1997 Dodge Dodge Truck Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 17%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 134,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Dodge Dodge Truck, 17% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 134,000 miles.
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.
“Engine will randomly stall. Only discernible pattern is the vehicle is operated more than 45 minutes, however episodes are very sporadic. Engine will restart only after a wait period of 20-30 minutes (then runs fine). Engine code is a misfire, however after diagnostics multiple shops and dealer unable to diagnose problem. Will continue to trouble shoot, as sporadic engine stalls are disconcerting due to its safety impact.”
NHTSA complaint #10018326, filed 2003-05, 134,000 miles“Head gasket failed at 36000 miles. Water pump seal failed at 47000 due to pitting and corrosion of aluminum housing. Transmission problem has been intermittent and normally occurs after extended driving - transmission clunks when downshifting between 2nd and 1st gear. Has hestitated when shifted into drive. Electrical problems have been common and increasing - unexpected windshield wiper activation, unexpected electric door lock and car alarm activation, most recently ignition failure during initial attempts to start in the morning.”
NHTSA complaint #758057, filed 2002-02“1997 Dodge grand caravan, 3.3l engine. Serpentine drive belt consistently slips off or shreds while driving on wet roads causing loss of power steering and eventually all power to operate the vehicle. Only a small amount of water, 2 deep puddles, can cause this. It is very dangerous. So far, belt has come off and/or shredded 7 times from 8/02 - 1/04. Never had a problem before. We have replaced the tensioner pulley 3 times after it had either broken or suddenly became misaligned. No one can explain why this is happening. There have been numerous complaints of this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10052573, filed 2004-01Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 13% |
| 2002 | 1 | 5% |
| 2001 | 5 | 13% |
| 2000 | 1 | 5% |
| 1999 | 6 | 12% |
| 1998 | 4 | 14% |
| 1997 | 3 | 17% |
| 1996 | 3 | 9% |
| 1995 | 1 | 6% |
| 1994 | 1 | 5% |
| 1992 | 3 | 21% |
| 1991 | 1 | 10% |
| 1990 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Dodge Truck
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge Dodge Truck
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