Complaints
1,028
Crashes
51
Fires
62
Injuries
64
Fatalities
5
Recalls
0
Worst 1997 Dodge Caravan Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
#1107 complaints
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Avg mileage:75,025 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:1
#2102 complaints
AIR BAGS
Avg mileage:166,469 mi
Crash-related:7
#352 complaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Fires:21
Considering a 1997 Dodge Caravan?
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1997 Dodge Caravan.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 107 | 1 | 1 | 75,025 mi | |
| AIR BAGS | 102 | 7 | — | 166,469 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 52 | — | 21 | — | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN | 44 | — | — | 64,000 mi | |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 42 | 17 | — | 93,654 mi | |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 38 | 2 | — | 92,000 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 30 | — | 1 | 95,711 mi | |
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER | 29 | — | — | 85,500 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | 24 | — | — | 71,626 mi | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM | 20 | 1 | 5 | 65,000 mi | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 17 | — | 7 | 119,500 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 17 | 1 | — | 187,000 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 16 | — | 1 | 94,944 mi | |
| EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER | 16 | 1 | — | 40,738 mi | |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 16 | — | — | — | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY | 15 | — | — | 67,322 mi | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 12 | — | 5 | 153,866 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 12 | — | — | — | |
| TIRES | 12 | 3 | — | — | |
| STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | 11 | 1 | — | 76,518 mi | |
| CHILD SEAT | 9 | — | — | — | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | 9 | — | 1 | 68,500 mi | |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 9 | 1 | — | 65,110 mi | |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH | 9 | — | — | — | |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 9 | — | — | — | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER | 9 | 2 | — | 97,838 mi | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY | 8 | — | — | — | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 8 | — | — | 90,000 mi | |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| STEERING | 8 | — | — | 88,667 mi |
Other Dodge Caravan Years
Wider context: See the full Dodge Caravan reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 1997 Dodge Caravan
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99