2002 Dodge Caravan recalls and problems

The 2002 Dodge Caravan has 4 safety recalls and 245 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
245
Crashes / fires
13 / 11
Injuries / deaths
9 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Dodge Caravan vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Dodge Caravan recalls

Recall 04V-531: Equipment

Reported Nov 2, 2004 · 238,000 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

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.

Recall 04V-386: Steering

Reported Aug 5, 2004 · 681,000 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

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.

Recall 03V-094: Structure

Reported Mar 7, 2003 · 3,674 vehicles affected · SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS

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.

Recall 01V-310: Child Seat

Reported Oct 4, 2001 · 52,649 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

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.

2002 Dodge Caravan problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags61
Steering41
Electrical System34
Power Train28
Engine and Engine Cooling20
Service Brakes, Hydraulic16
Seat Belts15
Exterior Lighting15
Equipment15
Structure12
Suspension11
Tires10

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 22
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 13
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 9
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 8
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 7
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections — 6
  • Steering › Rack and Pinion — 5
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 5

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 52,500 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Dodge Caravan complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 121,000 miles · reported Apr 28, 2018
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
Air Bags · reported Feb 8, 2016
2002 dodge caravan. Consumer writes in regards to intermittent airbag warning light displayed on the dashboard and clockspring failure.
Structure · at 106,000 miles · reported Dec 2, 2015
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".
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 104,000 miles · reported Sep 11, 2015
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.
Air Bags · at 152,000 miles · reported May 25, 2015
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

Other Dodge Caravan years

Compare all Dodge Caravan years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Dodge Caravan: 04V-531 (equipment), 04V-386 (steering), 03V-094 (structure), 01V-310 (child seat). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Dodge Caravan?

Owners report air bags problems most often (61 reports), followed by steering (41). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 52,500 miles.

Are Dodge recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.