1997 Dodge Caravan Problems and Recalls (708 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 1997 Dodge Caravan is Airbags (15% of 708 owner reports). There are 15 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Airbags — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 708 complaints · 15 recalls

What problems show up on the 1997 Dodge Caravan?

103 of 708 filings named Airbags (15% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Transmission / driveline (103 reports).

There are 15 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Fuel system, Seat belts, Airbags, Lights, Brakes, Wheels, and Tires. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 1996 has 1,389 reports on file; this year has 708. A smaller lifetime total is not a clean bill of health. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 1997 Dodge Caravan

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 15 campaigns on file below.
  2. Airbags. Confirm the airbag light behaves normally and that open airbag recalls are closed.
  3. Transmission / driveline. Have a shop drive it and check the transmission: hard or delayed shifts, burnt-smelling fluid, and 4WD engagement if equipped.
  4. Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Airbags. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Airbags 103 complaints · 14.6% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 43
  • Fires 36
  • Injuries 52
  • Deaths 4
Compare with 1996 →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Airbags (AIR BAGS) appears in 103 of 708 owner complaints (14.6%) in this vehicle snapshot. Airbags (AIR BAGS): 103 complaints, 14.6% of reports Airbags (AIR BAGS) 22 crash reports 103 · 14.6% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 103 complaints, 14.6% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 3 crash reports 103 · 14.6% Engine (ENGINE): 99 complaints, 14.0% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 12 fire reports 99 · 14.0% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 56 complaints, 7.9% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 8 fire reports 56 · 7.9% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 56 complaints, 7.9% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 6 crash reports 2 fire reports 56 · 7.9% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 53 complaints, 7.5% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 1 crash reports 10 fire reports 53 · 7.5% Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY): 46 complaints, 6.5% of reports Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 46 · 6.5% Steering (STEERING): 26 complaints, 3.7% of reports Steering (STEERING) 26 · 3.7% Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL): 26 complaints, 3.7% of reports Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 2 crash reports 26 · 3.7% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 515 complaints, 72.7% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 35 crash reports 29 fire reports 515 · 72.7% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Airbags (AIR BAGS) 103 14.6% 22 crashes · 0 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 103 14.6% 3 crashes · 0 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 99 14.0% 0 crashes · 12 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 56 7.9% 0 crashes · 8 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 56 7.9% 6 crashes · 2 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 53 7.5% 1 crashes · 10 fires
Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY) 46 6.5% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Steering (STEERING) 26 3.7% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 26 3.7% 2 crashes · 0 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 515 72.7% 35 crashes · 29 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Oct 1996; the first recall shown was reported in Oct 1996. 1996-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 1997-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 1997-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 1997-Q3: 11 owner reports 11 1997-Q4: 12 owner reports 12 1998-Q1: 11 owner reports 11 1998-Q2: 12 owner reports 12 1998-Q3: 18 owner reports 18 1998-Q4: 12 owner reports 12 1999-Q1: 22 owner reports 22 1999-Q2: 10 owner reports 10 1999-Q3: 30 owner reports 30 1999-Q4: 28 owner reports 28 2000-Q1: 19 owner reports 19 2000-Q2: 13 owner reports 13 2000-Q3: 18 owner reports 18 2000-Q4: 26 owner reports 26 2001-Q1: 32 owner reports 32 2001-Q2: 30 owner reports 30 2001-Q3: 31 owner reports 31 2001-Q4: 15 owner reports 15 2002-Q1: 36 owner reports 36 2002-Q2: 37 owner reports 37 2002-Q3: 51 owner reports 51 2002-Q4: 31 owner reports 31 2003-Q1: 29 owner reports 29 2003-Q2: 19 owner reports 19 2003-Q3: 16 owner reports 16 2003-Q4: 18 owner reports 18 2004-Q1: 13 owner reports 13 2004-Q2: 6 owner reports 6 2004-Q3: 5 owner reports 5 2004-Q4: 11 owner reports 11 2005-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2005-Q2: 5 owner reports 5 2005-Q3: 7 owner reports 7 2005-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2006-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2006-Q2: 4 owner reports 4 2006-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2006-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2007-Q1: 4 owner reports 4 