Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 know it's my solenoid my vehicle won't go out of 2 gear. My name is [redacted].[redacted] my number is [redacted]. I'm not sure if anything can be done being the vehicle is so old but I thought I'd give it a try. Email is [redacted].
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.
The first time my transmission went out was when it had 29000 miles on it on October 1999.oakland Dodge replaced the torq conferter and overhaul the transmission at their cost. The transmission went out again after a little over 36000 miles later and now they blamed it on a broken torq converter and put in a remanufactured transmission at my cost. Also this vehicle had 3 serpentine belts replaced in one year because of shredding. It is amazing to me how many people have problems with this vehicle and that there isn't a recall on their transmissions. I will never buy a Dodge Caravan again.
1997 Dodge grand Caravan suffered transmission failure.** answer required***. In jan 2005 the engine light illuminated after the vehicle was diagnosed, it was determined there was a problem with the torque converter. The consumer was told there was chance that replacing the fluid and filter might resolve the problem, the problem remained and now the transmission is slipping. The consumer was told the only recourse was to replace the transmission which would be for the second time.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge Caravan. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact stated that the transmission appeared to be slipping. The vehicle would not shift from second gear and, once it stopped, it vibrated excessively. Upon further investigation, the contact found metal shavings in the transmission pan. There were no recalls available for the failure and the vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were less than 138,000.
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.
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.
Transmission is being rebuilt again this is my third transmission.the original was replaced at 16,500 miles with a remanufactured from Chrysler transmission,which an independant shop purchased from darrow Dodge and has installed it,and now only after 31,000 miles first gear went out on it and it is being rebuilt now.there is a definite problem with their transmissions and should be recalled.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the transmission and the o-rings on the fuel injectors are failing. Chrysler stated that the vehicle was not included in recall # 00V268000 (fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system). The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage is 192,000 and failure mileage was 30,000.
Child started vehicle without applying brakes. Child was able to shift gear into reverse, resulting into an accident, and causing minor injuries. Mechanic stated there was a locking mechanism that prevented gears to shift without applying brakes.
Transmission complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 133 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 19% of the model year's 714 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (107 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Caravan transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.