1997 Dodge Caravan engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 132 complaints for the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 13% of the complaints on file. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 132 13% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 95,000 miles 18 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 24
- Injuries and deaths
- 3 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 3 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 0 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 3 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 3 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 3 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 18 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 95,000 miles, and 22% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 24 fires, 3 injuries.
What owners wrote
Consumer had parked vehicle and went inside place of employment, upon returning to vehicle he noticed vehicle was smoking under the hood, the engine area had caught fire and vehicle was totaled, driver of the vehicle was treated for smoke inhalation. *slc
On rainy days when making sharp left turn, the 97 dodge caravan (3.0 v6) looses power steering and goes out of control. The serpentine drive belt slipped out of the tensioner pulley causing the power steering loss leading to this hazardous condition while driving in addition to the road being wet and slippery. There is a potential for a crash or deadly accident if this condition happens. This condition happened four times in the past two months.
Other problems reported for the 1997 Dodge Caravan
- Air bags 154 complaints
- Transmission 129 complaints
- Electrical system 109 complaints
- Brakes 86 complaints
- Fuel system 66 complaints
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 59 complaints
- Cruise control 45 complaints
- Steering 43 complaints