VehicleVerdict

2017 Dodge Caravan problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2017 Dodge Caravan — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

18

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other Caravan years?

Caravan NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted2,178 complaints1984: 26 complaints1985: 85 complaints1986: 55 complaints1987: 83 complaints1988: 135 complaints1989: 236 complaints1990: 341 complaints1991: 773 complaints1992: 1,126 complaints1993: 1,229 complaints1994: 836 complaints1995: 656 complaints1996: 2,178 complaints1997: 1,028 complaints1998: 840 complaints1999: 745 complaints2000: 613 complaints2001: 341 complaints2002: 326 complaints2003: 252 complaints2004: 83 complaints2005: 691 complaints2006: 231 complaints2007: 115 complaints2008: 421 complaints2009: 175 complaints2010: 257 complaints2011: 112 complaints2012: 116 complaints2013: 34 complaints2014: 27 complaints2015: 29 complaints2016: 42 complaints2017: 18 complaints2018: 6 complaints2019: 3 complaints2020: 4 complaints
Caravan NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Caravan years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Dodge Caravan problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine422%
Other422%
Electrical System211%
Body & Structure211%
Speed Control16%
Airbags16%
Transmission16%
Brakes16%
Fuel System16%
Seat Belts16%

Does the 2017 Dodge Caravan have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V098000LightingFebruary 8, 2018 · 39,456 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Caravan and Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The brake switches on these vehicles may malfunction, keeping the brake lights illuminated and/or allowing the vehicle to be shifted out of the PARK position without the brake pedal being pushed.

Consequence

Having the brake lamps continuously illuminated or being able to shift the vehicle out of PARK when the brake pedal is not pressed (and the ignition is in the RUN mode) can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake switches, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U09.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“2017 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC AT A LIGHT. MY FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE FOR A SECOND AND THE VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD QUICKLY, WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE REAR END OF AN ACURA SITTING ABOUT 10 FEET IN FRONT OF ME.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 28, 2017 · crash

“I WAS SITTING IN TRAFFIC WAITING FOR THE RED LIGHT TO TURN GREEN. MY RIGHT FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE AND THE VAN IMMEDIATELY LUNGED FORWARD. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE ASAP, BUT THE CAR SITTING IN FRONT OF ME WAS HIT IN THE REAR. I HAVE NO IDEA WHY THIS RENTAL VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD QUICKLY FOR NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 28, 2017 · crash

“DRIVING ON FREEWAY, AT AROUND 65MPH. VEHICLE SHUT OFF, LOST ALL POWER, NO ELECTRICITY, COULD NOT TURN ON HAZARD LIGHTS. I SHUT OFF IGNITION TURN IT ON AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE TURN ON AGAIN AND I PROCEEDED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 7, 2019

“AFTER HEAVY RAIN OVER THE NIGHT, WHILE THE VAN WAS PARKED, A LOT OF WATER ENDED IN THE REAR INTERIOR, LUGGAGE AREA, SO IN THE MORNING WITHOUT A DRAINING PLUG I COULDN'T DRAIN IT OUT FROM UNDERNEATH, BUT HAD TO COLLECT IT WITH TOWEL AND PAPER IN ORDER TO PUT THERE MY FOOD I JUST BOUGHT. I GUESS THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 1, 2017

“I WAS SITTING IN TRAFFIC WAITING FOR THE RED LIGHT TO TURN GREEN. MY RIGHT FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE AND THE VAN IMMEDIATELY LUNGED FORWARD. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE ASAP, BUT THE CAR SITTING IN FRONT OF ME WAS HIT IN THE REAR. I HAVE NO IDEA WHY THIS RENTAL VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD QUICKLY FOR NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 28, 2017 · crash

2017 Dodge Caravan — common questions

Is the 2017 Dodge Caravan reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2017 Caravan problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (4 complaints), engine (4 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 2017 Dodge Caravan have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 Dodge Caravan. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Dodge Caravan years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Caravan years to avoid are 1996, 1993, 1992, 1997, 1998, 1994, 1991, 1999, 2005, 1995, 2000, 2008. The cleanest record among Caravan years belongs to 2019.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.