1997 Dodge Grand Caravan Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 2%of 583 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,003miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the equipment of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, 2% of the 583 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,003 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.
“I purchased the 1997 Grand Caravan in january 1998 at the marlow heights dealership in marlow heights, maryland. The first time I started experiencing issue with the vehicle was 5/1999 at 24,006 miles vehicle had little power when accelerating, transmission not engaging, transmission had to be reconditioned. In 12/1999, there was transmission fluid leaking inside of the vehicle on the driver's side causing a very strong nasty odor. Carpet had to be replaced. This caused a hazardous condition to my family especially my kids having to breath in this fluid. …”
NHTSA complaint #10153128, filed 2006-03, 24,006 miles“Terrible squealing noise in belt area. Dealer charged ~$250 for belt and tensioner replacement and noise was greatly reduced. Several years later the noise returned and grew even worse. Replaced the worn belt and noise was greatly reduced for about two weeks. After the noise returned, removed the belt and checked all pulleys - found no problems. Replaced tensioner and idler pulleys anyway (~$20 each from dealer) and reinstalled belt. Noise was reduced for about two days. Took van to dealer who said that it was the tensioner and were surpised that it had lasted as long as it did. …”
NHTSA complaint #10126601, filed 2005-06, 80,000 miles“I own 8 mx4 michelin tires I rotate and use 4 in the winter and four in the summer. While driving at 70 MPH I experienced a catastrophic blow-out on my front passenger side tire im a professional driver and have logged over 1.5 million miles in commercial and personal vehicles and I utilize the smith system .the road was clear with little traffic and no road hazards present. Two weeks later on the highway at 55 MPH. …”
NHTSA complaint #10100112, filed 2004-11“Steering wheel does not lock when motor is shut off and in park. On several occasions, when trying to start the engine, I turn the key and nothing happens. The lights and radio do not work. Eventually, it will start and the clock has reset to 12:00 and radio power is off. This has happened on at least 10 occasions. Please let me know if you need more details. Thank you!”
NHTSA complaint #743043, filed 2001-03“I have had the belt tensioner replaced 3 times since I owend the vehicle because of warpping.the third time I wrote to customer service thay told us that the part has meet dodges warrenty requirements.thay was sorry but nothing thay could do.I thank the is a serious saftey problem because when the belt comes off you lose your power steering.which could cause a accident. Plus the wippers come on by them self or when you put on the turnlight on.this has be going on since the vehicle has been new.”
NHTSA complaint #10003095, filed 2003-01Related 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…
- 10220097Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10169249Nov 20, 2019Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Nov 20, 2019Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage…
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 2 | 0% |
| 2009 | 2 | 0% |
| 2008 | 21 | 2% |
| 2007 | 5 | 3% |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% |
| 2005 | 17 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2002 | 9 | 3% |
| 2001 | 9 | 3% |
| 2000 | 11 | 2% |
| 1999 | 7 | 2% |
| 1998 | 13 | 2% |
| 1997 | 13 | 2% |
| 1996 | 35 | 3% |
| 1995 | 4 | 4% |
| 1994 | 10 | 5% |
| 1993 | 14 | 5% |
| 1992 | 6 | 2% |
| 1990 | 1 | 2% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
107 complaintsElectrical system
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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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