MYRModel Year Report

1997 Dodge VAN

○ Not enough data
1997 Dodge VAN
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:33:24.053Z

Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

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.

Only 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Dodge VAN Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1989: 1 complaints 1989 1990: 0 complaints 1991: 5 complaints 1991 1993: 4 complaints 1994: 9 complaints 1994 1995: 10 complaints 1996: 18 complaints 1996 1997: 24 complaints 1997 1998: 24 complaints 1998 1999: 17 complaints 2000: 19 complaints 2000 2001: 15 complaints 2002: 18 complaints 2002
1997: 24 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19891
19900
19915
19934
19949
199510
199618
199724
199824
199917
200019
200115
200218

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 24 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SUSPENSION

7 of 24 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing front and hub.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

BALL JOINT SEPARATION ON THE LFRONT LEFT TIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20050104

SERVICE BRAKES

7 of 24 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

POWER TRAIN

5 of 24 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and column shift.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

MY 3 YEARS OLD DOUGHTER WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE GEAR FROM PARK TO NEUTRAL WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKES. SHE RAN OVER MY SON WHO WAS GOING AROUND THE CAR TO ENTER FROM THE OTHER SIDE. THE CAR IS A DODGE VAN 1997.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030714

TRANSMISSIONN REPEATEDLY SLIPS, USUALLY WHEN FIRST STARTED IN THE MORNING. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970919

AIR BAGS

5 of 24 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing side/window.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ON A DIVIDED HIGHWAY TRAVELING 60MPH, APPROACHED A RED LIGHT AND ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING FROM THE LEFT, RAN THE LIGHT AND HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE, RUNNING IT OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH HEAD-ON.

NHTSA ODI report, 20000531

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 of 24 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition and horn.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Dodge VAN — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1997 Dodge VAN reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Dodge VAN?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Dodge VAN have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.