- The problem
- Curt mfg is recalling certain class 3 receiver hitches, p/n 13347, sold as aftermarket equipment for use on 1997-2007 chrysler town and country vans, 1996-2007 dodge caravans, and 1996-2004 plymouth voyager vans. When the hitch is loaded to the maximum rating, the hitch may fracture or break at the bend location where the main body of the hitch meets the hitch muffler strap.
- The risk
- If the area in question fractures or breaks, this could cause an unstable driving condition, possibly resulting in a crash.
- The fix
- Curt mfg will notify owners of record and will replace the hitch free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during august 2010. Owners may contact curt mfg at 1-715-831-8713.
Vehicle safety record
2002 Dodge Caravan Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 256 complaints about the 2002 Dodge Caravan with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (61) and the steering (37). Those complaints describe 16 crashes, 11 fires, 11 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 10 recalls, the latest in August 2010 for the equipment. For comparison, the 2001 has 257 and the 2003 has 195.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Caravan year, for its age
#48 most complained-about 2002 vehicle
- Complaints
- 256
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes
- 16
- Fires
- 11
- Injuries
- 11
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 2002 Dodge Caravan problems
Share of all 256 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2002 Dodge Caravan recalls 10
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Eagle eyes is recalling 11,534 headlamp assemblies, p/nos. Cs090-b001l and cs090-b001r, sold for use as replacement equipment for the above listed passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the lower beam photometry requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Eagle eyes will notify owners and offer replacement headlamps free of charge. The recall began on september 30, 2008. Owners may contact eagle eyes at 1-800-568-1098.
- The problem
- Maxzone is recalling 2,520 headlight assemblies, depo brand, p/nos. 3341103L-as and 334-1103r-as sold for use as aftermarket equipment for 2001-2007 dodge caravan passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Maxzone will notify owners and offer reimbursement for any noncompliant headlights. The recall began on june 16, 2008. Owners may contact maxzone at the following locations: 1-888-286-1188 (wa, or, ca, id, nv, az, mt, wy, ut, co, ks, nm, ok, tx, ar, la, ak, hi) 1-877-253-8930 (me, nh, vt, ma, ct, ri, ny, nj, pa, md, de, wv, va) 1-800-859-4755 (nc, sc, ga, fl, tn, al, ms) 1-866-783-6858 (nd, sd, ne, mn, ia, mo, wi, il, mi, in, oh, ky).
- The problem
- Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain ford, daimlerchrysler, and jeep passenger vehicles. These brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. Only products that were manufactured from july 27, 2005 through january 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. When subject to very cold temperatures, an internal seal in the master cylinder could lose flexibility and may cause brake fluid to leak.
- The risk
- Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Affinia (brake parts, inc.) Will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on march 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- THIS COULD RESULT IN A SPEAKER FIRE.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an under hood fire.
- The 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.
- The problem
- Certain aftermarket replacement fuel filters, models wix filter part numbers 33576, 33577, 33734; napa filter part numbers 3576, 3577, 3734; and carquest filter part numbers 86576, 86577, 86734 used on 1996-2000 daimlerchrysler town & country, dodge caravan, and plymouth voyager vehicles, can cause the fuel lines to leak.
- The risk
- A possible fire can occur in the presence of an ignition source.
- The fix
- Wix will notify its customers and replace the fuel filters free of charge. Note: this does not involve any products manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corp. Nor any dailmerchrysler dealers. Owner notification is expected to begin during november 2003. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact wix at 704-864-6711.
- The problem
- Aftermarket replacement fuel filters manufactured between september 17, 2002, and january 20, 2003, sold under the brand names listed above. The filter may experience malfunction of the quick connector either blocking fuel flow to the engine or causing a fuel leak. This does not involve any products manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corp. Nor any dailmerchrysler dealers.
- The risk
- If this condition occurred while the vehicle is in motion, the engine could stall. Also, in the presence of an ignition source, the fuel leak could result in a vehicle fire.
- The fix
- Aftermarket replacement fuel filters for 1995-2000 short wheelbase chrysler town & country, plymouth voyager and dodge caravan minivans part no. 18232 And date code 0237, 0249, or 0252. Replacement fuel filters for 1995-2000 long wheelbase chrysler town & country, plymouth voyager and dodge caravan minivans part no. 18230 And date code 0237, 0249, 0251, or 0304. Replacement fuel filters for 2001-2004 chrysler town & country, plymouth voyager and dodge caravan minivans part no. 28871 And date code 0249. These part numbers and date codes appear on the gold-tone filter. Distributors and retailers will be notified to isolate and return affected inventory. Owners who have had the fuel filter serviced on one of the applicable vehicles after september 17, 2002 should return their vehicle to the service facility to be inspected to see if the fuel filter that was installed is one that is involved in the recall. If so, the owners should have the filter replaced. To receive a full refund plus the cost of postage, owners should cut the connectors from the hoses, rinse the connectors and return them together with proof of the amount paid for the replacement part and labor, to intercontinental at intercontinental auto parts, inc., P.O. Box 861, mahwah, nj 07430, attn: fuel filter recall. Intercontinental will mail a full refund to the owner.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
- The 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
- The 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.
What owners say
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256 complaints about the 2002 Dodge Caravan
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 11.
ENGINE BROKE
Something wrong with my gas tank, it always stops me even if it's halfway. The driver seat belt doesn't stay well. The holes where the engine always comes off and there's a lot of smoke coming out. The headliner is coming off and there's like a sand falling to my kids. The break is not that strong
The steering wheel gets lock were ever I stop ,internal control failure, radiator heat constantly when I am driving ,
2002 Dodge caravan. Consumer writes in regards to intermittent airbag warning light displayed on the dashboard and clockspring failure. *Smd
The vin information in the database has been changed by the auto body shop in order to avoid returning the van to its "pre accident condition".
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge caravan. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the on position, there was a strong odor of fuel inside of the vehicle. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel injector hose was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge caravan. While driving 25 mph, the passenger side air bag deployed without warning. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag was defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 152,000. Updated 8/10/15*cn
On 6/5/14 while driving down the hwy at 65mph a deer had bolted out in front of my 02 caravan. I had reaction time with hitting my brakes until my brake light illuminated & my van continues sliding on dry pavement, I attempted hitting my horn but noticed the section of the steering wheel that the horn iss located was rock hard & could not be pushed in even the slightest. I ended up hitting the deer dead center of the front of my van, crumpled my hood, cracking my radiator, headlight assemlies, grill & cooling...
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fans. My airbags never deployed. Since this incident my brake light illuminated just about every time I press on the brakes & come to a rest lasting 30 second or longer & will go off moments after releasing the pedal. Approx mileage 165, 000 road conditions were dry, daylight & 100% visibility. *Js
I purchased a 2002 dodge caravan van on june 9, 2014. On july 11, while in houston, texas, my vehicle sustained a flat tire. I took it to firestone to repair the tire. The tire was irreparable. My spare tire had a hump in it and consequently I wasn't able to put it on the vehicle. Another tire was manufactured in 2005. The other tire was manufactured in 2012 but has a gash in the tire. The three remaining tires have no tread on them. In the event that one of my tires goes out I have no spare. I purchased a new...
