Four problems related to automatic transmission have been reported for the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan based on all problems reported for the 2003 Grand Caravan.
Summary - rough shift or slip at 1500-2000 rpm began around 30,000 miles. Dodge visits- 10/26/05 - 32,088 miles - clutch replaced. 11/30/05 - 33,179 miles - "special order part". 12/14/05 - 33,803 miles - valve body. 12/20/05 - 33,920 miles - tans-axle replacement. 03/31/06 - 36,709 miles - quick learn reset. 05/04/06 - 38,214 miles - Dodge would not evaluate unless I paid the extended warranty deductible of $100. Refused to provide me paperwork for this attempt at repair. I feel problem existed and was not fixed so should not have to pay $100 for further attempts.
The vehicle began bucking, the automatic transmission would not move to 2nd or 3rd gear, the speedometer was moving up to 60-80 miles per hour, when the speed was only about 30 mph. The engine was revving very high and the vehicle was not moving very fast.
While driving the transmission surges-at start when I accelerate the vehicle does not move-then it catches and goes. At low speed it downshifts hard and then upshifts hard. Happened many times-dealer replaced front pump in the transmission-last time "unable to duplicate".
Even on the slightest incline, van rolls backwards while in drive. This is the first automatic that I ever had do this. It could be dangerous if you take your foot off the brake and someone walks behind you or another car is too close. I noticed this the first day I drove it.