367,000 milesST Johns, AZ
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLOCKSPRING PIN WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 367,000.
NHTSA complaint #11222228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 238,000 milesFairmont, WV
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 238,000.
NHTSA complaint #11191715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 238,958 milesGreenville, SC
STEERING
THERE ARE TWO PROBLEMS THAT ARE VERY SERIOUS. FIRST, IN 2017 AS I WAS EXITING THE INTERSTATE, I DROVE THROUGH A PUDDLE. AS I ATTEMPTED TO TURN LEFT ONTO THE ROAD, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND IT WAS ONLY WITH EXTREME FORCE AND SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES THAT I KEPT FROM RUNNING THROUGH THE GUARDRAIL, AND DROPPING DOWN TO THE INTERSTATE BELOW. I WAS UNABLE TO MAKE THE TURN AND STOPPED ON THE OVERPASS UNTIL MY STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED. YES, MY ENGINEER HUSBAND KEEPS UP WITH ALL OF OUR REGULAR MAINTENANCE, INCLUDING THE BELTS. NEXT, WITH AN UNUSUALLY HEAVY RAIN THIS PAST WEEK, MY BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER PARKING FOR AN HOUR, MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN WHEN I ATTEMPTED GO AGAIN. I RESTARTED THE CAR FIVE TIMES BEFORE THE STEERING UNLOCKED. ALL WEEK, DURING THAT HEAVY RAIN, THE STEERING LOCKED REGULARLY. THESE PROBLEMS ARE ALL OVER THE WEB. WOMEN AND CHILDREN EVERYWHERE ARE IN DANGER OF DYING FROM SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED YEARS AGO. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM? IF YOU ARE REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS, THEN YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR BEING SUED ALONG WITH CHRYSLER, FOR ALLOWING THIS TO CONTINUE UNCORRECTED.
NHTSA complaint #11152335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 238,958 milesGreenville, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THERE ARE TWO PROBLEMS THAT ARE VERY SERIOUS. FIRST, IN 2017 AS I WAS EXITING THE INTERSTATE, I DROVE THROUGH A PUDDLE. AS I ATTEMPTED TO TURN LEFT ONTO THE ROAD, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND IT WAS ONLY WITH EXTREME FORCE AND SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES THAT I KEPT FROM RUNNING THROUGH THE GUARDRAIL, AND DROPPING DOWN TO THE INTERSTATE BELOW. I WAS UNABLE TO MAKE THE TURN AND STOPPED ON THE OVERPASS UNTIL MY STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED. YES, MY ENGINEER HUSBAND KEEPS UP WITH ALL OF OUR REGULAR MAINTENANCE, INCLUDING THE BELTS. NEXT, WITH AN UNUSUALLY HEAVY RAIN THIS PAST WEEK, MY BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER PARKING FOR AN HOUR, MY STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN WHEN I ATTEMPTED GO AGAIN. I RESTARTED THE CAR FIVE TIMES BEFORE THE STEERING UNLOCKED. ALL WEEK, DURING THAT HEAVY RAIN, THE STEERING LOCKED REGULARLY. THESE PROBLEMS ARE ALL OVER THE WEB. WOMEN AND CHILDREN EVERYWHERE ARE IN DANGER OF DYING FROM SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED YEARS AGO. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM? IF YOU ARE REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS, THEN YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR BEING SUED ALONG WITH CHRYSLER, FOR ALLOWING THIS TO CONTINUE UNCORRECTED.
