2002 Dodge Caravan Problems
Shopping for a used 2002 Dodge Caravan? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 256 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2002 Dodge Caravan has 256 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2002 Dodge Caravan Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2002 Dodge Caravan trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2002 Dodge Caravan Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Dodge Caravan has 256 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Caravan
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 256
- Crash-related complaints
- 16
- Safety recall campaigns
- 10
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 22
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2002 Dodge Caravan problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Steering Defects, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2002 Dodge Caravan?
The 2002 Dodge Caravan shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2002 Dodge Caravan
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, electrical, and transmission components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, electrical, and transmission components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Dodge Caravan, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 256 NHTSA complaints for the 2002 Dodge Caravan, issues appear concentrated in airbag malfunctions, steering defects, and electrical faults. Crash-related complaints number 16, and there are 10 recalls. However, confidence in these findings is low due to limited data.
- Airbag malfunctions account for the highest number of complaints at 61.
- Steering defects are the second most reported issue with 37 complaints.
- Electrical faults follow with 34 complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Steering Defects
- Electrical Faults
Full breakdown
All 2002 Dodge Caravan complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Dodge Caravan. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 61 | 8 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 37 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 34 | 3 | 5 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 29 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 26 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Equipment | 18 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 16 | 3 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 15 | 3 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 13 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 12 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 8 | 3 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Dodge Caravan. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
ENGINE BROKE
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 …
THE STEERING WHEEL GETS LOCK WERE EVER I STOP ,INTERNAL CONTROL FAILURE, RADIATOR HEAT CONSTANTLY WHEN I AM DRIVING ,
2002 DODGE CARAVAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO INTERMITTENT AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD AND CLOCKSPRING FAILURE. *SMD
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".
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 TH…
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 WA…
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 STEER…
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 VEHICL…
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 …
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…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIO WIRES WOULD SHORT CIRCUIT WHENEVER THE RADIO WAS ACTIVATED. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V531000 (EQUIPMENT). THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. IN ADDI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN EQUIPPED WITH DOUGLAS XTRA TRAC II TIRES SIZE 215-70 R15, DOT NUMBER (MD34JV1R3912). THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRACTION CONTROL WAS LOST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE BEL…
2002 DODGE CARAVAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIR BAGS MALFUNCTION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON AUGUST 9, 2013. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY EVEN AFTER THE IMPACT, AND THERE WERE POSSIBLE SEAT BELT ISSUES, AS WELL. BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE, HI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SURGE IN A JERKING MOTION. THE SPEEDOMETER READING ALSO FLUCTUATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIA…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WHEELS. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND TOOK VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC FOR AN INSPECTION WHO STATED THAT THE DRIVER PASSENGER SIDE MOUNT WAS CORRODE…
DRIVING VEHICLE .IT FLAME FROM UNDER. BELLY OF VEHICLE, . TOTALED THE VEHICLE NOTHING LEFT OF IT. LOST MY PERSONALS AS WELL.THANK GOD I DID NOT HAVE MY KIDS IN IT WHEN IT HAPPENED BEEN NO TIME, TO GET THEM OUT. *TR
I CANNOT BELIEVE A RECALL ON THE INTERMITTENT AIR LIGHT COMING ON HAS NOT OCCURRED ON THE 2002 CARAVAN. MINE GOES ON AND OFF USUALLY WHEN MAKING A TURN-A CLEAR INDICATION THAT THE WIRE IN THE CLOCKSPRING HAS FAILED. THE PROBLEM IS WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT FUNCT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH SHE SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ORC MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN…
BACKED OUT OF GARAGE ON COLD MORNING AND COULDN'T TURN STEERING WHEEL (ESPECIALLY TO THE LEFT) UNTIL SEVERAL MINUTES OF IDLING AND FORCING TO EXTREME RIGHT AND THEN TO LEFT, SEVERAL TIMES, PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE AND EVEN AFTER DRIVING SEVERAL MILES, IT HAS HUNG UP ON LEFT TURN…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Dodge Caravan.
Safety recalls
2002 Dodge Caravan recalls
10 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Dodge Caravan. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
EQUIPMENT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
CHILD SEAT
STRUCTURE
EQUIPMENT
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2002 Dodge Caravan buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Dodge Caravan reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 256 owner complaints, 16 crash-related complaints, and 10 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2002 Dodge Caravan shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Dodge Caravan?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (61 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (37 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (34 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Dodge Caravan?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Dodge Caravan?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Dodge Caravan, NHTSA complaints include 16 crash-related reports and 11 fire reports out of 256 total complaints. 11 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?▾
Yes. 10 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Dodge Caravan. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS. 10 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2002 Dodge Caravan?▾
The 2002 Dodge Caravan shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Dodge Caravan reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Dodge Caravan based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.