10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1997 Dodge Caravan:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #7

Oct 011998

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving 15 mph lost steering. Dealer replaced tensioner belt that had fallen off. This had happened in December 2000, at 30000 miles. During routine inspection on 15 November, 2001 dealer noticed tensioner belt needed to be replaced a third time.

- Sharon, CT, USA

problem #6

Nov 161999

Caravan

  • miles
Power steering pump leaked. Nlm

- Conway, SC, USA

problem #5

Nov 161999

Caravan

  • miles
Power steering pump leaked. Nlm

- Conway, SC, USA

problem #4

Dec 042000

(reported on)

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Had just turned on air conditioner when condensation started to build up & dripped on belt controlling steering. This caused belt to slip & loss of power steering. Took to dealer & informed by mechanic a technical service bulletin #19-01-97 revised a was sent on the problem. Replacing air conditioner. The loss of power steering was due to design flaw by the manufacturer, according to the consumer. The manufacturer should be responsible for repair.

- Colchester, CT, USA

problem #3

Jul 292000

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving less than 30 mph serpentine belt tensioner pulley broke, causing all power steering to be lost. Van was towed to the dealership, where the belt tensioner assembly and power steering pulley was replaced at owner's expense. Dealership stated that this was a common problem, and happened all the time. Owner very concerned for the safety of himself and others. Transmission jerks while taking off from stop. A/C does not cool enough.

- Port Orange, FL, USA

problem #2

Oct 151999

(reported on)

Caravan

  • miles
Steering belt tension bar broke, causing a loss of vehicle control and power steering.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #1

Jul 101998

Caravan

  • miles
While driving through standing water at right front wheel, water spashes onto power steering belt, resulting in temporary loss of power assist steering. Tsb service bulletin number: 19-01-97.

- Kingsport, TN, USA