109 of the
1,028 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Caravan are about the
electrical system — 11% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
70,000 miles.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
NHTSA complaint #10846117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Metaline Falls, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE RADIO STOP WORKING AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE, AIR BAG AND BATTERY WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10638100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 209,000 milesLansdowne, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY WIFE PARK THE VAN INSIDE THE GARAGE, TURN OFF THE RADIO, ENGINE AND LIGHTS. SHE OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR AND SEE FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING BY THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLER. AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE VAN WERE ON. SHE REMOVE THE KIDS FROM THE VAN AND MY SON CALL 911.POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, REMOVE THE VAN FROM THE GARAGE AND CHECK IT AND FOUND POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION .CHECK THE VAN TODAY 8-24 2013 AND FOUND THAT THE FIRE START AT THE HEAD LIGHT SWITCH. DIM SWITCH OK AND MIRROR SWITCH OK. THE FIRE DAMAGE THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD, WINDSHIELD, SUN VISOR AND CELLING. I HAVE THIS VAN SINCE NEW, NEVER HAVE A PROBLEM BEFORE. AND NEVER SEE A PROBLEM LIKE THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10537090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesLovell, ME
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1997 DODGE CARAVAN. STARTING AT ABOUT 30,000 MILES, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD MYSTERIOUSLY COME ON, MAKE 4 TO 5 WIPES AND TURN OFF. WE MADE JOKES ABOUT THE GHOST RIDING WITH US. IT WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, HAPPENING ABOUT EVERY MONTH OR SIX WEEKS. IT COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED ON DEMAND. FINALLY, AT 72,000, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS REFUSED TO TURN ON FROM THE STALK--EXCEPT WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WAS GIVEN A "SQUIRT" OF FLUID BY LIFTING UP ON THE TURN SIGNAL/WIPER CONTROL STALK, THEN THEY GAVE THE REGULAR THREE WIPES AND TURNED OFF. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENTIRE SWITCH UNIT. IT DID NOT HELP. THEN THEY CALLED CHRYSLER'S "SUPER TECH 800 NUMBER" AND NO HELP WAS PROVIDED. SINCE THE CAR COULD NOT BE INSPECTED WITH NO WIPER FUNCTION, THE ENTIRE BODY CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED (COMPUTER) WHICH FIXED THE PROBLEM. COST: $741.00. SINCE ALL OF THE MECHANICAL PARTS OF THE WIPER SYSTEM WORKED, IF THIS HAPPENED AGAIN, I DETERMINED I WOULD SIMPLY PULL A HOT WIRE THROUGH THE DASH TO AN "ON-OFF" SWITCH AND CONNECT THAT UP TO THE WIPER FEED--ESTIMATED COST OF LESS THAN $10.00.
NHTSA complaint #10349598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesBridgeport, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT SHIFTED FROM DRIVE INTO PARK AND THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. TWO DAYS LATER, WHILE MAKING A TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND NEARLY CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE PERSISTENTLY STALLED AFTER THESE INCIDENTS AND WAS DRIVEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE COMPUTER AND CONTROL BODY MODULE WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC WAS NEEDED IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS RELATED TO THE VEHICLE; THEREFORE, THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #10249173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,000 milesJamestown, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NO POWER TO INSTRUMENT PANEL 1997 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. BAD SOLDERING JOINTS IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CIRCUIT BOARD.
NHTSA complaint #10245228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesHamilton, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE VENT WINDOW IS STUCK IN AN INWARD POSITION AND CANNOT BE OPENED. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL LIGHTS BEGIN TO FLASH AND THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF. THE VEHICLE CAN ONLY BE RESTARTED AFTER WAITING 15 MINUTES. THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10226315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesLexington, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD START, SHUT OFF, AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD MALFUNCTION. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN OFF AND THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 142,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
NHTSA complaint #10222489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesRancho Palos Verdes, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPS WORKING.
