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 Grand Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan le/es. The contact stated while attempting a right turn at speeds of 45 MPH, the sun visor fell from over the contacts head onto the steering wheel. The contact stated the steering wheel locked and she was unable to maintain control of the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into an embankment and had to be towed out. The contact was not injured. She advised the sun visor was designed to sit too close to the steering wheel. The failure and current mileages were 140,000.
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. …
Intermittent wipers will not cycle consistantly. They might sweep 3 times quickly and then will cycle normally, then May stop cycling for 4-6 cycles. Wipers will sometimes activate on their own. Intermittent wipers will sometimes begin to cycle and continue cycling even after the switch has been turned to the "off" position in desperation. We live in the pacific nw and have to drive in rain constantly. Not having reliable windshield wipers is extremely hazardous. We have had the car to a dealer twice and had the switch replaced twice within one year. Per the dealer, the switch was defective both times. While driving home from the dealer after having the switch replaced the second time, the problem occurred again but by the time we turned around and got back to the dealer, it was working fine so the dealer could not diagnose additional problems.
Reported problem to Dodge corp. Several years ago about wipers coming on by themselves. Was advised that since no recall, no remedy. On this issue, my research shows that there have been enough complaints and this issue should be handled by a recall. Secondly, and most recently. Both driver and passenger windows failed. Dodge represents that time/mileage precludes repair at their cost. Rear wing vent window quit working approx. A week ago (mar. 2004). Vehicle seems to be falling apart electronically. Mileage/warranty should not be an issue. Defects are defects. Recall requested.
The 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan front and rear brake pads and rotors wear out nearly every month. The vehicle begins to sway while driving 55mph on freeway or when changing lanes. The emergency brake light is on due to a leakage in the brakes. The EGR valve keeps going out and the service engine light is on.
On numerous occasions since we've owned this vehicle the front windshield wipers spontaneously activate, make two or three passes across the windshield, then return to the stowed position and stop. Sometimes the activation is noted in conjunction with starting the vehicle, activating the turn signals, or during the process of steering the vehicle through a turn. Sometimes it occurs while just driving straight down the road...I suppose this quirk is due to rubbing wiring, etc. In the steering column, and my wife and I are accustomed to it by now. It occurs to me though that this wiper activation could easily distract a driver at a critical moment and contribute to a mishap. Email is the best way to contact us or try the home phone number after that...we check the answering machine frequently. Thanks, clay riales.
The windshield wipers turn on when not selected, and is very distracting, and has almost resulted in several accidents. Some of my friends which also own Caravan/voyager have has the same problem and have had the switch replaced numerous times to no avail. I think Dodge needs to redisgn the switch, and recall all the effected vehicles and have it corrected immediately. Also as far as the front brakes, I have had the front brake shoes replaced at least 7 times in the time I have owned the car. I haven't replaced that many brakes together on all the other cars I have owned. I think the front disc brakes are undersized and cannot meet the weight of the van. Dodge also needs to redisn the front brake sys and make modifications to the affected vehicles.
The windshield wipers come on without intervention from driver. I think this is a safety issue. When the wipers come on by themselves, it could be frightening and thus cause the driver to not pay attention to the road which could result in a fatality. On one occasion while driving the wipers came on suddenly and my windshield became so smeared that I could not see the roadway clearly. I'd like to avoid this happening again and would very much like my vehicle repaired by Dodge because I suspect this is a safety defect. Furthermore, I placed my windshield wiper problem out on the internet to find out if other Caravan owners had similar problems. Within a day, I had received a response and was told to notify you.
The wipers occasionally comes on when turn signal is on. The wipers came on while I was turning - changing lanes and partially blinding my view of the road. I almost crashed while making the turn and in the same time trying to turn off the wiper. Since the wipers went on when the windshield is dry, it causes the wipers to streak loudly and scratch the glass. Also, the wipers crossed each other and cause it to suddenly back against the glass. Luckily, the wipers didn't smash the windshield. Having the wipers turn on a dry windshield glass while turning is very dangerous. We were lucky that my children and I weren't hurt by this incident.
My 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan has been a headache since I got it. Right after I got it I had to pay $600 to get my dashboard fixed because all my gauges quit completely. Now my windshield wipers will go off by themselves even when they are off. This happens when I hit the brakes or unlock the doors or open the driver side door. My check engine light stays on all the time. We have it put on a tester and they cant find why its on. The rear end rattles pretty bad also and sometimes there is no pick up and go.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 58 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, 10% of the model year's 583 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (41 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.