MYRModel Year Report

1997 Dodge Caravan

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1997 Dodge Caravan
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
714
Recalls
15

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
7

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

21% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 18 complaints 1984 1985: 49 complaints 1986: 49 complaints 1987: 72 complaints 1988: 107 complaints 1989: 194 complaints 1989 1990: 283 complaints 1991: 623 complaints 1992: 923 complaints 1993: 955 complaints 1994: 661 complaints 1995: 489 complaints 1996: 1,403 complaints 1997: 714 complaints 1997 714 1998: 629 complaints 1999: 555 complaints 2000: 470 complaints 2001: 257 complaints 2002: 245 complaints 2003: 195 complaints 2004: 65 complaints 2004 2005: 537 complaints 2006: 173 complaints 2007: 81 complaints 2008: 302 complaints 2009: 118 complaints 2009 2010: 172 complaints 2011: 78 complaints 2012: 87 complaints 2013: 30 complaints 2014: 20 complaints 2014 2015: 23 complaints 2016: 36 complaints 2017: 11 complaints 2018: 5 complaints 2019: 3 complaints 2019 2020: 3 complaints
1984: 18 complaints 1984 1985: 49 complaints 1986: 49 complaints 1987: 72 complaints 1987 1988: 107 complaints 1989: 194 complaints 1990: 283 complaints 1990 1991: 623 complaints 1992: 923 complaints 1993: 955 complaints 1993 1994: 661 complaints 1995: 489 complaints 1996: 1,403 complaints 1997: 714 complaints 1997 714 1998: 629 complaints 1999: 555 complaints 2000: 470 complaints 2001: 257 complaints 2002: 245 complaints 2002 2003: 195 complaints 2004: 65 complaints 2005: 537 complaints 2005 2006: 173 complaints 2007: 81 complaints 2008: 302 complaints 2008 2009: 118 complaints 2010: 172 complaints 2011: 78 complaints 2011 2012: 87 complaints 2013: 30 complaints 2014: 20 complaints 2014 2015: 23 complaints 2016: 36 complaints 2017: 11 complaints 2017 2018: 5 complaints 2019: 3 complaints 2020: 3 complaints 2020
1984: 18 complaints 1984 1985: 49 complaints 1986: 49 complaints 1986 1987: 72 complaints 1988: 107 complaints 1988 1989: 194 complaints 1990: 283 complaints 1990 1991: 623 complaints 1992: 923 complaints 1992 1993: 955 complaints 1994: 661 complaints 1994 1995: 489 complaints 1996: 1,403 complaints 1997: 714 complaints 1997 714 1998: 629 complaints 1999: 555 complaints 2000: 470 complaints 2000 2001: 257 complaints 2002: 245 complaints 2002 2003: 195 complaints 2004: 65 complaints 2004 2005: 537 complaints 2006: 173 complaints 2006 2007: 81 complaints 2008: 302 complaints 2008 2009: 118 complaints 2010: 172 complaints 2010 2011: 78 complaints 2012: 87 complaints 2012 2013: 30 complaints 2014: 20 complaints 2014 2015: 23 complaints 2016: 36 complaints 2016 2017: 11 complaints 2018: 5 complaints 2018 2019: 3 complaints 2020: 3 complaints 2020

1997: 714 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
198418
198549
198649
198772
1988107
1989194
1990283
1991623
1992923
1993955
1994661
1995489
19961,403
1997714
1998629
1999555
2000470
2001257
2002245
2003195
200465
2005537
2006173
200781
2008302
2009118
2010172
201178
201287
201330
201420
201523
201636
201711
20185
20193
20203

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

21% · 152 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-08-01

Attorney is writing on behalf of mr. Ernest b. Reeves who was struck head on by another vehicle. Even though mr. Reeves had his seat belts on, the air bags did not deploy and mr. Reeves sustained a concussion, neck, shoulder and back injuries.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-01

While driving at 30MPH, driver's and passenger's airbags deployed without warning and without the sensor being triggered. Previously had problems with a/c, but no airbags problem. Occupant sustained injuries due to the airbag deployment.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-07-08

Power train

19% · 137 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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].

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-07-30

Engine and engine cooling

18% · 130 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIREINJURY

Electrical system

14% · 102 reports

Most commonly citing horn and interior/under dash.

FIREINJURY

Service brakes

11% · 79 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

15 recalls · 7 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1996-09-18SQClosed 1997-02-04 Integrated child seat belt lockup
  2. ▮
    1997Complaint volume 714 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. I
    1997-01-31Engineering analysisClosed 1998-08-19 Integrated child seat belt lockup
  4. R
    1997-04-21Service brakes, hydraulic96V215000 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.

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    1997-05-03Wheels97V070000 The steel road wheels were damaged by the equipment used to match mount the wheel to the tire.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace all road wheels (And full size spare tires) with new wheels.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    1998-01-06Tires97V200000 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.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the tires that were mounted on steel wheels.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    1998-11-30Child seat98V185000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. I
    1999-02-03Preliminary evaluationClosed 1999-06-11 Post-collision fuel system integrity
  9. I
    1999-06-11Engineering analysisClosed 2001-08-10 Post collision fuel system
  10. I
    2000-03-09Recall queryClosed 2002-03-18 Dc minivan fuel injector rail leak
  11. I
    2001-02-21Engineering analysisClosed 2002-11-22 Air bag clockspring
  12. I
    2002-01-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-03-11 Rear seat belt malfunction
  13. R
    2002-01-25Fuel system, gasoline00V268000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. R
    2002-06-03Seat belts02V076000 On certain minivans, some trim material can loosen and drop into the rear outboard seat belt assembly, causing the seat belt to become inoperative.

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  15. R
    2002-11-18Air bags02V293000 On certain mini vans, the clockspring assembly may have been wound incorrectly during the vehicle assembly process.

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  16. R
    2006-03-20Service brakes, hydraulic06E022000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  17. R
    2006-05-09Exterior lighting06E023000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  18. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  19. R
    2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  20. R
    2010-08-13Equipment10E034000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  21. R
    Date not on fileSeat belts97I001000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  22. R
    Date not on fileFuel system, gasoline03E053000 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...

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  23. R
    Date not on fileEquipment03E045000 Aftermarket replacement fuel filters manufactured between September 17, 2002, and January 20, 2003, sold under the brand names listed above.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Dodge Caravan — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 152 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 137 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 130 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 97I001000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 03E053000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 03E045000 · Equipment
  • Recall 96V215000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 97V070000 · Wheels
  • Recall 97V200000 · Tires
  • Recall 98V185000 · Child seat
  • Recall 00V268000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 02V076000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 02V293000 · Air bags
  • Recall 06E022000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 06E023000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 10E034000 · Equipment
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Dodge Caravan reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Dodge Caravan is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Dodge Caravan?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Dodge Caravan have?
15 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.