Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (buckles, retractors, anchors and pretensioners).
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).
In vehicle, rear 3rd row passenger side shoulder restraint/seat belt device failed. The failure was that at roof anchor point, the bolt assembly "unscrewed" and fell out when daughter attempted to secure seat belt assembly. There was no injury, but should this bolt be able to do this? There had been no physical contact outside of normal seatbelt use. If a collision had occurred at the time this bolt was failing, the restraint saftey system could have failed causing injury and/or death when it ought not be possible. Please investigate and respond. Vehicle will be taken to Chrysler dealer for reinstallation. Also, all other anchors ought be removed and reinstalled to insure no occurrances of same.
On at least 4 occasions I've been driving with my children in the back seat (OK front bench of minivan) and on sharp turns or abrupt braking the seatbelts have just popped undone. Both the one that holds my 18 month old son's car seat and the one that my 4 1/2 y/o daughter uses with her booster. Up to now it's been a matter of incovenience or minor bumps, but I'm scared it could happen at a more crucial moment and they could be seriously injured. Both seatbelts on the front bench are shoulder harness types.
Am filing a complaint in regards to reportedly unsafe "gen-3" seatbelts installed as OEM equipment in our van. The mfr. Refuses to replace these reportedly defective by design seatbelts, and wants us to pay the cost ($1600.00) to replace these belts. Due to the fact that these belts have failed the industry standard "ball test" I feel that they are unsafe and should be replaced at no cost to us.
Airbag light came on and horn stopped working, mechanic stated clock spring assembly needed to be replaced. Also consumer was having problem with the radio that has been worked on five times and replaced twice and still doesnot work to consumer's satisfaction, consumer also had brakes replaced, also the tensioner belt on the timing belt, also the water pump broke, also transmission went out.
Consumer states rear-seat shoulder-harness seat belts (both left and right) are jammed. Enabling passenger to extend the seat belts out from the opening in the over the should interior roof trim. Dealer found adhesive / insulation from the headlinder had melted onto the seatbelts. Updated
The straps on the intergrated child seat were retracting into the seat while the child was in the seat. Owner pushed the release button on the seat, the seat did not release. Owner had to cut the straps in order to free child from pressure on choking. Child was not injured. The dealer has ordered the replacement part for the seat.
I own a 1997 Dodge Caravan, I have two children the seat belt came unlatched several times. Twice my 8 years old daughter leaned to the side and her elbo hit the release button it unlathed, my other daughter is 5 few times we noticed her booster seat is unlached for no reason. Need help to solve this problem .
We bought this van one year ago and so far we had to replace both oxygen sensor, speed sensor, head gasket, water pump, the transmission is slipping, doors lock and unlock whenever they want not just the 16 MPH thing, ball joints are clunking, the cd player quit and then soon after fm radio only am works.
Once rear left side seat belt was pulled all the way out it would not retract back into the mechanism. Van was brought to the dealership. Whole seat belt was replaced. It took more than two months before the part was available to correct the problem. Please provide any further information.
Consumer received recall 02V076000 notification regarding seat belt failure. Dealer was notified, consumer set an appointment to have services rendered. While taking vehicle to dealer, mechanic stated parts were no longer available consumer had to reset appointment.
Related recalls
Seat belts › Rear/other
On certain minivans, some trim material can loosen and drop into the rear outboard seat belt assembly, causing the seat belt to become inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trim with foam blockers and inspect and replace all 3rd row seat belt assemblies. Owner notification began June 3, 2002.
NHTSA investigations
Integrated child seat belt lockup
Odi continues to receive complaints alleging latching/retractor mechanism problems.Chrysler's assessment of the problem indicates that owners of the vehicles are not adhering to the cleaning requirements for the seat.the seat appears to malfunction if crumbs of food or beverage residue accumulates on the latching tongue in thewell located between the child's legs.odi has 19 complaints of retract lockup.seven of…
Rear seat belt malfunction
This investigation was opened January 16, 2002, based on seven reports alleging the third row seat belt retractors failed on certain 1997 and 1998 model year caravan and voyager vehicles.the reports indicated a tar like substance entered the retractor mechanism, thus causing the retractor to jam or bind.in this condition the seat belt is rendered inoperable, as the webbing cannot retract or be withdrawn from the…
Seat Belt complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat belt problems on the 1997 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the seat belts of the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 3% of the model year's 714 complaints. The component named most often is front › anchorage (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Caravan seat belt problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-076 (rear/other, Mar 8, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Dodge Caravan seat belt problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries to seat belts 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.