One problem related to engine grinding noise has been reported for the 1997 Dodge Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The above mentioned vehicle was in route on a 12 hour road trip. About 2 hours before our destination, the van started making noises (when I applied pressure on the brakes they made a grinding noise). We arrived at our destination, and the next day the steering wheel started to "lock up". I called a Dodge dealer, but I was afraid to drive it that far, so I drove to the closest full service garage. The mechanic got behind the wheel, and before he got it out of the lot, he pulled back in and said he thought he knew what was wrong. He raised the van up, and I was shocked to see the engine falling out. He said to stay out of the van that it was very dangerous. I immediately had it towed to the Dodge dealer. They verified the engine was falling out and kept the van a few days to install two bolts that they said were missing. I asked them if it was a factory error and he said no - the bolts were in at one time and somehow fell out. P. S. We had to rent a car for 6 days while it was repaired. The dealer said he never saw this happen before - true or not?.