1997 Dodge Grand Caravan Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 3%of 583 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 149,883miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, 3% of the 583 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 149,883 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The strut tower that holds the upper part of both front struts was rust out. If I hadn't had this repaired, the front strut could have broken through the strut tower. Chances are this would have broken through while going down the highway (because the forces on the strut towers would have been the greatest then). This could very probably have caused a fatal accident. I fear that most caravan owners are not aware of this problem and will eventually be involved in a potentially very serious accident. I had this repaired at my expense in november 2004.”
NHTSA complaint #10108075, filed 2005-01, 138,000 miles“Events include normal use of vehicle. The failure is the strut towers on a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan have rust through causing a safety issue, strut could break through the housing. Dodge has done nothing to correct the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10294218, filed 2009-12, 150,000 miles“My 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan has been a headache since I got it. Right after I got it I had to pay $600 to get my dashboard fixed because all my gauges quit completely. Now my windshield wipers will go off by themselves even when they are off. This happens when I hit the brakes or unlock the doors or open the driver side door. My check engine light stays on all the time. We have it put on a tester and they cant find why its on. The rear end rattles pretty bad also and sometimes there is no pick up and go.”
NHTSA complaint #10078643, filed 2004-06“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“The contact owns a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the hatchback liftgate on the passenger side of the vehicle fell apart. The hatchback pushed a portion of the support bracket into the vehicle and caused interior damage. The arm of the liftgate snapped and fell on the contact's head. She checked the manufacturer's website to find out if her VIN was included in NHTSA campaign id number 97v079000 (structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support device). She discovered that her VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10227775, filed 2008-05, 217,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10220101Nov 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.
- 10220099Nov 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…
- 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.
- 10169245Nov 20, 2019Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 29 | 12% |
| 2018 | 59 | 22% |
| 2017 | 95 | 23% |
| 2016 | 228 | 23% |
| 2015 | 24 | 9% |
| 2014 | 17 | 5% |
| 2013 | 26 | 6% |
| 2012 | 19 | 3% |
| 2011 | 19 | 4% |
| 2010 | 18 | 2% |
| 2009 | 7 | 1% |
| 2008 | 27 | 2% |
| 2007 | 14 | 8% |
| 2006 | 36 | 13% |
| 2005 | 70 | 7% |
| 2004 | 4 | 3% |
| 2003 | 14 | 6% |
| 2002 | 19 | 7% |
| 2001 | 9 | 3% |
| 2000 | 33 | 7% |
| 1999 | 16 | 4% |
| 1998 | 27 | 5% |
| 1997 | 18 | 3% |
| 1996 | 59 | 5% |
| 1995 | 20 | 19% |
| 1994 | 33 | 17% |
| 1993 | 32 | 11% |
| 1992 | 33 | 13% |
| 1991 | 11 | 9% |
| 1990 | 5 | 9% |
| 1989 | 2 | 8% |
| 1988 | 1 | 10% |
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 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 28, 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