Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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).
Was traveling home from work, rush hour traffic heavy but moving close to posted speed limit (65 MPH). Traffic slowed in front of me and I also slowed, then traffic came to a sudden stop, so I also increased pressure on the brakes. While doing so, the pedal went right to the floor, I lost brake pressure and started moving to the left to avoid a collision but was not able to. My van hit the car in front of me. I had time and space to stop and not collide if the brakes would not have failed, but when I lost brakes, the distance between my van and the car in front of me closed too quickly for me to avoid the collision. The van was damaged on the front right (passenger) side, but when I got the van back home off of the tow truck, I saw brake fluid on my driveway from the driver's side of the van. …
I have had numberous brake problems for the past year. My brake pedal keeps going down to the floor. I have had the master cylinder replaced 3 times, the rear wheel cylinder replaced 3 times, I have needed a new front rotor and pads because only one of my brakes is actually working. I have also had my brake power bosster replaced and to still have the same result, my pedal goes down to the floor and I hope that I stop in time. No one seems to know what to do with the problem, they claim there is no leaking fluid and they just don't know where I am losing my pressure at. This has cost alot of time , money, and most of all aggrevation. This is my only vehicle and I have small children. Please let me know of any recalls or what to do.
We have had our vehicle since 1999 and have been disappointed with its performance. This is our third Chrysler/Dodge van and this is the second of the three to have transmission problems. The first had them at 37,000 miles and this one is having them at 71,000 miles. We were Smart enough to have an extended warranty for both vehicles, unfortunately, on the current van the warranty ran out last month...besides the poor engineering of the transmissions this van has had several problems with the tie rod and front end noise as well as going through front brakes relatively quickly (we do not drive it roughly and it is mainly used to transport our kids around our community approximately. 12000 miles or less a year since we have owned it.
While driving the ABS system activated even though the pavement was dry. The problem is that the ABS system prevented the brakes from functioning at all and I rolled through an intersection even though I was pressing firmly on the brake pedal. The ABS warning indicator eventually illuminates indicating something is wrong with the system however, I don't think it should have failed in such a way as to prevent any braking action from occurring. This problem has only happened once but I was very lucky that no other vehicles were traveling through that intersection at the same time that this problem caused me to roll through it while the stoplight was red for me.
The hydraulic fluid in the master cylinder reservoir decreases and the instrument panel brake warning lamp illuminates. Reference NHTSA campaign id number: 96V215000. Service advisor indicated that there was no recall on this problem, I showed copy of the NHTSA campaign id number print out and he said "we don't use that information; we only use the factory data base and there's no recall". I have been experiencing the exact problem specified in the NHTSA recall - search results! Please help. Thank you.
Vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall 96V215000 concerning master cylinder in July 2002. After the repairs, the brake system caught on fire and melted the tires. Master cylinder was replaced. On 11/18/2003, the brakes failed, causing the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. The driver sustained a damaged disc in the neck and spinal cord.
Vehicle metal brake lines rusted to the point of failure. On a 1997 Dodge Caravan, the metal tube brake lines leading from the distribution box to the rear brake wheel cylinders rusted to the point that they failed under use. Vehicle brake lines had to be replaced totally, and the failure occurred without warning.
Vehicle recalled for anti-lock brakes. The brake light had come and there was a clicking noise which had come from the ABS brakes. The consumer requested reimbursement. The hydraulic master cylinder, ABS pump and motor assembly were all replaced.
When applying the brake from 5-50 MPH, the brake pedal would intermittently go to the floor and caused extended stopping distance. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop. The mechanic replaced the master brake cylinder. Within a week later the problem recurred.
Consumer states that transmission is useless. Transmission has already been replaced twice, and another one is needed. Consumer complains that there is a burning rubber smell when the vehicle is driven, and when ever the brakes are depressed.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
The master cylinder rear seal, between the hydraulic fluid and the vacuum reservoir, May not seal adequately allowing hydraulic fluid to be drawn into the power assist vacuum reservoir.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder on all affected vehicles. Addendum (4-14-97): vehicles inspected per Chrysler recall no.
Brake complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 72 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 10% of the model year's 714 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Caravan brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 96V-215 (master cylinder, Oct 29, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Caravan brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 102,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries to brakes 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.