1997 Dodge Caravan

714 federal complaints (1,028 component records) · 7 recall campaigns on file · 7 federal investigations · 134 service bulletins · 8 Canadian recalls
See all 34 model years of the Dodge Caravan →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
18 city / 23 hwy
Federal complaints
714
Recall campaigns
7
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
154
Engine & cooling
145
Power train
142
Electrical system
109
Brakes
79
Fuel system
66
Glass & wipers
59
Speed control
45
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 40 complaints01 years old: 55 complaints2 years old: 52 complaints3 years old: 74 complaints4 years old: 80 complaints5 years old: 101 complaints56 years old: 56 complaints7 years old: 27 complaints8 years old: 15 complaints9 years old: 12 complaints10 years old: 4 complaints1011 years old: 7 complaints12 years old: 6 complaints13 years old: 4 complaints14 years old: 3 complaints15 years old: 4 complaints1516 years old: 2 complaints17 years old: 2 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 546 of 714 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 7 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 8 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 9 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 16 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 21 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 18 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 12 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 7 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 5 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 5 complaints200,000+ miles: 4 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 112 of 714 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

154 complaint records27 crash reports
"CLOCK SPRING WAS REPLACED DUE TO AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH COMING ON, AND CRUISE CONTROL FAILING TO FUNCTION. *AK *SLC..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

145 complaint records24 fire reports
"THE ENGINE BLEW UP WHEN THE DRIVER ACCIDENTLY RAN INTO A PUDDLE OF WATER. CHRYSLER SAID IT WAS THE DRIVER'S FAULT. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Power train