NHTSA complaint #10220034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wagoner, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
THE VAN HAS A HARD TIME GOING IN REVERSE WHEN IT IS COOL OUTSIDE. AND WHEN GOING IN DRIVE THE VAN HAS A HARD TIME SHIFTING INTO ANY GEAR. SOMETIMES THE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE SPEEDOMETER FLIPS OUT AND SHOOTS TO 0 TO 80 3 TIMES BEFORE IT STOPS AND GOES BACK TO THE RIGHT SPEED THAT I AM GOING.
NHTSA complaint #10184909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milford, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
ALTERNATOR BELT CAME OFF, ALL POWER TO VEHICLE WAS LOST.
NHTSA complaint #10178561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesRaynham, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
1997 DODGE CARAVAN 3.3 LITER V6 WITH 93000 MILES. STARTED VEHICLE AND THE STARTER MECHANISM LOCKED ONTO THE FLYWHEEL OR FAILED TO DISENGAGE, MAKING A SCREECHING NOISE. TURNED IGNITION OFF AND ENGINE SHUT DOWN BUT STARTER KEPT CYCLING ENGINE. REMOVED KEYS FROM IGNITION AND VAN WAS STILL ATTEMPTING START BY TURNING THE ENGINE OVER AND OVER. STRONG SMELL OF BURNING ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AS THE STARTER CONTINUED TO CYCLE ENGINE, UNABATED, WITH KEYS OUT OF IGNITION. HOOD WAS POPPED AND BATTERY CABLES WERE DISCONNECTED SHUTTING THE STARTER OFF. THE STARTER CRANKED THE ENGINE, NONSTOP, WITHOUT KEYS IN IGNITION, FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THIS WAS TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. UPON IMMEDIATE INSPECTION OF THE STARTER IT WAS FOUND TO BE RED HOT. THE CABLES/WIRES COMING OUT OF THE STARTER WERE RED HOT AND SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC FILLED THE AIR. THE STARTER WAS REMOVED AND FOUND TO BE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ( WITH CHRYSLER CORPORATION LOGO INTACT). THE STARTER WAS FOUND TO BE LOCKED IN THE EXTENDED POSITION AND WOULD NOT RETRACT. A NEW STARTER WAS PURCHASED AND INSTALLED DUE TO THE ORIGINAL BEING INOPERABLE. OLD STARTER WAS TURNED IN TO PEP BOYS IN RAYNHAM, MA FOR CORE REFUND. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT IF THE BATTERY WAS NOT DISCONNECTED, THE STARTER WOULD HAVE CONTINUED TO START THE ENGINE UNTIL IT EVENTUALLY(STARTER)OVERHEATED ENOUGH TO IGNITE THE WIRES AND START AN ENGINE FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10155930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bemidji, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
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 70,000 milesJacksonville, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
DT: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. INSTRUMENT PANEL DID NOT WORK. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS DIGITAL. BUTTONS FOR AIR CONDITIONER AND REAR DEFROSTER FLASHED CONSTANTLY. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO GARAGE, AND THEY RECOMMENDED DODGE DEALER. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON THEIR OWN. VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE TO BE ON RUNNING FOR WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO COME ON. THEY CAME ON ABOUT EVERY TWO WEEKS. ALSO, TRAVELING INTERIOR LIGHTS CAME ON. CONSUMER STOPPED LIGHTS FROM COMING ON BY PUTTING TAPE ON DOOR. CONSUMER BELIEVED THESE WERE DIFFERENT ISSUES. HE REPLACED FAN CONTROL MODULE LAST YEAR, AND THAT DID NOT HELP.*AK CONSUMER ADDED THAT POUNDING ON THE DASHBOARD MADE THE DASH LIGHT ILLUMINATE.
NHTSA complaint #10125113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
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.
