2002 Chrysler Concorde Problems
- Complaints
- 65filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles, 49 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.7L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Chrysler Concorde (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Most complaints about this model year center on the 2.7L V6: owners describe engine noise, stalling and sudden engine failure, with several shops attributing it to oil sludge or a broken timing chain. A smaller but repeated theme is the driver's seat back reclining unexpectedly, plus intermittent airbag warning lights and electrical drain.
- Engine cooling
2.7L engine failure / oil sludge and timing chain
- 18 complaints (28%)
- median 81,900 mi at 5.5 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- filed 2004–2010
Owners describe a knocking engine noise, sometimes with light-colored smoke, followed by stalling or a complete no-start. Shops told complainants the engine had heavy oil sludge, low oil pressure, or a broken timing chain, and several were quoted engine replacement. A number say they kept up with oil changes and that the dealer attributed the failure to maintenance anyway. Scattered from roughly 40,000 to 130,000 miles, with several reports in the 40,000-75,000 mile range.
What to check: Ask for oil change records and check the oil for sludge or a burned smell; have a mechanic listen for lower-end knock and check oil pressure before buying. On a test drive, watch for the oil light and any rattle at startup.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving my Concorde home from work a week before christmas and as I turned on the ramp to get off the highway at the bottom of the ramp my car just quit running, no sign of a problem at all with it being such a large vehicle it is very hard to control the steering. I was really thankful that it did not happen on the main highway because I was in the middle lane most of the way home and could have been rear ended and seriously hurt. …”
NHTSA complaint #10258243, filed 2009-02, 84,747 miles“I purchased a 2002 used Concorde with around 40,000 miles. Four months, two oil changes, and 12,000 miles later the engine seized / timing chain broke. Myself and my children were uninjured. The estimate for repairs is at $5,692. The dealership and the consumer protection service contract provider are insisting this is due to lack of maintenance and will not cover the repairs. My mechanic informed me this is a common problem with this engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10139269, filed 2005-10 - Air bags
Airbag warning light and no deployment in crashes
- 6 complaints (9%)
- median 53,000 mi at 7.1 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2014
Complaints describe the airbag warning light coming on and staying on, with dealers or shops finding the passenger airbag or airbag module inoperative and parts hard to get. Other owners report that airbags did not deploy in front or side impacts, and the manufacturer attributed it to impact conditions rather than a fault. Reported from about 40,000 to 100,000 miles, sometimes after the light had been flickering for years.
What to check: Turn the key on and confirm the airbag light goes out after the bulb check; if it stays on, budget for diagnosis of the module or wiring before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While traveling from baltimore to burlington, vt the air bag warning light came on. I called the local dealer and it took several days for an appointment. After paying a $72 fee for a diagnosis, I was told the passenger air bag was inoperative due to an electronic failure, but parts were not available and had to be ordered and I am still driving with an inoperative air bag that when (and if) the part arrives will cost me several hundred dollars more to fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #10155755, filed 2006-04“Vehicle was involved in a side impact collision. Vehicle is equipped with side air bags. Manufacturer states insufficient force present to deploy airbags. Force of impact caused vehicle to spin and roll after contacting ditch. Vehicle was traveling approximately 40 MPH when struck by other vehicle going approximately 30 MPH. Damage to all sides of the car, roof, and undercarriage. Car was declared a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10066093, filed 2004-04 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shifting problems and failure
- 8 complaints (12%)
- median 52,500 mi at 3.9 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2003–2011
Owners describe the transmission not shifting properly, slipping or making noise, with the transmission light coming on and a stored code for the torque converter clutch solenoid circuit. Some report the vehicle going into reduced power or stalling; others had the unit replaced, and one noted parts on back order at the dealer. Broadly spread from about 40,000 to 125,000 miles, with several reports in the 60,000-85,000 mile range.
What to check: Ask whether the transmission fluid was serviced and whether any codes were stored; during the test drive, feel for delayed or harsh shifts, especially around 40 mph.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We purchased 2002 Chrysler Concorde limited in december 2004. The vehicle had 36,000 miles and ran great. Three months later the engine light indicator comes on and the needs service performed indicator. We take the car to the mechnaic ask them to perform a diagnostic check. The diagnostic results concluded that the engine light was on due to code number p0740 (tcc solenoid circuit fault on the transmission, associated with the solanid of the transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10119742, filed 2005-05, 41,796 miles“I was driving to work, and transmission skipped, making noises, so drove home, and checked with repair man, indicated was transmission., called dealer, they said was out of warranty (3yrs, 36k miles), and I had 43000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10086352, filed 2004-08, 43,000 miles - Seats
Driver's seat back reclines unexpectedly
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the driver's seat back suddenly dropping to the floor position while driving or idling, and in some cases it would not stay upright afterward. Several complainants say the seat recliner recall had already been performed on their car, and the dealer declined to repeat the repair for free. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 60,000 miles, with one report much later in life.
What to check: Ask whether recall 03V035000 (seat recliner bolt) was completed, and get proof; then push back on the driver's seat back firmly to see whether it holds.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This car has an ongoing recall for seat recliner bolts. I was driving and all of the sudden the seat back went flat and I fell backwards while driving. This will be the 4th time the seat belt recliner bolt broke. I believe I am due financial restitution even though I did not get injured or worse I could have killed someone at highway speeds. I was on a city street at 40mph when this happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11353366, filed 2020-09, 190,000 miles“2002 Chrysler Concorde. Driver's seat back suddenly reclined. The seat back will not stay up. Chrysler recall c04 (NHTSA campaign number 03v035000 had allegedly been performed on this vehicle by the selling dealer, laflam chryler in runnemede, nj, on feb 20, 2007. This recall is supposed to entail replacement of the seat bolt assembly to prevent this problem. I am the original owner.”
