2002 DODGE CARAVAN Electrical System Problems

ON 6/5/14 WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HWY AT 65MPH A DEER HAD BOLTED OUT IN FRONT OF MY 02 CARAVAN. I HAD REACTION TIME WITH HITTING MY BRAKES UNTIL MY BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED & MY VAN CONTINUES SLIDING ON DRY PAVEMENT, I ATTEMPTED HITTING MY HORN BUT NOTICED THE SECTION OF THE STEERING WHEEL THAT THE HORN ISS LOCATED WAS ROCK HARD & COULD NOT BE PUSHED IN EVEN THE SLIGHTEST. I ENDED UP HITTING THE DEER DEAD CENTER OF THE FRONT OF MY VAN, CRUMPLED MY HOOD, CRACKING MY RADIATOR, HEADLIGHT ASSEMLIES, GRILL & COOLING FANS. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. SINCE THIS INCIDENT MY BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED JUST ABOUT EVERY TIME I PRESS ON THE BRAKES & COME TO A REST LASTING 30 SECOND OR LONGER & WILL GO OFF MOMENTS AFTER RELEASING THE PEDAL. APPROX MILEAGE 165, 000 ROAD CONDITIONS WERE DRY, DAYLIGHT & 100% VISIBILITY. *JS

Mileage: 170,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SURGE IN A JERKING MOTION. THE SPEEDOMETER READING ALSO FLUCTUATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Mileage: 130,000

THE DASH WENT OUT. NO HAZARDS, NO BLINKERS AND NO GAUGES. *JB

Mileage: 173,000

THE DASH WENT OUT. NO HAZARDS, NO BLINKERS AND NO GAUGES. *JB

Mileage: 173,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING SHE NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDODOMETER SUDDENLY BECAME INOPERABLE. SHE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW MANY MILES WERE ACTUALLY ON THE VEHICLE. THE SPEEDOMETER REMAINED THE SAME. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE SINCE SHE WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE REGISTER WAS WORKING; HOWEVER, THE VISUAL INDICATOR ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS INOPERABLE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,086. UPDATED 6/8/11 *CN UPDATED 06/16/11. *JB UPDATED 06/21/11*JB

Mileage: 77,086

2002 DODGE CARAVAN I'VE HAD SINCE NEW, HAS A HORN THAT HAS PROGRESSIVELY LOST AREAS ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHERE IT CAN BE ACTIVATED. I'VE NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH IT, BUT NEARLY HAD A COUPLE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE SINCE ITS INCEPTION OVER 4 YEARS BACK. DUE TO HIGH COST OF REPAIR BY DODGE I HAVE OPTED TO LIVE WITH THE PROBLEM. BUT IF THIS IS SOMETHING ENDEMIC TO THIS, OR OTHER CHRYSLER VEHICLES, I'D LIKE TO HAVE IT FIXED. HORNS SHOULD NOT SPONTANEOUSLY DEGRADE LIKE THIS. THE PROBLEM IS OBVIOUSLY IN THE SWITCH IN THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR

Mileage: 103,000

2002 DODGE CARAVAN HEADLIGHT ELECTRICAL ISSUE. MY HEADLIGHTS DO NOT TURN ON WHEN I TURN THE SWITCH. SOMETIMES THEY COME ON QUICKLY SOMETIMES THEY TAKE MORE THAN 30 MINUTES. FOR THEM TO TURN OFF I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK. THEY TURN ON THE SAME WAY THE HEADLIGHTS DO. IF IT BEGINS TO RAIN WHILE I AM DRIVING I HAVE TO PULL OVER. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

I HAVE A 2002 DODGE CARAVAN. THE FAILURE BEGAN WITH THE LIGHTS FLASHING (LT/RT LIKE A POLICE CRUISER OR ALARM SYSTEM) IN DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODE. ONCE THE HEADLIGHT LIGHTS WERE TURNED ON THE RT WORKED BUT THE LT LOW BEAM DID NOT. SELECT HIGH BEAM; THE LT HEADLIGHT WORKED THE RIGHT DID NOT. I'VE READ ON THE INTERNET SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS HEADLIGHT SYSTEM COMPLETELY FAILING DURING HOURS OF DARKNESS AT THE MOST INAPPROPRIATE TIMES (I.E. TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY @ HIGH SPEEDS). CURRENTLY, THE PROBLEM IS BEING WORKED AND PARTS HAVE BEEN SWAPPED AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *TR

