1997 Dodge Caravan: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Dodge Caravan: 7 recalls, 714 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 8 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #96V215000 · 1996 · 18,997 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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).
Wheels Vehicle recall #97V070000 · 1997 · 60 vehicles
What's wrong: The steel road wheels were damaged by the equipment used to match mount the wheel to the tire.
Why it matters: A score mark was made on the wheel, affecting the durability of the wheel.
The fix: Dealers will replace all road wheels (and full size spare tires) with new wheels.
Tires Vehicle recall #97V200000 · 1997 · 25,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The tires can experience a sudden air pressure loss without warning.
Why it matters: Sudden tire failure could result in a loss of driver control of the vehicle.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tires that were mounted on steel wheels.
Child seat Vehicle recall #98V185000 · 1998 · 157,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The shoulder harness restraint on the integrated child seat can become difficult to extract when the safety belt latch plate becomes contaminated.
Why it matters: This can cause difficulty in releasing a child from the restraint.
The fix: 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…
Fuel system Vehicle recall #00V268000 · 2000 · 1,163,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
The fix: 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…
Seat belts Vehicle recall #02V076000 · 2002 · 545,311 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain minivans, some trim material can loosen and drop into the rear outboard seat belt assembly, causing the seat belt to become inoperative.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the seat occupant May not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trim with foam blockers and inspect and replace all 3rd row seat belt assemblies. Owner notification began June 3, 2002.
Airbags Vehicle recall #02V293000 · 2002 · 1,500,521 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain MINI vans, the clockspring assembly May have been wound incorrectly during the vehicle assembly process.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
8 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Seat belts Recall #97I001000 · 1996 · 150,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 connected to the latch plate. The latch plate movement locks the belts to make sure the child is restrained in the case of a vehicle crash.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Equipment Equipment recall #03E045000 · 2003 · 45,870 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 dailmerchrysler dealers.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
Fuel system Equipment recall #03E053000 · 2003 · 68,563 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A possible fire can occur in the presence of an ignition source.
The fix: Wix will notify its customers and replace the fuel filters free of charge.
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #06E022000 · 2006 · 7,440 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. When…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E023000 · 2006 · 292,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Equipment Equipment recall #10E034000 · 2010 · 6,686 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 hitch muffler strap.
Why it matters: If the area in question fractures or breaks, this could cause an unstable driving condition, possibly resulting in a crash.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 37 mention a fire, 54 injuries and 4 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (152): the most common themes are warning light on (41), fails to deploy (15).
- Transmission & drivetrain (133): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (37), noise or vibration (25).
- Engine & cooling (123): the most common themes are leaks (23), stalls / loses power (23).
- Electrical (95): the most common themes are electrical failure (22), warning light on (17), fire / smoke (12).
The 1997 Dodge Caravan has 714 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 28 Caravan model years for complaints (2.0× the average Caravan year). Complaints peaked in 2002 (162 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 94,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (1403 complaints, 9 recalls), 1998 (629 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Dodge Caravan.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Dodge Caravan, plus 8 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Dodge Caravan problems?
Owners have filed 714 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (152), transmission & drivetrain (133), engine & cooling (123).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Dodge Caravan get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 3-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Dodge Caravan repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.