2002 Dodge Caravan recalls and problems

4 recalls and 245 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Dodge Caravan.

4
recalls
245
owner complaints
13
complaints mentioning a crash
11
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Dodge Caravan recalls

Equipment: electrical, radio/tape deck/cd etc.

NHTSA campaign 04V531000 · reported November 2, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 238,000 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
This could result in a speaker fire.
The 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 campaign 04V386000 · reported August 5, 2004 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 681,000 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an under hood fire.
The 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.

Structure

NHTSA campaign 03V094000 · reported March 7, 2003 · SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS · 3,674 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
The 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 campaign 01V310000 · reported October 4, 2001 · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION · 52,649 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Nov 13, 2018 · Engine · 105,677 miles

ENGINE BROKE

Apr 28, 2018 · Fuel/propulsion system · 121,000 miles

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

Mar 29, 2017 · Service brakes · 2 miles

THE STEERING WHEEL GETS LOCK WERE EVER I STOP ,INTERNAL CONTROL FAILURE, RADIATOR HEAT CONSTANTLY WHEN I AM DRIVING ,

Feb 8, 2016 · Air bags

2002 DODGE CARAVAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO INTERMITTENT AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD AND CLOCKSPRING FAILURE.

Dec 2, 2015 · Structure · 106,000 miles · crash reported

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".

Caravan model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 4470655
2001 325793
2002 42451311
2003 3195135
2004 16523
2005 4537190

Across all years, the 2005 Caravan has the most complaints (537). All Dodge Caravan years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Dodge Caravan, the most recent reported on November 2, 2004 (Equipment: electrical, radio/tape deck/cd etc.). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge Caravan?
Owners have filed 245 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (59 complaints), followed by steering (36).
How many 2002 Dodge Caravan complaints mention a crash or fire?
13 of 245 complaints report a crash and 11 a fire; 9 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 13, 2018.