1997 Dodge Caravan transmission problems
Owners reported transmission problems in 129 complaints for the 1997 Dodge Caravan, 13% of the complaints on file. It is the 3rd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 129 13% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 70,000 miles 16 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 3 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When transmission problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 3 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 3 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 2 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 4 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 1 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 16 transmission complaints that report mileage, the median is about 70,000 miles, and 44% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 3 crashes, 1 fire, 2 injuries.
What owners wrote
Child started vehicle without applying brakes. Child was able to shift gear into reverse, resulting into an accident, and causing minor injuries. Mechanic stated there was a locking mechanism that prevented gears to shift without applying brakes.
We have had our vehicle since 1999 and have been disappointed with its performance. This is our third chrysler/dodge van and this is the second of the three to have transmission problems. The first had them at 37,000 miles and this one is having them at 71,000 miles. We were smart enough to have an extended warranty for both vehicles, unfortunately, on the current van the warranty ran out last month...besides the poor engineering of the transmissions this van has had several problems with the tie rod and front end…
Other problems reported for the 1997 Dodge Caravan
- Air bags 154 complaints
- Engine 132 complaints
- Electrical system 109 complaints
- Brakes 86 complaints
- Fuel system 66 complaints
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 59 complaints
- Cruise control 45 complaints
- Steering 43 complaints