Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I had purchased a 2002 Dodge Caravan se and immediately after it was back in the shop for repairs. I heard a noise in the window and the Dodge place told me it was nothing not to worry about it. Also I have made several trips to the Dodge place for the brakes (replaced 6 times ) , sliding door doesn't stay latched and always slides and hits my children while getting in or out of the vehicle, the drivers side seat belt comes undone for no reason (it wont stay latched), I had a flat and the tire jack broke while jacking up the van, I was stopped at a red light and all of a sudden my van just proceeded to go and I no control other than running in a ditch to stop, the van always drifts to the right when driving and dealer said it not faulty that's how its made to do, I had 7 sets of tires and the dealership said they couldn't find anything wrong with this vehicle , I had an alignment done 4 …
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 to the dealer for diagnosis where the failure was also confirmed by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 128,000. The consumer stated the airbag light illuminated and did not turn off. Updated 2/22/2013
While driving approximately 25-30 MPH noticed smoke coming from under the hood on passenger side. Had slowed down ,and smoke came from vents. Pulled over, and everyone got out of vehicle. Consumer popped open the hood and flames shot out. Fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. Preliminary analysis by fire department indicated that fire was caused by engine fuel valve.
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.
2002 Dodge Caravan will stall at high rate of speed - usually without warning. No engine lights come on indicating engine has turned off. Realize engine off when no response occurs with pressing throttle. Must coast to side of road to stop. Vehicle will often not start for at least 20 minutes - engine will not turn over, no check engine light will appear. Vehicle has stalled at 62 MPH and even at lower speeds on all types of ground elevation. Very intermittent stalling. Engine will also not turn over when sitting over night in driveway or just when eating in a restaurant. Extremely unsafe to drive as will stall in intersections, or on highway typically without warning. A few times car jerked at high rate of speed then loss of power occurred.
On January 27, 2005, while driving on a local interstate, the axle broke, rack and pinion, and the cv joints and boots on my 2002 Dodge Caravan which was purchased new, which almost caused a horrible accident and great bodily harm to my wife who was driving, our children ages 6yrs and 4yrs, and other traveling vehicles in her path. In addition to this the vehicle has a gas exhaust problem. Diamlerchrysler supposedly repaired the exhaust problem by replacing the catalystic converter in aug 2004 but the engine light stays on constantly, the axle was repaired on 2/2005 but not the other problems mentioned above.
Problems with transmission slipping on vehicle. The transmission and the computer system that controlled the transmission encountered numerous problems. The transmission slipped while the vehicle was being driven and the transmission did not change gears properly. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer for repairs on three occasions for the transmission but to date the problems still exist. The check engine light illuminated. The speedometer failed.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Dodge Caravan. The vehicle was parked when the contact detected that the automatic transmission and water pump were leaking fluids. Also, the flywheel broke in half. The authorized dealer stated that the owner would be responsible for the repair cost. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact that the service warranty was expired. There was no recall related to the defect. The failure mileage was 53,000.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle stalled intermittently and occurred at no particular speed; however, the vehicle immediately restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing, but the problem could not be duplicated. Update 5/2/2006 - all the dash lights flickered and the cruise control light illuminated. The dealer replaced the battery.
My 2002 Dodge Caravan with 4 cylinder engine has about 66,000 miles on it and the EGR valve package has gone bad. The Chrysler dealer in my area states that this part is not covered by the extended emission's control warranty that expires at 80,000 miles. The part cost around $170.00 and will take about $120-$200 for labor. The part # is 4287820ac.
Engine complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Dodge Caravan, 9% of the model year's 245 complaints. The component named most often is engine (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Dodge Caravan engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2002 Dodge Caravan, 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 Dodge Caravan engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.