1997 Dodge Caravan Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 3%of 714 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 3% of the 714 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driver side strut tower in both of my chrysler minivans 97 Caravan & 96 tc are rusting excessively. My 97 Caravan looks like it will break through soon. My mechanic claims it is a common problem with many chrysler minivan's. The repairs cost more than the van is worth.”
NHTSA complaint #10153885, filed 2006-03, 110,000 miles“Summary: control arm bushings replacement parts are on national backlog: wides-spread occurrence of this defect indicates the need for recall on these parts. Details: our Dodge Caravan is in need of new control arm bushings, however there is a national backlog for these parts and they will not be available for 4-8 weeks or longer. We believe a recall for this defect is a needed and fair way to handle this, as this defect is obviously so wide-spread as to be unmanageable under normal circumstances. …”
NHTSA complaint #10161721, filed 2006-07, 82,000 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“The contact stated during a state inspection the dealership noticed corrosion on the front driver side strut tower. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer, which determined the strut tower needs to be replaced. The dealer is awaiting the replacement part.”
NHTSA complaint #10153403, filed 2006-03, 99,700 miles“While using air conditioner it stopped without a warning of any electrical problem. A/c was replaced on warranty. The struts were leaking. The fuel sensor system failed prematurely and was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #881048, filed 2001-02Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 17 | 3% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 11 | 4% |
| 2001 | 32 | 12% |
| 2000 | 43 | 9% |
| 1999 | 33 | 6% |
| 1998 | 37 | 6% |
| 1997 | 20 | 3% |
| 1996 | 51 | 4% |
| 1995 | 11 | 2% |
| 1994 | 19 | 3% |
| 1993 | 14 | 1% |
| 1992 | 10 | 1% |
| 1991 | 18 | 3% |
| 1990 | 12 | 4% |
| 1989 | 3 | 2% |
| 1988 | 4 | 4% |
| 1987 | 2 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 4 | 8% |
| 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 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 28, 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