Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan sits mid-pack among Grand Caravan years: 417 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 363, with 6 recalls and 5 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 21 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (62), steering (55), and transmission (44), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
417
NHTSA complaints
6
Recalls
5
Investigations
16
Crash-involved
24
Fires reported
21
Injuries
4
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 62 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 55 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 44 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 41 | 10% | — flat |
| Brakes | 40 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 22 | 5% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 21 | 5% | — flat |
| Lighting | 21 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 20 | 5% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 19 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 16 | 4% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 13 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Other | 11 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 10 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 9 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 1% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 3 | 1% | — flat |
| Seats | 2 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Child Seat | 2 | 0% | ▲ up |
6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN A SPEAKER FIRE.
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.
Defect
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.
Consequence
POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.
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.
Defect
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 CARAVAN, AND PLYMOUTH VOYAGER VEHICLES, CAN CAUSE THE FUEL LINES TO LEAK.
Consequence
A POSSIBLE FIRE CAN OCCUR IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
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. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT WIX AT 704-864-6711.
Defect
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.
Consequence
THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
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 NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
Defect
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE FUEL TANK CONTROL VALVE WELD JOINT COULD SEPARATE RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE FUEL LEAK.
Consequence
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERBODY FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 28, 2002. 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 DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Defect
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.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
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 REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN ES. ON MAY 13, 2007, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED, FORCING HER TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 45 MPH. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WAS SHOVED INTO THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. BOTH THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT AND AIR BAG FAILED.…”
“POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN, PULLING ME INTO A PICKUP TRUCK AND "TOTALING" MY 2002 DODGE GRANDCARAVAN BEYOND INSURED RECOVERY. NOTE: I HAD POWER STEERING COOLING HOSE REPLACED AS INSTRUCTED IN 2004 RECALL. *TR”
“ON 6/11/03 VEHICLE WAS MAKING POWER STEERING NOISES & AUTO DR LOCKS WOULDN'T LOCK AT 15 MPH. REPLACED POWER HOSE, HOSE CLAMP & OIL TRANS. INFORMED I NEEDED NEW BRAKES (22, 153 MILES & DIDN'T REQ THAT THEY DO THIS WHEN I ARRIVED AT SHOP). 7/2/03 TOOK VAN IN 'CAUSE LEFT REAR (DRIVER SIDE) SPEAKER…”
“DODGE GRAND CARAVAN JUST WENT UP IN FLAMES WHILE DRIVING WITHIN MAYBE 5 MINUTES FIRE FIGHTERS CONTROL THE SITUATION BUT THE MOTOR ,BATTERY, EVERYTHING IN FRONT INSIDE HOOD JUST MELTED I REALLY NEED HELP I HAD JUST FINISHED PAYING IT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I ATTRIBUTE THIS TO THE FAULTY ELECTRICAL…”
“TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND QUICKLY FAILED. RESULTED IN ACCIDENT. NOTICED FLUID LEAK IN THE ROAD WHERE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. *TR”
It is close to typical for the Grand Caravan: 417 NHTSA complaints, 6 recalls, and 5 investigations on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (62 complaints), steering (55 complaints), transmission (44 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Caravan years to avoid are 2008, 1996, 2005, 2010, 2016, 1997, 2011, 2012, 2009, 1998, 2013, 1999, 2000, 1993, 1991. The cleanest record among Grand Caravan years belongs to 1986.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.