1997 Dodge Grand Caravan

583 federal complaints (857 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 6 federal investigations · 8 service bulletins · 8 Canadian recalls
See all 35 model years of the Dodge Grand Caravan →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
18 city / 23 hwy
Federal complaints
583
Recall campaigns
5
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.

Engine & cooling
129
Electrical system
117
Air bags
111
Power train
85
Brakes
69
Glass & wipers
66
Speed control
49
Steering
40
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: 35 complaints01 years old: 45 complaints2 years old: 44 complaints3 years old: 59 complaints4 years old: 85 complaints5 years old: 62 complaints56 years old: 33 complaints7 years old: 32 complaints8 years old: 20 complaints9 years old: 13 complaints10 years old: 9 complaints1011 years old: 9 complaints12 years old: 6 complaints13 years old: 7 complaints14 years old: 5 complaints15 years old: 3 complaints1516 years old: 2 complaints17 years old: 4 complaints18 years old: 5 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 2 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 481 of 583 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 2 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 4 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 7 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 17 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 29 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 23 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 22 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 13 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 6 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 4 complaints200,000+ miles: 5 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 132 of 583 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.

Engine & cooling

129 complaint records26 fire reports2 crash reports
"CONSUMER HEARD A TICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE, DEALER FOUND THE RIGHT BACK REAR ROCKER ARM SUPPORT BROKEN. *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 engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Electrical system

117 complaint records25 fire reports3 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, VAN STARTED SHAKING, TURNED OUT TO BE THE DISTRIBUTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (NOT THE CAP). *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 electrical system parts in the directory →

Air bags

111 complaint records1 fire report11 crash reports
"AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING, DEALER FOUND CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK *YH..."- 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 →

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
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
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.
Show 1 more closed investigations
InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
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
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
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
EquipmentRepair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
Show 3 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.

Before you buy this vehicle

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

  1. 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.
  2. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  3. 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.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 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 Grand Caravan →