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 Grand Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Serpentine belt comes off while driving in snow causing loss of power steering on slippery road surfaces. Loss of vehicle control and ability to regain vehicle control was compromised by lack of steering assist causing the vehicle to leave the roadway. I contacted Chrysler and they said there is no recall for my vehicle.this was a very dangerous situation as a school bus was near my vehicle when this incident happened. This issue needs to be addressed and a recall should be mandated.
I have a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan last year on December 2007 my serpentine belt came off while I was making a right on one street under the rain, I almost lost control off my car but I was fortunate that no cars were around. It was hard for me to drive my car but I called the mechanic and he told me not worry that I would be able to get safe to the shop. That incident broke my windshield hose water, my air conditioner and my steering wheel hose and heat it up the car so I had to stop several times before I got to the mechanic shop. I was so afraid but I got safe. Then it happen again a week later, I was so angry with the mechanic because I thought that he didn't do nothing to my car and that he was taking my money only, since I was around the corner I was able to go back to him. …
Part 2 I've read on here that gates has a belt/pulley fix for this problem. If they have one, Chrysler can make one. This is a dangerous problem that can happen any time to many Dodge vans, it results in other damages, sudden loss of power steering control, possible injury even death to many people at one time. Many other vehicles have serpentine belts without this problem so it can be fixed. It's a repeated design flaw & should be corrected immediately. A ntsb rule goes something like this "a company is responsible for any foreseeable problems in their product" the same goes for the brake lines corroding enough for failure to occur in just a few years, this is also unacceptable. This is a $29,850 vehicle not a $2,000 1967 Volkswagen beetle, my beetle has the original break lines. And in good shape. All break lines are to be stainless steel to resist rust and corrosion. …
When even the smallest amount of street water, I.e. Water-filled pothole, curb water drainage, etc gets splashed up onto the vehicle underside the power sterring assist disappears for a short interval, 10 to 20 seconds. During that period I, a 200 lb man with reasonable body strength, can barely continue turning the steering wheel. This has happened on several occassions during the past three years. I have almost crashed into the curb three times already. I am aretired mechanical engineer with extensive "do it yourself" experience and I perceive that water is splashing up on the serpantine belt and the belt friction is changed enormously when water gets splashed on that belt. As far as I know there is no splash guard or deflector to protect the belt from water being splashed up by the right front tire. My engine is the largest displacement v6. …
Dt*: the contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle rpms dropped to zero, the vehicle jerked, and the engine stalled completely. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road, and was able to restart the vehicle after 10 minutes. The vehicle has not been taken in for inspection. The consumer stated several attempts have been made to fix the vehicle. The oil pan was leaking oil. The valve cover gaskets were replaced. The transmission was heavily damaged and had to be replaced. The power steering pump was replaced. The front end of the vehicle pulled to the left. Updated 08/15/06.
While driving, consumer could smell smoke, pulled over and smoke and flames started coming out of the hood, fire originated from a leaky power steering line at the rear of the power steering pump, claim 05-4462-943.
Power steering rack operates poorly. When this occurs there is no power steering when turning right. The stering fluid leaks out. Dealership replaced the steering rack, but the failure reccured within 38,000 miles.
While driving, consumer smelled smoke, pulled over and smoke and flames started coming from the hood, fire originated from a leaky power steering line at the rear of the power steering pump, claim 05-4462-943.
While driving vehicle, as I was trying to execute a left hand turn the steering became extremely hard and I hand to forcefully turn the steering wheel.right after that incident I noticed that the steering was difficult in both directions, while the car was being driven and also while it was idiling. I called chryler cutomer service to let them know about the problem but they basically told me I was on my own do the the vehicle being out of waranty. I had researched and found out that I was not the only customer who had complained about the steering,and that there were many instances of rack and pinions failing and being replaced by the dealer. These particular vehicles are also prone to a variety of steering related problems which are common knowledge and there are a numerous amount of technical service bulletins issued in regards to these problems. …
Part 4612894ac tensioner caused the failure of part 4861322 belt-drv with A/C. The first occurrence, 10/98, resulted in the car coming to a dead halt. Had this occurred a few minutes earlier, while on the tollway, I would not be here to write about this. Since then, the battery failed 1/10/2000 (possibly related) and the tensioner/belt failed soon after, resulting in water pump failure. The tensioner, belt and pump were replaced. A coworker advised me that his tensioner has failed 4 times - approx. Every 15,000 miles. My occurences have happened within similar timespans. I have no confidence in the vehicle, as I dread the failure of the tensioner while on my daily commute to work at expressway speeds. A sudden stop with the failure of the belt is extremely hazardous.
Steering complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, 6% of the model year's 583 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 136,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 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.