NHTSA complaint #10272414, filed 2009-05, 55,780 miles - Electrical system
Flickering lights and battery drain
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report interior and exterior lights flickering or pulsing, the alarm chirping with the car off, and the battery going flat if the car sits for a day or more. A few describe intermittent no-starts or a stall, and shops struggled to pinpoint the cause, with one suggesting the wiring harness. Reported from about 25,000 to 50,000 miles, and often described as present since purchase or worsening over time.
What to check: Park the car overnight and check that it starts cleanly the next day; with the engine running, watch the interior lights for flicker, and ask whether the battery and charging system were recently tested.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“From the time of purchase we noticed the interior lights flickering. This could occur while driving, while parked, and even while the car was turned off at night. The car's alarm would also chirp when the car was off. This has continued, and progressed to the battery draining if un-driven for over 12 hours. We couldn't get any of our mechanics to take an interest in the issue. They couldn't offer any suggestions. When having a minor accident repaired, a mechanic suggested a problem with the wiring harness.”
NHTSA complaint #10650212, filed 2014-10, 48,000 miles“Dt: the contact stated while vehicle was parked it caught on fire. The fire started in the battery. There was damage to the right front fender. There were no prior problems with the vehicle. Police and fire department reports were taken. The vehicle has not been inspected by the service dealer. Additionally, there has been no contact with the manufacturer of the battery.”
NHTSA complaint #10144963, filed 2005-12, 42,000 miles
Buying note. Given the age, the engine history matters most: get a compression and oil-pressure check plus service records before buying, and confirm the seat recliner recall was done. Electrical and transmission symptoms are also worth verifying on a test drive rather than taking on faith.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 65 consumer complaints for the 2002 Chrysler Concorde. 49 of the complaints include a mileage, and 45% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 55,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 29 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling23 35%
- Air bags6 9.2%
- Electrical system6 9.2%
- Seats4 6.2%
- Brakes3 4.6%
- Seat belts3 4.6%
- Steering3 4.6%
- Suspension3 4.6%
- Wheels3 4.6%
Also reported: Fuel system (2), Body and structure (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Electronic stability control (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “Engine failure on 2002 Chrysler Concorde with 2.7l engine. Vehicle only has 40,500 miles on odometer. Engine fail with no warning. Currently vehicle is at Chrysler dealer for diagnose and possible repair under extend warranty still in affect (7 yrs. Or 100,000 miles). At this time I do not know if the dealer is going to make good on warranty or not.”
NHTSA complaint #10226492, filed 2008-05, 40,500 milesAir bags: “The contact owns a 2002 Chrysler Concorde. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10652321, filed 2014-11, 43,000 milesElectrical system: “1. Since I purchased the vehicle all lighting, interior dash, headlamps, etc. Have a flickering or pulsing effect. Over time, this has increased. The vehicle, an 02 chrys Concorde, has only 26k mi and was purchased new. This flickering of lighting has worsened to the point that it bothers other motorists. 2. This condition is constant. The vehicle will not start when left 24 hrs without running. Vehicle stalled on an interstate, immediately put in neutral and attempted to start, negative. All lighting ceased to function prior to being able to fully stop the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10252995, filed 2008-12, 26,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Complete loss of transmission. This transmission has been properly taken care of -two fluid changes; when I went to get it repaired at the dodge dealership I was advised there were so many parts on back order for this problem that it would be a month or better to get the transmission repaired. Total replacement became necessary. My opinion is -if there are so many on back ordered that it will take a month or more to fix the transmission this is a major problem across the fleet...one I should not completely pay for.”
NHTSA complaint #10170630, filed 2006-10, 124,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
45% of the 49 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 34,000 and 85,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Chrysler Concorde. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concorde · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
| Concorde Ltd. · sedan | not rated | 3 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2002 Chrysler Concorde version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concorde FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Concorde FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 03V035000Feb 5, 2003Seats › Front assembly › ReclinerCovers: Chrysler Concorde 1998–2002, Dodge Intrepid 1998–2002, Chrysler 300M 1998–2002 +1 more
On certain passenger vehicles, seat back recliner bolt breakage can occur resulting in the seat back reclining unexpectedly.
Recall details for the 2002 Chrysler Concorde → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 29 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10229256Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10221686Jul 22, 2020Electrical system. KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the…
- 10175743Apr 30, 2020Body and structure, Equipment. Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty…
- 10220101Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Equipment, Body and structure. Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Equipment. Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Body and structure. Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Other model years of the Chrysler Concorde
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 40 | 72,260 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 27 | 45,600 | 0 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2002 | 65 | 55,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 106 | 65,678 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 307 | 66,000 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 333 | 74,000 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 175 | 72,048 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 134 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 161 | 78,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 219 | 107,342 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 348 | 93,725 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 302 | 104,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Chrysler Concorde model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chrysler Concorde?
Most complaints about this model year center on the 2.7L V6: owners describe engine noise, stalling and sudden engine failure, with several shops attributing it to oil sludge or a broken timing chain. The issues reported most often: 2.7L engine failure / oil sludge and timing chain; Airbag warning light and no deployment in crashes; Transmission shifting problems and failure.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Chrysler Concorde have?
NHTSA recorded 65 consumer complaints for the 2002 Chrysler Concorde as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Chrysler Concorde is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 23 complaints (35% of the total), followed by air bags with 6.
Has the 2002 Chrysler Concorde been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Chrysler Concorde get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Chrysler Concorde (Concorde, 2.7L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Chrysler Concorde reported?
Among the 49 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 55,000 miles and the middle half falls between 34,000 and 85,000 miles; 45% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.