2003 Dodge Caravan

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/29/2005· STEERING,SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTENANCE AND THE NOISE WAS INSPECTED. THEY RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT OF THE ALTERNATOR, RACK AND PINION STEERING, AND SWAY BAR BUSHINGS. DUE TO THE LOW MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT WAS SEEKING A SECOND OPINION BEFORE MAKING ANY REPAIRS. *AK

• 12/29/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  MY 2003 DODGE CARAVAN HAD A FAULTY BEARING IN THE ALTERNATOR WHICH REQUIRED COMPLETE REPLACEMENT WITH ONLY 47,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I AM A LONG-TIME DODGE OWNER, HAVING OWNED AND DRIVEN TWO DODGE OMNIS, TWO DODGE DAKOTA PICK-UPS AND THIS IS MY SECOND CARAVAN, THE FIRST WENT 110,000 MILES. I HAVE NEVER NEEDED TO REPLACE AN ALTERNATOR, AND I DRIVE MOST OF MY VEHICLES UNTIL THEY HAVE 150,000 TO 200,000 MILES. *NM

• 12/28/2006· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  TL * - THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT STAY ON. THE VEHICLE HAS 59,000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED NO PARTICULAR WEATHER CONDITION NOR SPEED WERE INVOLVED WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED. THERE ARE NO WARNING SIGNALS. THE VEHICLE DID NOT LOSE POWER. THE CONTACTWAS NOT SURE IF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHWENT OUT WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS STOPPED. THE DEALER REPLACED A MODULE UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW WHAT TYPE OF MODULE, HOWEVER, IT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN\\\ TWO MORE TIMES TO DEALER, AND THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THERE HAVE BEEN NO INJURIES. *AK

• 12/27/2011· AIR BAGS

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT CLOCK SPRING FAILED AND WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,700. UPDATED 02/03/12*LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL WERE INOPERATIVE, DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE CLOCK SPRING. UPDATED 02/10/12*JB

• 12/27/2006· AIR BAGSCrash

  DURING HEAD ON ACCIDENT, CAR'S AIR BAG BROKE DRIVERS RIGHT ARM AND SHATTERED WRIST. OTHER THREE PASSENGERS AND DRIVERS SUFFERED BROKEN RIGHT FOOT AND SEVERAL BRUISES. *JB

• 12/22/2008· TIRES

  WE EXPERIENCED A SIDEWALL BLOWOUT OF A BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL42 (21565R16 98T) ON OUR 2003 DODGE CARAVAN (ONLY 20,800MI) WHEN I DROVE TO THE HOME. WHEN I CHECK OTHER TIRES. I FOUND A SAME PROBLEM ON ANOTHER TIRE --- FEW CRACKS ON THE SIDEWALL. *TR

• 12/18/2006· SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

  TL*- THE CONTACT HAD A PROBLEM WITH HIS BRAKES WENT TO A MIDAS SHOP. THE CONTACT LATER EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES. MASTER CYLINDER WAS LOW, AND THE MIDAS SHOPS DID NOT BLEED THE BRAKES . THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE VEHICLE STILL HAS A SPONGY PEDAL AND THAT THE MIDAS SHOP NEVER BLED AIR OUT OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM.

• 12/18/2003· SEATSCrash

  VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP. DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BACKS COLLAPSED. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES. *AK

• 12/16/2008· EXTERIOR LIGHTINGCrash

  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

• 12/14/2010· STEERING

  2003 DODGE CARAVAN POWER STEERING PROBLEM WHEN COLD START THE CAR, THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAKES A WHINING NOISE. AT THE BEGINNING THE POWER STEERING IS SOLID HARD, SO I CANNOT TURN THE WHEELS. AFTER A MINUTE THE CAR STRUTS DRIVING NORMALLY. THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED BY CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP, BUT THE PROBLEM CAME BACK AFTER 2 YEARS AGAIN. WHEN YOU READ THE AUTOMOTIVE FORUMS FOR DODGE CARAVAN, A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

• 12/14/2009· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS AND IN THE HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. HE WAS ADVISED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE COMPUTER AT AN EXPENSE OF $1500.00. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

• 12/09/2005· SEAT BELTS

  1. OVER THE WEEKEND DRIVERS SEAT BELT FAILURE (FEMALE CLASP) UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS 2. DRIVER OF VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPLIANT WITH OHIO STATE SEAT BELT LAWS AND NOT RESTRAINED IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT 3. I PURCHASED A NEW SEAT BELT PART FROM THE PARTS DEPARTMENT ASAP. *NM

