2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags5914.8%
- Steering5313.3%
- Transmission379.3%
- Electrical379.3%
- Brakes369.0%
- Seat belts225.5%
- Exterior lighting215.3%
- Fuel system215.3%
- Engine194.8%
- Interior & seats194.8%
- Body & structure194.8%
- Suspension164.0%
- Visibility102.5%
- Driver assistance92.3%
- Powertrain (other)71.8%
- Other / unspecified61.5%
- Tires & wheels51.3%
- Heating & air conditioning30.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 CHARGE $ 100.00 TO TURN THE LIGHT AND THIS HAS HAPPENED OVER 10 TIMES IN THE PAST YEARS. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM (NOT A WEAR ITEM) AND SHOULD BE FIXED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE DEALER NOW WANTS OVER A 1,000 TO REMOVE THE DASH ASM JUSTR TO DETERMINE IF IT IS A WIRING, CONNECTION PROBLEM OR IF THE AIR BAG IS ACTUALLY BAD. I HAVE ALL THE SERVICE RECORDS VERIFYING MY CLAIM.
THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON EACH TIME I START THE ENGINE AND STAYS ON .
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY STEERING WHEEL ACTS UP WHEN IT RAINS OUTSIDE MAKES IT HARD TO STEER MY LEFT SIDE SPEAKERS WENT OUT THE TAPE DECKS NEVER WORKED ON MY VAN MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW GOES DOWN BUT SEEMS TO HAVE DIFFICULT GOING UP MY SLIDING DOORS SEEM TO HAVE DIFFICULTIES AT TIMES THE RIGHT SIDE NEVER OPENS
I WAS DRIVING WHEN MY CAR JUST TURN OFF,I TURN BACK ON WHIT NO PROBLEM AND TIME LATER PASSES AGAIN,SOMETIMES TURN OFF 2 OR 3 TIMES A DAY AND SOMETIMES WORK FINE, THE COMPUTER SHOWS NO CODE, AND I CHANGE MANY THING TRYING TO FIX IT, SPARK PLUGS, RELAY FUEL PUMP, SPARK PLUG WIRES, RELAY STARTER. I WENT WHIT THE MECHANIC FOR CHECK THE FUEL PUMP AND IS GOOD. DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME. THANKS. *TR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN ON ABOUT 8/11 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAM ON AND SMOKE AND RAW FUEL WERE COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN AND BEGAN TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I FOUND THE WIRING HARNESS ON THE INJECTOR FUEL RAIL TO BE FAULTY. THE HARNESS IS ROUTED AROUND THE IGNITION COIL DIRECTLY OVER THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE INSULATION HAD BROKE DOWN OVER TIME FROM HEAT AND BARE WIRES WERE TOUCHING EACH OTHER. THE RESULT IS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. THE END RESULT WAS ALSO A RUINED PCM. THE INJECTOR WIRING HARNESS HAS NO ADDITIONAL HEAT SHIELDING ON IT, BUT WHERE IT PLUGS INTO THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS HAS HEAT SHIELDING MATERIAL. *KB
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WE HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED. WE WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS DEALING WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND TO GO TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST. A DAY LATER, THE TIRES WERE LOCKED AND THE VAN DID NOT RESPOND TO ANY GEAR. HAD THE VAN TOWED TO TRANSMISSION SHOP. THEY SAID THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED AND IN TURN THE OIL PUMP WAS NOT CIRCULATING OIL TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION WAS COMPLETELY WELDED TOGETHER. WE HAD TO PURCHASE AN ENTIRE NEW TRANSMISSION COSTING OVER $2,600.00. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 48,000 MILES. I READ ONLINE WHERE OTHER INDIVIDUALS HAD SAME PROBLEM AT 37,000 MILES AND 40,000 MILES. *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 fast it locks but not when it's off and will not stay locked. Speedometer and gas gage quit working.
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON EACH TIME I START THE ENGINE AND STAYS ON .
I PARKED MY MINI VAN @ 3:00 PM STAURDAY-22-2015 ON 115 STREET BEFORE MYRTLE AV RICHMOND HILL QUEENS NEW YORK, SUNDAY 6:00 AM I CAME HOME AND DECIDED TO CHECK ON MY CAR IF SOMEBODY HAD BROKEN-IN/STEEL MY 3 PEACE TOOL BOX BUT MY CAR HAD DISSAPEARED, I SAW BROKEN DRIVER SIDE GLASS ON THE GOUND AND CALL COPS RIGHT AWAY.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 fast it locks but not when it's off and will not stay locked. Speedometer and gas gage quit working.
