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2002 Dodge Grand Caravan

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 284.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

195 reports with mileage · 95 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 59 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

12 crash reports14 fire reports11 injury reports

What owners actually said

290 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2004
Air Bags

THE AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON/OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE VAN HAD 40K HIGHWAY MILES; THIS IS JUST A FEW K MILES SHY OF THE WARRANTY. AFTER CHECKING THIS WEBSITE I SEE THIS IS AN ON-GOING PROBLEM. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET A RECALL HERE? REMEMBER THESE VANS ARE USED TO TRANSPORT CHILDREN AND AN EARLY OR LATE FAILURE OF THESE AIR BAGS …

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THE AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON/OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE VAN HAD 40K HIGHWAY MILES; THIS IS JUST A FEW K MILES SHY OF THE WARRANTY. AFTER CHECKING THIS WEBSITE I SEE THIS IS AN ON-GOING PROBLEM. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET A RECALL HERE? REMEMBER THESE VANS ARE USED TO TRANSPORT CHILDREN AND AN EARLY OR LATE FAILURE OF THESE AIR BAGS COULD BE DISASTEROUS. MY FAMILY WILL GET THE $200 BACK IT COST TO REPLACE THE "CLOCKSPRING" BUT I HOPE IT DOES NOT TAKE A DEATH OR FIVE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10078350

7,600 miles · Jun 13, 2004
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

AT 7,600 MILES IN NOVEMBER OF 2002 THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION WITH A REBUILT ONE. SINCE THEN THE SPEEDOMETER READS INCORRECTLY. AT LOWER SPEEDS IT READS UNDER BY 4 TO 7 MPH, AT HIGHER SPEEDS -- 60 MPH IT READS 15 - 20 MPH UNDER. I DISCOVERED THIS WHEN ON A ROAD TRIP I WAS STOPPED FO…

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AT 7,600 MILES IN NOVEMBER OF 2002 THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION WITH A REBUILT ONE. SINCE THEN THE SPEEDOMETER READS INCORRECTLY. AT LOWER SPEEDS IT READS UNDER BY 4 TO 7 MPH, AT HIGHER SPEEDS -- 60 MPH IT READS 15 - 20 MPH UNDER. I DISCOVERED THIS WHEN ON A ROAD TRIP I WAS STOPPED FOR GOING 85 WHEN I THOUGHT I WAS GOING 68 IN A 70MPH ZONE. I THOUGHT THE POLICE OFFICER WAS CRAZY -- EVEN PROTESTED AND HAD HIM VERIFY THE CALLIBRATION OF HIS RADAR. HIS READING WAS CONFIRMED WHEN I PASSED A ROADSIDE SPEED INDICATOR, AND WAS STOPPED AGAIN. SPEEDOMETER WAS REPROGRAMMED AT A DEALER IN MICHIGAN AFTER WHICH IT READ 4 MPH UNDER FOR THE MOST PART. HAD IT LOOKED AT BY DEALER IN FLORIDA AGAIN IN APRIL 2004, THEY REPLACED A SENSOR. SINCE, IT AGAIN READS 4 TO 10 MILES UNDER AT LOWER SPEEDS -- E.G. WHEN I THINK I'M GOING 35, I'M REALLY GOING 42 OR 43, AT 65 MPH ACTUAL SPEED IS 76MPH. DEALER SAYS ITS "THE WAY YOU'RE DRIVING" -- A POOR EXCUSE FOR SHIFTING THE BLAME AND NOT MAKING THE REPAIR CORRECTLY THE FIRST TIME WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THIS IS A REAL HAZARD AND SAFETY ISSUE NOT JUST FOR MYSELF BUT FOR OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WHO DRIVE THE VAN AND PEOPLE ON THE ROAD. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10075291

Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

MY VEHICLE HAS ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH ABNORMAL BRAKE WEAR. AT 17000 MILES THE BRAKES HUNG UP. THE FRONT LEFT ROTOR WAS COMPLETELY WORN AWAY. NEW PADS AND ROTORS. RIGHT FRONT CALIPER NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND WAS REPLACED. PRIOR TO THIS I HAD THE OIL CHANGED AND BRAKES CHECKED 1500 MILES EARLIER--I HAD NOTICED THAT THE BR…

