1997 Dodge Caravan Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 1%of 714 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 1% of the 714 complaints for this model year. 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.
“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“Consumer received a recall notice regarding the air bag warning light. Air bag light had been on since she owned the vehicle. The consumer received a letter from the dealer which asked her to bring the vehicle in for service. When the consumer arrived at the dealer it was too late. On the way back home she smelled smoke but kept driving until she reached home. The vehicle was turned off and the consumer looked under the vehicle and saw flames coming from under the vehicle. She got the hose and put the fire out. Then, called the mechanic/dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10038453, filed 2003-09“Deal said can not find the problem, but I notice there is a difference lacth mechanism between the right and left doors. The right door has one latch and the left has two latches.”
NHTSA complaint #724264, filed 2000-06“Sliding door locking mechanism fails--door remains locked and door will not open, or door is impossible to lock. Just before failure door has problem latching successfully. Auto door lock makes buzzing noise when locking is attempted. After second failure, dealer service technician stated that it is common to require replacement of rockwell actuator part for these vehicles. We've had 3 failures of drivers side and 5 on passenger side. Latest was today, 10/11/00. Vehicle is now out of warranty, but the failures keep happening.”
NHTSA complaint #734098, filed 2000-10Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 16 | 9% |
| 2005 | 203 | 38% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 3% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 8 | 3% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 8 | 1% |
| 1998 | 5 | 1% |
| 1997 | 10 | 1% |
| 1996 | 61 | 4% |
| 1995 | 22 | 5% |
| 1994 | 57 | 9% |
| 1993 | 30 | 3% |
| 1992 | 36 | 4% |
| 1991 | 39 | 6% |
| 1990 | 48 | 17% |
| 1989 | 28 | 15% |
| 1988 | 23 | 22% |
| 1987 | 15 | 22% |
| 1986 | 12 | 24% |
| 1985 | 7 | 14% |
| 1984 | 6 | 33% |
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 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