Five problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
When the vehicle is on, the key can be removed and the engine remains on.
While parked at a stop sign the vehicle started to smoke. A fire then appeared coming out of the hood. 911 was called and fire squad came. Within 5 minutes the entire front of the car was engulfed in flames. Fire extinguishers were used but it could not put out the fire. Fire truck came and by this time the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. Firemen used water to finally control the fire. Fire restarted and had to be put out again and eventually the fire was completely extinguished. It was perhaps only 10 minutes for the fire to start, spread, and completely and utterly destroy the van. Because of the intensity, quickness of the fire, and the difficulty in putting it out, it appears to be a fuel related fire. I read that Dodge had fuel line "o" rings that could be defective and that could have been the cause. I called Dodge headquarters and explained the event. I am still waiting for a call back.
: the contact stated after being parked for 15 minutes the vehicle caught fire under the hood. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle has not yet been seen by a mechanic to determine where the fire started or the extent of the damage.
Consumer was having the same problem with vehicle that she had one year ago, but had it repaired via recall notice. Vehicle did not want to start in the morning. Consumer could not afford to pay for it, and dealer would not repair it again. It was repaired one year ago.
Water leaked into air breather intake when consumer drove through water, water went into the engine, causing engine to seize/fail.