2002 Dodge Grand Caravan problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Air Bags (23) · Power Train:automatic Transmission (20) · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections (13)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Dodge Grand Caravan model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
195 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (15)
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 15 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-04-10 · Seat Belts“i just bought a 2002 dodge grand caravan. i have noticed the seat belts do not lock when i installed the car seat and pulled the seat belt to lock the car seat in place it will not work which makes the car seat tip and fall every direction. i tried every seat in van to see if the lock and they do not unless the car is started if you pull it down fa…”
2023-09-19 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 🔥 fire“i was driving down highway 60 when my van backfired. i thought it was a blown tire & started pulling off the highway. when pulling off the highway i noticed the orange glare off the side rails on the highway. that's when i realized that the van had caught on fire under the hood. once i pulled over i had a friend call 911 to report my van on fire wh…”
2022-05-06 · Electrical System“every time i go though a small puddle rain or snow 10 to 30 mph i loose power steering and have a battery light pop on i have to pull over turn off van and restart sometime it goes back to normal…”
2022-02-07 · Electrical System · 185,000 mi · 🔥 fire“the contact owns a 2002 dodge grand caravan. the contact stated that the heater blower had become inoperable and upon inspection, it was discovered that the heater blower wiring harness was burnt and the wires were melted together. the cause of the failure was not determined. the vehicle was not yet repaired. the local dealer and manufacturer were …”
2019-10-22 · Power Train · 260,000 mi“my van,2002 dodge grand caravan, randomly stalls while driving down the street/road whether on straight road or a curve, or with a full tank of gas or less,gas seems to be irrelevant . after stalling will not restart. i have replaced all mini-fuses,battery, starter,and still will stall. sometimes while driving above 25 mph while still moving it wil…”
2019-07-29 · Structure:body:door · 90,000 mi · 🔥 fire“tl* the contact owns a 2002 dodge caravan. the contact stated that the rear door handle had melted due to exposure to the sun and the door was unable to be opened. also, the drivers side of the dashboard had also melted and cracked due to exposure to the sun causing debris to separate from the dashboard making contact with the driver while driving …”
2019-06-13 · Air Bags“air bag failure reported to dodge in 2003 and many attempts to have it fixed have failed. code says passanger air bag defective and air bag light comes on. in many years the dealer has not fixed the problem. they simply reset the code to turn the light off and later it comes back on. the first reported failures were under the warranty. then they ch…”
2018-11-25 · Engine · 221,015 mi“clogged catalytic converter causing power loss while driving on highway…”
2018-06-29 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 108,000 mi“strong fuel smell entering the cabin at low speed or idle coming from vehicle when running.…”
2017-12-13 · Service Brakes · 193,000 mi“the airbag light comes on each time i start the engine and stays on .…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.