1997 Dodge Caravan
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Dodge › Caravan › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Dodge Caravan. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
15 recalls name the 1997 Dodge Caravan. Newest first.
Curt mfg IS recalling certain class 3 receiver hitches, p/n 13347, sold as aftermarket equipment for use on 1997-2007 chrysler town and country vans, 1996-2007 dodge caravans, and 1996-2004 plymouth voyager vans. when the hitch IS loaded to the maximum rating, the hitch may fracture or break at the bend location where the main body of the hitch meets the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain ford, daimlerchrysler, and jeep passenger vehicles. these brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. only products that were manufactured from july 27, 2005 through january 17, 2006…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Certain aftermarket replacement fuel filters, models wix filter part numbers 33576, 33577, 33734; napa filter part numbers 3576, 3577, 3734; and carquest filter part numbers 86576, 86577, 86734 used on 1996-2000 daimlerchrysler town & country, dodge caravan, and plymouth voyager vehicles, can cause the fuel lines to leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Aftermarket replacement fuel filters manufactured between september 17, 2002, and january 20, 2003, sold under the brand names listed above. the filter may experience malfunction of the quick connector either blocking fuel flow to the engine or causing a fuel leak. this does not involve any products manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corp. Nor any…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
On certain MINI vans, the clockspring assembly may have been wound incorrectly during the vehicle assembly process.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
On certain minivans, some trim material can loosen and drop into the rear outboard seat belt assembly, causing the seat belt to become inoperative.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
The steel road wheels were damaged by the equipment used to match mount the wheel to the tire.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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).
Vehicle description: multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped with integral child seats. this IS not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation 573. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. on the integral child seat, the shoulder belts restraining the child retract and lock in place after the belt buckle IS…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
714 complaints44 involved a crash37 involved a fire54 injuries4 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train · Unknown or other
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).
- Electrical system
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…
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.
- Electrical system
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…
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.
- Steering
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…
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.
- Engine
When the vehicle IS on, the key can be removed and the engine remains on. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
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…
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
- Air bags
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.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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
- Steering · Visibility/wiper
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…
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.
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
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.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Was traveling home from work, rush hour traffic heavy but moving close to posted speed limit (65 mph). Traffic slowed in front of me and I also slowed, then traffic came to a sudden stop, so I also increased pressure on the brakes. While doing so, the pedal went right to the floor, I lost brake…
Was traveling home from work, rush hour traffic heavy but moving close to posted speed limit (65 mph). Traffic slowed in front of me and I also slowed, then traffic came to a sudden stop, so I also increased pressure on the brakes. While doing so, the pedal went right to the floor, I lost brake pressure and started moving to the left to avoid a collision but was not able to. My van hit the car in front of me. I had time and space to stop and not collide if the brakes would not have failed, but when I lost brakes, the distance between my van and the car in front of me closed too quickly for me to avoid the collision. The van was damaged on the front right (passenger) side, but when I got the van back home off of the tow truck, I saw brake fluid on my driveway from the driver's side of the van. A few days later I got the van on jackstands to locate the fluid leak and found the problem to be terribly corroded brake lines running along the driver's side of the vehicle in the area of the driver's door. There IS some flexible steel braided line and where it joins the rigid line, there IS a so much corrosion that the line IS literally rusting away. Searching on the internet I have found this IS a very common problem with chrysler minivans from 1997 to 2000. I feel it IS a manufacturing problem. I am 55 years old and have worked on cars all of my adult life and have never seen brake lines corrode like this. As there are many vans like mine on the road, I wonder how many other vans have brake lines that are in similar condition as the ones on this van? It was simply a matter of time before these lines would fail. Now when I drive in traffic and see a chrysler product van I ask myself "does that driver know anything about the brake line problem?" I think people need to be informed! There are so many potential accidents just waiting to happen! Chrysler needs to do something! *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated while driving 65 mph the vehicle lost power steering, the engine overheated, the alternator and air conditioner failed. The vehicle merged onto the side of the road and the contact inspected the engine and noticed the serpentine belt…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated while driving 65 mph the vehicle lost power steering, the engine overheated, the alternator and air conditioner failed. The vehicle merged onto the side of the road and the contact inspected the engine and noticed the serpentine belt detached from the pulley and was dragging on the ground. The contact connected the belt back onto the pulley. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and stated there was no failure; however, the pulley could be replaced for $1000. This failure occurred several times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000 and the current mileage was 210,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
While driving the ABS system activated even though the pavement was dry. The problem IS that the ABS system prevented the brakes from functioning at all and I rolled through an intersection even though I was pressing firmly on the brake pedal. The ABS warning indicator eventually illuminates…
While driving the ABS system activated even though the pavement was dry. The problem IS that the ABS system prevented the brakes from functioning at all and I rolled through an intersection even though I was pressing firmly on the brake pedal. The ABS warning indicator eventually illuminates indicating something IS wrong with the system however, I don't think it should have failed in such a way as to prevent any braking action from occurring. this problem has only happened once but I was very lucky that no other vehicles were traveling through that intersection at the same time that this problem caused me to roll through it while the stoplight was red for me. *kb
- Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel leak in engine compartment from degrading o-rings on fuel injection rail. Fuel dripping onto engine from fuel rail clamp o-rings replaced previously on nhtsa recall campaign ID number 00v268000 in 2002. Contacted daimler chrysler at 800-853-1403 requesting dangerous repeat problem with fuel…
