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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 →

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 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2000
Seat Belts

IN VEHICLE, REAR 3RD ROW PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER RESTRAINT/SEAT BELT DEVICE FAILED. THE FAILURE WAS THAT AT ROOF ANCHOR POINT, THE BOLT ASSEMBLY "UNSCREWED" AND FELL OUT WHEN DAUGHTER ATTEMPTED TO SECURE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY. THERE WAS NO INJURY, BUT SHOULD THIS BOLT BE ABLE TO DO THIS? THERE HAD BEEN NO PHYSICAL CONTACT OUTSID…

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IN VEHICLE, REAR 3RD ROW PASSENGER SIDE SHOULDER RESTRAINT/SEAT BELT DEVICE FAILED. THE FAILURE WAS THAT AT ROOF ANCHOR POINT, THE BOLT ASSEMBLY "UNSCREWED" AND FELL OUT WHEN DAUGHTER ATTEMPTED TO SECURE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY. THERE WAS NO INJURY, BUT SHOULD THIS BOLT BE ABLE TO DO THIS? THERE HAD BEEN NO PHYSICAL CONTACT OUTSIDE OF NORMAL SEATBELT USE. IF A COLLISION HAD OCCURRED AT THE TIME THIS BOLT WAS FAILING, THE RESTRAINT SAFTEY SYSTEM COULD HAVE FAILED CAUSING INJURY AND/OR DEATH WHEN IT OUGHT NOT BE POSSIBLE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND RESPOND. VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO CHRYSLER DEALER FOR REINSTALLATION. ALSO, ALL OTHER ANCHORS OUGHT BE REMOVED AND REINSTALLED TO INSURE NO OCCURRANCES OF SAME.

NHTSA ODI #725079

Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

OXYGEN SENSOR REPLACED. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WILL COME ON THE DASHBOARD RED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #864787

Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2000
Visibility

WINDSHIELD WIPERS SELF ACTIVATE WHILE DRIVING. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM WILL BE REPAIRED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #864769

Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2000
Latches/locks/linkages

DEAL SAID CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM, BUT I NOTICE THERE IS A DIFFERENCE LACTH MECHANISM BETWEEN THE RIGHT AND LEFT DOORS. THE RIGHT DOOR HAS ONE LATCH AND THE LEFT HAS TWO LATCHES. *AK

NHTSA ODI #724264

Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2000
Visibility

WINDSHIELD WIPERS OCCASSIONALLY COME ON BY THEMSELVES (EVEN WHEN THE WIPER SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION) AND RUN UNTIL THE DRIVER JIGGLES THE SWITCH A LITTLE TO STOP THEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #724004

Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2000
Air BagsVehicle Speed Control

AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT WON'T GO OFF. ALSO, IT AFFECTED CRUISER CONTROL. MECHANIC TOLD CONSUMER THAT IT COULD BE A DEFECTIVE CLOCK SPRING. *AK

NHTSA ODI #863284

Mileage unknown · May 30, 2000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCATIONED, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. ALSO, BRAKE ROTORS RUSTED THROUGH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #862731

Mileage unknown · May 18, 2000
Equipment

SPARE TIRE CARRIER CONTINUALLY BECAME LOOSE AND MADE A CLUNKING SOUND. DEALER NOTIFIED AND TIGHTENED IT. PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. *AK *ML

NHTSA ODI #862148

Mileage unknown · May 9, 2000
Electrical SystemEquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

I FEEL THIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON SOME OF THE PROBLEMS IT HAS. THEY ARE DEFENITELY A MAJOR FACTOR IN SAFETY. I HOPE THESE PROBLEMS ARE FIXED IN THE NEWER MODLES BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE PURCHASE MINI-VANS FOR THEIR FAMILY OR COMPANY VEHICLE. THEREFORE, THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE I FEEL COULD PROBABLY FALL UNDER THE LEMON LA…

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I FEEL THIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON SOME OF THE PROBLEMS IT HAS. THEY ARE DEFENITELY A MAJOR FACTOR IN SAFETY. I HOPE THESE PROBLEMS ARE FIXED IN THE NEWER MODLES BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE PURCHASE MINI-VANS FOR THEIR FAMILY OR COMPANY VEHICLE. THEREFORE, THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE I FEEL COULD PROBABLY FALL UNDER THE LEMON LAW. OR, MANUFACTORS ARE JUST MAKING A BIG PROFIT AND ARE NOT CONSIDERING THE SAFETY OF THEIR DRIVERS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM PUT THEIR FAMILY IN A VEHICLE WITH THE PROBLEMS MINE HAS AND QUARANTEE THEIR SAFETY.*AK

NHTSA ODI #722471

Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2000
Power Train

I CONTACTED DODGE AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS NOT A COMMON PROBLEM, HOWEVER SINCE MY TRANSMISSION FAILED, I HAVE HEARD FROM SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT DODGE HAS THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR MINIVANS BETWEEN 75,000 AND 85,000 MILES. I EVEN SPOKE TO A MECHANIC AT A DODGE DEALERSHIP WHO SAID THAT IT IS FAIRLY COMMON.

NHTSA ODI #722107

Official recalls

7

02V293000 · 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

7

PE02004 · 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.