2007-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2007-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2007-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2008-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2008-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2008-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2008-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2009-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2009-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2009-Q4: 3 owner reports 3 2010-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2010-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2010-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2010-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2011-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2011-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2011-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2012-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2012-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2012-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2013-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2014-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2014-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2016-Q1: 1 owner reports 1 2022-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 Owner reports Sep 1996 Jul 2022 Recall campaign 97I001000 ◆ Recall campaign 97I001000 Recall campaign 96V215000 ◆ Recall campaign 96V215000 Recall campaign 97V070000 ◆ Recall campaign 97V070000 Recall campaign 97V200000 ◆ Recall campaign 97V200000 Recall campaign 98V185000 ◆ Recall campaign 98V185000 Recall campaign 00V268000 ◆ Recall campaign 00V268000 Recall campaign 02V076000 ◆ Recall campaign 02V076000 Recall campaign 02V293000 ◆ Recall campaign 02V293000 Recall campaign 03E045000 ◆ Recall campaign 03E045000 Recall campaign 03E053000 ◆ Recall campaign 03E053000 Recall campaign 06E022000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E022000 Recall campaign 06E023000 ◆ Recall campaign 06E023000 Recall campaign 09E012000 ◆ Recall campaign 09E012000 Recall campaign 09E025000 ◆ Recall campaign 09E025000 Recall campaign 10E034000 ◆ Recall campaign 10E034000 Investigation SQ96016 ● Investigation SQ96016 Investigation EA97003 ● Investigation EA97003 Investigation PE99010 ● Investigation PE99010 Investigation EA99013 ● Investigation EA99013 Investigation RQ00008 ● Investigation RQ00008 Investigation EA01007 ● Investigation EA01007 Investigation PE02004 ● Investigation PE02004
  • Campaign 00V268000 was reported 1,199 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 02V076000 was reported 1,638 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 02V293000 was reported 1,947 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 06E023000 was reported 2,775 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 09E025000 was reported 3,930 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
1996-Q4 Owner reports 2
1997-Q1 Owner reports 4
1997-Q2 Owner reports 5
1997-Q3 Owner reports 11
1997-Q4 Owner reports 12
1998-Q1 Owner reports 11
1998-Q2 Owner reports 12
1998-Q3 Owner reports 18
1998-Q4 Owner reports 12
1999-Q1 Owner reports 22
1999-Q2 Owner reports 10
1999-Q3 Owner reports 30
1999-Q4 Owner reports 28
2000-Q1 Owner reports 19
2000-Q2 Owner reports 13
2000-Q3 Owner reports 18
2000-Q4 Owner reports 26
2001-Q1 Owner reports 32
2001-Q2 Owner reports 30
2001-Q3 Owner reports 31
2001-Q4 Owner reports 15
2002-Q1 Owner reports 36
2002-Q2 Owner reports 37
2002-Q3 Owner reports 51
2002-Q4 Owner reports 31
2003-Q1 Owner reports 29
2003-Q2 Owner reports 19
2003-Q3 Owner reports 16
2003-Q4 Owner reports 18
2004-Q1 Owner reports 13
2004-Q2 Owner reports 6
2004-Q3 Owner reports 5
2004-Q4 Owner reports 11
2005-Q1 Owner reports 5
2005-Q2 Owner reports 5
2005-Q3 Owner reports 7
2005-Q4 Owner reports 3
2006-Q1 Owner reports 3
2006-Q2 Owner reports 4
2006-Q3 Owner reports 4
2006-Q4 Owner reports 1
2007-Q1 Owner reports 4
2007-Q2 Owner reports 1
2007-Q3 Owner reports 2
2007-Q4 Owner reports 1
2008-Q1 Owner reports 3
2008-Q2 Owner reports 2
2008-Q3 Owner reports 1
2008-Q4 Owner reports 2
2009-Q1 Owner reports 1
2009-Q2 Owner reports 1
2009-Q4 Owner reports 3
2010-Q1 Owner reports 1
2010-Q2 Owner reports 1
2010-Q3 Owner reports 3
2010-Q4 Owner reports 1
2011-Q2 Owner reports 2
2011-Q3 Owner reports 1
2011-Q4 Owner reports 2
2012-Q1 Owner reports 1
2012-Q2 Owner reports 1
2012-Q3 Owner reports 2
2013-Q3 Owner reports 2
2014-Q1 Owner reports 2
2014-Q3 Owner reports 1
2016-Q1 Owner reports 1
2022-Q3 Owner reports 1
Recall campaign 1 97I001000
Recall campaign 1 96V215000
Recall campaign 1 97V070000
Recall campaign 1 97V200000
Recall campaign 1 98V185000
Recall campaign 1 00V268000
Recall campaign 1 02V076000
Recall campaign 1 02V293000
Recall campaign 1 03E045000
Recall campaign 1 03E053000
Recall campaign 1 06E022000
Recall campaign 1 06E023000
Recall campaign 1 09E012000
Recall campaign 1 09E025000
Recall campaign 1 10E034000
Defect investigation 1 SQ96016
Defect investigation 1 EA97003
Defect investigation 1 PE99010
Defect investigation 1 EA99013
Defect investigation 1 RQ00008
Defect investigation 1 EA01007
Defect investigation 1 PE02004
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-09-06 Open source record

Safety Recalls (15)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Fuel system, Seat belts, Airbags, Lights, Brakes, Wheels, and Tires.

