1997 Dodge Caravan Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 60about this part
- Share
- 8%of 714 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 102,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 60 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 8% of the 714 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 102,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 11 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.
“Recall 00v268999 concerning fuel leakage. Gasoline odor/fume was getting into the vehicle when idling or at a stop position. Consumer contacted the dealer about this recall. Dealer informed consumer that this vehicle was not covered under this recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10105157, filed 2005-03, 82,000 miles“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 miles“Prior to the recall notification, the consumer had paid for the repairs regarding the clock spring, the consumer requested reimbursement. In addition, the dealer replaced engine oil filter. . Also the gas filler door had to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10015299, filed 2003-04, 95,711 miles“There was a gas smell inside the cabin of the van upon starting the van or when the heat was on. There was a recall (00v268000) issued for the fuel injection system, but the VIN number was outside the remedy scope.”
NHTSA complaint #10051948, filed 2003-12, 100,000 miles“Strong smell of gasoline inside and outside of vehicle. On occasion it has given me severe headaches and has made my husband dizzy and sick to his stomach. The smell is very strong. I have had the vehicle to the dealership (tim parker chrysler) here in hot springs and they state they can find nothing wrong. I am very concerned there could be a fire or an explosion. This needs to be remedied immediately. If the dealership cannot identify the problem, where might I go?”
NHTSA complaint #10047696, filed 2003-11Related recalls
- 00V268000Sep 13, 2000Vehicle description: mini vans built with 3.3l and 3.8l engines have fuel rails with nitrole rubber o-ring seals that can degrade over time. Fuel leakage from…Covers: Dodge Caravan 1996–2000, Chrysler Town And Country 1996–2000, Plymouth Voyager 1996–2000 +2 more
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 5% |
| 2013 | 1 | 3% |
| 2012 | 6 | 7% |
| 2011 | 14 | 18% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% |
| 2007 | 16 | 20% |
| 2006 | 15 | 9% |
| 2005 | 37 | 7% |
| 2004 | 18 | 28% |
| 2003 | 13 | 7% |
| 2002 | 9 | 4% |
| 2001 | 12 | 5% |
| 2000 | 15 | 3% |
| 1999 | 20 | 4% |
| 1998 | 41 | 7% |
| 1997 | 60 | 8% |
| 1996 | 222 | 16% |
| 1995 | 24 | 5% |
| 1994 | 22 | 3% |
| 1993 | 15 | 2% |
| 1992 | 19 | 2% |
| 1991 | 25 | 4% |
| 1990 | 11 | 4% |
| 1989 | 3 | 2% |
| 1988 | 6 | 6% |
| 1987 | 1 | 1% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
| 1985 | 2 | 4% |
| 1984 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Caravan
152 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
133 complaintsEngine cooling
123 complaintsElectrical system
96 complaintsBrakes
72 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