NHTSA complaint #11152335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 191,600 milesMorley, IA
SEAT BELTS
THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT TURNS ON EVEN WHEN THERE IS NO ONE IN THAT SEAT AND THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RELEASES WHEN THERE IS SOMEONE IN THE SEAT! ADULTS AND OLDER CHILDREN HAVE PUT THE SEAT BELT IN PLACE BUT THE WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON. WHILE DRIVING OR SITTING STILL, THE SEAT BELT WILL RELEASE AT RANDOM, CAUSING THE PASSENGER TO HAVE TO CLICK IT INTO PLACE AGAIN. WHEN THE PASSENGER CLICKS THE SEAT BELT IN PLACE AND PULLS ON IT, IT EITHER STAYS IN POSITION OR RELEASES. IF IT STAYS IN POSITION, THEN WHILE DRIVING AND OR PARKED, THE SEAT BELT WILL SUDDENLY RELEASE. WHEN THE DRIVER HAD TO STEP HARDER ON THE BRAKE TO AVOID A DRIVER WHO STOPPED SUDDENLY, THE SEAT BELT RELEASED YET AT OTHER TIMES, THE SEAT BELT REMAINS IN PLACE. IT DOESN'T MATTER WHETHER OR NOT THE VAN IS IN GEAR OR PARKED, OR IF WE'RE STOPPED, MOVING, HIGHWAY DRIVING OR CITY DRIVING, THE SEAT BELT WILL RELEASE AT RANDOM TIMES. THIS HAD HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, SOMETIMES MULTIPLE TIMES IN ONE TRIP. OTHER TIMES IT DOESN'T HAPPEN AT ALL. THE DATE GIVEN IS THE MOST RECENT TIME THAT IT RELEASED ON ITS OWN. I HAD BEEN PARKED AND THEN WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE WHEN MY DAUGHTER'S SEAT BELT (PASSENGER SIDE) RELEASED ON ITS OWN. I STOPPED AND PUT THE VAN IN PARK THEN HAD HER CLICK IN PLACE AGAIN. WE BOTH PULLED ON IT AND SINCE IT DIDN'T RELEASE, WE CONTINUED OUR TRIP, PRAYING THAT IT WOULDN'T DISCONNECT AGAIN WHILE WE WERE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11051525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake ST. Louis, MO
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE COVER WAS CLOSED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (CENTURY DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM, 13500 VETERANS MEMORIAL PKWY, WENTZVILLE, MO 63385) WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11044437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake ST. Louis, MO
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE COVER WAS CLOSED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (CENTURY DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM, 13500 VETERANS MEMORIAL PKWY, WENTZVILLE, MO 63385) WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11044437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesNEW Port Richey, FLFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING FROM THE GAS STATION AT 5 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON HIGHWAY 52 IN FLORIDA WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME THAT HELD THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #11013950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesNEW Port Richey, FLFire
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING FROM THE GAS STATION AT 5 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON HIGHWAY 52 IN FLORIDA WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME THAT HELD THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #11013950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesLansing, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DURING A MARCH 2016 ROAD TRIP TO ATLANTA, GA, FROM MICHIGAN, WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 65 MPH ON I-75, TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEEDLE BEGAN TO CLIMB TOWARD THE RED ZONE ON THE INSTRUMENT DIAL. WITHIN MINUTES I PULLED OFF ONTO A HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION SITE WHERE I STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH. OPENING THE HOOD, I BEGAN TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM(S). COOL UPPER RADIATOR HOSE. COOL RADIATOR CAP. TURNED CAP OFF AND DISCOVERED NO COOLANT IN RADIATOR. NO APPARENT SOURCE OF LEAKING. ADDED ICE WATER FROM ICE CHEST TO RADIATOR HOPING TO LOCATE SOURCE OF LEAK. TURNED ENGINE ON AND LOCATED LEAK BENEATH PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE: TWO SMALL HOLES IN CORRODED EXPOSED STEEL TUBING ROUTING COOLANT TO REAR HEATER ASSEMBLY IN REAR OF VAN. THE NEXT DAY DISCOVERED THAT CHRYSLER HAD CHANGED THE PART FROM STEEL TO ALUMINUM IN LATE 2000'S TO HELP PREVENT THE CORROSIVE ACTION OF ROAD SALT IN THE NORTHERN CLIMATES THAT HAD AFFECTED MANY SIMILAR VEHICLES DURING THE MID-2000'S. HOWEVER, DAIMLER CHRYSLER CHOSE NOT TO INSTITUTE A RECALL OF THE FAULTY DESIGNED PART FULLY EXPOSED BENEATH THE VEHICLE. THE COST OF REPLACING THE PART AT THE DEALERSHIP IN STONE MOUNTAIN, GA, WAS AROUND $650.00 USD, NOT A HUGE SUM, BUT OBVIOUSLY NOT COST-EFFICIENT FOR THE AUTOMAKER AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS. THIS PROBLEM COULD BE LIFE-THREATENING IF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS WERE STRANDED DURING THE WINTER MONTHS IN NORTHERN U.S. OR CANADA, WHEN LOSS OF ALL COOLANT OCCURRED. OPERATING VEHICLE WITH NO COOLANT COULD RESULT IN THE ENGINE SEIZING UP WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, CAUSING INJURY TO DRIVER AND PASSENGERS AND POSSIBLY OTHER MOTORISTS. A DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT CHRYSLER HAS CORRECTED ON ITS LATER MODEL VEHICLES SINCE 2010 OR 2011.
