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Electrical system

2002 Dodge Caravan Electrical problems

Owners have filed 34 complaints about the 2002 Dodge Caravan's electrical system with NHTSA - 13% of all its complaints, most recently on July 27, 2014. They describe 3 crashes, 5 fires and 1 injury. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.

Complaints
34
Recalls
0
Crashes
3
Fires
5
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Electrical complaints

Electrical systemLightsAirbagsBrakesCrash

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

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Air bags · Service brakesNHTSA 10616608
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise control

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.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10536445
Electrical system

The dash went out. No hazards, no blinkers and no gauges. *Jb

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10461960
Electrical system

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while traveling she noticed that the speedodometer suddenly became inoperable. She was unable to determine how many miles were actually on the vehicle. The speedometer remained the same. The contact did not inform the dealer or manufacturer of the failure since she was unable to locate them. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who stated that the register was working; however, the visual indicator on the instrument panel was inoperable. No repairs were performed. The current and failure mileage was 77,086. Updated 6/8/11 *cn updated 06/16/11. *Jb updated 06/21/11*jb

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10399366
Electrical system

2002 Dodge caravan I've had since new, has a horn that has progressively lost areas on the steering wheel where it can be activated. I've never had an accident with it, but nearly had a couple because of this problem. It has gotten worse since its inception over 4 years back. Due to high cost of repair by dodge I have opted to live with the problem. But if this is something endemic to this, or other chrysler vehicles, I'd like to have it fixed. Horns should not spontaneously degrade like this. The problem is obviously in the switch in the steering wheel. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10312959
Electrical systemLights

2002 Dodge caravan headlight electrical issue. My headlights do not turn on when I turn the switch. Sometimes they come on quickly sometimes they take more than 30 minutes. For them to turn off I have the same problem. Also my windshield wipers don't work. They turn on the same way the headlights do. If it begins to rain while I am driving I have to pull over. This is a serious safety issue. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 10256849
Electrical system

I have a 2002 dodge caravan. The failure began with the lights flashing (lt/rt like a police cruiser or alarm system) in daytime running light mode. Once the headlight lights were turned on the rt worked but the lt low beam did not. Select high beam; the lt headlight worked the right did not. I've read on the internet several complaints about this headlight system completely failing during hours of darkness at the most inappropriate times (i.E. Traveling on highway @ high speeds). Currently, the problem is being worked and parts have been swapped and the problem still exists. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10255957
Electrical system

2002 Dodge caravan. Total electrical failure, overcharge of system. Vehicle shutdown while in transit. All bulbs, fuses and electrical devices out. Will not start and dealer baffled as to how it occurred. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10228007
AirbagsAcceleration & cruise controlElectrical systemCrash

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 dodge caravan. In 2007, the contact broadsided another vehicle and neither front air bags deployed. There were no injuries, but the vehicle sustained $3,800 worth of damage. A police report was filed and the vehicle was repaired. Prior to the crash, the horn and cruise control failed, and the air bag light flickered and then remained illuminated. There was a recall from 1998 to 2000 regarding the clock spring. The speed and vin were unknown. The current mileage was 74,000 and failure mileage was 73,000.

Filed Incident Air bags · Vehicle speed control · Electrical systemNHTSA 10222941
Electrical systemAirbags

I purchased a 2002 dodge caravan in december 2006. The airbag light was illuminated. I twice had to bring it in to get it fixed and was told that the seat belt tensioner was defective, and then that the tensioner was loose. The light came back on several months later and was told there was a short in the wiring harness which had to be replaced. Is this a manufacturing defect? *Jb

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bagsNHTSA 10204644
Electrical system

The headlights in my 2002 dodge caravan have been flickering on and off, creating a highly dangerous situation when I can not see where I am going and other cars cannot see me. A quick check online showed that several other 2002 dodge caravan owners have experienced the same problem. I have not had car serviced yet. *Nm

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10171599
Fuel systemElectrical system

2002 Dodge caravan's fuel pump is defective. The battery also failed. *Kb *nm

Filed Fuel system, gasoline · Electrical systemNHTSA 10165844
Electrical system

Headlights/ interior dash board lighting flickering. During the day time hours the dash board lights seem to surge. The power for the 12 volt outlets in the car when braking take off times. In the evening hours the headlights will flicker on and off without cause during normal driving times. The flickering will not be stopped by turning off the headlight control switch and sometimes the switch will not operate the headlights at all. I have not gotten any answers from the dealership and have decided to wait and see if you come up with a solution to the problem. Thank you for reading this submission. *Jb

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10156454
Engine & coolingElectrical systemAcceleration & cruise control

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle stalled intermittently and occurred at no particular speed; however, the vehicle immediately restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing, but the problem could not be duplicated. Update 5/2/2006 - all the dash lights flickered and the cruise control light illuminated. The dealer replaced the battery. *Nm

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical system · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10155477
Electrical systemWheels & tires

Dt: the consumer stated that battery acid had leaked onto the wiring harness, causing electrical failure. The dealer confirmed this problem. The manufacturer offered to pay for half of the repairs. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer for repairs yet. *Ak (11/21/05) the driver's side window intermittently failed to go up and was reported numerous times to the dealer, but they were unable to duplicate the problem. The reverse light had become intermittent while the vehicle was in motion. ...

