1997 Dodge Grand Caravan Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 107about this part
- Share
- 18%of 583 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,061miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 107 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, 18% of the 583 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,061 miles. 10 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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 purchased my 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan from a private party in 2009, and shortly after the gauge cluster stopped functioning while I was driving. Check engine and ABS lights came on which on checking with my mechanic said my ABS system is non-functional as is all other instrument related readings. A short time later, the panel came back on and worked for awhile than shut off again. Someone said hit the panel face and the gauges should come back on. I did and it did. For awhile. …”
NHTSA complaint #10614903, filed 2014-07, 106,500 miles“The air bag light in our '97 Dodge caravan has started coming on intermittently. Indications are that it is due to an intermittent clockspring wiring harness in the steering column, meaning that the horn and cruise control would not work as well as the driver's side airbag. It appears this clockspring failure mode is being investigated by the NHTSA, but there is no recall. I will probably have to pay the dealer to fix it (around $200).”
NHTSA complaint #10062690, filed 2004-03, 113,000 miles“On 04-26-2003 my family and I were leaving the detroit metro airport parking garage. We had just left our parking spot when we passed over what I assumed was a speed bump going approximately 5 MPH heading toward the ticket booth which was just ahead. As we passed this speed bump our air bags spontaneously deployed for no apparent reason. There is no damage to our vehicle that would justify the air bags going off as they did. …”
NHTSA complaint #10017108, filed 2003-05, 112,550 miles“While driving at 65 MPH, the consumer noticed that the air bag light came on. The consumer attempted to slow the vehicle, but discovered the brakes were not working properly. After depressing the brakes, it took the vehicle over 100 yards to stop. The brake master cylinder was replaced, but the problem continued.”
NHTSA complaint #10053908, filed 2004-02, 70,000 miles“Dt: dt: the consumer purchased the vehicle from an individual. The vehicle caught on fire and was deemed totaled. After the accident the consumer learned of two recalls on the vehicle, one for the fuel rail and one for the air bags. The air bag did not deploy during the accident. The manufacturer sent an investigator to inspect the vehicle. There was conflicting information on the letter sent to consumer. This happened on january 17, 2005 .”
NHTSA complaint #10130453, filed 2005-07, 93,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V293000Nov 7, 2002On certain mini vans, the clockspring assembly may have been wound incorrectly during the vehicle assembly process.Covers: Dodge Grand Caravan 1996–1998, Caravan 1996–1998, Chrysler Town And Country 1996–1998 +2 more
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | 25% |
| 2019 | 13 | 5% |
| 2018 | 13 | 5% |
| 2017 | 21 | 5% |
| 2016 | 22 | 2% |
| 2015 | 24 | 9% |
| 2014 | 48 | 13% |
| 2013 | 35 | 7% |
| 2012 | 18 | 3% |
| 2011 | 19 | 4% |
| 2010 | 144 | 17% |
| 2009 | 137 | 25% |
| 2008 | 294 | 23% |
| 2007 | 16 | 9% |
| 2006 | 54 | 19% |
| 2005 | 103 | 10% |
| 2004 | 5 | 4% |
| 2003 | 24 | 11% |
| 2002 | 59 | 20% |
| 2001 | 48 | 16% |
| 2000 | 29 | 7% |
| 1999 | 83 | 19% |
| 1998 | 104 | 19% |
| 1997 | 107 | 18% |
| 1996 | 211 | 18% |
| 1995 | 7 | 6% |
| 1994 | 18 | 9% |
| 1993 | 13 | 5% |
| 1992 | 10 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
104 complaintsEngine cooling
102 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
81 complaintsBrakes
71 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
61 complaintsVehicle speed control
48 complaintsFuel system
38 complaintsSteering
35 complaintsExterior lighting
20 complaintsSuspension
20 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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