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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2003 > Dodge > GRAND CARAVAN

2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EL
Sports Van
Front wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EL. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used DODGE.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

This information will help you select a vehicle model that meets your expectations for safety and security.

CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Rating 4 of 5  
Passenger Rating 4 of 5  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Rating 5 of 5  
Rear Seat Rating 5 of 5  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Rating 3 of 5  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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Frontal Offset Crash Test Rating:   4 star legend
Overall Evaluation   A
Structure/Safety Cage   A
Injury Measures  
Head/Neck   A
Chest   G
Leg/foot, left   A
Leg/foot, right   P
Restraints/dummy kinematics   G
Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight. <p>The Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country were redesigned for the 2001 model year.</p> <p>The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of the Grand Caravan in three 40 mph frontal offset crash tests into deformable barriers. After the first test, DaimlerChrysler indicated the results were different from tests the company had conducted and requested a retest. </p> <p>Results of the second test were more consistent with company test results for structural performance, but the amount and pattern of intrusion were similar. More significantly, a fuel leak occurred, revealing a weakness in the design of a circular fitting where the fuel lines exit the fuel tank. Further examination of the fitting in the van tested first showed stress fractures in the same area as the leak in the second van.<p/> <p> A third test was conducted after DaimlerChrysler made a design change to fix the fuel tank fitting and retrofitted a 2001 model with the redesign (all 2002 and later models include the modification). Examination of the redesigned fitting after the third test indicated no damage.</p> Dummy movement was well controlled in all three tests, except there was too much upward steering wheel movement in the second test. Measures taken from the neck and chest in all three tests indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. A high acceleration occurred when the dummy's head hit the steering wheel through the airbag in the first and second tests, indicating that injuries to the head would be possible. Forces on the left tibia indicate that injuries to the lower leg would be possible in the first and third tests. Forces on the right tibia and foot indicate that injuries to the lower leg and foot would be likely in all three tests. 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport 4224 front seat-mounted combination head and torso airbags (in first and third vans tested, none in second van tested) 119 200 79 3.3 L V6 18 24

Crash Tested Vehicle: Details | Vehicle Specifications

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) uses frontal offset and side impact crash tests to estimate the crashworthiness of a vehicle. These results are good indicators of how a frontal and side impact can structurally impact a 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EL . The crashworthiness data for this 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EL was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these crash test results.



Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EL bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 89 Average
Collision Index 69 Substantially better than average
Theft Index 74 Average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EL are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EL by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EL still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: 09-27-2004
Units potentially affected: 681,000
NHTSA campaign number: 04V386000
Defective part or component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
Description: On certain minivans equipped with 3.3 or 3.8 liter V6 engine, the upper power steering cooler hose may split and cause a fluid leak. Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire. Dealers will replace the upper power steering cooler hose. Owner notification began on September 27, 2004. Owners should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 70,235
NHTSA campaign number: 05V134000
Defective part or component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:LOCK
Description: On certain minivans, the power liftgate (plg) latch may not engage the striker allowing the liftgate to open while driving. In the event of a crash, an unbelted passenger could be ejected from the vehicle. Dealers will replace the power liftgate control module. The recall is expected to begin on April 26, 2005. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.


This 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EL safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Looking at a Specific 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EL?
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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 3.5 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 3.5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 2.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 4 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 2 of 5
  Performance Rating 2 of 5
  Comfort Rating 2.5 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 2 of 5
  Style Rating 2 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability Rating 2.5 of 5
  Mechanical Dependability Rating 2 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Dependability Rating 3 of 5
  Body and Interior Dependability Rating 2.5 of 5

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Transmission & Driveline Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Accessories Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
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Cost of Ownership (2003 - 2007):
Category:    Grand Caravan eL 4 Dr Pass Ext Van:
Depreciation $14,561
Financing $3,207
Insurance $5,810
State Fees $447
Fuel $4,287
Maintenance $1,692
Repairs $684
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $30,688

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 7 years or 70,000 miles  
Emissions No data from source  
Corrosion 5 years or 100,000 miles  
Transferable Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered (see details below).  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 1 years or 12,000 miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data from source  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered (see details below). Roadside assistance administered by Cross Country. Wear items covered for 1/12,000. Coverage applies to outer panels. Inner panels are covered under corrosion for 3 years only. All vehicles sold or leased from 11-1-01 through 7-8-02 receive 7/100,000 limited powertrain warranty with $100 deductible, not transferable. Vehicles sold on or after 7-9-02 receive 7/70,000 limited powertrain warranty with $100 deductible. $100 powertrain deductible applies after basic warranty coverage period, may be transferable to subsequent owners. Transfer fee may apply based on build date. Daily rental and SRT vehicles receive 3/36,000 only. Limited lifetime powertrain warranty to original owner, not transferable, effective on vehicles purchased on or after 7-26-07. Inspection required. Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. J&L Warranty Pros recommends performing a vehicle information report to confirm applicable manufacturer warranty coverage.  

This 2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EL warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

A leader in value, practicality and innovation.
By John Matras, NewCarTestDrive.com

Dodge continues to show why it is the leading brand in minivans. The Dodge Caravan's roomy interior offers convenient, carefree motoring. The driving experience is controlled and enjoyable. And there's lots of V6 power available in the lineup. A wide selection of models means there's a Dodge Caravan or Grand Caravan to fit any minivan budget.

Overview:

You have to be doing something right when you sell 350,000 minivans every year, commanding 21 percent of the total minivan market in the U.S. Dodge sells more minivans every year than any other brand. Its continued success appears the result of sticking to the basics, focusing on value, packaging, and practicality.

Above all, the Dodge Caravan is family-friendly. It can carry half the little league team while delivering a smooth car-like ride and reasonable fuel mileage. It offers the features and flexibility most buyers want. A broad range of models means that nearly anyone who needs a minivan can find a Caravan that fits their budget.

For 2003, Dodge has added standard equipment to the top ES trim level, which means a lower bottom line in some cases. New options include a huge power sunroof, a DVD entertainment system, and power-adjustable pedals. Also available, is Sirius Satellite Radio. Installed by the dealer, the suggested retail price for the system is $299 plus labor; a Sirius Satellite Radio subscription is $12.95 per month.

Read the complete 2003 Dodge Caravan review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



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