Eight problems related to engine have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1997 Caravan dash gauges do not function properly, engine died. ***** the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times but they were unable to determine the problem.
While traveling at 55 mph engine immediately shifted down to 25 mph, and consumer could not go over 30mph. Took vehicle to dealer, and transmission/ engine mounts had to be replaced. There were no recalls for this defect.
When driving in a parking lot and attempting to pull into a parking space consumer noticed a noise coming from front end, placed vehicle in reverse and vehicle would not respond, then placed vehicle in drive, and the vehicle would not respond in drive, consumer contacted dealer and dealer noticed major problems within transmission and oil pan, transmission needed replacing.
Blown headgasket in regularly maintained vehicle. No known cause.
First in July the master cylinders on our back brakes were shredded and had to be replaced. This happened as I was driving on a bridge with a car full to teen age girls. In December, I noticed a hesitation and seemingly "jumping into gear" especially in reverse. Brought it to the dealer and although was 2 months out of warranty they declined to pay for it. The job was to cost about $1500. In Feb, we brought the van to a independent service provider, and as he was looking at the engine, he saw the blown head gasket. We did contact Chrysler and were told to bring it to a dealership in our area. Today, we did find out that they would cover the head gasket but not the transmission. There are volumes of internet sites that site specific transmission problems with 90-98 Caravans. These stories could be rubber stamped. During this time, I found about 15 people who are having or had trouble with the transmissions in their vans. Someone needs to make Chrysler responsible for their products. Please help.
Engine connecting rod broke while consumer was driving vehicle, traveling at 30 mph. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.
Was driving vehicle when it started to lose power. Gears were not shifting properly. Then would regain power. Computer was going off. Took to mechanic, and was informed cylinder head gasket was causing problem, and it could be repaired. The head gasket was determined defective by the mechanic. Water was leaking into the engine causing the computer to malfunctions.
Engine block cracked when vehicle was approx 1 year old. Dodge fixed crack in engine with putty. I was told by Dodge service people that was the standard fix for that problem. The crack has either reopened or a new crack has developed. Local mechanic reports that the head gasket has also failed. I just thought that this should be noted in your files, since I am sure other owners are seeing same problems. A CO-worker has the same year Dodge stratus with same engine and transmission, he has same problem- his was fixed at same time my Caravan was by the same dealer with same putty. He has since traded his vehicle off. Thank you. ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis***762668.