• 12/05/2005· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE STALLED EVERY TIME THA HE APPLIED THE BRAKES IN COLD TEMPERATURES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

• 12/04/2014· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER

  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

• 12/04/2003· SEATSCrash

  WHILE WAITING AT A RED LIGHT, THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM THE BEHIND BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, DRIVING FROM 55 TO 60 MPH. AT THE MOMENT OF IMPACT THE DRIVERS SEAT BACK COLLAPSED, SLAMMING THE CONSUMER ONTO THE REAR SEATS. SEAT BELTS WERE WORN AT THE TIME OF THE COLLISION. THE POLICE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AND CITED THE OTHER DRIVER. THE CONSUMER SUFFERED NECK AND SPINAL INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *PH *MR

• 12/02/2003· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  PROBLEMS WITH FUEL MILEAGE ON 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SE.*MR THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE FUEL MILEAGE WAS 13 MPG CITY DRIVING AND 20 MPG HIGHWAY DRIVING. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER ADVERTISED THE MPG AS 19 FOR CITY DRIVING AND 26 FOR THE HIGHWAY. *JB *NM

• 12/01/2008· AIR BAGS

  THE AIR BAGS IN MY VEHICLE DEPLOYED BY IT SELF WITH OUT ANY REASON. *TR

• 12/01/2006· TIRESCrash

  2003 GRAND CARAVAN TIRE BLEW OUT. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, SHE FELT THE VEHICLE SWERVE TO THE RIGHT AND HIT THE GUARDRAIL. *JB

• 11/30/2012· AIR BAGS

  THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG IS NONE FUNCTIONAL DO TO A FAULTY CLOCK SPRING. *TR

• 11/30/2005· STEERING

  DT: CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE MADE A GROWLING NOISE. ON COLDER DAYS ONE COULD HEAR NOISE MORE OFTEN. IN WARM WEATHER ONE WOULD NOT HEAR THE NOISE AS OFTEN. HE CONTACTED THE DEALER, THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT RACK AND PINION STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY SUGGESTED HE CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. *AK

• 11/29/2003· AIR BAGS,SEATSCrash

  40 TO 60 MPH REAR END CRASH BY BMW INTO STATIONARY (TRANS IN DRIVE, WAITING TO EXIT EXPRESSWAY) 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SPORT - (ONLY DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER IN CARAVAN, BOTH WITH SEAT BELTS FASTENED) ALL SEAT BACKS COLLAPSED BACKWARD, INCLUDING MIDDLE BENCH, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE FLUNG BACK CAUSING NECK INJURIES. IF A CHILD HAD BEEN SITTING ON THE MIDDLE BENCH SEAT THEY MAY HAVE BEEN CRUSHED. IN ADDITION THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR DETACHED COMPLETELY (ELECTRICAL WIRES TORN OUT FROM VISOR LIGHT) AND FLEW INTO THE DRIVERS FACE. THE CARAVAN AFTER BEING HIT WAS PUSHED INTO THE NEXT CAR IN FRONT OF IT. NEITHER THE DRIVER SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.*AK

• 11/26/2002· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  CONSUMER STATE WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH THEIR WAS A SMALL ROCK ON ROAD CONSUMER AVOID THE WITH TIRE CAUSING ROCK TO TRAVEL UNDER VEHICLE. CONSUMER NOTICE A LOUD NOISE FLOWING FUEL SMELL. CONSUMER PULL VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICE FUEL SPRAYING FROM UNDER VEHICLE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURE HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

• 11/22/2005· STEERING

  DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V386000 CONCERNING THE STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS. THE DEALER TOLD HIM THAT THE SOLUTION CALLED FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE POWER STEERING FLUID WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE STEERING WHEEL MADE NOISE WHEN TURNING. THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT MAKE THIS NOISE BEFORE THE RECALL WORK WAS COMPLETED. *AK UPDATED DEC 7 2005. *JB

• 11/22/2005· STEERING

  MY 2003 DODGE CARAVAN, WITH 40K MILES, WENT TO THE SHOP TODAY FOR NEW TIRES. AT THAT TIME I ALSO ASKED THAT THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT BE CHECKED AND CORRECTED, IF NECESSARY. A SHORT WHILE LATER I WAS CONTACTED BY THE MANAGER STATING THAT THEY COULD NOT DO A FRONT END ALIGNMENT DUE TO THE TIE ROD ENDS BEING SO LOOSE AND WORN OUT. WE LIVE ON A PAVED ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER IN A FRONT COLLISION OR EVEN HIT A CURB, TO MY KNOWLEDGE. THE VEHICLE IS NOW PARKED AWAITING NEW TIE ROD ENDS. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT CHRYSLER WOULD PUT SUCH JUNK ON A CAR IN SUCH A CRITICAL SAFETY AREA. I WONDER HOW MANY MORE DODGE CARAVAN'S HAVE A SIMILAR SERIOUS PROBLEMS? *JB

• 11/21/2005· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  2003 DODGE CARAVAN BRAKES GO TO FLOOR WHEN STOPPED CAUSING LOST OF BRAKING. *JB

• 11/21/2003· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  WHILE FILLING UP THE FUEL TANK, THE VALVE JOINT SEPARATED FROM GAS TANK, CAUSING GASOLINE TO POUR OUT. THE DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT THE FUEL TANK BE REPLACED DUE TO A CRACK. *NLM

• 11/12/2004· STRUCTURE

  LOUD VIBRATION TYPE RATTLE COMING FROM UNDER VEHICLE, OCCURS MOSTLY AT AROUND 30 TO 40 MPH WHEN DRIVING SLOW WITH VEHICLE UNDER SLIGHT STRAIN IN GEAR (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). BEEN TO DEALER +- 6 TIMES, ONE DEALER CHANGED EXHAUST SYSTEM TO NO AVAIL. ITS GETTING WORSE AS TIME GOES ON. CHRYSLER HAS NO CLUE WHAT IT IS.? *JB

• 11/12/2004· EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

  THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE WAS RUBBING THE WHEEL WELL. *NM THE INNER FENDER WHEEL COVER HAD BEEN MODIFIED FOR THE HANDICAP WHEEL CHAIR CAUSING THE FUEL TANK AND HOSES TO BE OFF CENTER. MODIFICATIONS WERE NOT MADE BY CHRYSLER. *TC

• 11/08/2003· STEERING

  MY NEW 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SE HAS A PRONOUNCED BIAS TO THE LEFT WHEN DRIVING AT SPEED ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. I BELIEVE THIS HAS BOTH SAFETY AND TYRE WEAR IMPLICATIONS. MY LOCAL GOOD YEAR DEALER SAID IT'S A PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE ALIGNMENT AFTER PUTTING THE CAR UP ON A LIFT. THE DEALER HAS SAID IT'S A PROBLEM WITH THE TYRE. THE CAR WILL BE SERVICED AT THE DEALR ON 11/14/2003.*AK

• 11/04/2011· STEERING

  WHEN IT IS RAINING OR ROAD IS WET THERE IS A TENDENCY TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING FOR A MOMENT , ONE TIME STEERING BECOME VERY STIFF CANNOT TURN RIGHT /LEFT , 2ND TIME WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH AND IT WAS RAINING COULD NOT CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE HEADING FOR 10 - 20 SECONDS, THIRD TIME REPEATED WHAT HAPPEN 2ND TIME ON SAT 29 NOV 2011. *TR

• 11/03/2004· STEERING

  RECALL 04V386000/POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE: DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR CONSUMER'S RECALL NOTICE.*AK

• 10/30/2007· EQUIPMENT

  (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

• 10/29/2003· SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

  AFTER ONLY 25000 MILES ON MY NEW VAN, DODGE VARAVAN I NEED ALL NEW BRAKES. I WAS NOT TOLD WHEN I BOUGHT IT THAT THE REAR BRAKES HAVE TO BE ADJUSTED AT 10000 MILES.*AK

• 10/28/2005· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICCrash

  DT: THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES INCLUDING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS FAILURE RESULTED IN A REAR END ACCIDENT AT A RED LIGHT WHEN THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER, WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP THAT DISCOVERED THERE WAS AN INCORRECT ALIGNMENT OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. AFTER THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW BRAKE SYSTEM THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. *AK

• 10/27/2004· STEERING

  WHEN DRIVING ANY SPEED STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND MADE A SQUEAKING NOISE. DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM PERRTAINED TO POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURE. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK

• 10/27/2002· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  ON THE NIGHT OF OCTOBER 24, 2002, I PURCHASED A NEW 2003 DODGE SXT MINIVAN. ON OCTOBER 25, 2002, I DISCOVERED EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES UNDER BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEATS. WHEN I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER ON OCTOBER 25, 2002, SALES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES INFORMED ME THIS IS THE CONFIGURATION FOR THE NEW 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SXT. DAIMLER-CHRYSLER MADE A DECISION TO ELIMINATE WHAT HAD BEEN STORAGE COMPARTMENTS UNDER THE TWO SEATS. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER CHAIR BASE HAS HOLES DRILLED TO ACCEPT STORAGE DRAWERS, HOWEVER, NONE ARE INSTALLED. UNDER BOTH SEATS ONE FINDS AN ACCUMULATION OF EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES. I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THE VAN HAD I DISCOVERED THIS THE NIGHT OF THE PURCHASE. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. ON OCTOBER 25, 2002, THE DAVID STANLEY DODGE SALES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE PEOPLE INFORMED ME THIS IS STANDARD ON THE NEW CARAVAN STX. IN MY OPINION, THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD AFFECTING EVERY 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SXT MINIVAN PRODUCED. CONSEQUENTLY, EVERY OWNER SHOULD BE NOTIFIED OF THIS HAZARD; DAIMLER-CHRYSLER SHOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM ON ALL FUTURE PRODUCTION, A RECALL SHOULD BE MADE TO INSTALL DRAWERS TO COVER THE EXPOSED WIRES OR SOME SORT OF FACE PLATE SHOULD BE MANUFACTURED WHICH COULD BE INSTALLED OVER THE OPENING ON THE FRONT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER CHAIR BASE TO COVER THESE EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES. AGAIN, I REPEAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. THESE EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES EXIST ON EVERY 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SXT. BY THE WAY, THE DEALER FROM WHOM I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE REFUSED TO TAKE ANY CORRECTIVE ACTION CITING COST AS THE REASON. THE DEALER'S CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE ACKNOWLEDGED A SAFETY PROBLEM EXISTS. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE DEALER. I URGE NHSTA TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION ON THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOME CATASTROPHE BEFALLS SOMEONE BECAUSE OF THE EXPOSED ELECTRICAL WIRES ON ALL NEW 2003 DODGE CARAVAN SXT MINIVANS. DT

• 10/25/2008· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I TURNED ON MY VAN, STARTED DOWN THE STREET, LOOKED DOWN TO SEE WHAT SPEED I WAS GOING AND SAW THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WASN'T WORKING. THE NEEDLE IS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PIN AS IF WE WERE GOING 160 MPH AND DOES NOT BUDGE. WHEN THE VAN WAS TURNED OFF, IT DID NOT RETURN TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PIN. THE SPEEDOMETER HAS NEVER BEEN A PROBLEM FOR US IN THE PAST. MY VAN IS A 2003 AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE ON A VEHICLE THAT IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD. *TR

• 10/24/2010· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  WHILE DRIVING IN THE PARKING LOT OF A STORE I EXPERIENCED A TOTAL BRAKE PEDAL FAILURE. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE VAN SIMPLY KEPT ON GOING. I CHECKED FOR THE PEDAL AND COULD NOT SEE IT ANY LONGER. IT HAD PRACTICALLY DISAPPEARED - ONLY THE TOP OF THE PEDAL WAS VISIBLE AT THE FLOOR. AFTER TRYING TO STOP THE VAN WITH THE GEARS, I HIT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND CAME TO A STOP. THIS WAS A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION. THE CAR IS NOW AT THE SHOP. THE MECHANICS STATED THAT A SMALL PART NECESSARY FOR THE BRAKES TO FUNCTION WAS MISSING. APPARENTLY THE PART ONLY COSTS $12. IT HAS BEEN ORDERED AND WILL BE REPLACED SOON. *TR

• 10/23/2006· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH UNDER NORMAL, DRY CONDITIONS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TOO LOW TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK, AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM DID NOT ENGAGE. THE BRAKE WENT FURTHER TO THE FLOOR AND MADE A SQUEAKING SOUND. THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A DEALER. UPDATED 01/10/07. *JB

• 10/22/2007· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO A FAULTY CALIPER. THE DEALER WILL NOT RELEASE THE VEHICLE THE UNTIL IT IS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,634 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,628.

