Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan has a few known issues, mainly related to the steering, electrical, and airbag systems. With 290 complaints and six recall campaigns, owners have reported several problems, but data on some issues is limited. Pay particular attention to the mentioned systems during inspection to avoid costly repairs.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 290 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- 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 #03V094000 SOUTHERN COMFORT/RUNNING BOARDS 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
- Air Bags 59 complaints
- Steering 53 complaints
- Power Train 42 complaints
- Electrical System 38 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 32 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 21 complaints
Of the 290 complaints on file, 12 report a crash and 14 a fire; across all 290 complaints, owners report 18 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Power steering hose leaks
How to check: Inspect the power steering fluid level and look for leaks under the vehicle.
Radio short circuit due to moisture
How to check: Check radio and rear speakers for function and moisture signs.
Airbags malfunction
How to check: Ensure airbag indicator light turns off shortly after starting.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises or difficulty starting.
Red flag: Persistent knocking or failure to start.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Ensure there are no warning lights on the dash.
Red flag: Check engine light remains on.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Monitor steering fluidity and ease of turns.
Red flag: Steering feels heavy or unresponsive.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth acceleration and shifting.
Red flag: Hesitation or rough gear changes.
- 05
Hard braking
What to check: Ensure the vehicle stops smoothly and straight.
Red flag: The vehicle pulls or vibrates when braking.
- 06
Parking and tight turns
What to check: Listen for steering noises and check for ease.
Red flag: Groaning noises or difficulty in turning.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the power steering hose been replaced?
- Are there any electrical issues with the radio?
- Have the airbags been serviced recently?
- Do you have all recall repairs completed?
- Any history of fuel leaks or smells?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair history
- Vehicle title
- Previous registration documents
- Warranty paperwork, if applicable
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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