Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Chrysler Town and Country owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving at 35 MPH consumer's son heard a loud popping sound coming from the steering column. Moments later, the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a guard rail on the driver's side. The seat belts were worn, and the air bags did not deploy however, there were no injuries . Before the collision the consumer heard ticking sound coming from the steering column. Also, there was a TSB concerning this problem. The vehicle was taken to the dealer once before the collision and once after the collision. Vehicle was repaired by the dealer, but the problem still persisted. In June 2003 the consumer had a problem with a major draw on the engine with the heat or A/C running. The consumer was told that the compressor was replaced so the A/C and the heater would work properly. …
My wife was turning into our driveway an collided with a snowmobile. The driver side airbag deployed. There was a problem with the inflator (sealed over) and the airbag exploded putting shrapnel into her body. Because of the location of the air bag and the body most of the shrapnel went into her chest, with the airbag plate breaking apart striking her in the chin breaking her jaw in three places. If it hadn't been for a great ambulance crew she would have bled to death. She was in a trauma hospital for 3 and 1/2 months. She has permanent muscle and nerve damage, the jaw is not aligned correctly so he has problems eating.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Town and Country. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the front driver and passenger air bags deployed without warning or impact. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road. The police was present and a report was filed. The driver and passenger were injured and received medical attention. The vehicle was driven to galeana Chrysler Jeep Ram (14375 s tamiami trl, ft myers, fl 33912), but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
Involved in a crash in February 2006 in which a car pulled into the pathway of this vehicle, which had the right of way and was traveling 30-35 MPH. Other driver was cited with failure to yield. The airbag did not deploy resulting in whiplash of the driver of this vehicle, followed by 3 months of recovery, reduced work schedule, pain, etc. This vehicle hit the other car in the driver side tire, breaking the front axle of the other car. Both cars came to a very immediate stop. The airbag was not examined or fixed.
The consumer lost control of the vehicle due to a defect in the power steering which was being recalled by the manufacturer. In the process, not only did the consumer loose steering control but the air bags failed to deploy upon impact. Provide further details.
I sadly own a 'Chrysler' Town and Country AWD 2002 minivan with many electrical and mechanical problems that I'm forced to live with, but the following safety issues are intolerable. First, the intermittent air bag light, now on steadily. Second, the intermittent non-functioning horn, now does not work at all, cruise control does not work and radio buttons on steering wheel does not work. Chrysler corp denies major safety problem exists yet its a complaint that's all over the web among its many other persistent problems. Chrysler says its sounds like the problem May be in the "clock spring" in the steering column. I say its sounds like the problem May be in the care or lack of care of Chrysler on real safety issues on their products. Events that lead up to the failure are none, product is just simply defective and fails on its own. …
1) at low speeds, especially turning there was noise and shaking in the front of the Chrysler 2002 Town and Country. It was identified at a garage as a power steering cooler hose problem and in fact there was a recall for this. I then took it to a Chrysler dealer - doan in rochester ny - who agreed that was the problem, but my vehicle identification number was not on the list for replacement. I found it very hard to believe that the correct problem did not qualify. I called Chrysler customer service and got the same story. They said that the VIN numbers listed were determined by NHTSA and they - in so many words - were off the hook. I did have it replaced with my own money, but I am upset about it. 2) my air bag light started to go on telling me that the air bags were turned off. Then the light would go off for a little and come back on for no reason , speed, or outside temperature. …
Air bag warning light began to light (intermittently) at approx 58,500 miles for no apparent reason. Progressively became more frequent, and would remain lit for long periods of time / miles. The few times the warning light would cease, I was able to trigger the error by wiggling the steering wheel left and right several times. Suspected the 'clock spring' cable in steering column, since the problem sounded very similar to recall 04V480000 (which covers 1998-2000 Town & Country minivans). Became concerned when I found out that air bags would likely not deploy if the warning light was lit during an accident. Requested dealer inspect and advise. I also pointed out the earlier recall on 1998-2000 models. Dealer indicated a $100 diagnostic charge would be billed to me. …
On June 28, 2008 we purchased a 2002 Chrysler Town & Country van from a local dealer. When I test drove it I noticed a chip in the windshield, front headlight fogged up from moisture inside it and the airbag light stayed on continuously. I pointed this out to the salesperson who stated she would make sure these things were fixed as they interfered with the safety of the vehicle. When I took delivery of the vehicle all things seemed to be alright and then after a few miles the airbag light again illuminated and stayed that way. I took the van back in and told the sales manager about the light. At first he refused to fix it for free. Eventually he stated that they would fix it if we paid $100 towards the repair. I decided to accept this offer. When I returned to pick up the van all seemed well but after a few miles of driving the light again came on and stayed on. …
The airbag warning light comes on in the 2002 Town & Country limited shortly after starting it and as we drove intermittently. It stayed lit for 5-20 seconds each time. I took vehicle to the dealer to ask the question, and was told the airbag warning light was probably caused by the clock spring. I was told that they were on back order, especially for steering wheels with the radio controls built in which mine had. The parts representative said he could order it but didnt know when it would be in. In addition, I there was a cost for installation as well as the part. I expressed my concern about an airbag misfire or failure to fire, and he said that the airbag deactivated when the light was on, but as long as the light was off it should work fine. Also there shouldn't be any risk of misfire, but he couldnt guarantee it. …
Airbag complaints in other Town and Country years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2002 Chrysler Town and Country?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the air bags of the 2002 Chrysler Town and Country, 17% of the model year's 404 complaints. The component named most often is frontal › sensor/control module (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chrysler Town and Country airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2002 Chrysler Town and Country, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Chrysler Town and Country airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 9 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.