2002 Dodge Caravan
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 18 |
| 1985 | 49 |
| 1986 | 49 |
| 1987 | 69 |
| 1988 | 103 |
| 1989 | 191 |
| 1990 | 278 |
| 1991 | 617 |
| 1992 | 913 |
| 1993 | 949 |
| 1994 | 644 |
| 1995 | 489 |
| 1996 | 1403 |
| 1997 | 714 |
| 1998 | 629 |
| 1999 | 555 |
| 2000 | 470 |
| 2001 | 257 |
| 2002 | 245 |
| 2003 | 195 |
| 2004 | 64 |
| 2005 | 537 |
| 2006 | 173 |
| 2007 | 81 |
| 2008 | 302 |
| 2009 | 118 |
| 2010 | 172 |
| 2011 | 78 |
| 2012 | 87 |
| 2013 | 30 |
| 2014 | 20 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2016 | 36 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
16% of complaints: air bags — 39 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, BURNING FUMES STARTED TO EMIT INTO THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121011
9% of complaints: power train — 22 distinct reports on file.
CRASH7% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH AND NO WARNING THE REAR INSIDE (DRIVER SIDE REAR SPEAKER) OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THE CONSUMER WAS FORCE TO PULL OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. SC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020925
5% of complaints: air bags — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATH4% of complaints: tires — 10 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Remedy: 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 REASO
Campaign 01V310000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL TANK LEAK
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
Remedy: 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
Campaign 03V094000 — check if this car was fixed
POWER STEERING HOSE FAILURE
SPEAKER FIRE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 04V386000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CUR
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 04V531000 — check if this car was fixed
HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTION
HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTION
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAN
Remedy: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-32
Campaign 06E022000 — check if this car was fixed
MAXZONE IS RECALLING 2,520 HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 3341103L-AS AND 334-1103R-AS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR 2001-2007 DODGE CARAVAN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS
Remedy: MAXZONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAXZONE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: 1-888-286-1188 (WA, OR,
Campaign 08E039000 — check if this car was fixed
EAGLE EYES IS RECALLING 11,534 HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. CS090-B001L AND CS090-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM
Remedy: EAGLE EYES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EAGLE EYES AT 1-800-568-1098.
Campaign 08E048000 — check if this car was fixed
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 V
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 10E034000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, MODELS WIX FILTER PART NUMBERS 33576, 33577, 33734; NAPA FILTER PART NUMBERS 3576, 3577, 3734; AND CARQUEST FILTER PART NUMBERS 86576, 86577, 86734 USED ON 1996-2000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, DODGE...
Remedy: WIX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. NOTE: THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS.
Campaign 03E053000 — check if this car was fixed
AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 17, 2002, AND JANUARY 20, 2003, SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES LISTED ABOVE.
Remedy: AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 SHORT WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18232 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, OR 0252.
Campaign 03E045000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Dodge Caravan — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (39 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03E053000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03E045000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V310000 (child seat) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V094000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V386000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V531000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E022000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E039000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E048000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10E034000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Dodge Caravan reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Dodge Caravan is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge Caravan?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge Caravan have?
10 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.