1997 Dodge Grand Caravan Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 2%of 583 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 136,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, 2% of the 583 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 136,000 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.
“The 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan front and rear brake pads and rotors wear out nearly every month. The vehicle begins to sway while driving 55mph on freeway or when changing lanes. The emergency brake light is on due to a leakage in the brakes. The EGR valve keeps going out and the service engine light is on.”
NHTSA complaint #10128830, filed 2005-07, 152,000 miles“This is on a '97 Dodge Grand Caravan, 3.8 liter. 1) originally the brakes were terrible, (hard foot pressure was needed to stop the vehicle.). After 30kmiles, I took it in to a mechanic. In his experience, the dealer equipped front disc pistons made of pheolic material would often 'stick'.. After replacing w/ steel pistons this problem was repaired. 2) the problematic 'clock-spring' failed right before I received a recall notice! But, after 30k more miles, it failed again... This time the dealer refused to repair it free. Of course the legally required horn is also no-functioning. …”
NHTSA complaint #10129044, filed 2005-07“The lift gate bolt broke off on the right hand side. The gate crashed down on the back of my neck and back. This could have seriously injured my five year old if he were there. It could have seriously injured anyone for that matter. Please check into this matter. Two other people I spoke with have had the same problem. I told them to please report it. I think the 91-93 models had the same problem. The other problems are not as serious as this. I hope no one has to get seriously hurt by this before something is done. The gate is so heavy. I can not lift it to use it. …”
NHTSA complaint #754312, filed 2001-11“The contact stated while taking items out of the rear of the vehicle, the driver side hydraulic lift snapped. The rear hatch door came down and hit the contact, causing minor injuries. The vehicle has not been seen by a mechanic, but the manufacturer was alerted.”
NHTSA complaint #10150454, filed 2006-02, 120,000 miles“Vehicle intermittently locks and unlocks on its own. Incident has occurred a dozen or more times. Dealer is aware of the problem and cannot remedy the problem. Vechicle is safety defect, and owners has children that have been locked in. Problem still exists. Provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #834280, filed 1999-01Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 5% |
| 2019 | 9 | 4% |
| 2018 | 15 | 6% |
| 2017 | 28 | 7% |
| 2016 | 24 | 2% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 4 | 1% |
| 2013 | 4 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% |
| 2011 | 4 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 0% |
| 2009 | 3 | 1% |
| 2008 | 16 | 1% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 22 | 8% |
| 2005 | 338 | 34% |
| 2004 | 9 | 8% |
| 2003 | 10 | 5% |
| 2002 | 13 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 1% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 0% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1997 | 14 | 2% |
| 1996 | 25 | 2% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 11 | 6% |
| 1993 | 9 | 3% |
| 1992 | 7 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1988 | 2 | 20% |
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