KnownCarProblems2002 Dodge Caravan Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 245 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Dodge Caravan, most often about the air bags (24% of complaints, typically around 50,000 miles). It is 5th of 18 Caravan model years by number of complaints and has 4 recalls.
Most common 2002 Dodge Caravan problems
Air bags
59 complaints · 24%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
Air bag light remained on all the time. Brought van to dealer knowing that their had been large recalls of vans with airbag problems in the past. The clockspring needed to be replaced. Company claimed that there was no recall for 2002 models. This seems to be an ongoing problem for Dodge and should be covered by them.…
The clockspring on my 2002 Dodge Caravan se has failed, causing the airbag , horn and cruise control to fail. Based on what I've read online, this was a cause for a recall in earlier models up to 2000. This recall should be extended to include models manufactured after the year 2000, as it seems quite prevalent.
Steering
36 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 46,000 miles. Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist, rack and pinion, hydraulic power assist system, column.
Steering failure. When turning the steering to the far left or right, the steering wheel sticks in that position and releases only after several attempts. In normal straight ahead operation there is a very noticeable noise and coming from the steering apparatus. I believe this to be a dangerous situation. I have…
Had rack in pinion and front end work done december 28, 2005 and took back the car on january 2006 twice for front end not being aligned. Took the car back to deal to have them look at ignition and alarm because car won't start and alarm light was flashing. Steve- fixed the alarm but also notice that the steering…
Electrical
33 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 45,500 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, ignition, 12v/24v/48v battery, horn.
The van has an ongoing electrical failure which results in the headlights, dashboard lights, and other components malfunctioning. They either don't function at all or don't function properly. The dealer/mechanic replaced the PCM in attempt to correct the failure. It didn't work. There is a current investigation on…
The consumer received a recall notice about moisture from air conditioner that may enter into radio and cause a short circuit or possible radio/left speaker fire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who fixed the vent but not the radio.
Transmission
27 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 56,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, axle assembly.
Consumer states while traveling at 55 MPH heard a grinding noise in front of vehicle. Consumer pulled over, checked the vehicle. Consumer restarted vehicle, and it would not go forward, only backwards.
Dt the vehicle has been fixed, but it could be dangerous. The consumer could hear a noise when shifting gears. The consumer brought the vehicle to the dealer and they foundthat the axle nuts were loose. Three months later the consumer had to bring the vehicle bafck to the dealer for the same thing. They said that the…
Engine
22 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
My 2002 Dodge Caravan with 4 cylinder engine has about 66,000 miles on it and the EGR valve package has gone bad. The chrysler dealer in my area states that this part is not covered by the extended emission's control warranty that expires at 80,000 miles. The part cost around $170.00 and will take about $120-$200 for…
On january 27, 2005, while driving on a local interstate, the axle broke, rack and pinion, and the cv joints and boots on my 2002 Dodge Caravan which was purchased new, which almost caused a horrible accident and great bodily harm to my wife who was driving, our children ages 6yrs and 4yrs, and other traveling…
Lights
16 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 58,500 miles. Parts named most often: headlights, brake lights, turn signal, tail lights.
While driving the consumer would smelled burnt wires. Also, the interior lights would flicker intermittently. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. There was also a buzzing noise while driving.
2002 Dodge Caravan headlights periodically go off, sometimes staying off for 15-20 seconds. Not related to acceleration, bumps or stops. Affects both headlights simultaneously. Very scary!! Especially on interstate and heavy traffic. Also, cars pull over because they think I'm flashing deliberately.
Brakes
16 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, power assist.
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that he brakes failed to disengage after starting the vehicle. The contact stated that once the vehicle was turned on the brakes made a loud noise and the ABS light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician…
When applying the brakes it felt as if vehicle ran over something in the road. The rotors were replaced twice since last summer, and vehicle's performance was not changed... Had to replace front brake rotors/pads due to brake calipers sticking and not releasing. The two front tires also wore out and needed to be…
Seat belts
15 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear/other.
Dt: the consumer's vehicle hit a semi trailer at about 20 MPH and the frontal airbags did not deploy. The driver tried to brake, and the impact was in the front of the vehicle. The bumper was moved back 8 inches, the transmission, the cooler and radiator were bent over the motor. Consumer has filed a complaint with…
The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the rear seat belt was shredding and she had them replaced. Several months later, the failure was exhibited on the front seat belts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where the dealer advised that they needed to replace all of the seat…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Dodge Caravan recalls
Equipment: radio/tape deck/cd etc.
Risk: This could result in a speaker fire.
Fix: Dealers will add a special tape to the top of the radio to prevent the potential of water intrusion. The recall began on january 31, 2005. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
On certain mini vans, condensation from the instrument panel air conditioning ducts may drop through vent holes in the top of the radio and result in a short circuit that subsequently sends direct current to the rear speakers.
Steering: hose, piping, and connections
Risk: Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an under hood fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the upper power steering cooler hose. This recall began on september 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
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.
Body and structure: structure
Risk: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southern comfort at 1-800-745-6096.
Full defect summary
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.
Child Seat
Risk: In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
Fix: Owners will be provided with the necessary child restraint system information. Owner notification is expected to begin october 8, 2001. Owners who do not receive the free information within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: certain mini vans fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the owner manuals supplied with these vehicles do not indicate which seating positions are equipped with tether anchorages and child restraint anchorage systems as required by the standard.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Headlight malfunction
Summary
Owner reports indicate allegations of improper headlight operation of one or both headlights.some report intermittent outage or dimming.many report that the condition is random; it sometimes does not repeat and lasts for a very short duration. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see summary report for additional information.
Headlight malfunction
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation after receiving reports from consumers that their headlights would malfunction in various ways from flickering to complete non-illumination.headlight operation is monitored by the vehicle's body control module (BCM) and front control module (fcm).odi is upgrading this preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis (ea05-009) to further examine the issue.
Speaker fire in the rear of the vehicle
Summary
On july 7, 2004, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation based on consumer complaints alleging an interior vehicle fire starting in the area of the driver side rear speaker.daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) informed odi that condensation from the instrument panel air conditioning ducts may drip onto the radio and into vent holes on top of the radio.this can result in a short circuit sending direct current to the rear speakers and cause a speaker fire.the condition is present only on subject vehicles equipped with the base radio.subject vehicles with other option radios contain circuit protection that prevents sending direct current to the speakers and are no
Power steering hose failure
Summary
Please see attached report.
Fuel tank leak
Questions about the 2002 Dodge Caravan
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge Caravan?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (59 complaints, typically around 50,000 miles); steering (36 complaints, typically around 46,000 miles); electrical (33 complaints, typically around 45,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge Caravan have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from November 2, 2004 (equipment). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Dodge Caravan?
- It is 5th of 18 Caravan model years by number of complaints, with 245 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.