1997 Dodge Caravan Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 0%of 714 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 0% of the 714 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While parked at a stop sign the vehicle started to smoke. A fire then appeared coming out of the hood. 911 was called and fire squad came. Within 5 minutes the entire front of the car was engulfed in flames. Fire extinguishers were used but it could not put out the fire. Fire truck came and by this time the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. Firemen used water to finally control the fire. Fire restarted and had to be put out again and eventually the fire was completely extinguished. It was perhaps only 10 minutes for the fire to start, spread, and completely and utterly destroy the van. …”
NHTSA complaint #10469169, filed 2012-08, 120,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 3 | 13% |
| 2014 | 4 | 20% |
| 2013 | 2 | 7% |
| 2012 | 19 | 22% |
| 2011 | 14 | 18% |
| 2010 | 26 | 15% |
| 2009 | 17 | 14% |
| 2008 | 24 | 8% |
| 2007 | 11 | 14% |
| 2006 | 14 | 8% |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% |
| 2004 | 3 | 5% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 9 | 2% |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% |
| 1998 | 3 | 0% |
| 1997 | 2 | 0% |
| 1996 | 1 | 0% |
| 1994 | 1 | 0% |
| 1992 | 2 | 0% |
| 1991 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Caravan
152 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
133 complaintsEngine cooling
123 complaintsElectrical system
96 complaintsBrakes
72 complaintsFuel system
60 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
56 complaintsVehicle speed control
45 complaintsSteering
40 complaintsOther or unknown
29 complaintsEquipment
22 complaintsSeat belts
22 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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