Perris, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION ON 1997 DODGE CARAVAN.*MR IGNITION TUMBLE WAS REPLACED, FAN ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA complaint #10044854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manhattan, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 4 BATTERIES IN 6 YEARS. THESE INCLUDE BATTERIES BY THREE DIFFERENT MANUFACTURERS. INITIALLY, THE BATTERIES WERE COVERED BY THE 3YR/36K MILE WARRANTY, AND WE WERE TOLD THE BATTERIES WERE DEFECTIVE. OBVIOUSLY, THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE VAN. IN EACH CASE, THE BATTERIES WENT SUDDENLY DEAD (WOULD NOT HOLD ANY CHARGE AT ALL) LONG BEFORE THEY SHOULD HAVE.
NHTSA complaint #10036837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cocoa, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE INSIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING WHILE SITTING AT AN INTERSECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10034061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
CONSUMER STATES THAT HORN COMES ON BY ITSELF FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. CAUSE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10026954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesBrooklyn, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE HORN SOMETIMES SOUNDS UNEXPECTEDLY FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. CAUSE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10026966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
Bronx, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
CLOCKSPRING FAILED, CAUSING HORN/AIR BAG AND CRUISE CONTROL TO MALFUNCTION.
NHTSA complaint #10011360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesSarasota, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FUEL TANK, BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE WE BOUGHT IT, EVERY TIME WE GO TO BRING THE VECHICLE IN FOR THEM, THEN COULD NOT FIND AN ANSWER AFTER ABOUT THE 4TH TIME WE BROUGHT IT IN, WE SAID THIS IS TO MUCH AND WE BROUGHT IT IN MORE THEN 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, AND WE SHOULD GET REPAIRED FREE, I BELIVE BY LEMON LAW?, WELL NUTTHING YET 3 YEARS AND RUNNING, WITH SEVERAL SEVERAL PROBLEMS, SHOULD ALL BE A RECALL CAUSE THAT TOMANY PROBLEMS, SUCH AS ON ALLDATA.COM AND READ ABOUT THE 97 DODGE CARAVAN 3.3L, MY LORD EVER PROBLEM ON THAT SHEET I HAVE, REALY GETTING ON MY NERVES...
NHTSA complaint #10002894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesSarasota, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY
FUEL TANK, BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE WE BOUGHT IT, EVERY TIME WE GO TO BRING THE VECHICLE IN FOR THEM, THEN COULD NOT FIND AN ANSWER AFTER ABOUT THE 4TH TIME WE BROUGHT IT IN, WE SAID THIS IS TO MUCH AND WE BROUGHT IT IN MORE THEN 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, AND WE SHOULD GET REPAIRED FREE, I BELIVE BY LEMON LAW?, WELL NUTTHING YET 3 YEARS AND RUNNING, WITH SEVERAL SEVERAL PROBLEMS, SHOULD ALL BE A RECALL CAUSE THAT TOMANY PROBLEMS, SUCH AS ON ALLDATA.COM AND READ ABOUT THE 97 DODGE CARAVAN 3.3L, MY LORD EVER PROBLEM ON THAT SHEET I HAVE, REALY GETTING ON MY NERVES...
NHTSA complaint #10002894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orange, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
AIR BAG LIGHT ALWAYS ON NO HORN TO WORK WIPERS COME ON AT ANY TIME BY THEMSELVES. DT
NHTSA complaint #769908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Antonio, AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
NO SUMMARY. DT
NHTSA complaint #769421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waynesfield, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AND CRUISE AND HORN QUIT WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. THIS IS JUST LIKE MY BROTHERS VAN HIS IS 97 DODGE SPORT IDENTICAL SITUATION WITH HIS THIS TELLS ME THAT THEIR IS A DESIGN ISSUE IN THE COLUMN . DT
NHTSA complaint #769453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chesterfield, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
CONSUMER STATES HORN DOES NOT BLOW AND AIR BAG LIGHT HAS ILLUMINATED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
NHTSA complaint #8020706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.