2002 Dodge Caravan Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 15%of 245 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 46,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Dodge Caravan, 15% of the 245 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Something wrong with my gas tank, it always stops me even if it's halfway. The driver seat belt doesn't stay well. The holes where the engine always comes off and there's a lot of smoke coming out. The headliner is coming off and there's like a sand falling to my kids. The break is not that strong”
NHTSA complaint #11090834, filed 2018-04, 121,000 miles“I have a 2002 grand Caravan. There is a loud whining sound from the steering column. I have complained of this problem from the time it was purchased. Originally the dealership said they could not duplicate my complaint. After the warranty expired I was told there was an internal leak in the steering column and the rack, pump and lines needed to be replaced. This was done and the noise is still there.”
NHTSA complaint #10223294, filed 2008-04, 30,927 miles“Steering failure. When turning the steering to the far left or right, the steering wheel sticks in that position and releases only after several attempts. In normal straight ahead operation there is a very noticeable noise and coming from the steering apparatus. I believe this to be a dangerous situation. I have contacted chrysler, they opted to do nothing--suggested that I get it repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10144112, filed 2005-12, 46,000 miles“I noticed grease on the garage floor near the left front tire. Took to dealer for assessment and learned that I need new rack and pinion steering -- with only 17,000 miles on the 2002 Dodge Caravan! I have been told not to drive the vehicle much in the next two days, and they will replace the r&p steering at that time.what if I hadn't paid close attention to the grease near my tire????”
NHTSA complaint #10037046, filed 2003-09, 17,500 miles“The rack and pinion steering has failed, only to one side so far--to the left, making it very difficult to steer and/or turn to the left. At 51,000 miles, I believe this is very premature for a failure and can become a very serious safety hazard. Chrysler will not cover it under warranty. Therefore, if other owners have filed complaints and/or requested repairs to this issue, I believe a recall is justified to prevent accidents and prevent very serious injury.”
NHTSA complaint #10132129, filed 2005-08, 51,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V386000Aug 5, 2004On 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.Covers: Dodge Caravan 2002–2004, Chrysler Town And Country 2002–2004, Voyager 2002–2004 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10017651Nov 2, 2005Revised power steering system bleeding procedures.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 | 9% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 4% |
| 2010 | 11 | 6% |
| 2009 | 8 | 7% |
| 2008 | 4 | 1% |
| 2007 | 8 | 10% |
| 2006 | 27 | 16% |
| 2005 | 28 | 5% |
| 2004 | 6 | 9% |
| 2003 | 41 | 21% |
| 2002 | 36 | 15% |
| 2001 | 32 | 12% |
| 2000 | 41 | 9% |
| 1999 | 27 | 5% |
| 1998 | 42 | 7% |
| 1997 | 40 | 6% |
| 1996 | 65 | 5% |
| 1995 | 26 | 5% |
| 1994 | 38 | 6% |
| 1993 | 92 | 10% |
| 1992 | 68 | 7% |
| 1991 | 38 | 6% |
| 1990 | 8 | 3% |
| 1989 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 8 | 8% |
| 1987 | 2 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 3 | 6% |
| 1984 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2002 Dodge Caravan
59 complaintsElectrical system
33 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsEngine cooling
19 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsEquipment
15 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsTires
10 complaintsFuel system
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Dodge Caravan
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology