Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
1997 Dodge Caravan. Starting at about 30,000 miles, the windshield wipers would mysteriously come on, make 4 to 5 wipes and turn off. We made jokes about the ghost riding with us. It was an intermittent problem, happening about every month or six weeks. It could not be reproduced on demand. Finally, at 72,000, the windshield wipers refused to turn on from the stalk--except when the windshield was given a "squirt" of fluid by lifting up on the turn signal/wiper control stalk, then they gave the regular three wipes and turned off. The dealer replaced the entire switch unit. It did not help. Then they called Chrysler's "super tech 800 number" and no help was provided. Since the car could not be inspected with no wiper function, the entire body control module was replaced (computer) which fixed the problem. Cost: $741.00. …
Dt: consumer complained about electrical problems. Instrument panel did not work. The instrument cluster was digital. Buttons for air conditioner and rear defroster flashed constantly. Consumer took vehicle to garage, and they recommended Dodge dealer. Also, windshield wipers came on their own. Vehicle did not have to be on running for windshield wipers to come on. They came on about every two weeks. Also, traveling interior lights came on. Consumer stopped lights from coming on by putting tape on door. Consumer believed these were different issues. He replaced fan control module last year, and that did not help. Consumer added that pounding on the dashboard made the dash light illuminate.
Have owned a 1997 Dodge Caravan (bought as new) for 108,000 miles. Recently we've had a problem with our windshield wipers. For several years, we've had the problem of the "ghost wipers" where they would come on on their own. But it would only happen very rarely. Now, we have a problem where the switch does not regulate the speed of the wipers. The intermittent part does not work at all. We recently had it taken to a Goodyear dealer and they diagnosed the problem as a body control module going bad. This is an expensive fix. Have noticed a previous complaint (#10154526) and also several complaints posted on carspace automotive forums. Some say the BCM is the problem and others say it isn't.
Purchased Dodge Caravan new. At 40,000 miles, windshield wipers began random wiping action unrelated to time or weather conditions. They would turn on, wipe four or five times and turn off. At 104,000 miles, without warning, wipers refused to respond to switch except for "wash and wipe" cycle. Vehicle could not be inspected as wipers could not be turned on for inclement weather. Three trips to the dealer resulted in a "body control module" being replaced for a cost of $741.00 in order to make them work. If they had stopped during a blizzard, it could have been very bad. (please note, dates are from memory and could be slightly off).
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...
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 contact owns a 1997 Dodge Caravan. The rear driver side vent window is stuck in an inward position and cannot be opened. While driving at any speed, the instrumental panel lights begin to flash and the vehicle shuts off. The vehicle can only be restarted after waiting 15 minutes. The dealer has not diagnosed the vehicle. The failure mileage was 150,000.
The consumer was driving and the windshield wipers turned on by themselves, and run erratically, and will not shut off at the correct position. When it's raining, wipers cannot be controlled. The dealer told consumer that similar make, model and year vehicle have experienced the same problem.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20 MPH on normal road conditions the windshield wipers started working every time the turn signal lights were operated. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealership however the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem.
The windshield wipers would automatically come on while traveling on the road. They would come on for two to four wipes and then stop. This intermittent problem was rare at first, then started to happen more frequently. We finally took it in to the dealership for repair. They replaced the windshield wiper switch at no cost to us. (only because we were under the 36mo./36,000mi. Waranty.) the next problem was the battery went dead. We took it in for repair, and the dealership replaced the battery at no cost to us. (only because it was under the 36mo./36,000mi. Waranty) . The other problem was that the inside rear view mirror became unglued from the front windshield. I went to a auto repair store and purchased a rear view mirror glue kit. I glued the rear view mirror on myself. ( I don't have confidence in the dealerships glue) thank you ........ Richard maldonado.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1997 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 7% of the model year's 714 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Caravan window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.