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MY VEHICLE HAS ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH ABNORMAL BRAKE WEAR. AT 17000 MILES THE BRAKES HUNG UP. THE FRONT LEFT ROTOR WAS COMPLETELY WORN AWAY. NEW PADS AND ROTORS. RIGHT FRONT CALIPER NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND WAS REPLACED. PRIOR TO THIS I HAD THE OIL CHANGED AND BRAKES CHECKED 1500 MILES EARLIER--I HAD NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WAS VARYING AND IT WAS TAKING LONGER TO STOP THE CAR. MECHANIC HAD STATED THAT LEFT FRONT HAD A LITTLE OVER HALF OF BRAKE SURFACE LEFT. SECOND BRAKE FAILURE AT 34500 MILES. AGAIN, LEFT FRONT HUNG UP. TOOK THE CAR TO ARRIGO DODGE AND WAS TOLD I WAS LYING ABOUT FIRST INCIDENT EVEN THOUGH I HAD RECEIPTS. SERVICE REP TOLD ME BOTH BRAKES COMPLETELY WORN AWAY, EVEN THOUGH AGAIN THE PROBLEM PRESENTED WITH THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE HANGING UP. WAS TOLD IT WAS MY FAULT BRAKES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. CAR PULLED TO RIGHT AFTER BRAKE REPLACEMENT WHEN I CALLED DEALER AGAIN WAS TOLD IT WAS MY FAULT DEALER REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. BRAKES BEGAN SQUEALING - MOST NOTICEABLY LEFT FRONT AGAIN - WITHIN 500 MILES OF REPLACEMENT. LEFT FRONT BRAKE STICKS WHEN STARTING OFF, BRAKES SQUEAL, BRAKE FLUID SEEN LEAKING FROM RIGHT FRONT, BRAKE PEDAL ALREADY HAS A LOT OF PLAY IN IT, TAKES AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DISTANCE TO STOP EVEN WITH STRONG FORCE APPLIED TO BRAKES. I HAVE NARROWLY MISSED HAVING SEVERAL ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS. CALLED DEALER, AGAIN TOLD IT WAS MY FAULT -- DRIVER HABITS THEY CALL IT. IN THE 25 YEARS I HAVE OWNED AND DRIVEN VEHICLES, I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE BRAKES BEFORE 38000 MILES OR HAD ANY PROBLEMS REMOTELY SIMILAR TO THIS. P. 245 OF OWNERS MANUAL STATES "IF EITHER OF THE TWO HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS LOSE NORMAL CAPABILITY ...THERE WILL BE SOME LOSS OF OVERALL BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS. THIS MAY BE EVIDENT BY INCREASED PEDAL TRAVEL DURING APPLICATION, GREATER PEDAL FORCE REQUIRED TO SLOW OR STOP..." WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR THIS PROBLEM TO BE CORRECTLY ADDRESSED -- PEOPLE DYING BECAUSE OF THIS BRAKE FAILURE?*AK

NHTSA ODI #10075288

40,000 miles · May 29, 2004
Air Bags

1)AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF 2) FAILURE CAN RESULT IN AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING PROPERLY 3)DEALER (DOUGLAS COUNTY DODGE) WANTS TO CHARGE FOR REPAIR. RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH DODGE SINCE AT LEAST 1996. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10074485

41,700 miles · May 29, 2004
Power Train

PULLED VEHICLE INTO PARKING SPOT, TRIED SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND ALTHOUGH HEARD A CLUNK, VEHICLE NOT IN GEAR. COULD NOT GET IT TO GO INTO A FORWARD OR REVERSE GEAR. MARKETPLACE DODGE DEALER IN ROCHESTER, NY STATES A THRUST BEARING IN TRANSMISSION SHATTERED TEARING THROUGH GEARS. COST $2,790 TO REPAIR, MILEAGE 41,000, 2002 DODG…

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PULLED VEHICLE INTO PARKING SPOT, TRIED SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND ALTHOUGH HEARD A CLUNK, VEHICLE NOT IN GEAR. COULD NOT GET IT TO GO INTO A FORWARD OR REVERSE GEAR. MARKETPLACE DODGE DEALER IN ROCHESTER, NY STATES A THRUST BEARING IN TRANSMISSION SHATTERED TEARING THROUGH GEARS. COST $2,790 TO REPAIR, MILEAGE 41,000, 2002 DODGE CARAVAN. *LA

NHTSA ODI #10074476

30,000 miles · May 19, 2004
Electrical SystemFire

WHILE SITTING IN THE VEHICLE AND IDLING CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. CONSUMER LEFT THE VEHICLE, AND SAW THAT FIRE WAS RISING UP FROM BENEATH OF VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE.*…

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WHILE SITTING IN THE VEHICLE AND IDLING CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. CONSUMER LEFT THE VEHICLE, AND SAW THAT FIRE WAS RISING UP FROM BENEATH OF VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10073867

