IllustrationHEADLIGHT LENS DISCOLORED- CAR HAD TO HAVE REPLACEMENT TO PASS STATE INSPECTION. COST: $322 FOR ONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY.
1997 Dodge Caravan
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Caravan years
Owner complaints for the 1997 Dodge Caravan are substantially higher than the model-year median of 182.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Caravan years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 113 of 714 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Air Bags. Review the 152 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 133 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 123 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
43 crash reports36 fire reports39 injury reports
What owners actually said
714 reportsWHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AND WITHOUT WARNING WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD SHUT OFF, CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO CONSUMER'S VIEW. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURN ON WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED OR THETURN SIGNAL TURNS OFF.*TS
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. DRIVER SUSTAINED SERIOUS LIFETIME INJURIES FROM IMPACTING THE STEERING WHEEL.*AK
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. AIR BAG LIGHT HAD BEEN ON SINCE SHE OWNED THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE DEALER WHICH ASKED HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE. WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED AT THE DEALER IT WAS TOO LATE. ON THE WAY BACK HOME SHE SMELLED SMOKE BU…
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CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. AIR BAG LIGHT HAD BEEN ON SINCE SHE OWNED THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE DEALER WHICH ASKED HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE. WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED AT THE DEALER IT WAS TOO LATE. ON THE WAY BACK HOME SHE SMELLED SMOKE BUT KEPT DRIVING UNTIL SHE REACHED HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE CONSUMER LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. SHE GOT THE HOSE AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. THEN, CALLED THE MECHANIC/DEALER. THERE WERE ALSO PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS. *AK
TOOK MY CAR IN FOR A TRANSMISSION TO BE SERVICED, PICKED MY CAR UP A HOUR LATER.HE TRANSMISSION LOCKED ON ME. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO ANOTHER SHOP. THE TOTAL OST OF REPAIRS WAS $1400.00.*AK
WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 4 BATTERIES IN 6 YEARS. THESE INCLUDE BATTERIES BY THREE DIFFERENT MANUFACTURERS. INITIALLY, THE BATTERIES WERE COVERED BY THE 3YR/36K MILE WARRANTY, AND WE WERE TOLD THE BATTERIES WERE DEFECTIVE. OBVIOUSLY, THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE VAN. IN EACH CASE, THE BATTERIES WENT SUDDENLY DEAD (WOU…
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WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 4 BATTERIES IN 6 YEARS. THESE INCLUDE BATTERIES BY THREE DIFFERENT MANUFACTURERS. INITIALLY, THE BATTERIES WERE COVERED BY THE 3YR/36K MILE WARRANTY, AND WE WERE TOLD THE BATTERIES WERE DEFECTIVE. OBVIOUSLY, THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE VAN. IN EACH CASE, THE BATTERIES WENT SUDDENLY DEAD (WOULD NOT HOLD ANY CHARGE AT ALL) LONG BEFORE THEY SHOULD HAVE.*AK
THERE HAS BEEN 5 REPLACEMENT TORQUE CONVERTERS SINCE PURCHASE. VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN DUE TO THE DEFECT IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER. *MR THIS PROBLEM HAD HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, EVERY YEAR THE CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT, ALSO THE BRAKES. THE TRANSMISSION OVERHAULED TWICE, THERE WAS …
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THERE HAS BEEN 5 REPLACEMENT TORQUE CONVERTERS SINCE PURCHASE. VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN DUE TO THE DEFECT IN THE TORQUE CONVERTER. *MR THIS PROBLEM HAD HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, EVERY YEAR THE CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT, ALSO THE BRAKES. THE TRANSMISSION OVERHAULED TWICE, THERE WAS AN OIL PAN LEAK, THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ON, AND THE AC NEEDED A NEW CONDENSER. *SCC
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE# 00V268000 SUBJECT: FUEL LEAKAGE ABOUT A MONTH AGO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO KEPT THE VEHICLE OVER NIGHT. CONSUMER CALLED TO FIND OUT WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE READY. DEALER STATED THE PARTS WERE ON ORDER. CONSUMER PICKED THE VEHICLE UP, AND THE DEALER STATED THEY WOULD…
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THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE# 00V268000 SUBJECT: FUEL LEAKAGE ABOUT A MONTH AGO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO KEPT THE VEHICLE OVER NIGHT. CONSUMER CALLED TO FIND OUT WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE READY. DEALER STATED THE PARTS WERE ON ORDER. CONSUMER PICKED THE VEHICLE UP, AND THE DEALER STATED THEY WOULD NOTIFY BY MAIL WHEN THE PART WERE AVAILABLE. *AK THE VEHICLE HASN'T BEEN CALLED INTO THE SHOP. *SCC *JB
