A 2003 Dodge Caravan radiator typically costs $109.99 to $139.99 for the part, with labor adding $169 to $213 if you have a shop replace it.
How much does it cost to replace a radiator on a Dodge Caravan?
Expect to pay $279 to $353 total for a radiator replacement, with parts running $109.99–$139.99 and labor clocking in at $169–$213 at most repair shops.
You can grab the radiator from AutoZone (part #DW12757) or RockAuto (part #255146). If you're tackling this yourself, set aside 2–3 hours and grab a torque wrench for those 1/4-inch drive bolts. Those plastic radiator mounts crack easily—use a soft-jaw clamp to avoid disaster. And seriously, let the engine cool completely before you start draining coolant into a catch pan. If you're unsure about the process, check out our guide on how to repair a car radiator leak for step-by-step help.
How much is a Dodge Caravan 2003 worth?
A 2003 Dodge Caravan ranges from $319 to $2,432, depending on mileage, condition, and where you're selling it.
Clean, low-mileage examples with service records can hit $2,432 on Edmunds, while rough, high-mileage units might only fetch $319 on Facebook Marketplace. For a precise quote, plug the VIN into Kelley Blue Book's valuation tool. Don't forget to check the rear liftgate and sliding doors for rust—those rocker panels and rear frame rails are notorious for corroding.
How much does a radiator cost for a 2004 Dodge Caravan?
Plan on spending $109.99 to $139.99 for a 2004 Dodge Caravan radiator from parts retailers.
AutoZone lists it at $109.99 (part #DW12757), while RockAuto has the same unit for $119.99. Make sure it fits both 4-cylinder (PJ) and V6 (EGH) engines—they use the same radiator but different mounts. Grab a gallon of Mopar or Pentofrost coolant concentrate and a new 19mm drain plug washer to dodge leaks after the swap. If you're dealing with an aluminum radiator, you might wonder can you repair an aluminum radiator core instead of replacing it entirely?
How long do 2003 Dodge Caravans last?
With proper care, a 2003 Dodge Caravan can easily hit 13 to 17 years or 200,000 to 250,000 miles.
Some owners push them to 300,000 miles by sticking to a strict maintenance routine: swap transmission fluid every 30k miles, replace the thermostat and serpentine belt every 60k miles, and service the water pump every 100k miles. The 3.3L and 3.8L engines often suffer from timing chain stretch at high mileage—listen for rattling on cold starts and plan a chain replacement around 150k miles to avoid a meltdown. If you're experiencing cooling system issues, you might need to troubleshoot a radiator fan that stops working.
How much does it cost to replace a radiator in a house?
Replacing a house radiator costs $250 to $500 per unit, with labor for a full system install running $800 to $1,500.
Cast-iron baseboard radiators average $400 installed, while modern panel radiators run $300–$450 each. Always hire a licensed plumber to balance the system and purge air for even heating. If your boiler's pushing 15 years old, budget an extra $2,500–$5,000 for a new one—older cast-iron boilers tend to fail during brutal winter months.
How much is a radiator for a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan?
You'll pay $129.99 to $159.99 for a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan radiator from aftermarket suppliers.
AutoZone part #DW12757 and RockAuto part #255146 fit both the 3.3L and 3.8L engines. Double-check the transmission cooler lines—some aftermarket radiators skip the integrated cooler, so you might need to reuse the old lines. Grab a new 19mm drain plug washer and a quart of Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant to top off after draining the system.
How much is a radiator for a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan?
A 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan radiator costs $129.99 to $159.99 from parts retailers.
RockAuto lists the Denso radiator (part #255146) for $129.99, while O’Reilly Auto Parts has it for $139.99. If you've got the 3.8L engine, confirm the radiator has the right transmission cooler ports. And here's a pro tip: always swap out the upper and lower radiator hoses (parts #83100 and #83101) when installing a new radiator to keep leaks from ruining your day. Wondering about repairing a cracked radiator? Learn more here.
What are the worst years for Dodge Caravan?
The worst model years for the Dodge Caravan are 2005, 2008, and 2011.
According to CarComplaints, these years are plagued by chronic transmission failures, sliding door headaches, and premature timing chain wear. The 2011 model tops the list with the most complaints before hitting 100,000 miles. If you're stuck with one of these years, keep up with transmission fluid changes and lube the sliding door tracks religiously to buy some extra time.
Why are Dodge Caravans so bad?
Common headaches include brake wear, engine stalling, transmission failure, AC issues, and rough gear shifts.
The 2008–2010 models introduced a new 6-speed transmission that's notorious for jerky shifts and delayed engagement. Early 2000s versions had EGR system clogs that caused stalling. Cabin air filters and blend door actuators fail often, leaving you with weak airflow or no heat. Tackle these problems early to avoid bank-breaking repairs.
How reliable are Dodge Caravans?
The Dodge Grand Caravan scores a solid 4.0 out of 5.0 for reliability, making it the second-best minivan out of eight.
According to Consumer Reports, annual repair costs average $673—right in line with other minivans. Major issues are rare if you stick to the maintenance schedule, but don't skip transmission fluid changes. Those sliding doors and liftgate struts are the most common wear items, so keep an eye on them.
Can you tow a car with a Dodge Grand Caravan?
Nope—flat towing a Dodge Grand Caravan isn't an option because it's a front-wheel-drive vehicle.
Flat towing a FWD vehicle will wreck the transmission and differential. Instead, use a tow dolly under the front wheels or a trailer that keeps all four wheels off the ground. The Grand Caravan's tow rating is 3,600 lbs with the tow package, but towing with a dolly is safer and prevents drivetrain damage.
Can a Dodge Caravan pull a camper?
Yes—most Dodge Grand Caravans can tow a travel trailer under 3,000 lbs.
Check your vehicle's tow capacity label for the exact rating, but most 2003–2007 models with the tow package handle 3,600 lbs. Pair it with a lightweight camper like the Jayco Jay Feather Micro 12SRK (2,500 lbs) or the Casita Spirit (2,200 lbs). Keep loads balanced and use a weight distribution hitch if the trailer tops 2,500 lbs to maintain stability.
