Owners have filed 326 complaints
about the 2002 Dodge Caravan with NHTSA between 2002 and 2018.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 23 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 33
Against the median year of the Dodge Caravan. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 81
15.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 51
30% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
2229.3%
Frontal
1317.3%
Engine
912.0%
Sensor/Control Module
810.7%
Headlights
79.3%
Hose, Piping, AND Connections
68.0%
AIR Conditioner
56.7%
Rack AND Pinion
56.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
115.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
125.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2612.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
4823.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
5526.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2712.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
199.1%
150,000+ miles
115.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2002 Dodge Caravan
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When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2002peak 14Nov 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 Dodge Caravan
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA05009Opened 1 Jun 2005Closed 2 May 2006ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTION
OWNER REPORTS INDICATE ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER HEADLIGHT OPERATION OF ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS.SOME REPORT INTERMITTENT OUTAGE OR DIMMING.MANY REPORT THAT THE CONDITION IS RANDOM; IT SOMETIMES DOES NOT REPEAT AND LASTS FOR A VERY SHORT DURATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FU...
PE05004Opened 2 Feb 2005Closed 1 Jun 2005ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTION
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT THEIR HEADLIGHTS WOULD MALFUNCTION IN VARIOUS WAYS FROM FLICKERING TO COMPLETE NON-ILLUMINATION.HEADLIGHT OPERATION IS MONITORED BY THE VEHICLE'S BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) AND FRONT CONTROL MODULE (FCM).ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-009) TO FURTHER EXAMINE THE ISSUE.
PE04049Opened 7 Jul 2004Closed 5 Nov 2004ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
SPEAKER FIRE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE
ON JULY 7, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING AN INTERIOR VEHICLE FIRE STARTING IN THE AREA OF THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SPEAKER.DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) INFORMED ODI THAT CONDENSATION FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AIR CONDITIONING DUCTS MAY DRIP ONTO THE RADIO AND INTO VENT HOLES ON TOP OF THE RADIO.THIS CAN RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT SENDING DIRECT CURRENT TO THE REAR SPEAKERS AND CAUSE A SPEAKER FIRE.THE CONDITION IS PRESENT ONLY ON SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE BASE RADIO.SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH OTHER OPTI...
PE03012Opened 9 Apr 2003Closed 29 May 2003STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
POWER STEERING HOSE FAILURE
PLEASE SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
PE02068Opened 24 Sep 2002Closed 9 Oct 2002VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL TANK LEAK
Recalls on the 2002 Dodge Caravan
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200439223,490 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles subject to conditions involving extreme heat and humidity, condensation from the instrument panel air conditioning ducts may drip through the vent holes in the top of the base equipment radio and results in a short circuit that subsequently sends direct current to the rear speakers. This could result in a speaker fire. Correction: Dealers will apply a special tape to the top of the radio to eliminate the potential for water intrusion.
Recall 2004276150,116 units in Canada
Steering
On certain minivans equipped with a 3.3L or 3.8L engine, the upper power steering cooler hose could split, causing a fluid leak. Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underhood fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the upper power steering hose.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 106,000 milesLittleton, COCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
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".
NHTSA complaint #10808044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesEveleth, MNCrash
AIR BAGS