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Also the fan, windows and the radio failed to operate when the a/c or defrost was turned on. This all linked to the battery dripping acid onto the wiring harness. Also, the rear driver side tire had a slow leak. The vehicle had been repaired on 10/21/05 *sc

Filed Incident Electrical system · TiresNHTSA 10139545
Electrical systemLights

Dt: 2002 dodge caravan. The headlights on my 2002 dodge caravan flashed off and on intermittently driving at night.. Had this problem since purchasing the vehicle. Had not had any accidents. There has not been any property damage nor police report was taken. The vehicle has the original headlights. *Ak updated 11/16/2005. *Nm

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 10139288
Electrical systemAirbags

The passenger air bag deactivated and cannot be reactivated due to installation of a handicapped power chair. *Nm the passenger air bag light stayed off majority of the time. The service dept informed the consumer that there was no way to activate the air bag if the passenger seat was removed. The company who installed the seat stated that they failed to hook up a wire. *Sc *jb

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bagsNHTSA 10120772
Electrical system

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. *Nm

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10119933
Electrical systemFire

'Recall campaign' issued for 2002 dodge caravan radio vent slots (code d48). Caravan caught on fire. *Bf the consumer's purchased another vehicle from the dealer since they refused to accept responsibility for the fire. After the vehicle caught on fire the consumer received a recall notice. The notice was on all 2002 caravans for a potential defect which could result in a fire. The consumer would like to be reimbursed for the cost of having to get another vehicle. *Nm

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10114879
Electrical system

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 this issue, pe05004.*Ak....Replaced power steering reservoir and hose. Could not duplicate a fuel gauge problem. *Ak

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10111461
Electrical systemLights

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. *Ak there was also a buzzing noise while driving. *Jb

Filed Incident Electrical system · Interior lightingNHTSA 10107164
Engine & coolingElectrical systemVisibility & wipersAirbagsSeats & seat beltsBody, doors & structureCrash1 injury

I had purchased a 2002 dodge caravan se and immediately after it was back in the shop for repairs. I heard a noise in the window and the dodge place told me it was nothing not to worry about it. Also I have made several trips to the dodge place for the brakes (replaced 6 times ) , sliding door doesn't stay latched and always slides and hits my children while getting in or out of the vehicle, the drivers side seat belt comes undone for no reason (it wont stay latched), I had a flat and the tire jack broke while...

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jacking up the van, I was stopped at a red light and all of a sudden my van just proceeded to go and I no control other than running in a ditch to stop, the van always drifts to the right when driving and dealer said it not faulty that's how its made to do, I had 7 sets of tires and the dealership said they couldn't find anything wrong with this vehicle , I had an alignment done 4 times because of the drifting and tires wearing out so often, I have had the ball bearings replaced 2 times, I had the ac recharged with freon 2 times it just wouldn't keep cool, the back defroster sometimes doesn't defrost making it impossible to see while driving, bad smell coming from van it smells like a skunk and it makes it hard to breathe. *Nm

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical system · Visibility · Air bags · Seat belts · Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 10095637
AirbagsElectrical system

Vin # [[redacted]]. I will bringing my van to ray brandt dodge for at least the 4th time because the airbag light keeps coming on. My clockspring has been changed twice, once under warranty and 2 weeks ago at my expense. Yes, I frequently have problems with my horn and my cruise control. I thought it was me not pressing in ther right place. *Ak updated 07/30/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Air bags · Electrical systemNHTSA 10067544
Electrical systemFire

Consumer purchased a 2002 dodge caravan in 2001, and drove it on a trip. While on the trip back driver side rear speaker caught on fire. Put fire out with bottled water. Consumer and husband took vehicle to the dodge dealer in mobile alabama, and had it repaired. Dealer told consumer that the cause of the fire was defective wiring. Dealer in mobile, alabama had vehicle, and will not release it until consumer signed a statement clearing the dealer from any liability. *Ak

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10065444
Electrical systemFire

After parking the vehicle in the driveway for one hour consumer noticed flames coming from around the running board. *Ak

Filed Electrical systemNHTSA 10065354

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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

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