Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
While parked at a stop sign the vehicle started to smoke. A fire then appeared coming out of the hood. 911 was called and fire squad came. Within 5 minutes the entire front of the car was engulfed in flames. Fire extinguishers were used but it could not put out the fire. Fire truck came and by this time the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. Firemen used water to finally control the fire. Fire restarted and had to be put out again and eventually the fire was completely extinguished. It was perhaps only 10 minutes for the fire to start, spread, and completely and utterly destroy the van. Because of the intensity, quickness of the fire, and the difficulty in putting it out, it appears to be a fuel related fire. I read that Dodge had fuel line "o" rings that could be defective and that could have been the cause. I called Dodge headquarters and explained the event. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic stop there was an unusual noise coming from the vehicle. She then noticed there were flames coming from the front drivers side fender. The fire department was called and was able to extinguish the fire. A fire report was available. The vehicle was towed to an undisclosed location. The contact believed NHTSA recall campaign id number: 00V268000 (fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system) was the cause the failure. The manufacturer advised her that her VIN was not included in the recall. The failure and current mileages were 175,000.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the engine suddenly caught fire while he was driving at approximately 30 MPH. The contact called the fire department to extinguish the fire and a fire report was available. The entire engine compartment was burned. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that they would send someone to inspect the vehicle. The local dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in recall 00V268000 (fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system). The vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Caravan. The contact received a safety recall notice for the vehicle after paying for the related repairs. The contact stated that the fuel pump was replaced three times. The contact had two faulty fuel pumps, and broke down twice while driving 35 MPH. The vehicle was towed twice . The failure mileage was 110,000. After the third failure the mechanic installed a brand name other than the one listed on the recall notice. The contact requested 100% reimbursement and received 50% for the repairs. The replacement fuel pump wasan after market fuel pump module and the safety recall notice was from recall management, inc., and the manufacturer of the part was master/tigas. The contact would like a copy of the complaint sent to master tigas and not daimler Chrysler due to the specifics listed on the recall notice. The current mileage was 145,000. …
Consumer received a recall notice regarding the air bag warning light. Air bag light had been on since she owned the vehicle. The consumer received a letter from the dealer which asked her to bring the vehicle in for service. When the consumer arrived at the dealer it was too late. On the way back home she smelled smoke but kept driving until she reached home. The vehicle was turned off and the consumer looked under the vehicle and saw flames coming from under the vehicle. She got the hose and put the fire out. Then, called the mechanic/dealer. There were also problems with the automatic door locks.
Foia request info re Chrysler minivan recalls initiated 1/25/02, engine and fuel line malfunctions that resulted in fires . Information request from consumers attorney. Attorney is pursuing a wrongful death claim for the consumer. Consumer burned to death in a vehicle wreck in 1997. Campaign id number : 03e053000. This recall only pertains to aftermarket replacement fuel filters and has no relation to any original equipment installed on Chrysler town & country, Plymouth voyager, and Dodge Caravan minivans or any other products manufactured by daimlerchrysler corporation.
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...
1997 Dodge Caravan gas on the inside of the car the consumer stated after he filled the gas tank, it quickly ran out. As the consumer was going back to the gas station, the vehicle caught on fire under the hood. The consumer was able to get out of the vehicle safely. The fire department came to put the fire out. The consumer was then informed the fuel rail had burst and came loose which caused fuel to leak, which caused the fire.
Fuel leak in engine compartment from degrading o-rings on fuel injection rail. Fuel dripping onto engine from fuel rail clamp o-rings replaced previously on NHTSA recall campaign id number 00V268000 in 2002. Contacted daimler Chrysler at [phone] requesting dangerous repeat problem with fuel o-rings be repaired by dealer at no-charge.manufacturer declined free repair request stating my 1997 vehicle has too many miles.
While driving at 25 MPH consumer noticed white smoke coming from tail pipe. Then, white smoke and flames were coming from under the hood. Consumer stopped car and turned ignition off. Consumer exited the car, and vehicle caught on fire. Consumer feels this May related to recall for fuel leakage. Consumer states vehicle was in shop for transmission problems on February 16th, 2001.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Vehicle description: Mini vans built with 3.3l and 3.8l engines have fuel rails with nitrole rubber o-ring seals that can degrade over time. Fuel leakage from the underhood fuel injection fuel rail could result, increasing the likelihood of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a seal on the vehicle fuel rails to prevent external leakage of fuel from the fuel rail crossover tube, should the existing o-rings continue to degrade. Owner notification began on January 25, 2002.
NHTSA investigations
Post-collision fuel system integrity
There is no summary currently available
Post collision fuel system
Fuel System complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1997 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 60 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 8% of the model year's 714 complaints. The component named most often is fuel injection system (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Caravan fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-268 (fuel injection system, Sep 13, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Caravan fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 11 fires and 1 injury and 2 deaths to fuel & propulsion system 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.