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE INSIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING WHILE SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION.*AK
CONSUMER STATES THAT TRANSMISSION IS USELESS. TRANSMISSION HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED TWICE, AND ANOTHER ONE IS NEEDED. CONSUMER COMPLAINS THAT THERE IS A BURNING RUBBER SMELL WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN, AND WHEN EVER THE BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED.*AK
Official recalls
702V293000 · Air Bags:frontal
Nov 7, 2002
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN WOUND INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION WILL MANIFEST ITSELF THROUGH ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, AND COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A DRIVER'S AIR BAG OPEN CIRCUIT, IF THE PART IS NOT REPLACED IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL VEHICLES WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS. AN EXTENDED LIFETIME WARRANTY WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON THIS COMPONENT FOR ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL ALSO REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED ON THEIR VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 18, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
02V076000 · Seat Belts:rear/other
Mar 8, 2002
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SOME TRIM MATERIAL CAN LOOSEN AND DROP INTO THE REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRIM WITH FOAM BLOCKERS AND INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL 3RD ROW SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
00V268000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
Sep 13, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS BUILT WITH 3.3L AND 3.8L ENGINES HAVE FUEL RAILS WITH NITROLE RUBBER O-RING SEALS THAT CAN DEGRADE OVER TIME. FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE UNDERHOOD FUEL INJECTION FUEL RAIL COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A VEHICLE FIRE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ON THE VEHICLE FUEL RAILS TO PREVENT EXTERNAL LEAKAGE OF FUEL FROM THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE, SHOULD THE EXISTING O-RINGS CONTINUE TO DEGRADE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2002. DUE TO THE LARGE QUANTITY OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN, THE OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE PHASED OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
98V185000 · Child Seat
Aug 6, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRATED CHILD SEATS. THE SHOULDER HARNESS RESTRAINT ON THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT CAN BECOME DIFFICULT TO EXTRACT WHEN THE SAFETY BELT LATCH PLATE BECOMES CONTAMINATED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING A CHILD FROM THE RESTRAINT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE LATCH MECHANISM. AN EXTENDER WILL BE ADDED TO THE EMERGENCY RELEASE ANCHOR FOR THE CHILD SEAT SAFETY BELTS SO THAT THE RELEASE CLIPS ARE MORE VISIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE TO THE OPERATOR IN THE EVENT THAT THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED. IN ADDITION, AN INSTRUCTIONAL OWNER'S MANUAL SUPPLEMENT CARD WILL BE PROVIDED.
97V200000 · Tires:bead
Nov 13, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH P215/65R15 GOODYEAR CONQUEST TIRES MOUNTED ON STEEL WHEEL. THE TIRES CAN EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN AIR PRESSURE LOSS WITHOUT WARNING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF DRIVER CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIRES THAT WERE MOUNTED ON STEEL WHEELS.
97V070000 · Wheels:rim
Apr 28, 1997
THE STEEL ROAD WHEELS WERE DAMAGED BY THE EQUIPMENT USED TO MATCH MOUNT THE WHEEL TO THE TIRE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A SCORE MARK WAS MADE ON THE WHEEL, AFFECTING THE DURABILITY OF THE WHEEL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL ROAD WHEELS (AND FULL SIZE SPARE TIRES) WITH NEW WHEELS.
96V215000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
Oct 29, 1996
THE MASTER CYLINDER REAR SEAL, BETWEEN THE HYDRAULIC FLUID AND THE VACUUM RESERVOIR, MAY NOT SEAL ADEQUATELY ALLOWING HYDRAULIC FLUID TO BE DRAWN INTO THE POWER ASSIST VACUUM RESERVOIR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AS THE HYDRAULIC FLUID IN THE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR DECREASES, THE LEVEL SENSOR WILL DETECT THE LOSS OF FLUID AND ILLUMINATE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE WARNING LAMP. CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED CAN RESULT IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. ADDENDUM (4-14-97): VEHICLES INSPECTED PER CHRYSLER RECALL NO. 707 AND FOUND TO BE OUTSIDE THE LISTED SUSPECT MASTER CYLINDER DATE CODE RANGE, MUST NOW HAVE THE MASTER CYLINDER PRIMARY PISTON REPLACED (CHRYSLER RECALL NO. 714).
