1997 Dodge Grand Caravan Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 104about this part
- Share
- 18%of 583 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 104 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, 18% of the 583 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 18 a fire, according to the filers.
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 gauge cluster on out 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan is faulty. We cannot tell how fast we are going, what gear the car is in,etc. It is a very dangerous problem that the manufacturer should be made to fix!”
NHTSA complaint #10202737, filed 2007-09, 184,000 miles“I have a Dodge Grand Caravan, and while I am driving, the engine just stops working and my steering wheel gets very hard to manuver. I took it the the car dealer and they can't figure out what is wrong with it. This is very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10095996, filed 2004-10, 97,450 miles“I own a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan se all wheel drive. My van has 185,000 miles on it aprox. And had 149,000 when purchased in 2004. I am having several electrical issues with the van from the get go to current. My front wipers will come on by them self at any given time and they refuse to shut off. I have to pull my car over and shut it down and hope when I start it next that the wipers will stay off. Just recently my check engine light keeps popping off and then back on and continues to do so. My rear A/C and heater blower works intermittently. …”
NHTSA complaint #10234137, filed 2008-07, 149,766 miles“Several months ago, we had problems involving the cruise control, and air bag light. We found out about a recall in regards to this problem, and it was corrected by the dealer. Within a short period after this recall, our horn went out and was replaced by the same dealer,(cost almost $200.00). Three months after the horn replacement, it went out again, but this time there was no charge. I'm not a mechanic, but it sounds too coincidental that we had horn problems after the recall work. Our van has 61,412 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10043186, filed 2003-10, 61,198 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10175735Apr 22, 2020Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 4 | 20% |
| 2019 | 58 | 24% |
| 2018 | 92 | 34% |
| 2017 | 144 | 35% |
| 2016 | 314 | 31% |
| 2015 | 38 | 14% |
| 2014 | 128 | 36% |
| 2013 | 256 | 54% |
| 2012 | 337 | 58% |
| 2011 | 332 | 63% |
| 2010 | 550 | 63% |
| 2009 | 334 | 61% |
| 2008 | 815 | 63% |
| 2007 | 30 | 16% |
| 2006 | 38 | 13% |
| 2005 | 259 | 26% |
| 2004 | 13 | 11% |
| 2003 | 32 | 15% |
| 2002 | 38 | 13% |
| 2001 | 37 | 12% |
| 2000 | 34 | 8% |
| 1999 | 62 | 14% |
| 1998 | 79 | 14% |
| 1997 | 104 | 18% |
| 1996 | 197 | 17% |
| 1995 | 2 | 2% |
| 1994 | 9 | 5% |
| 1993 | 6 | 2% |
| 1992 | 7 | 3% |
| 1991 | 6 | 5% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
107 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 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