Fuel leak in engine compartment from degrading o-rings on fuel injection rail. Fuel dripping onto engine from fuel rail clamp o-rings replaced previously on nhtsa recall campaign ID number 00v268000 in 2002. Contacted daimler chrysler at 800-853-1403 requesting dangerous repeat problem with fuel o-rings be repaired by dealer at no-charge.manufacturer declined free repair request stating my 1997 vehicle has too many miles.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated while driving 25 mph the headlights malfunctioned and the vehicle stalled. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic for a diagnostic test who confirmed that the body control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. the…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated while driving 25 mph the headlights malfunctioned and the vehicle stalled. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic for a diagnostic test who confirmed that the body control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. the contact did not have the body control module replaced. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the failure. the contact stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive at night. the failure mileage was 164,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. the contact noticed steam coming from the front end of the vehicle as the radiator overheated and exploded. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was awaiting diagnosis. the contact did not inform the manufacturer. the failure mileage was unknown. the vin was unavailable.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the engine suddenly caught fire while he was driving at approximately 30 mph. The contact called the fire department to extinguish the fire and a fire report was available. The entire engine compartment was burned. The contact called…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the engine suddenly caught fire while he was driving at approximately 30 mph. The contact called the fire department to extinguish the fire and a fire report was available. The entire engine compartment was burned. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that they would send someone to inspect the vehicle. The local dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in recall 00v268000 (fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system). The vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 170,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph in rainy weather, the fan belt suddenly failed, causing the steering and air conditioning system to also fail. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where the contact was informed that the fan belt was not in a…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph in rainy weather, the fan belt suddenly failed, causing the steering and air conditioning system to also fail. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where the contact was informed that the fan belt was not in a location around the fan unit to hold it in place and would fail again if wet. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000 and the current mileage was approximately 33,000.
- Electrical system · Visibility
1997 dodge caravan. starting at about 30,000 miles, the windshield wipers would mysteriously come on, make 4 to 5 wipes and turn off. we made jokes about the ghost riding with us. it was an intermittent problem, happening about every month or six weeks. it could not be reproduced on demand.…
1997 dodge caravan. starting at about 30,000 miles, the windshield wipers would mysteriously come on, make 4 to 5 wipes and turn off. we made jokes about the ghost riding with us. it was an intermittent problem, happening about every month or six weeks. it could not be reproduced on demand. finally, at 72,000, the windshield wipers refused to turn on from the stalk--except when the windshield was given a "squirt" of fluid by lifting up on the turn signal/wiper control stalk, then they gave the regular three wipes and turned off. the dealer replaced the entire switch unit. it did not help. then they called chrysler's "super tech 800 number" and no help was provided. since the car could not be inspected with no wiper function, the entire body control module was replaced (computer) which fixed the problem. cost: $741.00. since all of the mechanical parts of the wiper system worked, if this happened again, I determined I would simply pull a hot wire through the dash to an "on-off" switch and connect that up to the wiper feed--estimated cost of less than $10.00. *Tr
- Steering
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge grand caravan. while driving approximately 10 mph in rainy weather conditions, the steering wheel locked and would not steer to the left or right and then it the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who stated that the serpentine belt…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge grand caravan. while driving approximately 10 mph in rainy weather conditions, the steering wheel locked and would not steer to the left or right and then it the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who stated that the serpentine belt came off. the belt was put replaced and the contact was informed this was a known failure for his year, make and model vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 150,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. the contact stated while stopped at a traffic stop there was an unusual noise coming from the vehicle. She then noticed there were flames coming from the front drivers side fender. The fire department was called and was able to extinguish the fire. A fire…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. the contact stated while stopped at a traffic stop there was an unusual noise coming from the vehicle. She then noticed there were flames coming from the front drivers side fender. The fire department was called and was able to extinguish the fire. A fire report was available. The vehicle was towed to an undisclosed location. The contact believed nhtsa recall campaign ID number: 00v268000 (fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system) was the cause the failure. The manufacturer advised her that her vin was not included in the recall. The failure and current mileages were 175,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
1997 dodge caravan gas on the inside of the car*cw the consumer stated after he filled the gas tank, it quickly ran out. As the consumer was going back to the gas station, the vehicle caught on fire under the hood. The consumer was able to get out of the vehicle safely. The fire department came to…
1997 dodge caravan gas on the inside of the car*cw the consumer stated after he filled the gas tank, it quickly ran out. As the consumer was going back to the gas station, the vehicle caught on fire under the hood. The consumer was able to get out of the vehicle safely. The fire department came to put the fire out. The consumer was then informed the fuel rail had burst and came loose which caused fuel to leak, which caused the fire. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Vehicle metal brake lines rusted to the point of failure. on a 1997 dodge caravan, the metal tube brake lines leading from the distribution box to the rear brake wheel cylinders rusted to the point that they failed under use. vehicle brake lines had to be replaced totally, and the failure occurred without warning. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Belt slipped off my 1997 dodge caravan.... also when I got home fell from tow truck because of ice !~! but would not of happen if a recall would have happened already look at all those complaints out there.. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Serpentine belt slips off pulley system when driven through standing water in road,this disables power steering,cooling and battery,which in turn disables lights,power windows and fuel pump. I have encountered this problem several times with both my 97 and 98 caravan. belt IS dried off and re attached. *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear seat belt malfunction
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…
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.
