1997 Dodge Caravan Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 3%of 714 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,738miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the equipment of the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 3% of the 714 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,738 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving over water puddles consumer noticed the serpentine belt froze, causing steering wheel to lock up. The power steering had become inoperative, the gears would slip when shifted, the water pump leaked, the belt tensioner fell apart, the consumer would lose the steering when driving through a puddle of water,the A/C did not blow cool air due to a leaking evaporator, and the belt tensioner would stick and make noises when driving through water.”
NHTSA complaint #10057730, filed 2004-03, 11,475 miles“Dt: consumer complained about electrical problems. Instrument panel did not work. The instrument cluster was digital. Buttons for air conditioner and rear defroster flashed constantly. Consumer took vehicle to garage, and they recommended Dodge dealer. Also, windshield wipers came on their own. Vehicle did not have to be on running for windshield wipers to come on. They came on about every two weeks. Also, traveling interior lights came on. Consumer stopped lights from coming on by putting tape on door. Consumer believed these were different issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #10125113, filed 2005-08, 70,000 miles“We bought this van one year ago and so far we had to replace both oxygen sensor, speed sensor, head gasket, water pump, the transmission is slipping, doors lock and unlock whenever they want not just the 16 MPH thing, ball joints are clunking, the cd player quit and then soon after fm radio only am works.”
NHTSA complaint #10056554, filed 2004-02“I recently learned about your web site service and decided to use it. Because I have experienced too many problems (various in addition to this list) over the past years with this vehicle. Dt”
NHTSA complaint #770493, filed 2002-12“The first incident involves the air conditioner system, I reported a whining noise to the dealer and on the first inspection they indicated that they could not duplicate the problem, on the second visit I insisted that the service advisor ride with me at which time he did infact hear the noise,they inspected the van and said that it was leaking freon.the noise still prevailed and when I took the van back to the dealer they reinspected the vehicle and indicated that they had to replace the compressor,a move to a new location by the local Dodge dealer required me to wait over a month, and…”
NHTSA complaint #700745, filed 1998-11Related service bulletins
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Use 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, 2019Use 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…
- 10150552Apr 23, 2015Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part…
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 4 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 4 | 1% |
| 2004 | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 15 | 6% |
| 2001 | 10 | 4% |
| 2000 | 18 | 4% |
| 1999 | 9 | 2% |
| 1998 | 28 | 4% |
| 1997 | 22 | 3% |
| 1996 | 42 | 3% |
| 1995 | 25 | 5% |
| 1994 | 34 | 5% |
| 1993 | 26 | 3% |
| 1992 | 3 | 0% |
| 1991 | 12 | 2% |
| 1990 | 5 | 2% |
| 1989 | 8 | 4% |
| 1988 | 7 | 7% |
| 1987 | 4 | 6% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
| 1985 | 3 | 6% |
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 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