Mileage: 94,000

2002 DODGE CARAVAN. TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE, OVERCHARGE OF SYSTEM. VEHICLE SHUTDOWN WHILE IN TRANSIT. ALL BULBS, FUSES AND ELECTRICAL DEVICES OUT. WILL NOT START AND DEALER BAFFLED AS TO HOW IT OCCURRED. *TR

Mileage: 64,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 DODGE CARAVAN. IN 2007, THE CONTACT BROADSIDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND NEITHER FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES, BUT THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED $3,800 WORTH OF DAMAGE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL FAILED, AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT FLICKERED AND THEN REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THERE WAS A RECALL FROM 1998 TO 2000 REGARDING THE CLOCK SPRING. THE SPEED AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

Mileage: 73,000

I PURCHASED A 2002 DODGE CARAVAN IN DECEMBER 2006. THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. I TWICE HAD TO BRING IT IN TO GET IT FIXED AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER WAS DEFECTIVE, AND THEN THAT THE TENSIONER WAS LOOSE. THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON SEVERAL MONTHS LATER AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED. IS THIS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT? *JB

THE HEADLIGHTS IN MY 2002 DODGE CARAVAN HAVE BEEN FLICKERING ON AND OFF, CREATING A HIGHLY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN I CAN NOT SEE WHERE I AM GOING AND OTHER CARS CANNOT SEE ME. A QUICK CHECK ONLINE SHOWED THAT SEVERAL OTHER 2002 DODGE CARAVAN OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT HAD CAR SERVICED YET. *NM

2002 DODGE CARAVAN'S FUEL PUMP IS DEFECTIVE. THE BATTERY ALSO FAILED. *KB *NM

Mileage: 35,000

HEADLIGHTS/ INTERIOR DASH BOARD LIGHTING FLICKERING. DURING THE DAY TIME HOURS THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS SEEM TO SURGE. THE POWER FOR THE 12 VOLT OUTLETS IN THE CAR WHEN BRAKING TAKE OFF TIMES. IN THE EVENING HOURS THE HEADLIGHTS WILL FLICKER ON AND OFF WITHOUT CAUSE DURING NORMAL DRIVING TIMES. THE FLICKERING WILL NOT BE STOPPED BY TURNING OFF THE HEADLIGHT CONTROL SWITCH AND SOMETIMES THE SWITCH WILL NOT OPERATE THE HEADLIGHTS AT ALL. I HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANY ANSWERS FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND HAVE DECIDED TO WAIT AND SEE IF YOU COME UP WITH A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR READING THIS SUBMISSION. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY AND OCCURRED AT NO PARTICULAR SPEED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. UPDATE 5/2/2006 - ALL THE DASH LIGHTS FLICKERED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY. *NM

Mileage: 75,000

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT BATTERY ACID HAD LEAKED ONTO THE WIRING HARNESS, CAUSING ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THIS PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO PAY FOR HALF OF THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS YET. *AK (11/21/05) THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW INTERMITTENTLY FAILED TO GO UP AND WAS REPORTED NUMEROUS TIMES TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE REVERSE LIGHT HAD BECOME INTERMITTENT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. ALSO THE FAN, WINDOWS AND THE RADIO FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN THE A/C OR DEFROST WAS TURNED ON. THIS ALL LINKED TO THE BATTERY DRIPPING ACID ONTO THE WIRING HARNESS. ALSO, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE HAD A SLOW LEAK. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED ON 10/21/05 *SC

Mileage: 21,465

DT: 2002 DODGE CARAVAN. THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2002 DODGE CARAVAN FLASHED OFF AND ON INTERMITTENTLY DRIVING AT NIGHT.. HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. HAD NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS. THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY PROPERTY DAMAGE NOR POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE HAS THE ORIGINAL HEADLIGHTS. *AK UPDATED 11/16/2005. *NM

Mileage: 3,000

THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT MOISTURE FROM AIR CONDITIONER THAT MAY ENTER INTO RADIO AND CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT OR POSSIBLE RADIO/LEFT SPEAKER FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO FIXED THE VENT BUT NOT THE RADIO. *NM

Mileage: 46,300

'RECALL CAMPAIGN' ISSUED FOR 2002 DODGE CARAVAN RADIO VENT SLOTS (CODE D48). CARAVAN CAUGHT ON FIRE. *BF THE CONSUMER'S PURCHASED ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER SINCE THEY REFUSED TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FIRE. AFTER THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. THE NOTICE WAS ON ALL 2002 CARAVANS FOR A POTENTIAL DEFECT WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF HAVING TO GET ANOTHER VEHICLE. *NM

THE VAN HAS AN ONGOING ELECTRICAL FAILURE WHICH RESULTS IN THE HEADLIGHTS, DASHBOARD LIGHTS, AND OTHER COMPONENTS MALFUNCTIONING. THEY EITHER DON'T FUNCTION AT ALL OR DON'T FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE DEALER/MECHANIC REPLACED THE PCM IN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. IT DIDN'T WORK. THERE IS A CURRENT INVESTIGATION ON THIS ISSUE, PE05004.*AK....REPLACED POWER STEERING RESERVOIR AND HOSE. COULD NOT DUPLICATE A FUEL GAUGE PROBLEM. *AK

Mileage: 45,000

WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER WOULD SMELLED BURNT WIRES. ALSO, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK THERE WAS ALSO A BUZZING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. *JB

Mileage: 57,890

I HAD PURCHASED A 2002 DODGE CARAVAN SE AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER IT WAS BACK IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS. I HEARD A NOISE IN THE WINDOW AND THE DODGE PLACE TOLD ME IT WAS NOTHING NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT. ALSO I HAVE MADE SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE DODGE PLACE FOR THE BRAKES (REPLACED 6 TIMES ) , SLIDING DOOR DOESN'T STAY LATCHED AND ALWAYS SLIDES AND HITS MY CHILDREN WHILE GETTING IN OR OUT OF THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT COMES UNDONE FOR NO REASON (IT WONT STAY LATCHED), I HAD A FLAT AND THE TIRE JACK BROKE WHILE JACKING UP THE VAN, I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY VAN JUST PROCEEDED TO GO AND I NO CONTROL OTHER THAN RUNNING IN A DITCH TO STOP, THE VAN ALWAYS DRIFTS TO THE RIGHT WHEN DRIVING AND DEALER SAID IT NOT FAULTY THAT'S HOW ITS MADE TO DO, I HAD 7 SETS OF TIRES AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE , I HAD AN ALIGNMENT DONE 4 TIMES BECAUSE OF THE DRIFTING AND TIRES WEARING OUT SO OFTEN, I HAVE HAD THE BALL BEARINGS REPLACED 2 TIMES, I HAD THE AC RECHARGED WITH FREON 2 TIMES IT JUST WOULDN'T KEEP COOL, THE BACK DEFROSTER SOMETIMES DOESN'T DEFROST MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE WHILE DRIVING, BAD SMELL COMING FROM VAN IT SMELLS LIKE A SKUNK AND IT MAKES IT HARD TO BREATHE. *NM

Mileage: 120

VIN # [XXX]. I WILL BRINGING MY VAN TO RAY BRANDT DODGE FOR AT LEAST THE 4TH TIME BECAUSE THE AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. MY CLOCKSPRING HAS BEEN CHANGED TWICE, ONCE UNDER WARRANTY AND 2 WEEKS AGO AT MY EXPENSE. YES, I FREQUENTLY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY HORN AND MY CRUISE CONTROL. I THOUGHT IT WAS ME NOT PRESSING IN THER RIGHT PLACE. *AK UPDATED 07/30/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

CONSUMER PURCHASED A 2002 DODGE CARAVAN IN 2001, AND DROVE IT ON A TRIP. WHILE ON THE TRIP BACK DRIVER SIDE REAR SPEAKER CAUGHT ON FIRE. PUT FIRE OUT WITH BOTTLED WATER. CONSUMER AND HUSBAND TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DODGE DEALER IN MOBILE ALABAMA, AND HAD IT REPAIRED. DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS DEFECTIVE WIRING. DEALER IN MOBILE, ALABAMA HAD VEHICLE, AND WILL NOT RELEASE IT UNTIL CONSUMER SIGNED A STATEMENT CLEARING THE DEALER FROM ANY LIABILITY. *AK

Mileage: 39,000

AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR ONE HOUR CONSUMER NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM AROUND THE RUNNING BOARD. *AK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING RIGHT TURN SIGNAL TO COME ON WHEN THE LEFT SIGNAL IS ENGAGED AND VISA VERSA/FUEL GAUGE TO READ THE INCORRECT FUEL LEVEL, AND WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH NOT TO RESPOND TO THE CORRECT SPEED.*AK

Mileage: 16,000

IGNITION LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER STATED THAT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED.*AK

Mileage: 36,202

PUNCTURE IN GASOLINE TANK AND DEFECTIVE BEARING IN ALTERNATOR.*MR *CB THE BRAKES WERE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT AS WELL. *JB

