154 of the
1,028 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Caravan are about the
airbag system — 15% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
95,355 miles.
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. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
NHTSA complaint #10533105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesMayville, MICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON CRASH. ANOTHER DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STRUCK THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND NO LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES, INCLUDING A BROKEN NOSE AND CHEEK BONES, AND ALSO A SHATTERED RIGHT FOOT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND PICTURES OF THE CRASH ARE AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V293000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) WAS REFERENCED. THE DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10268370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,118 milesPacoima, CA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER COMPLAINT REGARDING 1997 CARAVAN CLOCK SPRING ASSEMBLY. *TS THE VEHICLE'S HORN FAILED DUE TO A FAULTY CLOCKSPRING. THE CONSUMER DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THE VEHICLE'S CLOCKSPRING HAD BEEN RECALLED, RECALL NUMBER 02V293000 . THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE.
NHTSA complaint #10146411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bemidji, MN
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
DT: AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON/THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH DIDN'T WORK, AND THE HORN MALFUNCTIONED. NOTICED THESE FAILURES ON JUNE 1, 2005. HAVE NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER. HAD CHECKED THE FUSES, THEY WERE STILL GOOD.
NHTSA complaint #10131718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,500 milesSantaquin, UT
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
I HAVE A MINI- CARAVAN 1997 AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON OR BLINKS INTERMITTANTLY HORN DOESN'T WORK OR ONLY WORKS SOMTIMES (THATS FUN) CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK
NHTSA complaint #10125326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesWonderlake, IL
AIR BAGS
DT: AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN DOESN'T WORK. *AK CONSUMER STATES HAVING A RECALL NOTICE FOR THESE PROBLEMS BUT DELEARSHIP REFUSES TO FIX BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS NOT A 1998 OR NEWER. THE CONSUMER'S STEERING WHEEL IS GETTING WORST. CONSUMER'S VIN #'S ARE NOT ON THE RECALL LIST, CONSUMER ALSO OWNS A 2000 DODGE VAN. CONSUMER WANTS TO BE KEPT UP TO DATE ON THE PROGRESS OF THE CLAIM.
NHTSA complaint #10124068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL LETTER FOR THE CLOCKSPRING ON MY MINIVAN (YR714091 NOTIFICATION CODE D17) ISSUES WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYING LIGHT AND HORN WILL NOT WORK. ACCORDING TO DODGE, THE REASON THIS IS HAPPENING IS BECAUSE OF THE CLOCKSPRING IN THE MINIVAN. WENT TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AT DODGE AND THE SERVICE MAN AT DODGE SAID MY MINIVAN DOES NOT APPLY TO THE RECALL. TOLD HIM WHY MY PROBLEMS ARE THAT DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL LETTER. HE SAID IT'S NOT PART OF THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10104655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bothell, WA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
NAR 04/01/2003. THE CONSUMER HAD THE AIR BAG PROBLEM FIXED ON THE VEHICLE ON THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS ALREADY EXHIBITING PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10015015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesOLD Bridge, NJCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
COMPLAINT RECEIVED VIA E-MAIL. MY VEHICLE WAS MET WITH AN ACCIDENT ON ROUTE 516, OLD BRIDGE, NJ. MY VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND BY A SCHOOL BUS AND PUSHED INTO A LAMP POLE. MY VEHICLE IS TOTALED AS PER STATE FARM INSURANCE. BOTH AIR BAG FAILED TO WORK. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS COLLAPSED BACKWARD INSTEAD OF PROTECTING OUR NECK AND BODY. THE VEHICLE IS WITH STATE FARM INSURANCE. *JB. ALSO, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS COLLAPSED BACKWARDS, RESULTING IN TWO INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #10101469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesApache Junction, AZ
AIR BAGS
CONSUMER WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS STATED IN RECALL 04V480000 CONCERNING AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.