  1. Recall campaign 00V268000

    Fuel system

    Report date
    Component:
    Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 02V076000

    Seat belts

    Report date
    Component:
    Seat belts (SEAT BELTS)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  3. Recall campaign 02V293000

    Airbags

    Report date
    Component:
    Airbags (AIR BAGS)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  4. Recall campaign 03E045000

    Safety recall 03E045000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    IF THIS CONDITION OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE COULD STALL. ALSO, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THE FUEL LEAK COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
    Remedy:
    AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 SHORT WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18232 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, OR 0252. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 1995-2000 LONG WHEELBASE CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 18230 AND DATE CODE 0237, 0249, 0251, OR 0304. REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS FOR 2001-2004 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND DODGE CARAVAN MINIVANS PART NO. 28871 AND DATE CODE 0249. THESE PART NUMBERS AND DATE CODES APPEAR ON THE GOLD-TONE FILTER. DISTRIBUTORS AND RETAILERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO ISOLATE AND RETURN AFFECTED INVENTORY. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THE FUEL FILTER SERVICED ON ONE OF THE APPLICABLE VEHICLES AFTER SEPTEMBER 17, 2002 SHOULD RETURN THEIR VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE FACILITY TO BE INSPECTED TO SEE IF THE FUEL FILTER THAT WAS INSTALLED IS ONE THAT IS INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. IF SO, THE OWNERS SHOULD HAVE THE FILTER REPLACED. TO RECEIVE A FULL REFUND PLUS THE COST OF POSTAGE, OWNERS SHOULD CUT THE CONNECTORS FROM THE HOSES, RINSE THE CONNECTORS AND RETURN THEM TOGETHER WITH PROOF OF THE AMOUNT PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART AND LABOR, TO INTERCONTINENTAL AT INTERCONTINENTAL AUTO PARTS, INC., P.O. BOX 861, MAHWAH, NJ 07430, ATTN: FUEL FILTER RECALL. INTERCONTINENTAL WILL MAIL A FULL REFUND TO THE OWNER.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  5. Recall campaign 03E053000

    Safety recall 03E053000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    A POSSIBLE FIRE CAN OCCUR IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
    Remedy:
    WIX WILL NOTIFY ITS CUSTOMERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. NOTE: THIS DOES NOT INVOLVE ANY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. NOR ANY DAILMERCHRYSLER DEALERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2003. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT WIX AT 704-864-6711.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  6. Recall campaign 06E022000

    Safety recall 06E022000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  7. Recall campaign 06E023000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  8. Recall campaign 09E012000

    Safety recall 09E012000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  9. Recall campaign 09E025000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
    Remedy:
    DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  10. Recall campaign 10E034000

    Safety recall 10E034000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    Consequence:
    IF THE AREA IN QUESTION FRACTURES OR BREAKS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN UNSTABLE DRIVING CONDITION, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    CURT MFG WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND WILL REPLACE THE HITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MFG AT 1-715-831-8713.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  11. Recall campaign 96V215000

    Brakes

    Report date
    Component:
    Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)
    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).
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  12. Recall campaign 97I001000

    Seat belts

    Report date
    Component:
    Seat belts (SEAT BELTS)
    Consequence:
    THE LATCH PLATE LOCATED IN THE SEAT CUSHION AREA MUST BE FREE TO MOVE BACK AGAINST ITS STOP AFTER THE BUCKLE IS REMOVED TO ALLOW THE SHOULDER BELTS TO BE PULLED OUT. ALWAYS BE SURE THE AREA AROUND THE LATCH PLATE IS FREE OF FOOD OR OTHER ITEMS THAT MIGHT PREVENT THE LATCH PLATE FROM MOVING BACK.
    Remedy:
    OWNERS ARE BEING PROVIDED WITH A VIDEO TAPE AND 2 HARNESS CLIPS. THE VIDEO TAPE INSTRUCTS OWNERS ON THE PROPER USE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE CHILD SEATS.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  13. Recall campaign 97V070000

