1997 Dodge Grand Caravan Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 61about this part
- Share
- 10%of 583 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 105,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 61 complaints about the visibility of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, 10% of the 583 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Intermittent wipers will not cycle consistantly. They might sweep 3 times quickly and then will cycle normally, then may stop cycling for 4-6 cycles. Wipers will sometimes activate on their own. Intermittent wipers will sometimes begin to cycle and continue cycling even after the switch has been turned to the off position in desperation. We live in the pacific nw and have to drive in rain constantly. Not having reliable windshield wipers is extremely hazardous. We have had the car to a dealer twice and had the switch replaced twice within one year. …”
NHTSA complaint #10000105, filed 2002-12, 32,000 miles“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“While driving the windshield wipers will come on and go off on their own. Consumer stateeds problem is really noticable when turning corners. Mutifunction switch replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10003662, filed 2003-01, 22,000 miles“Reported problem to Dodge corp. Several years ago about wipers coming on by themselves. Was advised that since no recall, no remedy. On this issue, my research shows that there have been enough complaints and this issue should be handled by a recall. Secondly, and most recently. Both driver and passenger windows failed. Dodge represents that time/mileage precludes repair at their cost. Rear wing vent window quit working approx. A week ago (mar. 2004). Vehicle seems to be falling apart electronically. Mileage/warranty should not be an issue. Defects are defects. Recall requested.”
NHTSA complaint #10063839, filed 2004-04, 92,000 miles“The front windshield wiper comes on without my intervention. Sometimes this scares me so bad, my heart just starts to race. I fear that one of these times it might cause an accident. I wish Dodge would put out a recall on this item since I saw it mentioned frequently on your website by other Dodge Grand Caravan owners.”
NHTSA complaint #757824, filed 2002-02Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 7 | 2% |
| 2014 | 12 | 3% |
| 2013 | 11 | 2% |
| 2012 | 13 | 2% |
| 2011 | 16 | 3% |
| 2010 | 10 | 1% |
| 2009 | 9 | 2% |
| 2008 | 53 | 4% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 15 | 5% |
| 2005 | 31 | 3% |
| 2004 | 3 | 3% |
| 2003 | 13 | 6% |
| 2002 | 10 | 3% |
| 2001 | 29 | 10% |
| 2000 | 11 | 2% |
| 1999 | 9 | 2% |
| 1998 | 22 | 4% |
| 1997 | 61 | 10% |
| 1996 | 100 | 9% |
| 1995 | 6 | 6% |
| 1994 | 14 | 7% |
| 1993 | 17 | 6% |
| 1992 | 17 | 7% |
| 1991 | 6 | 5% |
| 1990 | 2 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan
107 complaintsElectrical system
104 complaintsEngine cooling
102 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
81 complaintsBrakes
71 complaintsVehicle speed control
48 complaintsFuel system
38 complaintsSteering
35 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