The 2002 Dodge Caravan has 10 safety recalls and 245 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (61 complaints).
Recalls10safety recalls
Complaints245filed by owners
Crashes · fires13 · 11reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths9 · 1reported in complaints
2002 Dodge Caravan in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Equipment
NHTSA recall 10E034000 · Aug 10, 2010 · 6,686 vehicles
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.
Risk: IF THE AREA IN QUESTION FRACTURES OR BREAKS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN UNSTABLE DRIVING CONDITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
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.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
NHTSA recall 08E048000 · Aug 8, 2008 · 11,534 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
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."
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Exterior lighting › Headlights
NHTSA recall 08E039000 · Jun 10, 2008 · 2,520 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (OVSC)
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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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).
Service brakes, hydraulic
NHTSA recall 06E022000 · Mar 13, 2006 · 7,440 vehicles
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.
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.
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.
Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
NHTSA recall 04V531000 · Nov 2, 2004 · 238,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
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.
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.
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
NHTSA recall 04V386000 · Aug 5, 2004 · 681,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
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.
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.
Fuel system, gasoline
NHTSA recall 03E053000 · Oct 24, 2003 · 68,563 vehicles
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.
Risk: A POSSIBLE FIRE CAN OCCUR IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Structure
NHTSA recall 03V094000 · Mar 7, 2003 · 3,674 vehicles
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.
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.
Child seat
NHTSA recall 01V310000 · Oct 4, 2001 · 52,649 vehicles
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.
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.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2002 Dodge Caravan
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Air bags Frontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module
61
7
1
2
50,000 mi
Steering Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections; Rack and pinion
41
0
0
0
46,000 mi
Electrical system Ignition; 12v/24v/48v battery
34
3
5
1
46,300 mi
Power train Automatic transmission; Axle assembly
28
2
0
0
56,352 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Exhaust system › Emission control
20
1
2
1
69,950 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Foundation components › Disc › Rotor; Foundation components › Disc › Pads
Equipment Appliance › Air conditioner; Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
15
0
1
0
66,799 mi
Structure Body; Body › Door
12
1
1
1
80,000 mi
Suspension Front; Front › Stabilizer bar
11
0
0
0
56,000 mi
Tires
10
0
0
0
39,000 mi
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Oct 9, 2018 · 105,677 milesEngine ENGINE BROKE
Jun 10, 2017 · 121,000 milesFuel/propulsion system 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
Feb 1, 2017 · 2 milesService brakes THE STEERING WHEEL GETS LOCK WERE EVER I STOP ,INTERNAL CONTROL FAILURE, RADIATOR HEAT CONSTANTLY WHEN I AM DRIVING ,
Feb 1, 2016Air bags 2002 DODGE CARAVAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO INTERMITTENT AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD AND CLOCKSPRING FAILURE. *SMD
Sep 22, 2015 · 106,000 miles · crashStructure › Body 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".
Aug 27, 2015 · 104,000 milesFuel/propulsion system 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.
Apr 29, 2015 · 152,000 milesAir bags 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
Jun 5, 2014 · 170,000 miles · crashAir bags 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 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…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA05009 · opened Jun 1, 2005 · closed May 2, 2006HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTION 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.
PE05004 · opened Feb 2, 2005 · closed Jun 1, 2005HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTION 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.
PE04049 · opened Jul 7, 2004 · closed Nov 5, 2004 · led to recall 04V531000SPEAKER FIRE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE 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 NOT AFFECTED.ALL NINE COMPLAINTS PERTAIN TO VEHICLES WITH THE BASE RADIO.BY LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 1, 2004, DCC NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA# 04V531) COVERING MODEL YEAR…
PE03012 · opened Apr 9, 2003 · closed May 29, 2003 · led to recall 04V386000POWER STEERING HOSE FAILURE PLEASE SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
PE02068 · opened Sep 24, 2002 · closed Oct 9, 2002 · led to recall 02V274000FUEL TANK LEAK