- Air bag clockspring
There is no summary currently available
- Dc minivan fuel injector rail leak
There is no summary currently available
- Post collision fuel system
- Post-collision fuel system integrity
There is no summary currently available
- Integrated child seat belt lockup
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.
- Integrated 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 of food or beverage residue accumulates on the latching…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10220101Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10220099Use 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.
- 10220097Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10191460Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
- 10175735Charging 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.
- 10169249Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
- 10169247Use 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.
- 10169245Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
- 10150552Child Seat Tether Anchor Installation This bulletin describes procedures to install Child Seat Tether Anchors based on Customer Request. Retrofits are subject to part availability. Vehicles in the following list that are marked **** for the model year are no longer supported with OEM retrofit kits. NOTE: Dealers are encouraged to honor any customers? request for the installation of the Child Seat Tether Anchors and Dealer reimbursement will be made by FCA US LLC regardless of vehicle age or mileage. See the Warranty Policy and Procedure Manual and/or Warranty Bulletin D-08-33 for reimbursement detail.
- 10020494Snow/water ingestion into rear brake drum.
- 10019632Snow/water ingestion into rear brake drum.
- 10005996Snow/water ingestion into rear brake drum.
- 10003545Pop/tick sound in steering wheel area.
- 10000317Cosmetic corrosion or perforation at upper strut tower/s usually between the strut and upper load path beam inner panel (inner fender).
- 6092304Subject regarding non-deployed airbag handling procedures.
- 6089804Information on rear wheel park brake actuator / lever service.
- 6089800Daimlerchrysler corporation IS now offerinb airbag on / off switches for selected vehicles.
- 6089711Information regarding snow / water entering the rear brake drums.
- 6089389Test
- 6089311Concerns with a/c evaporator odor. *Nlm
- 6089078Concern with water leak onto the passenger side floor from the hvac housing. *Nlm
- 6089064Concerns with high effort required to u nlatch rear bench seats from the floor. *Nlm
- 6089053This bulletin involves sliding door poor fit - low at rear. *Nlm
- 6089038Information on tire and wheel runout. *Nlm
- 6089028Information on 41te/42le service information. *Nlm
- 6089026This bulletin involves transmission fluid auxiliary cooler. *Nlm
- 6088988Concerns with 41te/42le transaxle shudder during an emcc (electronically modulated converter clutch) shift. *Nlm
- 6088986Information on all wheel drive (AWD) system seal replacement. *Nlm
- 6088983This bulletin involves vibration/drone at all vehicle speeds and/or slight jerk during initial acceleration and/or coming to a full stop. *Nlm
- 6088974This bulletin involves intermittent popping on front end. *Nlm
- 6088966Concerns with "honk" noise during parking lot maneuvers. *Nlm
- 6088944Concerns with "honk" noise during parking lot maneuvers. *Nlm
- 6088926Information on no start diagnostic cam/crank sensor $01 and $28. *Nlm
- 6088897Exhibiting a periodic bump in power train when the a/c IS operating
- 6088890Information on leak detection pump (ldp) dealer test mode. *Nlm
- 6088884Information on poor drivability with high di (drivability index) fuel. *Nlm
- 6088858Information on gasket surface preparation on aluminum engine components. *Nlm
- 6088845Vehicle may experience remote keyless entry transmitter batteries discharge prematurely. *Nlm
- 6088843This bulletin involves transaxle kickdown, linkage wears the wiring harness. *Nlm
- 6088814Vehicle may expereience inoperative cd player sales code raz radio. *Nlm
Every Dodge Caravan model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.