NHTSA complaint #10101270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jasonville, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT HEAD ON BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 40 MPH. ONLY THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. HOWEVER, DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISES TO BREAST AND STOMACH. RECALL 04V480000 AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING WAS ISSUED. BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO MODEL YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10099509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING, THE SRS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THE DRIVER PRESSED DOWN ON THE HORN, BUT IT FAILED TO WORK. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10097296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upland, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
THE CONSUMER STATED HER HUSBAND WAS COMING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND THE VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE SIDE. SHE STATED THAT HE RECEIVED SOME MINOR INJURIES AND HIS AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB
NHTSA complaint #10097166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE REPAIRS WERE NOT DONE THE DEALER. *NM THE A/C WAS INOPERATIVE, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE AND THE SES LIGHT. RECALL# 04V480000. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10095138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesSpencerport, NY
AIR BAGS
THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. THEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. I LATER REALIZED THAT THE HORN DOESN'T WORK. I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT. AT A NYS INSPECTION VISIT. THE VEHICLE PASSED INSPECTION.*AK I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WHERE I NEEDED TO USE THE HORN, AND WAS UNABLE TO. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10082916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fall River, MA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
HI MY NAME IS [XXX] AND I PURCHASED A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN FOR $3,600 AND TRADED IN MY CAR WHICH WAS WORTH $400 AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT THE DEALER MAN SAID. I BROUGHT BACK THE CARAVAN THE NEXT DAY TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THEY WERE GOING TO FIX SOME MINOR PROBLEMS, INCLUDING THE HORN THAT WAS NOT FUNCTIONING AT ALL . THEY SPENT THE WHOLE DAY WITH THE VAN AND DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO IT, THEN THEY SAID TO BRING IT BACK THE NEXT DAY AND TOLD ME THAT THE HORN WAS GOING TO GET ORDERED AND THAT IT WAS GOING TO TAKE A WHILE BECAUSE THE PART THAT THEY NEEDED COULDN'T BE SENT VIA MAIL BECAUSE IT WAS CONSIDERED TO BE EXPLOSIVE SO WHEN I DECIDED TO ASK FOR MY MONEY BACK SINCE IT HAD A 30 DAY WARRANTY THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE GOING TO FIX IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I WENT TO PICK UP MY VAN AND WHEN I SAW IT THEY PUT IT A DIFFERENT HORN AND TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD PASS INSPECTION AND THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE PART THAT THE VAN NEEDED IF I WAS WILLING TO PAY HALF ON IT. IN CONCLUSION TO THIS THE PIECE THAT THEY NEED IS THE CLOCK SPRING WHICH COST ABOUT $ 400 TO $ 900 AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE THE VAN WITH THE HORN THAT THEY PUT IN INSTEAD OF PUTTING A NEW CLOCK SPRING. THEY DIDN'T TELL ME THAT ONCE THE CLOCK SPRINGS BREAKS DOWN THE AIRBAG , CRUISE CONTROL. AND THE RADIO WOULDN'T FUNCTION PROPERLY. I DON'T THINK THAT I SHOULD PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT I THINK THAT THEY SHOULD'VE TAKEN CARE OF BEFORE SELLING THAT VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER I WILL APPRECIATE IF YOU CAN HELP ME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10067975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,000 milesBirmingham, AL
AIR BAGS
I OWN A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN, WITH APPROX 139,000 MILES ON IT. I JUST READ IN THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS ABOUT THE NHTSA INVESTIGATING DAIMLER-CHRYSLER'S 1998-1999 DODGE CARAVANS/CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRYS/PLYMOUTH VOYAGERS. THE ARTICLE STATES THE VANS HAD A DEFECT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL/AIRBAG. MINE IS DOING THIS EXACT THING. ABOUT A MONTH AGO, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING. PLEASE INCLUDE THE 1997 MODEL YEARS IN THE INVESTIGATION.
