Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My van was parked out side luckys on mitalda near w maude avenue in sunnyvale ca 94086 I was using the water refilling station and started to smell smoke when I turned around I imideatlly noticed that the drivers side rear taillight was on fire. Not having a fire extinguisher I took the bottle of water I had in my hands and started to throw water on it until the flames went out. What in the hell would make that happen? Is my van up for recall? I just purchased the van just a week ago. It has been a night mare for me not to mention extremely costly replacing everything's that's been going out. The A/C cluster the dash cluster the power window motor. The rear vent motor. Countless bulbs and fuses.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. Whenever the contact shifts, the vehicle makes an unfamiliar noise. When the vehicle is parked, it operates normally. The transmission stalls and will start back up, but it is unreliable. The vehicle would rev and have to be restarted in order for the revving to stop. If there is a power fluctuation, the rear wipers will turn on and off at random. The high beams on the headlights do not work, but the failure was repaired. The parking light on the front driver's side failed. He replaced the bulb, but it still does not work. The contact stated that he is constantly replacing the low beam lights. The serpentine belt slips off; however, it has been repaired. The check engine light flashes on and off and there is a burning electrical smell coming from the vehicle. The front strut assembly is rusting and rotting. …
1. Wipers turns on automatically - usually when a turn signal is on. 2. Service engine light turns on frequently with p1698 code and no other pending code. Present interval at an average of a week. Dealer cannot find the root of the problem. Found out this incident is very common as discussed in several chatrooms. Incident usually starts with ABS light on then instrument cluster dies, followed by airbag light then the service engine light. At incident, power door locks does not work. At incident, sometimes ABS and airbag light will turn off after s short drive then the instrument panel will work. 3.rear interior lights remain lit even when dash switch is off and no door ajar. Sometimes a single interior light turns on when starting engine and remain lit.
The clear plastic lenses that cover the head lamp bulbs have become extremely clouded and greatly diminish the brightness of the headlights. The dealer has told me that its normal. I have noticed this condition on many other similar vehicles and drivers are not aware of the condition . This condition creates an extreme safety concern for night time driving by reducing visibility. I believe that it is a design defect. There is no mention in the owners manual or maintenance schedule listed by the manufacturer of any required maintenance.
The headlights were dim and consumer was unable to see clearly on the highway while driving at night. Driver took the vehicle to dealer for analysis. Mechanic replaced the headlight bulbs, but problem recurred.
Both of the headlight covers on the 1997 Grand Caravan were frosted from the inside and the lights did not showing up as bright. They appeared low lit all the time as if the light could not filter through because of the frosted look all the time. This was a hazard. I would like to know why the headlight covers looked like they did. This was a real problem. They looked horrible.
Dt: the owns a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the headlight lenses were no longer transparent, but were turning opaque. The consumer contacted the service dealer, and they stated there were no recalls on this specific component. The headlights would be replaced but at t consumer's expense. The consumer did not contacted the manufacturer.
The plastic headlight lenses on this vehicle have dulled to the point that the headlights have noticeably dimmed to the point that it's difficult to see the roadway at night.
Turning out parking lot and did not see pole. Damaged my left front headlight and my fender.
Turning out parking lot and did not see pole. Damaged my left front headlight and my fender.
Headlight complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the lights of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, 4% of the model year's 583 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, though it has 5 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 Grand Caravan headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 130,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries to lights 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.