    Wheels

    Report date
    Component:
    Wheels (WHEELS)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  14. Recall campaign 97V200000

    Tires

    Report date
    Component:
    Tires (TIRES)
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  15. Recall campaign 98V185000

    Safety recall 98V185000

    Report date
    Component:
    Not available in the source record
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07
Safety incident filters
Showing 10 of 708 complaints · page 1 of 29
2022-07-30Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
NHTSA ODI 11476683
CrashFireInjuryDeath
I know it's my solenoid my vehicle won't go out of 2 gear. My name is [XXX].[XXX] my number is [XXX]. I'm not sure if anything can be done being the vehicle is so old but I thought I'd give it a try. Email is [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
2016-03-11Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 10846117
CrashFireInjuryDeath
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
2014-09-22Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 10638100
CrashFireInjuryDeath
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE RADIO STOP WORKING AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE, AIR BAG AND BATTERY WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
2014-03-24Steering (STEERING)
NHTSA ODI 10574469
CrashFireInjuryDeath
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHENEVER THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING OVER A PUDDLE OF WATER, CAUSING THE SERPENTINE BELT TO BECOME DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THREE DIFFERENT TIMES WHERE THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS RECONNECTED EACH TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
2014-03-23Engine (ENGINE)
NHTSA ODI 10574237
CrashFireInjuryDeath
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ON, THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED AND THE ENGINE REMAINS ON. *TR
2013-08-24EXTERIOR LIGHTING
NHTSA ODI 10537090
CrashFireInjuryDeath
MY WIFE PARK THE VAN INSIDE THE GARAGE, TURN OFF THE RADIO, ENGINE AND LIGHTS. SHE OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR AND SEE FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING BY THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLER. AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE VAN WERE ON. SHE REMOVE THE KIDS FROM THE VAN AND MY SON CALL 911.POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, REMOVE THE VAN FROM THE GARAGE AND CHECK IT AND FOUND POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION .CHECK THE VAN TODAY 8-24 2013 AND FOUND THAT THE FIRE START AT THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH. DIM SWITCH OK AND MIRROR SWITCH OK. THE FIRE DAMAGE THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD, WINDSHIELD, SUN VISOR AND CELLING. I HAVE THIS VAN SINCE NEW, NEVER HAVE A PROBLEM BEFORE. AND NEVER SEE A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. *TR
2013-08-01Airbags (AIR BAGS)
NHTSA ODI 10533105
CrashFireInjuryDeath
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES AND SCRATCHES TO THE RIGHT ARM WHEN THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
2012-08-04Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 10469169
CrashFireInjuryDeath
WHILE PARKED AT A STOP SIGN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. A FIRE THEN APPEARED COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. 911 WAS CALLED AND FIRE SQUAD CAME. WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WERE USED BUT IT COULD NOT PUT OUT THE FIRE. FIRE TRUCK CAME AND BY THIS TIME THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIREMEN USED WATER TO FINALLY CONTROL THE FIRE. FIRE RESTARTED AND HAD TO BE PUT OUT AGAIN AND EVENTUALLY THE FIRE WAS COMPLETELY EXTINGUISHED. IT WAS PERHAPS ONLY 10 MINUTES FOR THE FIRE TO START, SPREAD, AND COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY DESTROY THE VAN. BECAUSE OF THE INTENSITY, QUICKNESS OF THE FIRE, AND THE DIFFICULTY IN PUTTING IT OUT, IT APPEARS TO BE A FUEL RELATED FIRE. I READ THAT DODGE HAD FUEL LINE "O" RINGS THAT COULD BE DEFECTIVE AND THAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE. I CALLED DODGE HEADQUARTERS AND EXPLAINED THE EVENT. I AM STILL WAITING FOR A CALL BACK. *TR
2012-07-11Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)
NHTSA ODI 10465246
CrashFireInjuryDeath
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE WINDOWS BECAME FOGGY, CAUSING VERY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS FOR THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PERSONAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER THE CONTACT HAD JUST REPLACED THE SERPINITINE BELT 2,000 MILES PRIOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 114,000.
2012-04-23Steering (STEERING)Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 10456088
CrashFireInjuryDeath
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE ROD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED.THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 1997 Dodge Caravan?

Owners named Airbags most often — 103 of 708 reports (15%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 1997 Dodge Caravan?

NHTSA lists 15 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Fuel system, Seat belts, Airbags, Lights, Brakes, Wheels, and Tires. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 1997 Dodge Caravan?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Confirm the airbag light behaves normally and that open airbag recalls are closed. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources