On certain minivans, the power liftgate (plg) latch may not engage the striker allowing the liftgate to open while driving.
Risk: In the event of a crash, an unbelted passenger could be ejected from the vehicle.
Sell your 2003 Dodge Caravan for cash
The 2003 Dodge Caravan is a minivan that came with a choice of 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl and 3.8L 6-cyl engines. At 23 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 2003 Caravan in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
DodgeCARAVAN2003
2003 Dodge Caravan at a glance
| Body style | Minivan - 2WD, Minivan - 4WD |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.3L 6-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 15–18 city / 21–25 highway / 17–21 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,200–$3,950 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 423–523 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 4 configurations: Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD, Caravan/Grand Caravan AWD |
| Age | 23 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 23 years old, most of a 2003 Caravan's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a minivan, it's heavier than a typical car, and scrap weight is a big part of any junk offer. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Recalls: NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Caravan. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the electrical system, typically around 83,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
2003 Dodge Caravan recalls
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls covering the 2003 Dodge Caravan. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
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.
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.
Common 2003 Caravan problems
Owners have filed 414 complaints about the 2003 Dodge Caravan with NHTSA. 26 reports involved a crash and 10 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 50 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Electrical System83,000 mi
- Steering49,000 mi
- Power Train23,000 mi
- Air Bags77,000 mi
- Tires23,000 mi
- Exterior Lighting38,000 mi
2003 Dodge Caravan service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 70 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2003 Dodge Caravan. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all
Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging system
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA opened 3 defect investigations covering the 2003 Dodge Caravan.
Engine Stall After Refueling
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 Cara
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 not
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.
Other Dodge Caravan years
‹ Sell a 2002 Caravan · Sell a 2004 Caravan › · All Dodge Caravan years
Other 2003 Dodge models
Selling a 2003 Caravan: questions
How much is a 2003 Dodge Caravan worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 2003 Caravan that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 2003 Caravans that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Can I sell a 2003 Caravan with open recalls?
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Dodge Caravan; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 2003 Caravan?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 2003 Caravan today
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