142 complaint records1 fire report3 crash reports
"CONSUMER STATES TRANSMISSION FAILED, CONSUMER PAID $2,500 TO REPLACE SENSOR AND TRANSMISSION, MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *TT..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE02004
opened Jan 2002
closed Mar 2002Seat BeltsREAR SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION - led to recall 02V076000
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...
EA01007
opened Feb 2001
closed Nov 2002Electrical SystemAIR BAG CLOCKSPRING - led to recall 02V293000
There is no summary currently available
RQ00008
opened Mar 2000
closed Mar 2002Vehicle Speed ControlDC MINIVAN FUEL INJECTOR RAIL LEAK - led to recall 00V268000
There is no summary currently available
EA99013
opened Jun 1999
closed Aug 2001Fuel System, GasolinePOST COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM
PE99010
opened Feb 1999
closed Jun 1999Fuel System, GasolinePOST-COLLISION FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY
There is no summary currently available
Show 2 more closed investigations
InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA97003
opened Jan 1997
closed Aug 1998Child SeatINTEGRATED CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKUP - led to recall 98V185000
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
opened Sep 1996
closed Feb 1997Seat BeltsINTEGRATED CHILD SEAT BELT LOCKUP
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...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
02V293000Air BagsON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN WOUND INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.Normally free
02V076000Seat BeltsON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SOME TRIM MATERIAL CAN LOOSEN AND DROP INTO THE REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.Normally free
00V268000Fuel System, GasolineVEHICLE 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.Normally free
98V185000Child SeatVEHICLE 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.Normally free
97V200000TiresVEHICLE 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.Normally free
97V070000WheelsTHE STEEL ROAD WHEELS WERE DAMAGED BY THE EQUIPMENT USED TO MATCH MOUNT THE WHEEL TO THE TIRE.Normally free
96V215000Service Brakes, HydraulicTHE 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2002201
2002-11-06
Airbag240,667On certain vehicles, the clockspring assembly may have been backwound during the vehicle assembly process. This could illuminate the air bag warning lamp and may eventually result in a driver's air bag open circuit.
2002048
2002-03-15
Accessories124,583On certain short wheel base mini vans the D-pillar mastic sound barrier patch can loosen and drop into the rear outboard seat belt assembly, causing the seat belt to become inoperative.
2000215
2000-10-03
Fuel System183,085On certain vehicles equipped with the 3.3L or 3.8L engine the Nitrile "O-ring" seals used in the fuel rail may degrade over time and extended exposure to elevated temperatures.
1998168
1998-08-26
Seats And Restraints15,777NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT. THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT SAFETY BELT LATCH MECHANISM MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED CAUSING THE SEAT BELT RELEASE MECHANISM TO STICK AND PREVENT THE RETRACTOR FROM RELEASING.
1997202
1997-11-19
Suspension5,519NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH P215/65R15 GOODYEAR CONQUEST TIRES MOUNTED ON STEEL WHEELS. THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE TIRE BEADS ON THESE VEHICLES WERE CUT DURING MOUNTING TO THE WHEEL.
Show 3 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
1997107
1997-06-05
Brakes1,176NOTE: THIS RECALL SUPERSEDES RECALL 96-174 (CHRYSLER RECALL-707) THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER ON THESE VEHICLES MAY ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK PAST THE REAR PISTON GUIDE INTO THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER.
1997097
1997-05-07
Suspension18NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH STEEL ROAD WHEELS. THE STEEL ROAD WHEELS MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPMENT DAMAGED DURING THE MATCH MOUNT (WHEEL TO TIRE) PROCESS. A SCORE MARK MAY HAVE BEEN MADE ON THE WHEEL WHICH COULD AFFECT ITS DURABILITY.
1996174
1996-11-06
Brakes1,100NOTE: THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERSEDED BY RECALL 97-107 (CHRYSLER-714). THE MASTER CYLINDER REAR SEAL BETWEEN THE HYDRAULIC FLUID AND THE VACUUM RESERVOIR, MAY NOT SEAL ADEQUATELY.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
08-049-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentCharging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
31-006-19
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
31-003-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse 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 parts.
31-005-19
Nov 2019
EquipmentUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100619
Nov 2019
StructureRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
3100319
Nov 2019
StructureUse 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 parts.
3100519
Nov 2019
StructureUse of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
R2118796A
Feb 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingValve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
23-014-15
Apr 2015
EquipmentChild Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability.
0500106A
Sep 2006
Service BrakesSNOW/WATER INGESTION INTO REAR BRAKE DRUM. *KB
0500305
Mar 2006
Service BrakesSNOW/WATER INGESTION INTO REAR BRAKE DRUM. *TT
0500204
Jun 2005
Service BrakesSNOW/WATER INGESTION INTO REAR BRAKE DRUM. *TT
1900303
Aug 2003
SteeringPOP/TICK SOUND IN STEERING WHEEL AREA. *TT
2304402
Oct 2002
StructureCOSMETIC CORROSION OR PERFORATION AT UPPER STRUT TOWER/S USUALLY BETWEEN THE STRUT AND UPPER LOAD PATH BEAM INNER PANEL (INNER FENDER). *TT
0500102A
Sep 2002
Service BrakesSNOW/WATER INGESTION INTO REAR BRAKE DRUM. *YD THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES 05-001-02 DATED MARCH 4, 2002. *TT
