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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
78,000 miles · Aug 18, 2006
Exterior Lighting

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. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10165924

Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2006
Visibility

POWER WINDOWS ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE INTERMITTENTLY STOP WORKING. PROBLEM HAS BEEN PRESENTED TO AUTHORIZED DEALER WITHOUT REPAIR DUE TO PROBLEM NOT BEING PRESENT WHEN BROUGHT IN. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10164651

Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2006
Electrical System

GRAPHIC ILLUMINATION BULBS ON THE 3 ZONE CLIMATE CONTROLS FOR THE 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN BURN OUT AND ARE NOT REPLACEABLE. THE ENTIRE CLIMATE CONTROL MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $500 BECAUSE A $0.50 BULB HAS BURNED OUT. LOSS OF ILLUMINATION ON THE CLIMATE CONTROLS RESULTS IN NOT BEING ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CONTROL SET…

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GRAPHIC ILLUMINATION BULBS ON THE 3 ZONE CLIMATE CONTROLS FOR THE 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN BURN OUT AND ARE NOT REPLACEABLE. THE ENTIRE CLIMATE CONTROL MUST BE REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $500 BECAUSE A $0.50 BULB HAS BURNED OUT. LOSS OF ILLUMINATION ON THE CLIMATE CONTROLS RESULTS IN NOT BEING ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CONTROL SETTINGS. SAFETY HAZARD SINCE THE INSTRUMENTS ARE NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. NOT TOO MANY CONSUMERS ARE GOING TO PAY $500 TO RESOLVE A BURNED OUT INSTRUMENT LAMP. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10164109

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2006
Equipment

CONSUMER REPLACED RADIO DUE TO MOISTURE DAMAGE WHICH CAUSED THE RADIO TO BURNOUT. *TS THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (04V531000) AFTER THE RADIO WAS REPLACED AND SENT THE ORIGINAL BILL TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR REIMBURSEMENT. THE CONSUMER CLAIM WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE RADIO WAS REPLACED WITH AN AFTERMARKET ONE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10159469

59,000 miles · Jun 1, 2006
EquipmentPower TrainStructure

I OWN A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN (WE HAVE HAD THE VAN FOR 3 MONTHS, THE PREVIOUS OWNER WAS AN 81 YEAR OLD LADY). OUT OF NOWHERE MY RADIO STARTED HAVING A MAJOR MALFUNCTION. WHEN I TURN ON THE VEHICLE THE RADIO IS AT FULL BLAST IF YOU TOUCH THE VOLUME KNOB IT GOES OFF BUT WHEN YOU TOUCH IT AGAIN I GOES BACK TO FULL BLAST. THERE I…

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I OWN A 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN (WE HAVE HAD THE VAN FOR 3 MONTHS, THE PREVIOUS OWNER WAS AN 81 YEAR OLD LADY). OUT OF NOWHERE MY RADIO STARTED HAVING A MAJOR MALFUNCTION. WHEN I TURN ON THE VEHICLE THE RADIO IS AT FULL BLAST IF YOU TOUCH THE VOLUME KNOB IT GOES OFF BUT WHEN YOU TOUCH IT AGAIN I GOES BACK TO FULL BLAST. THERE IS NOTHING ABNORMAL THAT I HAVE DONE OTHER THAN USE IT LIKE EVERY ONE ELSE. I ALSO DISCOVERED A MYSTERIOUS PUDDLE ON THE PASSENGER FLOOR BOARD WHICH WHEN IT DRIED IT TURNED WHITE. THE FIRST THING I DID WAS TAKE IT TO THE DODGE DEALER AND TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM. THE FIRST THING THEY ASKED ME WAS IF I HAD A WARRANTY, I SAID NO. THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THEY SAID " WE DON'T HAVE ANYONE HERE THAT CAN LOOK AT IT AND IF WE DID WE COULDN'T FIX IT ANYWAY". THEY SAID " ALL WE CAN DO IS SELL YOU A NEW RADIO FOR $300". SO THEN I CALLED DAIMLER CHRYSLER, AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING AS THE DEALER. ABOUT A MONTH LATER I WAS GIVEN A RECALL NOTICE FROM AUTOSITE .COM, IT SAID THERE WAS A RECALL FOR MY YEAR AND MODEL VAN. (CAMPAIGN # 04V531000) I CALLED DAIMLER CHRYSLER BACK AND ASKED ABOUT RECALL AND REMINDED THEM OF MY PROBLEM. THEY SAID " YOUR SPECIFIC VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IT THAT RECALL AND THERE IS STILL NOTHING THAT WE WILL DO". I HAVE THREE CHILDREN ONE OF WHICH IS A FOUR MONTH OLD BABY THAT RIDE IN THIS VAN. I WOULD HATE TO THINK OF THE POSSIBLE HEARING DAMAGE THAT COULD CAUSE. I HAVE MANY FRIENDS WHO ARE LOOKING AT PURCHASING A NEW VAN AND WE HAVE TOLD THEM NOT TO BUY A DODGE BECAUSE OF THE CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED AND THE LACK OF HELP THAT DODGE HAS GIVEN TO US. WE ALSO JUST HAD TO REPLACE OUR TRANSMISSION THAT COST $1500 WITH ONLY 60,000 MILES. WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP US. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10158803

