1997 Dodge Van problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 41 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median Van year — the 1997 model ranks #2 of 16 Van years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (7), suspension (7), and airbags (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
41
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1997 compare to other Van years?
What are the most common 1997 Dodge Van problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 7 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 7 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 5 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 5 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER, SERVICE DEPT CHECKED BALL JOINT AND SAID THE VEHICLE WAS OK TO DRIVE WHILE THEY WAITED FOR THE PART, SOON AFTER THE LEFT FRONT BALL JOINT BROKE CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VHEICLE RESULTING IN FRONT END ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS. NLM”
“ON A DIVIDED HIGHWAY TRAVELING 60MPH, APPROACHED A RED LIGHT AND ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING FROM THE LEFT, RAN THE LIGHT AND HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE, RUNNING IT OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH HEAD-ON. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK”
“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…”
“MY 3 YEARS OLD DOUGHTER WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE GEAR FROM PARK TO NEUTRAL WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKES. SHE RAN OVER MY SON WHO WAS GOING AROUND THE CAR TO ENTER FROM THE OTHER SIDE. THE CAR IS A DODGE VAN 1997. I SPOKE TO THE DEALER ABOUT THE INCIDENTS AND THEY SAID THAT THE CARAVAN MODEL 1997…”
1997 Dodge Van — common questions
Is the 1997 Dodge Van reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 41 complaints put the 1997 model at #2 of 16 Van years. It is one of the Van years to avoid.
What are the most common 1997 Van problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (7 complaints), suspension (7 complaints), airbags (5 complaints).
Does the 1997 Dodge Van have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Dodge Van.
Which Dodge Van years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Van years to avoid are 2000, 1997. The cleanest record among Van years belongs to 1990.
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.