2002 Dodge Grand Caravan: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan: 5 recalls, 290 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Child seat Vehicle recall #01V310000 · 2001 · 52,649 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the child seat May not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
The fix: 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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #02V274000 · 2002 · 116,029 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain MINI vans, the fuel tank control valve weld joint could separate resulting in a possible fuel leak.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underbody fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank and replace it if necessary. Owner notification began October 28, 2002.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #03V094000 · 2003 · 3,674 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began March 7, 2003.
Steering Vehicle recall #04V386000 · 2004 · 681,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Power steering fluid leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an under hood fire.
The fix: 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.
Equipment Vehicle recall #04V531000 · 2004 · 238,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This could result in a speaker fire.
The fix: 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #03E053000 · 2003 · 68,563 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A possible fire can occur in the presence of an ignition source.
The fix: Wix will notify its customers and replace the fuel filters free of charge.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 14 mention a fire, 18 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (59): the most common themes are warning light on (18), fails to deploy (6).
- Steering (53): the most common themes are steering problems (47), noise or vibration (18), leaks (10).
- Transmission & drivetrain (42): the most common themes are noise or vibration (14), hard / delayed shifting (13).
- Electrical (38): the most common themes are electrical failure (19), fire / smoke (10), door / lock issues (7).
The 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan has 290 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 31 Grand Caravan model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 435). Complaints peaked in 2004 (60 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 48,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (298 complaints, 3 recalls), 2003 (219 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S4) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan problems?
Owners have filed 290 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (59), steering (53), transmission & drivetrain (42).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 7 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.