46,000 miles · May 6, 2004
Power Train

MY DODGE CARAVAN WORKED WELL UNTIL I RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE TO REPLACE POWER STEERING HOSES. WHEN THAT REPAIR WAS COMPLETE, THE THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY. AS SOON AS THE CAR WAS RETURNED FROM THAT REPAIR, THE FUEL GUAGE MALFUNCTIONED, AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE TRANSMISSION BROKE (AT 46000 MILES). EITHER…

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MY DODGE CARAVAN WORKED WELL UNTIL I RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE TO REPLACE POWER STEERING HOSES. WHEN THAT REPAIR WAS COMPLETE, THE THROTTLE CONTROL SENSOR WOULD NOT WORK PROPERLY. AS SOON AS THE CAR WAS RETURNED FROM THAT REPAIR, THE FUEL GUAGE MALFUNCTIONED, AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE TRANSMISSION BROKE (AT 46000 MILES). EITHER A VERY BAD VEHICLE OR DEALERSHIP IS CAUSING DAMAGE DURING REPAIR WORK.

NHTSA ODI #10068423

44,000 miles · May 4, 2004
Steering

POWER STEERING FAILED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10072047

44,000 miles · Apr 28, 2004
Steering

I BROUGHT MY DODGE GRAND CARAVAN FOR A RECALL REPAIR ON OCT 2003. THE ITEM WAS REPACING A DEFECTIVE LINE IN THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. AFTER THE REPAIR MY VEHICLE MADE A WHINNING SOUND AND GRUMBLING SOUND AT VERY SLOW SPEED, STOP AND GO, PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. I AM HEARING IMPAIRED AND AS THE NOISE GOT LOUDER IT CONCERN…

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I BROUGHT MY DODGE GRAND CARAVAN FOR A RECALL REPAIR ON OCT 2003. THE ITEM WAS REPACING A DEFECTIVE LINE IN THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. AFTER THE REPAIR MY VEHICLE MADE A WHINNING SOUND AND GRUMBLING SOUND AT VERY SLOW SPEED, STOP AND GO, PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. I AM HEARING IMPAIRED AND AS THE NOISE GOT LOUDER IT CONCERNED ME TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALE. THEY SAID THAT THE LINE TO THE HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING WAS TO SHORT AND TO CORRECT IT REQUIRED A LONGER LINE. THEY TOLD ME THAT A BULLITIN FROM DODGE IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM BUT NO RECALL WAS ISSUED. IF THE POWER STEERING WOULD HAVE GONE OUT DURING HIGHER SPEEDS INJURIES OR A FATALLITY COULD OCCUR. LOOSING CONTROL AT HIGHER SPEEDS IS VERY DANGEROUS. DEAR WALTER: YOUR RECENT EMAIL TO DAIMLERCHRYSLER MOTORS CORPORATION WAS RECEIVED AND REVIEWED BY THE CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER REGARDING YOUR GRAND CARAVAN. YOUR CONCERNS, PARTICULARLY IN VIEW OF THE EXPENSE AND INCONVENIENCE INVOLVED IN THIS ISSUE, ARE UNDERSTANDABLE. HOWEVER, YOUR REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION IN THIS MATTER MUST BE DECLINED, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION HAS EXCEEDED THE TIME OR MILEAGE LIMITATIONS OF THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY AT THE TIME THE EXPENSE WAS INCURRED.

NHTSA ODI #10068005

Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2004
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THERE WAS A NOISE COMING THROUGHOUT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. DEALERSHIP INSPECTED SEVERAL TIMES, REPLACED DISC, PADS, AND SENSORS, AT LEAST THREE TIMES. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL RECURRED. ALSO, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10066969

Official recalls

5

04V531000 · Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

Nov 2, 2004

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A SPEAKER FIRE.

Remedy: 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.

04V386000 · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

Aug 5, 2004

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDER HOOD FIRE.

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.

03V094000 · Structure

Mar 7, 2003

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.

02V274000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Oct 8, 2002

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE FUEL TANK CONTROL VALVE WELD JOINT COULD SEPARATE RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE FUEL LEAK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERBODY FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

01V310000 · Child Seat

Oct 4, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN MINI VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

5

EA05009 · Headlight Malfunction

Opened Jun 1, 2005 · Closed May 2, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

OWNER REPORTS INDICATE ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER HEADLIGHT OPERATION OF ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS.SOME REPORT INTERMITTENT OUTAGE OR DIMMING.MANY REPORT THAT THE CONDITION IS RANDOM; IT SOMETIMES DOES NOT REPEAT AND LASTS FOR A VERY SHORT DURATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System