0801102
Aug 2002
Air BagsCONCERNS WITH THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR LAMP ON INTERMITTENTLY OR CONSTANTLY. *TT
1802002
Jun 2002
Unknown Or OtherFLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC
2301502
Apr 2002
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *SLC
1900801
Nov 2001
SteeringEXPERIENCING A POP/TICK SOUND HEARD COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AREA WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. *TT
0700601
Nov 2001
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE HOSE CLAMP SERVICE. *TT
0900801
Nov 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING CAMSHAFT / BEARING SERVICE. *TT
2302701
Sep 2001
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT
0200401
Jul 2001
SuspensionEXPERIENCING A SQUAWK / CREAK / GROAN SOUND FROM FRONT SUSPENSION WHILE DRIVING OVER ROUGH / BUMPY ROADS. *TT
0801001
May 2001
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING AIRBAG / CLOCK SPRING SERVICE FOR VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2002 MODEL YEAR JEEP LIBERTY. *TT
1801201
May 2001
EquipmentSUBJECT REGARDING GENERIC SCAN TOOL (GST), PUBLICATION NO. 81-170-00008 PROVIDED WITH THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO PROVIDE REFERENCE INFORMATION WHEN USING GENERIC SCAN TOOL ON OBDII VEHICLES. *TT
0500301
Apr 2001
Service BrakesA CONDITION MAY EXIST WHERE A LOW FREQUENCY HOWL / MOAN NOISE IS HEARD FROM THE REAR BRAKE AREA DURING LOW SPEED AND / OR LOW SPEED TURNS SUCH AS A PARKING LOT MANEUVER, WITH NO BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE APPLIED. *TT
0500101
Feb 2001
Service BrakesON SOME VEHICLES, WHILE DRIVING THROUGH DEEP OR BLOWING SNOW / WATER, THE SNOW / WATER MAY ENTER THE REAR BRAKE DRUMS CAUSING RUST TO DEVELOP ON THE REAR BRAKE DRUM AND SHOE FRICTION SURFACES. THIS CONDITION CAN LEAD TO TEMPORARY FREEZING OF THE REAR BRAKE LININGS TO THE DRUMS.
0800600REV
Dec 2000
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING WIRE SPLICE REPAIRS. *SB
2303400A
Dec 2000
VisibilitySUBJECT REGARDING OUTSIDE MIRROR GLASS REPLACEMENT. *TT
2601200
Dec 2000
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION ON SERVICE PUBLICATION UPDATES. *JB
2300800B
Nov 2000
SeatsSUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
2304200
Nov 2000
StructureEXPERIENCING A CHATTER SOUND COMING FROM THE SLIDING DOOR POWER LOCK ACTUATOR(S) WHEN THE POWER LOCK FEATURE IS REPEATEDLY ACTIVATED. *TT
082700
Sep 2000
Air BagsSUBJECT REGARDING NON-DEPLOYED AIRBAG HANDLING PROCEDURES. *TT
231100A
Apr 2000
StructureA CONDITION EXIST WHERE THE ROOF PANEL SURFACE EXHIBITS WAVINESS OR DEPRESSION(S) NEAR THE FRONT OF THE CHARACTER FEATURES OR SKID STRIP FOR ROOF RACK EQUIPPED VEHICLES. *TT
231100
Mar 2000
StructureTHIS BULLETIN CONTAINS PROCECURES TO REMOVE WAVINESS OR DEPRESSIONS FROM THE ROOF PANEL SURFACE. *TT
230800
Mar 2000
SeatsSUBJECT REGARDING CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
080600
Feb 2000
Electrical SystemTHIS BULLETIN PROVIDES A REVISED WIRE SPLICE PROCEDURE AND RELATED PARTS. *TT
190999
Feb 2000
SteeringA CONDITION WHERE A CLICK / RATTLE SOUND MAY BE HEARD COMING FROM THE AREA OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE THE VHICLE IS IN MOTION. *TT
180100
Feb 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING MISDIAGNOSED LEAK DETECTION PUMP SYSTEMS WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1494, P0442 P0455, OR P0456. *TT
180200
Feb 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingCONCERNS WITH THE PCV VALVE FREEZING UNDER EXTREMELY COLD CONDITIONS. *TT
051099
Jan 2000
Service BrakesINFORMATION REGARDING SNOW / WATER ENTERING THE REAR BRAKE DRUMS. *TT
084599
Dec 1999
EquipmentVEHICLE OPERATOR MAY COMPLAIN OF POOR AM RADIO RECEPTION. *TT
083799
Nov 1999
Air BagsDAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION IS NOW OFFERINB AIRBAG ON / OFF SWITCHES FOR SELECTED VEHICLES. *TT
050999
Nov 1999
Parking BrakeINFORMATION ON REAR WHEEL PARK BRAKE ACTUATOR / LEVER SERVICE. *TT
233599REVA
Oct 1999
StructureSUBJECT ON THE CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *MJS
190699
Sep 1999
Electrical SystemINFORMATION REGARDING THE IGNITION SWITCH HOUSING SERVICE. *TT
210599A
Sep 1999
Power TrainTHIS BULLETIN ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILITY AND INSTALLATION OF A RESUABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT
233599
Sep 1999
SeatsINFORMATION ON CHILD SEAT TETHER ANCHORS. *TT
082799
Aug 1999
Vehicle Speed ControlCONCERNS WITH SPEED CONTROL WHICH DOES NOT MAINTAIN SET SPEED WHILE CLIMBING A GRADE. *TT
181299
Jun 1999
Power TrainTHIS BULLETIN EXPLAINS THE OPERATION AND APPLICATION OF THE LEAK DETECTION PUMP (LDP) MONITOR TEST. *TT
230199A
Jun 1999
StructureEXPERIENCING TICK TYPE NOISE AT TOP OF LEFT B-PILLAR. *TT
070299
Jun 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingCONCERNS WITH SERPENTINE BELT SLIPPING OFF IDLER PULLEY. *TT
220399
Apr 1999
TiresSUBJECT PERTAINING TO SMOOTH ROAD HIGH-SPEED VIBRATION OR SHAKE CONDITION. *TT
220299
Apr 1999
TiresCUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF LOW SPEED TIRE WOBBLE. *TT
210699
Apr 1999
Vehicle Speed ControlCONDITIONS WITH INTERMITTENT LOSS OF SPEED CONTROL. *TT
210599
Mar 1999
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING REUSABLE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PAN GASKET. *TT
180599
Feb 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingCONCERNS WITH SAGS / HESITATION / STUMBLE / START & STALL, A/C BUMP IMPROVEMENTS, ADDITION OF LEAK DETECTION PUMP (LDP) MONITOR TEST. *TT
210499
Feb 1999
Power TrainSERVICE AND PARTS INFORMATION ON 1999 RUNNING CHANGES TO TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR (TRS) *TT
230399
Feb 1999
StructureCONCERNS WITH FRONT AND / OR SLIDING DOOR POWER LOCK MOTORS MAKING A WHIRLING NOISE. *TT
230199
Jan 1999
StructureSUBJECT PERTAINING TO A TICKING TYPE NOISE AT TOP OF LEFT B-PILLAR. *TT

Showing 60 of 134 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Dodge Caravan →