1997 Dodge Caravan Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 3%of 714 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the seat belts of the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 3% of the 714 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“I own a 1997 Dodge Caravan, I have two children the seat belt came unlatched several times. Twice my 8 years old daughter leaned to the side and her elbo hit the release button it unlathed, my other daughter is 5 few times we noticed her booster seat is unlached for no reason. Need help to solve this problem .”
NHTSA complaint #10114360, filed 2005-03“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“On at least 4 occasions I've been driving with my children in the back seat (ok front bench of minivan) and on sharp turns or abrupt braking the seatbelts have just popped undone. Both the one that holds my 18 month old son's car seat and the one that my 4 1/2 y/o daughter uses with her booster. Up to now it's been a matter of incovenience or minor bumps, but I'm scared it could happen at a more crucial moment and they could be seriously injured. Both seatbelts on the front bench are shoulder harness types.”
NHTSA complaint #765757, filed 2002-08“Consumer states rear-seat shoulder-harness seat belts (both left and right) are jammed. Enabling passenger to extend the seat belts out from the opening in the over the should interior roof trim. Dealer found adhesive / insulation from the headlinder had melted onto the seatbelts. Updated”
NHTSA complaint #566048, filed 2002-06“Airbag light came on and horn stopped working, mechanic stated clock spring assembly needed to be replaced. Also consumer was having problem with the radio that has been worked on five times and replaced twice and still doesnot work to consumer's satisfaction, consumer also had brakes replaced, also the tensioner belt on the timing belt, also the water pump broke, also transmission went out.”
NHTSA complaint #884000, filed 2001-03Related recalls
- 02V076000Mar 8, 2002On certain minivans, some trim material can loosen and drop into the rear outboard seat belt assembly, causing the seat belt to become inoperative.Covers: Dodge Caravan 1997–1999, Plymouth Voyager 1997–1999, Chrysler Town And Country 1997–1999
Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 4% |
| 2014 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 2% |
| 2003 | 5 | 3% |
| 2002 | 15 | 6% |
| 2001 | 12 | 5% |
| 2000 | 23 | 5% |
| 1999 | 22 | 4% |
| 1998 | 23 | 4% |
| 1997 | 22 | 3% |
| 1996 | 42 | 3% |
| 1995 | 17 | 3% |
| 1994 | 31 | 5% |
| 1993 | 114 | 12% |
| 1992 | 175 | 19% |
| 1991 | 90 | 15% |
| 1990 | 23 | 8% |
| 1989 | 15 | 8% |
| 1988 | 5 | 5% |
| 1987 | 6 | 9% |
| 1986 | 5 | 10% |
| 1985 | 5 | 10% |
| 1984 | 1 | 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 complaintsEquipment
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 31, 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