Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. Consumer added that pounding on the dashboard made the dash light illuminate.
While driving over water puddles consumer noticed the serpentine belt froze, causing steering wheel to lock up. The power steering had become inoperative, the gears would slip when shifted, the water pump leaked, the belt tensioner fell apart, the consumer would lose the steering when driving through a puddle of water,the A/C did not blow cool air due to a leaking evaporator, and the belt tensioner would stick and make noises when driving through water.
While driving at 30mph, driver's and passenger's airbags deployed without warning and without the sensor being triggered. Previously had problems with A/C, but no airbags problem. Occupant sustained injuries due to the airbag deployment.
The serpentine belt pully has broken twice, resulting in vehicle being towed twice, there is a constant thud from the gas tank when accelerating, stopped drains from the "ac" are a continous problem, car stutters at turnpike speeds as well as normal city driving, car has been in the shop 22 times in 27 months, tried to get information concerning "lemon law" but was asked to "give us the chance to make it right" .have had a niagra falls from under the dash twice since they "fixed the problem" car vibrates at turnpike speeds. Door locks break/foul smell when the "ac" comes on, engine service lights come on for no reason, the van was leased, and to get out of the lease would involve several thousand dollars. I would take my 7 year old bonneville on trip before I would take my 2 year old van. What can be done about this?
I feel this vehicle should have a recall on some of the problems it has. They are defenitely a major factor in safety. I hope these problems are fixed in the newer modles because most people purchase Mini-vans for their family or company vehicle. Therefore, this particular vehicle I feel could probably fall under the lemon law. Or, manufactors are just making a big profit and are not considering the safety of their drivers. I would like to see them put their family in a vehicle with the problems mine has and quarantee their safety.
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.
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.
There has been 5 replacement torque converters since purchase. Vehicle shuts down due to the defect in the torque converter. This problem had happened several times while traveling on the highway, every year the consumer had to have the transmission rebuilt, also the brakes. The transmission overhauled twice, there was an oil pan leak, the engine light stayed on, and the ac needed a new condenser.
Engine had leaking seals which caused exhaust manifold to leak. Fumes would come from blower (defroster) when it was turned on. There was an electrical short in engine. Also, windshield wipers were erratic & would come on or off by themselves, and having a lot of problems with starter. Gasoline leaks from the tank due to the seal failure. Inside door panel on drivers side is broken.
Airbag light was on. Took vehicle to dealer and they replaced clock spring. Consumer states that other vehicles are included in a recall, however this vehicle is not included due to the VIN. Consumer stated that the air conditioner was leaking, dealer could not duplicate problem.
AC & Heater complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are ac & heater problems on the 1997 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the a/c & heater of the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 3% of the model year's 714 complaints. The component named most often is appliance › air conditioner (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Caravan ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for the 1997 Dodge Caravan, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Caravan ac & heater problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to a/c & heater problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.