Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2002 Chrysler Town And Country
The 2002 Chrysler Town and Country has a significant number of complaints and recalls, notably in steering, airbags, and electrical systems. While some issues relate to aftermarket parts, others indicate potential inherent defects. Caution is advised as the evidence suggests possible recurring problems. Inspection and test-driving checks should be thorough given the available data.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2002 Chrysler Town And Country has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 404 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #10E034000 AFTERMARKET RECEIVER HITCH NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E022000 BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDER NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V531000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/RADIO SHORT CIRCUIT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V386000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03E053000 WIX FILTERATION/FUEL FILTER LEAKS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03E045000 INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS/FUEL FILTER LEAKS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #02V274000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FUEL TANK CONTROL VALVE WELD NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #01V310000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FMVSS 225/OWNER MANUAL INFO NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 76 complaints
- Air Bags 67 complaints
- Electrical System 60 complaints
- Power Train 40 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 31 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 24 complaints
Of the 404 complaints on file, 15 report a crash and 12 a fire; across all 404 complaints, owners report 26 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Power steering fluid leaks
How to check: Inspect for fluid under the vehicle and steering noises.
Radio short circuits
How to check: Check radio functionality and sound from rear speakers.
Airbag system faults
How to check: Look for airbag warning lights on the dashboard.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or hard starting.
Red flag: Persistent knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Monitor dashboard lights for warnings.
Red flag: Illuminated airbag light
- 03
City driving
What to check: Check steering responsiveness and noises.
Red flag: Heavy steering or whining noise
- 04
Steering on turns
What to check: Listen for power steering noise or resistance.
Red flag: Grinding or squealing sounds
- 05
Braking
What to check: Feel for the brake pedal response and noises.
Red flag: Spongy pedal or screeching noises
- 06
Highway acceleration
What to check: Notice transmission shifts and engine power.
Red flag: Sluggish acceleration or grinding shifts
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the steering system been serviced?
- Have there been issues with the airbags?
- Are there current electrical problems?
- Have the recalls been addressed?
- Is there a history of fuel leaks?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service history records
- Proof of recall repairs
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
- Owner's manual
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2002 Chrysler Town And Country at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2002 Chrysler Town And Country? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.