Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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
Brought my 2002 Dodge Caravan in for a recall replacement on the upper power steering cooler hose , I left the dealership thinking my van was okay boy was I wrong the next day my van started pouring powersteering coolant on the ground and it made a horrible whirling sound , I contacted dealership an was told to bring in and I did but when I got at the dealership they acted like I never called and said they would not look at my vehichle , well I demanded a look before I left and was told there are no problems and if there were they would not cover them due to there stupidness that they dont have time and if problem still persists to bring back in a couple of days , keep in mind my power steering fluid is leaking horribly everywhere and that is what I was there to fix in the beginning because it would catch fire , so I took to another dealership and they told me that my rack n pinnion …
Had rack in pinion and front end work done December 28, 2005 and took back the car on January 2006 twice for front end not being aligned. Took the car back to deal to have them look at ignition and alarm because car won't start and alarm light was flashing. Steve- fixed the alarm but also notice that the steering wheel won't lock and the ignition was having issues starting car. He suggested scheduling an appointment to get them fixed, got the car back today and the steering wheel still isn't locking. Back in dec-jan service dates, densie-service advisor stated that they replaced my steering column with a rebuilt because the had issues fixing my original one. Now the ignition issues has happened and the dealer and service manager stated that the rebuilt steering column was never replaced or in the computer history. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Dodge Caravan. While driving between 25-30 MPH on normal road conditions, the vehicle was operating normally. When the contact reached his destination, he noticed a massive loss of power steering fluid. He could not turn the steering wheel as intended. There were no warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. Roadside assistance was called to the scene and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer. The technician stated that the failure was related to the power steering hose. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired according to NHTSA campaign id number 04V386000 (steering;hydraulic power assist;hose, piping, and connections), but it has proven to be insufficient and has not prevented future leakage or failures. The failure and current mileages were 129,000.
Power steering pump makes a loud whin or growl when turning. This is intermittent and the dealer cannot duplicate. I have driven the vehicle 25 miles to their shop with the sound but by the time they get their tech out to check it, it quits. Another mechanic has heard it and suggested it is a pressure resistence valve. The dealer changed the pump approx 15 months ago and it quit for about 3 months then it began again. It has gotten increasingly more often and louder. The dealer says that the manufaturer will not allow another "random" change of the pump under warranty. I have about 4000 miles left on the 36,000 mile warranty.
Dt: the contact stated therewas a humming noise and tightness in the steering wheel when starting the vehicle in cold or damp weather. The humming noisewas noticeable when turning the steering wheel to either the left or right. The dealer replaced several seals, gaskets, the power steering pump, several hoses ,and wiring. None of these replacement parts solved the problem. The manufacturer told the contact they were aware of this problem, and there May be a recall or an extended warranty within a year.
The rack and pinion steering has failed, only to one side so far--to the left, making it very difficult to steer and/or turn to the left. At 51,000 miles, I believe this is very premature for a failure and can become a very serious safety hazard. Chrysler will not cover it under warranty. Therefore, if other owners have filed complaints and/or requested repairs to this issue, I believe a recall is justified to prevent accidents and prevent very serious injury.
I have a 2002 grand Caravan. There is a loud whining sound from the steering column. I have complained of this problem from the time it was purchased. Originally the dealership said they could not duplicate my complaint. After the warranty expired I was told there was an internal leak in the steering column and the rack, pump and lines needed to be replaced. This was done and the noise is still there.
Steering failure. When turning the steering to the far left or right, the steering wheel sticks in that position and releases only after several attempts. In normal straight ahead operation there is a very noticeable noise and coming from the steering apparatus. I believe this to be a dangerous situation. I have contacted Chrysler, they opted to do nothing--suggested that I get it repaired.
I noticed grease on the garage floor near the left front tire. Took to dealer for assessment and learned that I need new rack and pinion steering -- with only 17,000 miles on the 2002 Dodge Caravan! I have been told not to drive the vehicle much in the next two days, and they will replace the r&p steering at that time.what if I hadn't paid close attention to the grease near my tire????
Related recalls
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
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.
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.
NHTSA investigations
Power steering hose failure
Please see attached report.
Steering complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2002 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Dodge Caravan, 15% of the model year's 245 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Dodge Caravan steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-386 (hose, piping, and connections, Aug 5, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Dodge Caravan steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
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.