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1997 Dodge Van problems

The most common problem on the 1997 Dodge Van is airbags. It has 1.3 times the complaints of a typical Van model year.

Typical year1.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
24
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
12
Worst area
Airbags

The worst 1997 Dodge Van problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Airbags
    4
  • Brakes
    4
  • Electrical
    4
  • Suspension
    4
  • Transmission
    4

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    4
  • Brakes
    4
  • Electrical
    4
  • Suspension
    4
  • Transmission
    4
  • Tires
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Engine
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Seats
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Dodge Van 12

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 12 bulletins for the 1997 Dodge Van

What 1997 Dodge Van owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 1, 2008 · Electrical · AL

I own a 1997 dodge voyager van and have been having constant problems with the ps, AC, and alternator belt slipping off, causing damage to the ps and alternator mounting brackets. At best, I have had to drive the vehicle home using the electricity from the battery to power the spark plugs and have not had ps because of the slipped belt. The most recent event happened on 6/30/08. Similar incidents have happened in february, march, april, and may of this year. I have had it in the shop as many times. The ps mounting bracket is going to need replacement (again) of the mounting bolts that have broken off due to the strain of the belt slipping off. The repair shop says that all of the pulleys and mounting brackets have, by now, been replaced and were in working order and can not give me a reason why the belt keeps slipping off. I was referred to this site, through the internet, by many others that have had the same problem with their chrysler or dodge vans. It seems that I am not alone in this problem that the manufacture will not make correct.

Filed Feb 8, 2007 · Tires · VA

1997 dodge 3500 maxi van with tire failure due to defective valve stems. **cc the consumer's vehicle has had three tire failures, on the same vehicle, due to defective valve stems. The stem manufacturers are eha schrader and fha

Filed Sep 20, 2005 · Suspension · MN

1997 dodge caravan has severe strut tower corrosion on front drivers side. This has not failed yet, but could cause crash if strut comes through top of housing.

Filed Jun 6, 2005 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · OH

The problem that I am having is with the gauges. My ABS and check engine soon light comes on and the gauges go out. I can tell how fast I'm going I can tell how much gas I have and my doors will not lock themselves. I have had the computer reset. We have diconnected the negitive battery cable and reconnected it. We have beat on the dash till they come back on. These are only temp fixes because pretty soon here comes the lights out goes the gauges. The transmission was replaced 2 years ago because aparently after about 79000 miles the transmissions go out on these vans. We the transmission starts shifting funny is when this problem accures. I love my van I just cant handle its problems. We are not the only ones having this problem either everyone I have talked to has replaced their transmissions at 79000 miles and is having the same gauge problems I am having.

Filed Mar 30, 2005 · Transmission · CA

My 1997 dodge grand caravan was in for transmission problems, and at 117,000 miles I learned my transmission is also going. I know two other people who replaced their transmissions before 100,000. Don't buy one.

Filed Jan 4, 2005 · Suspension · NY · crash

Ball joint separation on the lfront left tire.

Filed Dec 15, 2004 · Visibility · 98,023 miles · NH

The heater core sprung a leak while driving which rendered the defroster system inoperative. Vehicle immediately fogged up. This reduced the driver's visibility because the driver was unable to see out of the windshield. Consumer pulled over and cut the windshield off, and drove the rest of the trip with the windows down, and defogger switch in the off position. The heater core was replaced by a mechanic who had difficulty finding the part. This may be due to faulty manufacturing design. *ak

Filed May 4, 2004 · Airbags · AZ

Safety recall notice received for 1997 dodge van regarding air bags and replacement of the clockspring. (nar) *mr the consumer made an appointment to have the clockspring replaced, but when he arrived at the dealer they indicated that they didn't have the part available (recall b24). *nm

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Tires · AR

When the rear tire blew out, it ruptured the gas tank filler tube. *ph

Filed Jul 25, 2003 · Tires · MD

Tire blow out. Complete blow of tread, radial plys. Only sidewalls remain on rim.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1997 Dodge Van before you buy

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Questions about the 1997 Dodge Van

Is the 1997 Dodge Van reliable?

Owners have filed 24 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Van, 1.3 times a typical Van model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Dodge Van?

Airbags, with 4 complaints. Next is brakes (4).

How many recalls does the 1997 Dodge Van have?

No recalls on record.

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