1997 Dodge Caravan Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 72about this part
- Share
- 10%of 714 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,182miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 72 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 10% of the 714 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,182 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 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.
“Was traveling home from work, rush hour traffic heavy but moving close to posted speed limit (65 MPH). Traffic slowed in front of me and I also slowed, then traffic came to a sudden stop, so I also increased pressure on the brakes. While doing so, the pedal went right to the floor, I lost brake pressure and started moving to the left to avoid a collision but was not able to. My van hit the car in front of me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10449340, filed 2012-02, 185,000 miles“While driving the ABS system activated even though the pavement was dry. The problem is that the ABS system prevented the brakes from functioning at all and I rolled through an intersection even though I was pressing firmly on the brake pedal. The ABS warning indicator eventually illuminates indicating something is wrong with the system however, I don't think it should have failed in such a way as to prevent any braking action from occurring. …”
NHTSA complaint #10429335, filed 2011-10, 187,000 miles“We have had our vehicle since 1999 and have been disappointed with its performance. This is our third chrysler/Dodge van and this is the second of the three to have transmission problems. The first had them at 37,000 miles and this one is having them at 71,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10043534, filed 2003-10, 70,502 miles“The hydraulic fluid in the master cylinder reservoir decreases and the instrument panel brake warning lamp illuminates. Reference NHTSA campaign id number: 96v215000. Service advisor indicated that there was no recall on this problem, I showed copy of the NHTSA campaign id number print out and he said we don't use that information; we only use the factory data base and there's no recall . I have been experiencing the exact problem specified in the NHTSA recall - search results! Please help. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10013660, filed 2003-03, 42,000 miles“I have had numberous brake problems for the past year. My brake pedal keeps going down to the floor. I have had the master cylinder replaced 3 times, the rear wheel cylinder replaced 3 times, I have needed a new front rotor and pads because only one of my brakes is actually working. I have also had my brake power bosster replaced and to still have the same result, my pedal goes down to the floor and I hope that I stop in time. No one seems to know what to do with the problem, they claim there is no leaking fluid and they just don't know where I am losing my pressure at. …”
NHTSA complaint #10067853, filed 2004-04, 84,000 milesRelated recalls
- 96V215000Oct 29, 1996The master cylinder rear seal, between the hydraulic fluid and the vacuum reservoir, may not seal adequately allowing hydraulic fluid to be drawn into the…Covers: Dodge Caravan 1997, Chrysler Town And Country 1997, Dodge Grand Caravan 1997
Related service bulletins
- 10020494Sep 23, 2006Snow/water ingestion into rear brake drum.
- 10019632Mar 9, 2006Snow/water ingestion into rear brake drum.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 | 9% |
| 2014 | 2 | 10% |
| 2012 | 9 | 10% |
| 2011 | 6 | 8% |
| 2010 | 23 | 13% |
| 2009 | 11 | 9% |
| 2008 | 62 | 21% |
| 2007 | 10 | 12% |
| 2006 | 12 | 7% |
| 2005 | 19 | 4% |
| 2004 | 8 | 12% |
| 2003 | 35 | 18% |
| 2002 | 16 | 7% |
| 2001 | 14 | 5% |
| 2000 | 55 | 12% |
| 1999 | 50 | 9% |
| 1998 | 48 | 8% |
| 1997 | 72 | 10% |
| 1996 | 153 | 11% |
| 1995 | 62 | 13% |
| 1994 | 63 | 10% |
| 1993 | 338 | 36% |
| 1992 | 271 | 30% |
| 1991 | 215 | 35% |
| 1990 | 16 | 6% |
| 1989 | 10 | 5% |
| 1988 | 4 | 4% |
| 1987 | 3 | 4% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 5 | 10% |
| 1984 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Caravan
152 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
133 complaintsEngine cooling
123 complaintsElectrical system
96 complaintsFuel system
60 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
56 complaintsVehicle speed control
45 complaintsSteering
40 complaintsOther or unknown
29 complaintsEquipment
22 complaintsSeat belts
22 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge Caravan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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