1997 Dodge Grand Caravan Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 3%of 583 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, 3% of the 583 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The clear plastic lenses that cover the head lamp bulbs have become extremely clouded and greatly diminish the brightness of the headlights. The dealer has told me that its normal. I have noticed this condition on many other similar vehicles and drivers are not aware of the condition . This condition creates an extreme safety concern for night time driving by reducing visibility. I believe that it is a design defect. There is no mention in the owners manual or maintenance schedule listed by the manufacturer of any required maintenance.”
NHTSA complaint #10102497, filed 2004-12, 85,000 miles“The plastic headlight lenses on this vehicle have dulled to the point that the headlights have noticeably dimmed to the point that it's difficult to see the roadway at night.”
NHTSA complaint #10177014, filed 2006-12, 130,000 miles“The headlights were dim and consumer was unable to see clearly on the highway while driving at night. Driver took the vehicle to dealer for analysis. Mechanic replaced the headlight bulbs, but problem recurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10044823, filed 2003-10, 40,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. Whenever the contact shifts, the vehicle makes an unfamiliar noise. When the vehicle is parked, it operates normally. The transmission stalls and will start back up, but it is unreliable. The vehicle would rev and have to be restarted in order for the revving to stop. If there is a power fluctuation, the rear wipers will turn on and off at random. The high beams on the headlights do not work, but the failure was repaired. The parking light on the front driver's side failed. He replaced the bulb, but it still does not work. …”
NHTSA complaint #10237378, filed 2008-08, 149,766 miles“Both of the headlight covers on the 1997 Grand Caravan were frosted from the inside and the lights did not showing up as bright. They appeared low lit all the time as if the light could not filter through because of the frosted look all the time. This was a hazard. I would like to know why the headlight covers looked like they did. This was a real problem. They looked horrible.”
NHTSA complaint #10190703, filed 2007-05Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 5% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2014 | 3 | 1% |
| 2013 | 5 | 1% |
| 2012 | 7 | 1% |
| 2011 | 6 | 1% |
| 2010 | 46 | 5% |
| 2009 | 3 | 1% |
| 2008 | 48 | 4% |
| 2007 | 11 | 6% |
| 2006 | 28 | 10% |
| 2005 | 150 | 15% |
| 2004 | 4 | 3% |
| 2003 | 15 | 7% |
| 2002 | 21 | 7% |
| 2001 | 48 | 16% |
| 2000 | 11 | 2% |
| 1999 | 13 | 3% |
| 1998 | 12 | 2% |
| 1997 | 20 | 3% |
| 1996 | 24 | 2% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 0% |
| 1991 | 5 | 4% |
| 1990 | 1 | 2% |
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 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 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