NHTSA complaint #10884827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, VA
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION
NHTSA complaint #10862474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, VA
AIR BAGS
TRANSMISSION
NHTSA complaint #10862474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, VA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TRANSMISSION
NHTSA complaint #10862474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesWendell, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TAKATA RECALL, MY CAN HAS HAD SOME SERIOUS SAFETY ELECTRICAL ISSUES FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW.I'VE HAD MANY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. WITH THIS CAN ONE THING AFTER THE NEXT. I'M NOT SURE EXACTLY THE PROBLEM BUT SOMETHING THE POWER CONTROL MODUAL OR WIRING HARNESS IS NOT OK. THE RADIATOR FANS DIDN'T WORK AS WELL AS THE POWER CONTROLS WINDOWS,HEAT,AC,RADIO, AND THE WIPERS ECT.THERE IS SPARKING COMING FROM THE CAR. WIRES HAD STARTED TO CATCH FIRE. AS WELL AS THE CAR OVERHEATING.
NHTSA complaint #10861411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesWeat Columbia, SCCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD SLEES LIMIT WAS 45 I WAS DOING 50 MD A DEER CAME OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I HIT IT HEAD ON THW WHOLE FRONT ENDS OF MY CAR IS AT MY WINDSHIELD. IT WAS A VERY HARD IMPACT THAT BROUGHT ME TO A COMPLETE STOP M Y AIR BAGS DIS NOT DEPLOY AS THEY SHOULD HAVE WITH A IMPACT LIKE THAT
NHTSA complaint #10750245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesWeat Columbia, SCCrash
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD SLEES LIMIT WAS 45 I WAS DOING 50 MD A DEER CAME OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I HIT IT HEAD ON THW WHOLE FRONT ENDS OF MY CAR IS AT MY WINDSHIELD. IT WAS A VERY HARD IMPACT THAT BROUGHT ME TO A COMPLETE STOP M Y AIR BAGS DIS NOT DEPLOY AS THEY SHOULD HAVE WITH A IMPACT LIKE THAT
NHTSA complaint #10750245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesCincinnati, OHFire1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND MANEUVERED INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, WHERE THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES EMITTING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGERS EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BURNS AND ABRASIONS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE WAS BELIEVED TO BE RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V274000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10748797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesDothan, ALCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE DAMAGES WERE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V043000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,000.
NHTSA complaint #10747739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesAppleton, WI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #10722173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesSpringfield, MO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
UPON REFUELING THE VEHICLE, VEHICLE STALLS FOR A FEW SECONDS UPON FIRST ACCELERATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES (ABOUT 1 OUT OF EVERY 4 REFUELS). SEVERAL TIMES, THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED WHILE PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. UPON DOING RESEARCH, WE HAVE LEARNED OF MANY COMPLAINTS ALREADY VOICED ABOUT A FAULTY VALVE. FOR REFERENCE: HTTP://WWW.AUTOBLOG.COM/2014/09/10/DODGE-GRAND-CARAVAN-CHRYSLER-TOWN-AND-COUNTRY-STALLING-NHTSA/ HTTP://EN.ALLEXPERTS.COM/Q/CHRYSLER-REPAIR-807/F/STALLING-REFUELING.HTM HTTP://RICKSFREEAUTOREPAIRADVICE.COM/ENGINE-STALLS-AFTER-FILLING-TANK-CHRYSLER-MINIVAN/.
