1997 Dodge Grand Caravan Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 6%of 583 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 135,995miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, 6% of the 583 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 135,995 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Serpentine belt comes off while driving in snow causing loss of power steering on slippery road surfaces. Loss of vehicle control and ability to regain vehicle control was compromised by lack of steering assist causing the vehicle to leave the roadway. I contacted chrysler and they said there is no recall for my vehicle.this was a very dangerous situation as a school bus was near my vehicle when this incident happened. This issue needs to be addressed and a recall should be mandated.”
NHTSA complaint #10935387, filed 2016-12, 271,000 miles“When even the smallest amount of street water, I.e. Water-filled pothole, curb water drainage, etc gets splashed up onto the vehicle underside the power sterring assist disappears for a short interval, 10 to 20 seconds. During that period I, a 200 lb man with reasonable body strength, can barely continue turning the steering wheel. This has happened on several occassions during the past three years. I have almost crashed into the curb three times already. …”
NHTSA complaint #10037484, filed 2003-09, 34,000 miles“I have a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan last year on december 2007 my serpentine belt came off while I was making a right on one street under the rain, I almost lost control off my car but I was fortunate that no cars were around. It was hard for me to drive my car but I called the mechanic and he told me not worry that I would be able to get safe to the shop. That incident broke my windshield hose water, my air conditioner and my steering wheel hose and heat it up the car so I had to stop several times before I got to the mechanic shop. I was so afraid but I got safe. …”
NHTSA complaint #10235056, filed 2008-07, 192,000 miles“Power steering rack operates poorly. When this occurs there is no power steering when turning right. The stering fluid leaks out. Dealership replaced the steering rack, but the failure reccured within 38,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10065397, filed 2004-04, 43,000 miles“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 2001-03Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 5% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 5 | 2% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 11 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 6 | 2% |
| 2013 | 18 | 4% |
| 2012 | 14 | 2% |
| 2011 | 15 | 3% |
| 2010 | 64 | 7% |
| 2009 | 23 | 4% |
| 2008 | 55 | 4% |
| 2007 | 14 | 8% |
| 2006 | 61 | 21% |
| 2005 | 76 | 8% |
| 2004 | 13 | 11% |
| 2003 | 45 | 21% |
| 2002 | 53 | 18% |
| 2001 | 25 | 8% |
| 2000 | 30 | 7% |
| 1999 | 29 | 7% |
| 1998 | 23 | 4% |
| 1997 | 35 | 6% |
| 1996 | 75 | 6% |
| 1995 | 2 | 2% |
| 1994 | 10 | 5% |
| 1993 | 9 | 3% |
| 1992 | 7 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
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 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 30, 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