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
7PE02004 · Rear Seat Belt Malfunction
Opened Jan 16, 2002 · Closed Mar 11, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:rear/other
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED JANUARY 16, 2002, BASED ON SEVEN REPORTS ALLEGING THE THIRD ROW SEAT BELT RETRACTORS FAILED ON CERTAIN 1997 AND 1998 MODEL YEAR CARAVAN AND VOYAGER VEHICLES.THE REPORTS INDICATED A TAR LIKE SUBSTANCE ENTERED THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM, THUS CAUSING THE RETRACTOR TO JAM OR BIND.IN THIS CONDITION THE SEAT BELT IS RENDERED INOPERABLE, AS THE WEBBING CANNOT RETRACT OR BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE RETRACTORS FOR USE.RECALL SCOPE:THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ARE 1997 THROUGH 1999 DODGE CARAVAN, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER, AND CHRYSLER TOWN & CONTRY BUILT ON A SHORT WHEEL BASE CHASSIS.THE INCLUSIVE DATES OF PRODUCTION ARE JUNE 1996 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 1999.RECALL REMEDY: DAIMLERCHRYSLER DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MASTIC SOUND BARRIER PATCHES WITH FOAM BLOCKERS, AS WELL AS, INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL THIRD ROW REAR SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES CONTAMINATED BY THE MASTIC PATCH.
EA01007 · Air Bag Clockspring
Opened Feb 21, 2001 · Closed Nov 22, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
RQ00008 · Dc Minivan Fuel Injector Rail Leak
Opened Mar 9, 2000 · Closed Mar 18, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
EA99013 · Post Collision Fuel System
Opened Jun 11, 1999 · Closed Aug 10, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
No summary supplied.
PE99010 · POST-COLLISION Fuel System Integrity
Opened Feb 3, 1999 · Closed Jun 11, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
There is no summary currently available
EA97003 · Integrated Child Seat Belt Lockup
Opened Jan 31, 1997 · Closed Aug 19, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Child Seat
THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT IDENTIFYING A SAFETY DEFECT AND OUTLINING THE PROPOSED REMEDY.RECALL NUMBER 98V-185 HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THIS SAFETY RECALL.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Child Seat
THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT IDENTIFYING A SAFETY DEFECT AND OUTLINING THE PROPOSED REMEDY.RECALL NUMBER 98V-185 HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THIS SAFETY RECALL.
Child Seat
THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT IDENTIFYING A SAFETY DEFECT AND OUTLINING THE PROPOSED REMEDY.RECALL NUMBER 98V-185 HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THIS SAFETY RECALL.
SQ96016 · Integrated Child Seat Belt Lockup
Opened Sep 18, 1996 · Closed Feb 4, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:integrated Child Seat
ODI CONTINUES TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING LATCHING/RETRACTOR MECHANISM PROBLEMS.CHRYSLER'S ASSESSMENT OF THE PROBLEM INDICATES THAT OWNERS OF THE VEHICLES ARE NOT ADHERING TO THE CLEANING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SEAT.THE SEAT APPEARS TO MALFUNCTION IF CRUMBS OF FOOD OR BEVERAGE RESIDUE ACCUMULATES ON THE LATCHING TONGUE IN THEWELL LOCATED BETWEEN THE CHILD'S LEGS.ODI HAS 19 COMPLAINTS OF RETRACT LOCKUP.SEVEN OF THESE COMPLAINTS REPORT CUTTING THE STRAPS TO REMOVE THE CHILD.TWO OF THE SEVEN CONSUMERS ALLEGE THE CHILD WAS CHOKING.CHRYSLER REPORTS 60 OWNER/FIELD REPORTS WHICH INDICATED 19 HARNESSES WERE CUT TO REMOVE THE CHILDREN.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO FULLY ASSESS THE SAFETY CONSEQUENCE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AND TO EVALUATE THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION'S RATIONAL FOR NOT CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN.