The Chrysler Caravan spans 2003–2003 with 0 recorded NHTSA recalls. It delivers up to 19 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
We're still compiling NHTSA safety, recall and owner-complaint data for the Chrysler Caravan — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
Overview
The Chrysler Caravan is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2003 to 2003 across multiple generations.
How to read a Chrysler Caravan VIN — every digit explained
Every Chrysler Caravan carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Chrysler and the country it was built in (real Chrysler codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Caravan.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- Mexico3A3 · 3A4 · 3A7 · 3A8 · 3B4 · 3B5
- Canada2B1 · 2BA · 2V8 · 2XM
- GermanyWCD · WD6 · WDR · WDY
- USA1VH · WD2 · WD5
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Caravan, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Chrysler Caravan have?
The Chrysler Caravan has 0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2003–2003. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Chrysler Caravan
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Chrysler Caravan — best- and worst-year trends will appear here once that data is in.
What are the most common Chrysler Caravan problems?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint data for the Chrysler Caravan — the most-reported problems will appear here once that data is in.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Chrysler Caravan specifications & dimensions
The 2003 Chrysler Caravan. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Chrysler Caravan window sticker.
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Chrysler Caravan cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Caravan holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 105 cu ft of passenger volume and 17 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Chrysler Caravan tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Chrysler Caravan get?
The Chrysler Caravan returns up to 19 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,300/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2003 Chrysler Caravan (3.5L 6-cyl) gets 19 mpg combined and costs about $3,300/yr to fuel, emitting 468 g/mi CO₂ — about $5,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Caravan | 16 | 25 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 3.5L 6-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Caravan stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Caravan's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Chrysler Caravan have? Power & range
The Chrysler Caravan is offered with 1 powertrain — 3.5L 6-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.5L · 6-cyl | Automatic (S4) | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Chrysler Caravan cost to own?
A Chrysler Caravan tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Check what a used Caravan is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Caravan loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $16,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Caravan ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Chrysler Caravan safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Caravan yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Chrysler Caravan last?
A well-maintained Chrysler Caravan typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain.
Check your Chrysler Caravan’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Caravan’s VIN free →All Chrysler Caravan model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Chrysler Caravan — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Caravan | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Caravan?
We're still compiling NHTSA owner-complaint history for the Chrysler Caravan.
How many recalls does the Caravan have?
0 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2003–2003. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Chrysler recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Caravan get?
Up to 19 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Caravan last?
A well-maintained Caravan typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Caravan reliable?
We're still compiling NHTSA data for the Chrysler Caravan — its ForCar Reliability Score will appear once that data is in.
What's the Chrysler Caravan warranty?
New Chrysler models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Chrysler dealer.
Where is the Chrysler Caravan made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Caravan's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Chrysler may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Caravan have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.