OWNER REPORTS INDICATE ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER HEADLIGHT OPERATION OF ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS.SOME REPORT INTERMITTENT OUTAGE OR DIMMING.MANY REPORT THAT THE CONDITION IS RANDOM; IT SOMETIMES DOES NOT REPEAT AND LASTS FOR A VERY SHORT DURATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Exterior Lighting:headlights

OWNER REPORTS INDICATE ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER HEADLIGHT OPERATION OF ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS.SOME REPORT INTERMITTENT OUTAGE OR DIMMING.MANY REPORT THAT THE CONDITION IS RANDOM; IT SOMETIMES DOES NOT REPEAT AND LASTS FOR A VERY SHORT DURATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

OWNER REPORTS INDICATE ALLEGATIONS OF IMPROPER HEADLIGHT OPERATION OF ONE OR BOTH HEADLIGHTS.SOME REPORT INTERMITTENT OUTAGE OR DIMMING.MANY REPORT THAT THE CONDITION IS RANDOM; IT SOMETIMES DOES NOT REPEAT AND LASTS FOR A VERY SHORT DURATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE SUMMARY REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

PE05004 · Headlight Malfunction

Opened Feb 2, 2005 · Closed Jun 1, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT THEIR HEADLIGHTS WOULD MALFUNCTION IN VARIOUS WAYS FROM FLICKERING TO COMPLETE NON-ILLUMINATION.HEADLIGHT OPERATION IS MONITORED BY THE VEHICLE'S BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) AND FRONT CONTROL MODULE (FCM).ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-009) TO FURTHER EXAMINE THE ISSUE.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT THEIR HEADLIGHTS WOULD MALFUNCTION IN VARIOUS WAYS FROM FLICKERING TO COMPLETE NON-ILLUMINATION.HEADLIGHT OPERATION IS MONITORED BY THE VEHICLE'S BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) AND FRONT CONTROL MODULE (FCM).ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-009) TO FURTHER EXAMINE THE ISSUE.

Exterior Lighting:headlights

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT THEIR HEADLIGHTS WOULD MALFUNCTION IN VARIOUS WAYS FROM FLICKERING TO COMPLETE NON-ILLUMINATION.HEADLIGHT OPERATION IS MONITORED BY THE VEHICLE'S BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) AND FRONT CONTROL MODULE (FCM).ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-009) TO FURTHER EXAMINE THE ISSUE.

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS FROM CONSUMERS THAT THEIR HEADLIGHTS WOULD MALFUNCTION IN VARIOUS WAYS FROM FLICKERING TO COMPLETE NON-ILLUMINATION.HEADLIGHT OPERATION IS MONITORED BY THE VEHICLE'S BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) AND FRONT CONTROL MODULE (FCM).ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA05-009) TO FURTHER EXAMINE THE ISSUE.

EA04031 · Power Liftgate Latch

Opened Nov 22, 2004 · Closed Apr 7, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages; Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AS PE04-054 REGARDING REPORTS OF ALLEGED POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) OPENING WHILE DRIVING.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004 BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IN ITS SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO PE04-054. BY LETTER OF APRIL 5, 2005, DCC HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 70,235 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE PLG OPTION.DCC HAS IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM IN EARLY PRODUCTION MY 2003 PLG CONTROL MODULES THAT CAN PREVENT THE PLG DOOR FROM LATCHING CLOSED IN A POWER OPEN/CLOSE CYCLE.IN THIS CONDITION THE PLG CAN RISE (NOT POWER OPEN) DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PLG CONTROL MODULE TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.SEE SAFETY RECALL 05V134 FOR DETAILS.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Latches/locks/linkages

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AS PE04-054 REGARDING REPORTS OF ALLEGED POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) OPENING WHILE DRIVING.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004 BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IN ITS SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO PE04-054. BY LETTER OF APRIL 5, 2005, DCC HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 70,235 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE PLG OPTION.DCC HAS IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM IN EARLY PRODUCTION MY 2003 PLG CONTROL MODULES THAT CAN PREVENT THE PLG DOOR FROM LATCHING CLOSED IN A POWER OPEN/CLOSE CYCLE.IN THIS CONDITION THE PLG CAN RISE (NOT POWER OPEN) DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PLG CONTROL MODULE TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.SEE SAFETY RECALL 05V134 FOR DETAILS.

Latches/locks/linkages:tailgate:latch

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED AS PE04-054 REGARDING REPORTS OF ALLEGED POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) OPENING WHILE DRIVING.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004 BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IN ITS SEPTEMBER 17, 2004 RESPONSE TO PE04-054. BY LETTER OF APRIL 5, 2005, DCC HAS NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL OF 70,235 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE PLG OPTION.DCC HAS IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM IN EARLY PRODUCTION MY 2003 PLG CONTROL MODULES THAT CAN PREVENT THE PLG DOOR FROM LATCHING CLOSED IN A POWER OPEN/CLOSE CYCLE.IN THIS CONDITION THE PLG CAN RISE (NOT POWER OPEN) DURING VEHICLE OPERATION.DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED PLG CONTROL MODULE TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.SEE SAFETY RECALL 05V134 FOR DETAILS.