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tire for 79.00.I was told tires are not covered. I have been delayed and stranded due to ignition switch problems. Upon bringing the vehicle to the dealership they refused to inspect it. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge caravan. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the gear shifted from drive to neutral independently. The failure recurred numerous times over the years. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
Tl* 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 was unable to diagnose the problem. However, they replaced the rotor and pads. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 114,000. The vin number was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the radio wires would short circuit whenever the radio was activated. There was a recall related to the failure under nhtsa campaign id number 04v531000 (equipment). The vin was not included in the recall. In addition, the driver's side exterior and interior sliding doors would not unlock. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also mentioned that the fuel tank hose was replaced previously. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge grand caravan equipped with douglas xtra trac ii tires size 215-70 r15, dot number (md34jv1r3912). The contact stated while driving various speeds, the traction control was lost. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who stated that the belts failed from the inside out on both front tires. The tires were replaced. The manufacturer notified about the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
2002 Dodge caravan. Consumer writes in regards to air bags malfunction. *Smd the consumer stated he was involved in an accident on august 9, 2013. The air bags failed to deploy even after the impact, and there were possible seat belt issues, as well. Because of the failure, his wife was ejected from the passenger side of the vehicle, and died two days later. Had the air bags deployed, she would have remained in the vehicle and had a greater chance of living. *Jb
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle began to surge in a jerking motion. The speedometer reading also fluctuated. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge caravan. The contact stated that there was corrosion on the rear driver and passenger side wheels. The contact heard a loud noise and took vehicle to a private mechanic for an inspection who stated that the driver passenger side mount was corroded and almost fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure was not reported to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 150,000. The current mileage was 172,000. ..Updated 08-07-13 *bf
Driving vehicle .It flame from under. Belly of vehicle, . Totaled the vehicle nothing left of it. Lost my personals as well.Thank god I did not have my kids in it when it happened been no time, to get them out. *Tr
I cannot believe a recall on the intermittent air light coming on has not occurred on the 2002 caravan. Mine goes on and off usually when making a turn-a clear indication that the wire in the clockspring has failed. The problem is when the light is on the airbags will not function making the car unsafe should an accident occur. Dodge wants almost $300 to replace a part that has been failing on previous model years and were recalled. This will be my 2nd time fixing the issue. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph she smelled a burning odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and the contact was advised that the orc module would need to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer for diagnosis where the failure was also confirmed by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 128,000. The consumer stated the airbag light illuminated and did not turn off. Updated 2/22/2013 *js
Backed out of garage on cold morning and couldn't turn steering wheel (especially to the left) until several minutes of idling and forcing to extreme right and then to left, several times, problem is getting worse and even after driving several miles, it has hung up on left turns requiring a slight right turn and janking to left in cold temperatures. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving 2 mph, burning fumes started to emit into the vehicle. The contact mentioned that he heard a loud noise and the passenger side air bag deployed without impacting anything. The contact stated that immediately after the failure, the air bag warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who sent an engineer to further inspect the vehicle....
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The engineer replaced the passenger side air bag, seat belt, dashboard and the wiring harness. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 125,000 and the current mileage was 133,000. Updated 12/19/12 *cn ..Updated 01/04/13 *bf
The dash went out. No hazards, no blinkers and no gauges. *Jb
Tl* 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 belts and the retractors. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired.The failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge caravan. The contact smelled an overpowering gasoline odor from the vehicle and then noticed that gasoline was leaking from the fuel line. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The current and the failure mileages were 98,000. The vin was unavailable.
The sliding doors locked and will not unlock or open. *Tr
Dodge Caravan: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 173 | 6 | C |
| 2005 | 537 | 9 | F |
| 2004 | 65 | 8 | A |
| 2003 | 195 | 9 | C |
| 2002 | 256 | 10 | C |
| 2001 | 257 | 10 | C |
| 2000 | 494 | 13 | F |
| 1999 | 555 | 14 | F |
| 1998 | 641 | 14 | F |
2002 Dodge Caravan vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Dodge Caravan | 256 | 10 | C | |
| 2002 Dodge Ram | 942 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Dodge Dakota | 689 | 12 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Dodge Durango | 434 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 2002 Dodge Intrepid | 340 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan | 301 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Dodge Neon | 184 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 | 155 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2002 Dodge Ram 3500 | 44 | 1 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2002 Dodge Caravan
Does the 2002 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2002 Dodge Caravan: equipment (August 2010); headlights (August 2008); headlights (June 2008); service brakes, hydraulic (March 2006) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge Caravan?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (61), steering (37), electrical system (34).
How many complaints has the 2002 Dodge Caravan had?
256 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 23, 2002 and the latest on November 13, 2018. Of these, 16 describe a crash and 11 a fire, and together they report 11 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 2002 Dodge Caravan a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 40 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Dodge Caravan year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Dodge Caravan years have the most complaints?
1996 (1,402), 1993 (962), 1992 (929). See every Dodge Caravan year compared.
What should I do if my 2002 Dodge Caravan has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data