NHTSA complaint #10056446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holiday, FL
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT APPEARED AND REMAINED ON THE DASHBOARD UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GARAGE, AND MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10053856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesChicago, IL1 injured
AIR BAGS
AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT VEHICLE BEING IN AN ACCIDENT. CONSUMER STATED THE CLAIM WAS DENIED BY THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE THEY FELT THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS DAMAGED DUE TO A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT WITH THE HARD SURFACE. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. DRIVER WAS INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10050236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Naples, FL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE HORN IS INOPERATIVE AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYED ILLUMINATED ON DASHBOARD. *MR *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10046638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pembroke Pines, FL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
THE DEALERSHIP IS REFUSING TO HONOR RECALL 02V293000 FOR THE AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING, INDICATING THAT THERE WASN'T ANY RECALL ALTHOUGH THE CONSUMER PROVIDED THE RECALL LETTER.
NHTSA complaint #10042320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brandon, MS
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WARNING LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING BRAKE LIGHTS TO FLASH INTERMITTENTLY, AND AIR BAG SENSOR TO STAYS ON. *AK THE BRAKE LIGHT FLASHED, THE ENGINE LIGHT AND AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE HORN WAS INOPERATIVE. THE AIR BAG AND HORN PROBLEM MAY BE THE RESULT OF A CLOCKSPRING FAILURE. *PH *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10039964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesRedding, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. DRIVER SUSTAINED SERIOUS LIFETIME INJURIES FROM IMPACTING THE STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #10039762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesTucson, AZCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND THE THIRD ROW SEAT SEPARATED FROM THE TRACK AN SLID FORWARD. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. *AK *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10039798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbridge, VA
AIR BAGS
WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON BY THEMSELVES ALL THE TIME, SOMETIMES THEY STOP AFTER A FEW SWIPES AND SOMETIMES I NEED TO TURN THE SWITCH ON AND THEN OFF AGAIN TO MAKE THEM STOP. SO FAR THEY HAVE WORKED WHEN I NEEDED THEM BUT IT MAY ONLY BE A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE COMPLETE FAILURE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM, IT IS VERY UNSAFE! (1999) AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON NEARLY ALL THE TIME NOW. (JUN 2003) SLIDING DOOR LOCK DOESN'T ALWAYS ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE WHEN USING THE POWER LOCKS.
NHTSA complaint #10023634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, AR
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CLOCK SPRING REPLACEMENT / CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS. *MR THE VEHICLE WAS TRADED TO CONSUMER WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON. UPON DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM, THE AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING WAS BROKEN. *TS. ALSO THE RIGHT AXLE OUTPUT SHAFT LEAKED OIL, AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH BOARD, THE DEALER REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS.
NHTSA complaint #10022020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesKnoxville, TN
AIR BAGS
IN JANUARY 2003, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM CHRYSLER FOR THE AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING ON MY 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE NOTICE SAID THAT IF I HAD ALREADY HAD THE CLOCK SPRING REPLACED ( I HAD), THAT I SHOULD SUBMIT THE REQUESTED INFORMATION AND THEY WOULD PAY ME BACK. I SENT THIS INFORMATION ON JANUARY 12, 2003 TO THE ADDRESS ON THE RECALL NOTICE. THE REPAIR COST $142.22.I HEARD NOTHING UNTI APRIL 4, 2003, WHEN I RECEIVED A LETTER ASKING FOR THE SAME COPIES I HAD SUBMITTED IN JANUARY. I RESENT THEM, AND HAVE HEARD NOTHING SINCE. IT HAS NOW BEEN SIX MONTHS SINCE I RECEIVED THE ORIGINAL NOTICE FROM CHRYSLER (REFERENCE # 10925018-VR102141-B24) AND STILL HAVE NO REIMBURSEMENT. IT APPEARS CHRYSLER HAS NO INTENTION OF COMPLYING WITH THE INFORMATION IN THEIR RECALL NOTICE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
NHTSA complaint #10021384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paris, TXCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE VEHICLE HIT A CONCRETE WALL, AND THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10022499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whitehall, PA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE VEHICLES CLOCK SPRING FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 02V-293000. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT BUT ONLY RECEIVED PARTIAL REIMBURSEMENT. *MR *SCC *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10021525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,322 milesWinter Springs, FL
AIR BAGS
THE VEHICLE CLOCK SPRING FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE #B24. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *AK *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10015881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.