1997 Dodge Caravan engine and engine cooling problems
123 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 1997 Dodge Caravan — 17% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact stated while driving 65 mph the vehicle lost power steering, the engine overheated, the alternator and air conditioner failed. The vehicle merged onto the side of the road and the contact inspected the engine and noticed the serpentine belt…”
filed Nov 23, 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge caravan. The contact noticed steam coming from the front end of the vehicle as the radiator overheated and exploded. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was awaiting diagnosis. The contact did not inform the manufacturer. The failure mileage was…”
filed Apr 20, 2011
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
R2118796A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 26, 2016
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Caravan years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 Caravan | 1 | 5% |
| 2010 Caravan | 9 | 5% |
| 2009 Caravan | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 Caravan | 5 | 2% |
| 2007 Caravan | 6 | 7% |
| 2006 Caravan | 13 | 8% |
| 2005 Caravan | 14 | 3% |
| 2004 Caravan | 4 | 6% |
| 2003 Caravan | 17 | 9% |
| 2002 Caravan | 19 | 8% |
| 2001 Caravan | 16 | 6% |
| 2000 Caravan | 61 | 13% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1997 Dodge Caravan
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.