Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 2002 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated the doors could not be opened automatically or manually. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who stated that the doors had to be taken apart in order to locate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and the current miles were 77,000. Updated 07/27/11 the consumer stated the radiator cooling fan broke, the steering wheel column came off while driving and was incorrectly fixed at the dealer. The electric tail gate doesn't work. One of the tail lights came off while the vehicle was in motion on the interstate, the headlights had to be replaced the left nd right window regulators broke, the fuel pump broke off and the ABS sensor was faulty and had to be replaced. Updated 08/01/11
Air bag light stays on, when I use turn signal to turn left the right one comes on and vice versa, one head light will come on and after a while the other one will turn itself on, went out one night to eat and when entering the van with the automatic unlock key the security alarm went off nothing worked what we did so we had to unhook the battery for 20 mins. I was told that weird things happen when the clock spring goes bad. I was told that all 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan's had recalls on the clock spring and when I called the Dodge dealer close to me I was told my VIN wasn't in the system and they refused to repair the problem.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated the driver side low-beam and passenger side high beam headlights would not operate. The contact replaced the headlight bulbs and the failure continued to occur. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the multi-function switch was replaced. There was a recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 08e039000 (exterior lighting: headlights). The contact was in the process of notifying the dealer to verify whether the VIN was included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Head lights, running lights will only work one at a time. One side on high the other on low. Have read many reports of the same problem for several years of this Dodge Caravan. Tried changing bulbs, disconnected plug at module worked one time . Find this very frustrating because it is not a new problem with Chrysler it has been going on for several years. This is a 02 .
Tl contact owns a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan. The headlights would intermittently turn off at night and turn back on after 1-2 seconds. Occasionally, the headlights would not illuminate again for several minutes. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. No repairs were made. The failure mileage was 10,000 and current mileage was 40,000. Updated 03-0408
When the ignition is first turned on, the daylight lights come on the driver side only, the passenger light is off. When the headlights are turned on the passenger side turns on only, the driver side is off. When high beams are turned on the driver side comes on only, and the passenger side is off. Verified the bulbs they're all OK.?
The tail light cover on the passenger rear blew off as I traveled on a highway. The tail light cover had come loose. When examined the glue appeared to have failed. I thought it was strong enough to hold. I was wrong. Now I have a tail light without a lens so the lights are white when I put on my brakes or turn signal.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the headlights malfunctioned while driving 25 MPH and only the passenger side headlight was operable. The contact did not take the vehicle to a dealer or mechanic for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was 89,500.
The turn signals will intermittently work in reverse. For example, if I engage the left turn signal, the right dash light will flash along with the right turn signal lights. This reverse process also happens sometimes when I engage the right turn signal.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the headlights worked intermittently. On two occasions, the headlights went out suddenly without warning. The dealership was informed. Updated 09/13/06.
Headlight complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the lights of the 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan, 7% of the model year's 290 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan, though it has 5 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 Grand Caravan headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 13% 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.