PE04049 · Speaker Fire In The Rear Of The Vehicle

Opened Jul 7, 2004 · Closed Nov 5, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk; Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

ON JULY 7, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING AN INTERIOR VEHICLE FIRE STARTING IN THE AREA OF THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SPEAKER.DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) INFORMED ODI THAT CONDENSATION FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AIR CONDITIONING DUCTS MAY DRIP ONTO THE RADIO AND INTO VENT HOLES ON TOP OF THE RADIO.THIS CAN RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT SENDING DIRECT CURRENT TO THE REAR SPEAKERS AND CAUSE A SPEAKER FIRE.THE CONDITION IS PRESENT ONLY ON SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE BASE RADIO.SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH OTHER OPTION RADIOS CONTAIN CIRCUIT PROTECTION THAT PREVENTS SENDING DIRECT CURRENT TO THE SPEAKERS AND ARE NOT AFFECTED.ALL NINE COMPLAINTS PERTAIN TO VEHICLES WITH THE BASE RADIO.BY LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 1, 2004, DCC NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA# 04V531) COVERING MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 DODGE CARAVAN, GRAND CARAVAN, CHRYSLER VOYAGER, AND TOWN & COUNTRY MODELS WITH BASE RADIO ONLY (EST. 238,000 VEHICLES).DCC DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE TAPE TO THE TOP OF THE RADIO ASSEMBLY TO PREVENT WATER INTRUSION.THE ACTION TAKEN BY DCC IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk

ON JULY 7, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING AN INTERIOR VEHICLE FIRE STARTING IN THE AREA OF THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SPEAKER.DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) INFORMED ODI THAT CONDENSATION FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AIR CONDITIONING DUCTS MAY DRIP ONTO THE RADIO AND INTO VENT HOLES ON TOP OF THE RADIO.THIS CAN RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT SENDING DIRECT CURRENT TO THE REAR SPEAKERS AND CAUSE A SPEAKER FIRE.THE CONDITION IS PRESENT ONLY ON SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE BASE RADIO.SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH OTHER OPTION RADIOS CONTAIN CIRCUIT PROTECTION THAT PREVENTS SENDING DIRECT CURRENT TO THE SPEAKERS AND ARE NOT AFFECTED.ALL NINE COMPLAINTS PERTAIN TO VEHICLES WITH THE BASE RADIO.BY LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 1, 2004, DCC NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA# 04V531) COVERING MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 DODGE CARAVAN, GRAND CARAVAN, CHRYSLER VOYAGER, AND TOWN & COUNTRY MODELS WITH BASE RADIO ONLY (EST. 238,000 VEHICLES).DCC DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE TAPE TO THE TOP OF THE RADIO ASSEMBLY TO PREVENT WATER INTRUSION.THE ACTION TAKEN BY DCC IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

ON JULY 7, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING AN INTERIOR VEHICLE FIRE STARTING IN THE AREA OF THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SPEAKER.DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) INFORMED ODI THAT CONDENSATION FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AIR CONDITIONING DUCTS MAY DRIP ONTO THE RADIO AND INTO VENT HOLES ON TOP OF THE RADIO.THIS CAN RESULT IN A SHORT CIRCUIT SENDING DIRECT CURRENT TO THE REAR SPEAKERS AND CAUSE A SPEAKER FIRE.THE CONDITION IS PRESENT ONLY ON SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE BASE RADIO.SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH OTHER OPTION RADIOS CONTAIN CIRCUIT PROTECTION THAT PREVENTS SENDING DIRECT CURRENT TO THE SPEAKERS AND ARE NOT AFFECTED.ALL NINE COMPLAINTS PERTAIN TO VEHICLES WITH THE BASE RADIO.BY LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 1, 2004, DCC NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA# 04V531) COVERING MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 DODGE CARAVAN, GRAND CARAVAN, CHRYSLER VOYAGER, AND TOWN & COUNTRY MODELS WITH BASE RADIO ONLY (EST. 238,000 VEHICLES).DCC DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE TAPE TO THE TOP OF THE RADIO ASSEMBLY TO PREVENT WATER INTRUSION.THE ACTION TAKEN BY DCC IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

PE02068 · Fuel Tank Leak

Opened Sep 24, 2002 · Closed Oct 9, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

No summary supplied.