6,000 miles · May 31, 2006
Fuel System, GasolineCrashFireInjury

ON JULY 4, 2002 MY 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WAS INVOLVED IN A LOW SPEED ROLLOVER IN WHICH THE VEHICLE CAME TO REST UPSIDE DOWN. IN THE MINUTES FOLLOWING THE ROLLOVER THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED COMPLETELY UP. MY WIFE AND 3 CHILDREN WERE TRAVELING IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND ALL 3 BY THE GRACE OF GOD WERE PU…

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ON JULY 4, 2002 MY 2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WAS INVOLVED IN A LOW SPEED ROLLOVER IN WHICH THE VEHICLE CAME TO REST UPSIDE DOWN. IN THE MINUTES FOLLOWING THE ROLLOVER THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED COMPLETELY UP. MY WIFE AND 3 CHILDREN WERE TRAVELING IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND ALL 3 BY THE GRACE OF GOD WERE PULLED TO SAFETY BY PERSONS NEAR THE ACCIDENT. TWO MONTHS LATER I RECEIVED A RECALL ON THE VAN FROM THE DEALER INDICATING THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL SYSTEM TO REPLACE A PART THAT MAY CAUSE A FIRE IN THE EVENT OF A ROLLOVER. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10158669

64,000 miles · May 18, 2006
Power Train

WHILE VACATIONING IN ATLANTA, GA. WE WERE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND EXPERIENCED A LOUD THUD. WE HAD DIFFICULTY IN GETTING OUR CAR TO GO FORWARD OR REVERSE. WE DROVE IMMEDIATELY TO A DODGE DEALERSHIP ABOUT 1 1/2 MILES DOWN THE ROAD. THEY CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS OUR TRANSMISSION. NO PRIOR PROBLEMS HAD BEEN EXPERIENCED W…

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WHILE VACATIONING IN ATLANTA, GA. WE WERE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND EXPERIENCED A LOUD THUD. WE HAD DIFFICULTY IN GETTING OUR CAR TO GO FORWARD OR REVERSE. WE DROVE IMMEDIATELY TO A DODGE DEALERSHIP ABOUT 1 1/2 MILES DOWN THE ROAD. THEY CONFIRMED THAT IT WAS OUR TRANSMISSION. NO PRIOR PROBLEMS HAD BEEN EXPERIENCED WITH THE TRANSMISSION. WE HAD 64,000 MILES ON THE VAN, AND ALL WORK HAD BEEN KEPT UP ON THE VEHICLE. THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE DEALERSHIP ESTIMATED THAT THE WORK WOULD COST BETWEEN $2900.00 TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION, OR $3500.00 TO REPLACE IT. THEY WOULD DETERMINE WHAT NEEDED TO BE DONE WHEN THEY PULLED THE TRANSMISSION. WE DECIDED TO GO DOWN THE STREET ANOTHER 2 MILES TO AN AAMCO TRANSMISSION SHOP. THEY ESTIMATED THE REPAIR TO BE $1400.00 TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION, OR $2900.00 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. WE DECIDED TO HAVE THEM DO THE JOB SINCE THE ESTIMATES WERE CONSIDERABLY DIFFERENT. FOUR DAYS LATER THE JOB WAS DONE, AND THE FINAL COST WAS $3000.00! THEY PUT A REBUILT TRANSMISSION IN. WE HAVE APPROACHED DODGE FOR A REIMBURSEMENT. THEY WILL NOT GIVE US A PENNY TOWARDS THE JOB. THEY CLAIM THAT HAD WE STAYED AT THE DODGE DEALERSHIP, A PARTIAL CONSIDERATION COULD HAVE BEEN WORKED OUT. SINCE WE DO NOT HAVE THE OLD TRANSMISSION, THEY SAY THAT WE CANNOT PROVE WHY THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THIS VAN ONLY HAD 64,000 MILES ON IT......THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED. AND WHY DID THE DEALERSHIP THAT WE TOOK IT TO, NOT TELL US THAT SOMETHING MIGHT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BE WORKED OUT WITH DODGE.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10157783