NHTSA complaint #10694300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesSpringfield, MO
ENGINE
UPON REFUELING THE VEHICLE, VEHICLE STALLS FOR A FEW SECONDS UPON FIRST ACCELERATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES (ABOUT 1 OUT OF EVERY 4 REFUELS). SEVERAL TIMES, THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED WHILE PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. UPON DOING RESEARCH, WE HAVE LEARNED OF MANY COMPLAINTS ALREADY VOICED ABOUT A FAULTY VALVE. FOR REFERENCE: HTTP://WWW.AUTOBLOG.COM/2014/09/10/DODGE-GRAND-CARAVAN-CHRYSLER-TOWN-AND-COUNTRY-STALLING-NHTSA/ HTTP://EN.ALLEXPERTS.COM/Q/CHRYSLER-REPAIR-807/F/STALLING-REFUELING.HTM HTTP://RICKSFREEAUTOREPAIRADVICE.COM/ENGINE-STALLS-AFTER-FILLING-TANK-CHRYSLER-MINIVAN/.
NHTSA complaint #10694300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesSpringfield, MO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
UPON REFUELING THE VEHICLE, VEHICLE STALLS FOR A FEW SECONDS UPON FIRST ACCELERATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES (ABOUT 1 OUT OF EVERY 4 REFUELS). SEVERAL TIMES, THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED WHILE PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. UPON DOING RESEARCH, WE HAVE LEARNED OF MANY COMPLAINTS ALREADY VOICED ABOUT A FAULTY VALVE. FOR REFERENCE: HTTP://WWW.AUTOBLOG.COM/2014/09/10/DODGE-GRAND-CARAVAN-CHRYSLER-TOWN-AND-COUNTRY-STALLING-NHTSA/ HTTP://EN.ALLEXPERTS.COM/Q/CHRYSLER-REPAIR-807/F/STALLING-REFUELING.HTM HTTP://RICKSFREEAUTOREPAIRADVICE.COM/ENGINE-STALLS-AFTER-FILLING-TANK-CHRYSLER-MINIVAN/.
NHTSA complaint #10694300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesCortez, COCrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS
I PURCHASED MY DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT 2003 BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT IN NOV. 2002. I KEPT IT IN MINT CONDITION WITH ALL MAINTENANCE LOGS FILLED OUT. AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT THERE WERE ONLY 95,000 MILES ON THE VAN. IT HAD NEVER BEEN IN A WRECK BEFORE. ON JAN 18 2015 WHILE DRIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS I HIT BLACK ICE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT FLIPPED FRONT TO BACK, DID A 180 MID AIR, LANDED ON WHEELS THEN ROLLED AT LEAST ONCE TO THE LEFT, LANDING ON THE WHEELS AGAIN. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. MY PASSENGER AND I BOTH HAD OUR SEATBELTS ON HOWEVER I STILL LIFTED UP AND HIT MY HEAD ON THE ROOF AND THE WINDSHIELD. WE ARE STILL ASSESSING OUR INJURIES. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED AS TO HOW I LIFTED OUT OF MY SEAT, BASICALLY THE SEATBELT DID NOT TIGHTEN TO ME. ALSO WHY DIDN'T THE AIRBAGS DEPLOY? HAS THERE BEEN A RECALL CONCERNING THE AIRBAGS OR SEAT BELTS OR OTHER THAT I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF?
NHTSA complaint #10676974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesCortez, COCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
I PURCHASED MY DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT 2003 BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT IN NOV. 2002. I KEPT IT IN MINT CONDITION WITH ALL MAINTENANCE LOGS FILLED OUT. AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT THERE WERE ONLY 95,000 MILES ON THE VAN. IT HAD NEVER BEEN IN A WRECK BEFORE. ON JAN 18 2015 WHILE DRIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS I HIT BLACK ICE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT FLIPPED FRONT TO BACK, DID A 180 MID AIR, LANDED ON WHEELS THEN ROLLED AT LEAST ONCE TO THE LEFT, LANDING ON THE WHEELS AGAIN. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. MY PASSENGER AND I BOTH HAD OUR SEATBELTS ON HOWEVER I STILL LIFTED UP AND HIT MY HEAD ON THE ROOF AND THE WINDSHIELD. WE ARE STILL ASSESSING OUR INJURIES. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED AS TO HOW I LIFTED OUT OF MY SEAT, BASICALLY THE SEATBELT DID NOT TIGHTEN TO ME. ALSO WHY DIDN'T THE AIRBAGS DEPLOY? HAS THERE BEEN A RECALL CONCERNING THE AIRBAGS OR SEAT BELTS OR OTHER THAT I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF?
NHTSA complaint #10676974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
