2002 Dodge Caravan problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Air Bags (27) · Power Train:automatic Transmission (18) · Electrical System (12)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Dodge Caravan model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
155 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (1)
Equipment 2010-08-10 · campaign 10E034000 · 6,686 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Service bulletins (101)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
key, master if replacing the key/fobik on a wj, kj, tj, or pt cruiser, use the "ac" nic level part number. the "ab" nic level will not program to these platforms. for all other platforms, if the "ab" nic level will not program to the vehicle, use the "ac" nic level part and submit a part warranty.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
key, master if replacing the key/fobik on a wj, kj, tj, or pt cruiser, use the "ac" nic level part number. the "ab" nic level will not program to these platforms. for all other platforms, if the "ab" nic level will not program to the vehicle, use the "ac" nic level part and submit a part warranty.
Structure 2020-04-30 · 23-015-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
disinfectant solution recommended for covid-19
Equipment 2020-04-22 · 08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
charging system, battery diagnostic tools and warranty this information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
Structure 2019-11-20 · 3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
use of aftermarket parts this bulletin involves discussing fca us llc position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
Structure 2019-11-20 · 3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
use of salvage/recycled parts this bulletin involves discussing fca us llc position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
Showing the 6 most recent of 101 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2018-04-28 · Steering · 121,000 mi“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…”
2017-03-29 · Steering · 2 mi“the steering wheel gets lock were ever i stop ,internal control failure, radiator heat constantly when i am driving ,…”
2016-02-08 · Air Bags“2002 dodge caravan. consumer writes in regards to intermittent airbag warning light displayed on the dashboard and clockspring failure. *smd…”
2015-12-02 · Structure:body · 106,000 mi · 💥 crash“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".…”
2015-09-11 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 104,000 mi“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 v…”
2015-05-25 · Air Bags · 152,000 mi“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. update…”
2014-07-27 · Service Brakes · 170,000 mi · 💥 crash“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 pushe…”
2014-07-17 · Wheels“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 manufactu…”
2014-06-25 · Power Train · 20,000 mi“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. …”
2014-05-27 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 40,000 mi“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 p…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.