Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the power steering failed and the windows became foggy, causing very dangerous conditions for the driver. The vehicle was taken to a personal mechanic for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the serpentine belt needed to be replaced; however the contact had just replaced the serpinitine belt 2,000 miles prior. The manufacturer was notified, but offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 114,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH over a puddle of water, there was a sudden loss of power steering assist. The failure only occurred whenever the contact was driving over a puddle of water, causing the serpentine belt to become detached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic three different times where the serpentine belt was reconnected each time. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.
I own a 1997 Dodge Caravan, with approx 139,000 miles on it. I just read in the birmingham news about the NHTSA investigating daimler-Chrysler's 1998-1999 Dodge caravans/Chrysler town & countrys/Plymouth voyagers. The article states the vans had a defect with the steering wheel/airbag. Mine is doing this exact thing. About a month ago, the airbag warning light came on, and the horn and cruise control quit working. Please include the 1997 model years in the investigation.
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.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge grand Caravan. While driving approximately 10 MPH in rainy weather conditions, the steering wheel locked and would not steer to the left or right and then it the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who stated that the serpentine belt came off. The belt was put replaced and the contact was informed this was a known failure for his year, make and model vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 150,000.
On rainy days when making sharp left turn, the 97 Dodge Caravan (3.0 v6) looses power steering and goes out of control. The serpentine drive belt slipped out of the tensioner pulley causing the power steering loss leading to this hazardous condition while driving in addition to the road being wet and slippery. There is a potential for a crash or deadly accident if this condition happens. This condition happened four times in the past two months.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Caravan . The contact stated that while driving 3 MPH and attempting a turn, the front passenger side tire rod fractured. The vehicle was then towed to the contact's residence. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired.the VIN was not available. The failure and the current mileage was 200,000.
Steering: steering wheel vibrations, difficult to control, especially when breaking, and popping noises. Had to replace rack and pinion at 37,100 miles. Replaced lower control arm bushings at 54,354 miles. Replaced lower control arm joints at 59,421 miles. Tires: tires loose air pressure and go flat for no apparent reason intermitantly, resulting in the replacement of two tires. Tire burst while driving, resulting in replacement of a third tire. Door locks: intermittent failure of right side sliding door power lock. Will not lock/unlock with power control. Radio tape deck: tape player activated without tape in the deck. Unable to stop tape player. Required replacement.( dot number: tire size: p215/65r15 )
Electrical component failures have resulted in five visits, four repairs - counting this current incident. Warranty issues have prevented immediate repair, even though we hold an extended gold warranty. Dealer claims clockspring involvement - customer claims operation perfect without for several months. Customer left clockspring unrepaired due to warranty issue, since, a possible recall is under review. Customer refuses payment for repair. Dodge is unresponsive. Dealer is unresponsive. Lawsuit will be pursued.
Steering complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 6% of the model year's 714 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Caravan steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 137,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering 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.