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 STEERING WHEEL THAT THE HORN ISS LOCATED WAS ROCK HARD & COULD NOT BE PUSHED IN EVEN THE SLIGHTEST. I ENDED UP HITTING THE DEER DEAD CENTER OF THE FRONT OF MY VAN, CRUMPLED MY HOOD, CRACKING MY RADIATOR, HEADLIGHT ASSEMLIES, GRILL & COOLING FANS. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. SINCE THIS INCIDENT MY BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED JUST ABOUT EVERY TIME I PRESS ON THE BRAKES & COME TO A REST LASTING 30 SECOND OR LONGER & WILL GO OFF MOMENTS AFTER RELEASING THE PEDAL. APPROX MILEAGE 165, 000 ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY, DAYLIGHT & 100% VISIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10616608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesEveleth, MNCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 STEERING WHEEL THAT THE HORN ISS LOCATED WAS ROCK HARD & COULD NOT BE PUSHED IN EVEN THE SLIGHTEST. I ENDED UP HITTING THE DEER DEAD CENTER OF THE FRONT OF MY VAN, CRUMPLED MY HOOD, CRACKING MY RADIATOR, HEADLIGHT ASSEMLIES, GRILL & COOLING FANS. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. SINCE THIS INCIDENT MY BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED JUST ABOUT EVERY TIME I PRESS ON THE BRAKES & COME TO A REST LASTING 30 SECOND OR LONGER & WILL GO OFF MOMENTS AFTER RELEASING THE PEDAL. APPROX MILEAGE 165, 000 ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY, DAYLIGHT & 100% VISIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10616608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesEveleth, MNCrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
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 STEERING WHEEL THAT THE HORN ISS LOCATED WAS ROCK HARD & COULD NOT BE PUSHED IN EVEN THE SLIGHTEST. I ENDED UP HITTING THE DEER DEAD CENTER OF THE FRONT OF MY VAN, CRUMPLED MY HOOD, CRACKING MY RADIATOR, HEADLIGHT ASSEMLIES, GRILL & COOLING FANS. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. SINCE THIS INCIDENT MY BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED JUST ABOUT EVERY TIME I PRESS ON THE BRAKES & COME TO A REST LASTING 30 SECOND OR LONGER & WILL GO OFF MOMENTS AFTER RELEASING THE PEDAL. APPROX MILEAGE 165, 000 ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY, DAYLIGHT & 100% VISIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10616608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesEveleth, MNCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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 STEERING WHEEL THAT THE HORN ISS LOCATED WAS ROCK HARD & COULD NOT BE PUSHED IN EVEN THE SLIGHTEST. I ENDED UP HITTING THE DEER DEAD CENTER OF THE FRONT OF MY VAN, CRUMPLED MY HOOD, CRACKING MY RADIATOR, HEADLIGHT ASSEMLIES, GRILL & COOLING FANS. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. SINCE THIS INCIDENT MY BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED JUST ABOUT EVERY TIME I PRESS ON THE BRAKES & COME TO A REST LASTING 30 SECOND OR LONGER & WILL GO OFF MOMENTS AFTER RELEASING THE PEDAL. APPROX MILEAGE 165, 000 ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY, DAYLIGHT & 100% VISIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10616608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DE Soto, MOCrash1 killed
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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, HIS WIFE WAS EJECTED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, AND DIED TWO DAYS LATER. HAD THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, SHE WOULD HAVE REMAINED IN THE VEHICLE AND HAD A GREATER CHANCE OF LIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10544763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 105,677 milesHackensack, NJ
ENGINE
ENGINE BROKE
NHTSA complaint #11151374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesLafayette, IN
SEAT BELTS
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
NHTSA complaint #11090834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesLafayette, IN
STEERING
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
NHTSA complaint #11090834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesLafayette, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11090834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2 milesMiami Beach, FL
STEERING
THE STEERING WHEEL GETS LOCK WERE EVER I STOP ,INTERNAL CONTROL FAILURE, RADIATOR HEAT CONSTANTLY WHEN I AM DRIVING ,
NHTSA complaint #10969351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2 milesMiami Beach, FL
ENGINE
THE STEERING WHEEL GETS LOCK WERE EVER I STOP ,INTERNAL CONTROL FAILURE, RADIATOR HEAT CONSTANTLY WHEN I AM DRIVING ,
NHTSA complaint #10969351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2 milesMiami Beach, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
THE STEERING WHEEL GETS LOCK WERE EVER I STOP ,INTERNAL CONTROL FAILURE, RADIATOR HEAT CONSTANTLY WHEN I AM DRIVING ,
NHTSA complaint #10969351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maple Grove, MN
AIR BAGS
2002 DODGE CARAVAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO INTERMITTENT AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD AND CLOCKSPRING FAILURE. *SMD
NHTSA complaint #10838365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesLittleton, COCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
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".
NHTSA complaint #10808044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesHorn Lake, MS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 THAT THE FUEL INJECTOR HOSE WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,000.