ON NOVEMBER 27, 2002 I PURCHASED A USED DODGE CARAVAN 2002 THAT WOULD NOT STAY ON AND IT HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF SERVICE SINCE THEN. TODAY JAN 19,2003 IT IS IN SERVICE SINCE LAST MONDAY AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A PHONE CALL OR ANYTHING OF THE SORT. THIS VAN HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE THE BEGINNING AND NOONE WILL HELP ME. IT HAS TURNED OFF THREE TIMES AND I WENT TO SPEAK TO MY SALES REP TOM ZULLI WHO DID NOT HELP THEN I SPOKE TO MIKE IN SERVICE AND HE DOES NOT HELP AND ROB UPSON THE GENERAL MANAGER WHO WAS VERY NASTY BECAUSE I ASKED HIM FOR A REPLACEMENT VAN OR A REFUND. THE NAME OF THE DEALERSHIP IS NEIL DODGE AT 1788 ROUTE 112, MEDFORD NY 11763. I FEEL AS IF IF I DO NOT HAVE ANY RIGHTS I HAVE REPORTED THEM TO BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, DAIMLER CHRYSLER NOONE IS HELPING ME. I GAVE A 10,000 DEPOSIT AND I HAVE DRIVEN MY VAN A TOTAL OF ONE WEEK AND I AM GOING ON MY SECOND PAYMENT BUT I DO NOT HAVE MY VAN. THIS LAST TIME I PICKED IT UP AFTER IT BEING IN SERVICE FOR 3 THREE WEEKS THE VERY NEXT DAY IT WOULD NOT TURN ON. WHEN I CALLED NEIL DODGE IT TOOK THEM 3 DAYS TO PICK IT UP AND WHEN THEY DID, I HAD TO CALL MORE THAN 5 TIMES THAT DAY. THEY HAVE HAD THE VAN OVER A WEEK AND STILL NOT ONE CALL. THEY HAVE GIVEN ME A RENTAL IN THE MEANTIME AND ACCORDING TO ROB UPSON THEY DO NOT HAVE TO. IT WAS DONE AS A FAVOR. THE CATCH TO THIS RENTAL IS THAT I HAVE TO PAY $13.00 A DAY FOR INSURANCE SINCE 12/28/02. I STILL HAVE THE RENTAL BECAUSE MY VAN IS STILL IN REPAIRS AND NOONE KNOWS WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE VAN. WHEN I PURCHASED THE VAN MR. TOM ZULLI TOLD ME THE PRIOR OWNER OF THIS VAN RETURNED IT BECAUSE HE COULD NO LONGER AFFORD TO PAY IT. WHEN I CALLED DAIMLER CHRYSLER THEY INFORMED ME IT WAS A RENTAL, OF COURSE THEY GAVE ME A PAPER SAYING SO, WHICH I SIGNED NOT KNOWING BUT THEY GAVE MORE THAN 10 FORMS TO SIGN HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW THAT I WAS BEING TRICKED. PLEASE HELP ME AS I AM FEELING VERY HELPLESS AND AS IF I DO NOT HAVE ANY RIGHTS AT ALL.

Mileage: 18,499

CONSUMER STATES BATTERY SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING HIGHS VOLTAGE OR LOW VOLTAGE. DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIME AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. TS THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHILE MAKING TURNS AND DURING NORMAL DRIVING. (THE BATTERY SYSTEM FAILURE AND FUEL TANK BOTH HAD RECALLS) SCC

Mileage: 4,132

CONSUMER STATES OF HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITON SWICH AS OTHER KEY CAN START THE VEHICLE.DEALER WAS CONTACTED. MR

CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVER NIGHT, WHEN SOMETHING IGNITED AND CAUGHT FIRE. CONSUMER STATES IT WAS THE ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM IN SLIDING DOOR CAUGHT FIRE. CONSUMER STATES DEALER IS REPLACING DOOR, CONSUMER FEELS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH AND NO WARNING THE REAR INSIDE (DRIVER SIDE REAR SPEAKER) OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THE CONSUMER WAS FORCE TO PULL OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. SC.

Mileage: 30,000

LIGHTING SYSTEM WAS MALFUNCTIONING INTERMITTENTLY WHEN PUTTING HEADLIGHTS ON. FOG LIGHTS TURNED ON AND OFF OR HIGH BEAMS, ETC. ALSO, HEADLIGHTS WILL COME ON BY THEMSELVES.CONSUMER WAS AFRAID THAT HEADLIGHTS OR OTHER LIGHTS MAY FAIL TO OPERATE WHEN IN USE AT ANYTIME. CONTACTED DEALER.*AK