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Vehicle speed controlPart report

1997 Dodge Caravan Vehicle speed control Problems

Complaints
45about this part
Share
6%of 714 total for the year
Median mileage
79,500miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 45 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 6% of the 714 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,500 miles. 2 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.

“The cruise control stopped working. Then the air bag light came on. I later realized that the horn doesn't work. I reported this to the dealer service dept. At a nys inspection visit. The vehicle passed inspection. I have had several incidents where I needed to use the horn, and was unable to. This is a serious safety defect.”

NHTSA complaint #10082916, filed 2004-07, 92,000 miles

“While driving, the air bag light illuminated. The dealer has been notified, and the mechanic stated that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The consumer also stated that the cruise control works part time, and the check engine light stays on.”

NHTSA complaint #8012108, filed 2002-06, 67,000 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 have experienced failures in my steering colmn which does not allow me to use my horn, cruise control, and I am afraid that my air bag does not work. The airbag light stays on along with ABS and intermitant other lights. I have had to repair my transmission and it still does not work properly. Slipping from time to time. The rear A/C fan switch only works in the low and high position. Trassmision gives off a burning smell when hot.”

NHTSA complaint #746743, filed 2001-06

“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

Vehicle speed control: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201327%
201233%
201123%
201042%
200933%
200862%
200745%
200663%
2005122%
200332%
200262%
200183%
2000163%
1999336%
1998335%
1997456%
19961158%
1995143%
1994142%
1993202%
1992162%
199151%
199021%
198921%
198833%
198723%
198612%
198548%

Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Caravan

Air bags
152 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
133 complaints
Engine cooling
123 complaints
Electrical system
96 complaints
Brakes
72 complaints
Fuel system
60 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
56 complaints
Steering
40 complaints
Other or unknown
29 complaints
Equipment
22 complaints
Seat belts
22 complaints
Body 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