NHTSA complaint #10763107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesCorona, CA
AIR BAGS
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 WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000. UPDATED 8/10/15
NHTSA complaint #10721305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesEveleth, MNCrash
AIR BAGS
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 STEERING WHEEL THAT THE HORN ISS LOCATED WAS ROCK HARD & COULD NOT BE PUSHED IN EVEN THE SLIGHTEST. I ENDED UP HITTING THE DEER DEAD CENTER OF THE FRONT OF MY VAN, CRUMPLED MY HOOD, CRACKING MY RADIATOR, HEADLIGHT ASSEMLIES, GRILL & COOLING FANS. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. SINCE THIS INCIDENT MY BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED JUST ABOUT EVERY TIME I PRESS ON THE BRAKES & COME TO A REST LASTING 30 SECOND OR LONGER & WILL GO OFF MOMENTS AFTER RELEASING THE PEDAL. APPROX MILEAGE 165, 000 ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY, DAYLIGHT & 100% VISIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10616608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesEveleth, MNCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 STEERING WHEEL THAT THE HORN ISS LOCATED WAS ROCK HARD & COULD NOT BE PUSHED IN EVEN THE SLIGHTEST. I ENDED UP HITTING THE DEER DEAD CENTER OF THE FRONT OF MY VAN, CRUMPLED MY HOOD, CRACKING MY RADIATOR, HEADLIGHT ASSEMLIES, GRILL & COOLING FANS. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. SINCE THIS INCIDENT MY BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED JUST ABOUT EVERY TIME I PRESS ON THE BRAKES & COME TO A REST LASTING 30 SECOND OR LONGER & WILL GO OFF MOMENTS AFTER RELEASING THE PEDAL. APPROX MILEAGE 165, 000 ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY, DAYLIGHT & 100% VISIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10616608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesEveleth, MNCrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
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 STEERING WHEEL THAT THE HORN ISS LOCATED WAS ROCK HARD & COULD NOT BE PUSHED IN EVEN THE SLIGHTEST. I ENDED UP HITTING THE DEER DEAD CENTER OF THE FRONT OF MY VAN, CRUMPLED MY HOOD, CRACKING MY RADIATOR, HEADLIGHT ASSEMLIES, GRILL & COOLING FANS. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. SINCE THIS INCIDENT MY BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED JUST ABOUT EVERY TIME I PRESS ON THE BRAKES & COME TO A REST LASTING 30 SECOND OR LONGER & WILL GO OFF MOMENTS AFTER RELEASING THE PEDAL. APPROX MILEAGE 165, 000 ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY, DAYLIGHT & 100% VISIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10616608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesEveleth, MNCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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 STEERING WHEEL THAT THE HORN ISS LOCATED WAS ROCK HARD & COULD NOT BE PUSHED IN EVEN THE SLIGHTEST. I ENDED UP HITTING THE DEER DEAD CENTER OF THE FRONT OF MY VAN, CRUMPLED MY HOOD, CRACKING MY RADIATOR, HEADLIGHT ASSEMLIES, GRILL & COOLING FANS. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. SINCE THIS INCIDENT MY BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED JUST ABOUT EVERY TIME I PRESS ON THE BRAKES & COME TO A REST LASTING 30 SECOND OR LONGER & WILL GO OFF MOMENTS AFTER RELEASING THE PEDAL. APPROX MILEAGE 165, 000 ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY, DAYLIGHT & 100% VISIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10616608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
WHEELS
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 VEHICLE. ANOTHER TIRE WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2005. THE OTHER TIRE WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2012 BUT HAS A GASH IN THE TIRE. THE THREE REMAINING TIRES HAVE NO TREAD ON THEM. IN THE EVENT THAT ONE OF MY TIRES GOES OUT I HAVE NO SPARE. I PURCHASED A NEW TIRE FOR 79.00.I WAS TOLD TIRES ARE NOT COVERED. I HAVE BEEN DELAYED AND STRANDED DUE TO IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS. UPON BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY REFUSED TO INSPECT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10611272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
TIRES
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 VEHICLE. ANOTHER TIRE WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2005. THE OTHER TIRE WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2012 BUT HAS A GASH IN THE TIRE. THE THREE REMAINING TIRES HAVE NO TREAD ON THEM. IN THE EVENT THAT ONE OF MY TIRES GOES OUT I HAVE NO SPARE. I PURCHASED A NEW TIRE FOR 79.00.I WAS TOLD TIRES ARE NOT COVERED. I HAVE BEEN DELAYED AND STRANDED DUE TO IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEMS. UPON BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY REFUSED TO INSPECT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10611272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesST .Clair Shores, MI
POWER TRAIN
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 OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #10605809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesPrairie Farm, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEY REPLACED THE ROTOR AND PADS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000. THE VIN NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10594341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesPrairie Farm, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
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 TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEY REPLACED THE ROTOR AND PADS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000. THE VIN NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10594341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBayard, NM
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR SLIDING DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FUEL TANK HOSE WAS REPLACED PREVIOUSLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10568723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBayard, NM
EQUIPMENT
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 ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR SLIDING DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FUEL TANK HOSE WAS REPLACED PREVIOUSLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10568723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBayard, NM
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 ADDITION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR SLIDING DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FUEL TANK HOSE WAS REPLACED PREVIOUSLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10568723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cornwall, NY
TIRES
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 BELTS FAILED FROM THE INSIDE OUT ON BOTH FRONT TIRES. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10559375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DE Soto, MOCrash1 killed
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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, HIS WIFE WAS EJECTED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, AND DIED TWO DAYS LATER. HAD THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, SHE WOULD HAVE REMAINED IN THE VEHICLE AND HAD A GREATER CHANCE OF LIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10544763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