74,000 miles · May 15, 2006
Electrical SystemSteeringFire

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED AT A STOP LIGHT WHITE SMOKE CAME FROM THE HEATING VENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DASH BOARD. THE SMOKE BEGAN TO TURN BLACK AND FLAMES ERUPTED FROM THE DASHBOARD VENT. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE SOU…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKED AT A STOP LIGHT WHITE SMOKE CAME FROM THE HEATING VENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DASH BOARD. THE SMOKE BEGAN TO TURN BLACK AND FLAMES ERUPTED FROM THE DASHBOARD VENT. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE. PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING SIMILAR TO PLASTIC BURNING. THE CONTACT REPORTED THE SAME SMELL INTERMITTENTLY THREE TO FOUR MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THERE WAS A HOSE LEAKING FLUID AND IT WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT DOES NOT RECALL THE TYPE OF FLUID LEAKING OR THE TYPE OF HOSE THAT WAS REPLACED. THE SMELL CONTINUED HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE SMELL. UPDATED ON 05/30/2006. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10157559

68,000 miles · Apr 10, 2006
Air Bags

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED. THE LIGHT OCCASIONALLY GOES OFF, BUT WHEN THE CONTACT HITS A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE LIGHT ILLUMINATES AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE CLOCK SPRING WAS BAD. THERE IS AN NHTSA RECALL, # 04V480000, REGARDING THE AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED. THE LIGHT OCCASIONALLY GOES OFF, BUT WHEN THE CONTACT HITS A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE LIGHT ILLUMINATES AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE CLOCK SPRING WAS BAD. THERE IS AN NHTSA RECALL, # 04V480000, REGARDING THE AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

NHTSA ODI #10154938

35,000 miles · Mar 28, 2006
EquipmentSteering

2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT WITH 35,000 MILES. RECALLED TWICE FOR STEERING FLUID HOSE REPLACEMENTS IN 2004. AFTER FIRST HOSE WAS REPLACED, MINIVAN STARTED LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID. RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE FOR ANOTHER STEERING HOSE REPLACEMENT. TOOK IT IN TO HAVE THAT REPLACED, TOLD THEM TO LOOK INTO THE POWER STEE…

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2002 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SPORT WITH 35,000 MILES. RECALLED TWICE FOR STEERING FLUID HOSE REPLACEMENTS IN 2004. AFTER FIRST HOSE WAS REPLACED, MINIVAN STARTED LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID. RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE FOR ANOTHER STEERING HOSE REPLACEMENT. TOOK IT IN TO HAVE THAT REPLACED, TOLD THEM TO LOOK INTO THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK, THEY SAID THEY WOULD. THEY FIXED THE RECALL HOSE, MADE NOT MENTION OF LEAKING FLUID. FLUID DID NOT LEAK FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, THEN STARTED LEAKING AGAIN. TOOK IT BACK IN FOR 3RD RECALL (RADIO VENT SLOTS), AS WELL AS SMOKING ENGINE AND AGAIN MENTIONED LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID. DEALERSHIP SAID THEY'D LOOK INTO IT. DEALERSHIP CONDUCTED 27 POINT INSPECTION ON OWN WILL, DID NOT FIND LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID (AUG. 2005). FLUID HAS BEEN LEAKING SINCE THEN. NOISE IN POWER STEERING CONSISTENTLY AUDIBLE, AND INCREASINGLY LOUDER AT ALL TIMES. NOW, DEALERSHIP SAYS THE RACK AND PINION ARE CRACKED AND NEED REPLACING. DEALERSHIP SAYS THIS IS IN NO WAY RELATED TO POWER STEERING HOSE RECALLS OR NEGLECT TO ADDRESS POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE. AM TAKING MINIVAN TO INDEPENDENT TECHNICIAN FOR REVIEW OF RACK AND PINION AND OPINION ON NEXT STEP. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10153869

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.