• 10/19/2006· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE HEADLIGHT DARKENED INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGNAL PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHERE THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A REFERENCE# 15541666 AND CASE# 8521138 WERE PROVIDED. UPDATED 12/05/06. *JB

• 10/18/2010· TIRES

  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

• 10/15/2011· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  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

• 10/13/2004· STEERING

  WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WANDERED ON ITS OWN. THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD MAKE A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC FOR AN INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*JB

• 10/11/2005· STEERING

  DT: CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT. OVER A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR HAS HAD A STEERING PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THERE IS A WHINING NOISE THAT APPEARS TO COME FROM THE STEERING. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS STARTED AND CONTINUES FOR APPROXIMATELY 8 MINUTES. THE NOISE GETS LOUDER AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED, AND FEEL A SLIGHT VIBRATION UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOORBOARD. THIS IS MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN HE TURNS THE WHEEL. THE SERVICE DEALER REPLACED TWO POWER STEERING PUMPS, AND PROVIDED A REPLACEMENT OF THE RACK AND PINION, THE LAST TIME AT THE SERVICE DEALER THEY REPLACED A POWER STEERING HOSE AND INSTALLED AN NC FOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. NONE OF THE REPLACEMENTS OR REPAIRS HAS REMEDIED THE PROBLEM. THE COST OF REPAIRS HAS BEEN COVERED 50/50 BY THE CONSUMER AND THE DEALERSHIP. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED HIM TO THE LOCAL SERVICE DEALER. AS OF THE LAST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2005, HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE SINCE THE LAST TIME THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED.*AK

• 10/06/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFire

  THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES TO WHERE MY WIFE AND I WERE TO DROP OFF OUR DAUGHTER AT A FRIENDS HOUSE. UPON ARRIVING AT MY FRIENDS HOUSE, MY SON AND 3 OTHER PASSENGERS REMAINED IN THE VEHICLE AND DUE TO THE WEATHER, THE CAR REMAINED RUNNING WITH THE AC ON. WHEN WE ENTERED OUR FRIENDS HOUSE, WE OBSERVED SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. WE IMMEDIATE RAN TO THE VEHICLE TO GET OUR SON AND THE OTHER PASSENGERS OUT. WE ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES AND PLACED A 911 CALL TO THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT. *NM

• 10/04/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFire

  HEADING OFF TO THE MALL ONE EVENING, I DROPPED OFF MY WIFE AND MY SON, KEEPING MY OTHER SON AND HIS FRIEND WITH ME. AS I PULLED AWAY, I HEARD A LOUD POP AND SMELLED AND SAW SMOKE. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR, I COULD SEE MELTING PLASTIC AND WHAT APPEARED TO BE SMALL FIRE BALLS DROPPING TO THE GROUND UNDER THE HOOD. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND GOT THE KIDS OUT OF THE CAR . CALLED 911 AND BY THE TIME THEY GOT THERE FLAMES WERE 10-15 FEET IN THE AIR. THERE WAS A RE-CALL ON THIS CAR ABOUT A STEERING HOSE I BELIEVE THAT I HAD DONE. OTHER THAN THAT I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. IT WAS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD AND HAD ONLY 17,000 MILES ON IT. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED.*JB

• 10/03/2012· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

  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

• 10/03/2006· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  LTR FROM (OH) RE DEFECTIVE BRAKES ON HIS 2003 DODGE CARAVAN BELIEVES POOR JUDGMENT OF NHTSA AND DAIMLER CHRYSLER ALLOW THIS PROBLEM TO REACH THE MARKET. *TS THE CONSUMER BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR BRAKES AT 12000 MILES. THE DRUMS HAVE BEEN REMOVED THREE TIMES TO BE CLEANED. THEY ACCUMULATED RUST WHICH CAUSED SEVER GRINDING WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. *NM

• 10/03/2006· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  WE HAVE A 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN,WITH A HEADLIGHT/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM. WITHOUT WARNING, THE HEADLIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS WILL FLASH, SHUT OFF ALTOGETHER, OR DIM. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS (DASH BOARD) ARE ALSO AFFECTED AND WILL DO THE SAME. PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE WITH THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH, HOWEVER, DIAGNOSIS IS INCONCLUSIVE. IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN LIGHTS GO OUT AT NIGHT AND VERY AGGRAVATING FOR DRIVERS IN FRONT OF YOU WHEN LIGHTS KEEP FLASHING. INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS SEVERAL SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND NHTSA INVESTIGATION / RECALL ON 2001 -2002 VEHICLES FOR SIMILAR PROBLEM. *JB