Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
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).
I recently became aware of your services so that is why this is written way after the fact. May problem is that I own a 97 Dodge Caravan, at the time it had appox. 80,000 miles. The front passenger side wheel well that holds the strat rotted to the point that the strat was coming through. I called Dodge and they said that part of the body wasn't warranted against rust through. I thought it was odd that the doors and hood was but not the under part. I had the repairs done for $900 and now the driver side is about to do the same. What is ironic is that the body ie doors and quarter panels are fine. Is there a problem with this particular part of the car and if so do I have any recourse. Thank you for your time.
Michael schottland on behalf of the deceased owner stephanie berman. Ms. Bermans vehicle, while in motion, turned over and became engulfed in a fire that LED to her death, there was a recall 00V268 regarding the possibility of a fire.
I have a 1997 Dodge Caravan se purchased new. Two years ago I noticed a spot on the roof, and another on the hood where the polycoat was beginning to peel. Within two years the car looked as if it had some kind of disease. I began to notice other caravans of similar age, and they had the same problem. I saw other makes of cars that were much older with original paint jobs and they weren't experiencing this problem. I am really disappointed with the paint job and poly coat on the Dodge Caravan. I feel for what we payed for, and with the problems we have experienced , such as the windshield wipers coming on by themselves, the service engine light coming on and going off, the interior light coming on or not when the door was opened, the warning bell not going off when the door was open, the emergency brake working or not working, the fogging of the plastic headlights - at least the paint …
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.
Recurring water leak , dealer tried to correct by adjusting hatch and replacing seal. No longer shuts properly. Oftentimes have to get out of car and reshut. Dealer will adjust but will not be responsilbe should it start leaking again. Suggests I keep a door or window open in order to shut the hatch. Water cam ein thru seatbelts.
Tension pulley belt thats controls the power steering and battery was very low. The battery/ thermostat went into a hot mode. Also, that there is water underneath the carriage of the vehicle, and it sounds like a boat. The water underneath comes from side to side when riding the vehicle.
When trying to open sliding door handle did break in driver's hand without a show of a crack. The door lock system was replaced. The dealer pointed out that breaking of door was common with these vehicle.
On two occasions while driving the door ajar light came on, indicating that a door is open. The passenger's door on driver's side had nearly come open. Cause unknown. Please give any further details.
The driver's side sliding door will not open. This poses a safety hazard if consumer needed to remove children from vehicle in an emergency. Ts
Right arm on liftgate snapped in two. Mr. When the consumer opened the liftgate the right arm which held the liftgate up snapped in two and fell on the consumer's arm, also the sunvisor broke.
Body complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1997 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the body & structure of the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 3% of the model year's 714 complaints. The component named most often is body › door (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Caravan body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure 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 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries and 1 death to body & structure 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.