ON 12/25/2010 MY FAMILY AND I WAS DRIVING IN OUR 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT, VIN # [XXX]. WE SLIDE ON ICE AND SNOW GOING DOWN A HILL AND AT ABOUT 35-40 MPH WE SMASHED INTO A TREE HEAD ON. BOTH AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK. LUCKY NO BIG INJURIES. THE WHOLE FRONT END, METAL BAR, RADIATOR, HOOD AND FRAME WERE ALL DAMAGED. IF THE TREE WOULD HAVE BEEN ANY LARGER, WE WOULD HAVE HAD SERIOUS INJURIES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON, WHEN I USE TURN SIGNAL TO TURN LEFT THE RIGHT ONE COMES ON AND VICE VERSA, ONE HEAD LIGHT WILL COME ON AND AFTER A WHILE THE OTHER ONE WILL TURN ITSELF ON, WENT OUT ONE NIGHT TO EAT AND WHEN ENTERING THE VAN WITH THE AUTOMATIC UNLOCK KEY THE SECURITY ALARM WENT OFF NOTHING WORKED WHAT WE DID SO WE HAD TO UNHOOK THE BATTERY FOR 20 MINS. I WAS TOLD THAT WEIRD THINGS HAPPEN WHEN THE CLOCK SPRING GOES BAD. I WAS TOLD THAT ALL 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN'S HAD RECALLS ON THE CLOCK SPRING AND WHEN I CALLED THE DODGE DEALER CLOSE TO ME I WAS TOLD MY VIN WASN'T IN THE SYSTEM AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WAS OPERABLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER OR MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,500.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 while I tried to open the hood & put the fire out. The hood was to hot to open so I grabbed everything I could from my van & stayed clear of it until the Arizona fire dept & Arizona highway patrol came. All my information was taken by the Arizona highway patrol. I was told that my van will be at J&S Towing & that my friends & i can leave the scene.
STRONG FUEL SMELL ENTERING THE CABIN AT LOW SPEED OR IDLE COMING FROM VEHICLE WHEN RUNNING.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 WILL RESTART ON ITS OWN. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE.
CLOGGED CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSING POWER LOSS WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THE DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED AUTOMATICALLY OR MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE DOORS HAD TO BE TAKEN APART IN ORDER TO LOCATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILES WERE 77,000. UPDATED 07/27/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE RADIATOR COOLING FAN BROKE, THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING AND WAS INCORRECTLY FIXED AT THE DEALER. THE ELECTRIC TAIL GATE DOESN'T WORK. ONE OF THE TAIL LIGHTS CAME OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON THE INTERSTATE, THE HEADLIGHTS HAD TO BE REPLACED THE LEFT ND RIGHT WINDOW REGULATORS BROKE, THE FUEL PUMP BROKE OFF AND THE ABS SENSOR WAS FAULTY AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 08/01/11
I OWN A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE DRIVERS SIDE SLIDING DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR SOME TIME BUT AFTER FOOLING AROUND WITH IT MANUALLY AND WITH REMOTE, I COULD SOMEHOW GET THE PROBLEM FIXED. NOT THIS TIME. I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE NOT JUST A REPAIR. IT IS A DEFECT BY DODGE/CHRYSLER. MY CAR IS TOTALLY UNDRIVEABLE BECAUSE THE BACK DOOR WILL NOT ENGAGE. *TR
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 WITH THE WINDOWS OPENED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER JACKSONVILLE DODGE (11101 NURSERYFIELD DR. JACKSONVILLE FL) AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
I PARKED MY MINI VAN @ 3:00 PM STAURDAY-22-2015 ON 115 STREET BEFORE MYRTLE AV RICHMOND HILL QUEENS NEW YORK, SUNDAY 6:00 AM I CAME HOME AND DECIDED TO CHECK ON MY CAR IF SOMEBODY HAD BROKEN-IN/STEEL MY 3 PEACE TOOL BOX BUT MY CAR HAD DISSAPEARED, I SAW BROKEN DRIVER SIDE GLASS ON THE GOUND AND CALL COPS RIGHT AWAY.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT. HAS REAR AXEL CRAKED. THIS PROBLEM CAN PUT THE VEHICLE USAFE ON THE ROAD, AND ALSO CAUSE DEATH OR INJURY.
VEHICLE IS RUSTING UNDER THE PAINT AS WELL AS RUSTING QUITE QUICKLY ON THE LEAF SPRING MOUNTS AS WELL AS MOST METAL PARTS UNDER THE VEHICLE. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE SIDE MIRROR POWER SWITCH. THE PANEL MELTED ALTHOUGH NO FLAMES WERE PRESENT. IN ADDITION, THE HORN FAILED TO ACTIVATE WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE POWER SWITCH, BUT THE HORN WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,700.
I ENTERED COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEMS, ABS BRAKING, STEERING, WINDOW MOTORS AND ENTIRE RUSTING UNDER CARRAIGE. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING WHEN MY CAR JUST TURN OFF,I TURN BACK ON WHIT NO PROBLEM AND TIME LATER PASSES AGAIN,SOMETIMES TURN OFF 2 OR 3 TIMES A DAY AND SOMETIMES WORK FINE, THE COMPUTER SHOWS NO CODE, AND I CHANGE MANY THING TRYING TO FIX IT, SPARK PLUGS, RELAY FUEL PUMP, SPARK PLUG WIRES, RELAY STARTER. I WENT WHIT THE MECHANIC FOR CHECK THE FUEL PUMP AND IS GOOD. DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME. THANKS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 203,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 WILL RESTART ON ITS OWN. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE.
I PARKED MY MINI VAN @ 3:00 PM STAURDAY-22-2015 ON 115 STREET BEFORE MYRTLE AV RICHMOND HILL QUEENS NEW YORK, SUNDAY 6:00 AM I CAME HOME AND DECIDED TO CHECK ON MY CAR IF SOMEBODY HAD BROKEN-IN/STEEL MY 3 PEACE TOOL BOX BUT MY CAR HAD DISSAPEARED, I SAW BROKEN DRIVER SIDE GLASS ON THE GOUND AND CALL COPS RIGHT AWAY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAL AXLE RUSTED OUT ON RIGHT SIDE CAUSING THE WHEEL BRAKE LOOSE IN MY DRIVEWAY AS I PULLED IN AFTER GOING OVER A BUMP IN MY DRIVEWAY AS I CAME TO A STOP I HAD IT REPAIRED AT A COST NEAR $800 I CAN NOT ACCESS RECORDS AT THIS BUT COULD IF NECESSARY
WE HAVE CHASED POWER STEERING ISSUES THROUGHOUT THE LIFESPAN OF MY 2002 GRAND CARAVAN SPORT. NOISE , SHAKING AND VIBRATING. LOCAL DODGE DEALER REPLACED EVERYTHING - PUMP, RESERVOIR , LINES , SERVICE BULLETINS AND RECALLS. EVEN REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION AT 70,000 BY THE 6TH TRIP IN , THEY REPLACED THE RESERVOIR SCREEN . FIXED ALL NOISE AND ISSUES . NOW , AT 110,00 MILES ,THE RACK AND PINION IS LEAKING LIKE A SIEVE AND NO ONE WILL ADDRESS THE ISSUE THAT THIS PART ONLY HAS 35,00 MILES ON IT AND IT WAS NOT THE BROKEN PART IN THE FIRST PLACE . *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. CONSUMER NOTICED THAT DRIVER'S SIDE REAR GOODYEAR, WRANGLE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL. ALL FOUR TIRES HAD CRACKS AROUND THE SIDEWALLS. *AK
2003 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN ES WITH MICHELIN MX4 P215/60R17 96S TIRES (DOT B9KX DVMX 1102). TWO TIRE HAVE HAD DAMAGED SIDEWALLS. ONE TIRE ON THE PASSENGER REAR RESULTED IN A SLOW LEAK. THE OTHER, ON THE PASSENGER FRONT, HAS A BULGE AFTER CONTACT WITH THE CURB. THE SENCOND TIRE WAS FINE FOR ONLY MINUTES EARLIER DURING AN OIL CHANGE AND RECALL WORK AT THE DEALERSHIP. NO ABNORMAL CONTACT WITH A ROAD HAZARD OCCURRED DURING THE TWO MILE DRIVE FROM THE DEALER TO HOME. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN A/C IS ON PASSENGER FLOOR GETS SOAKED. ROTTING OUT THE CARPET AND FLOOR MAT. AS WELL THE RADIO STOPS WORKING FOR PERIODS OF TIME. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ACTIVATED, THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BECOMES DAMP. ALSO, THE LCD SCREEN ON THE RADIO NO LONGER OPERATES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 96,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .