general problems of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan

My van was parked out side luckys on mitalda near w maude avenue in sunnyvale CA 94086 I was using the water refilling station and started to smell smoke when I turned around I imideatlly noticed that the drivers side rear taillight was on fire. Not having a fire extinguisher I took the bottle of water I had in my hands and started to throw water on it until the flames went out. What in the hell would make that happen? is my van up for recall? I just purchased the van just a week ago. It has been a night mare for me not to mention extremely costly replacing everything's that's been going out. The a/c cluster the dash cluster the power window motor. The rear vent motor. Countless bulbs and fuses.

At random gauges will stop working on the dashboard and the abs light will turn on.

The contact owns a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at the speeds of 40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to a local automotive store, where it was diagnosed that the coil pack malfunctioned. The dealer was notified and they could not assist the contact with the failure of the coil pack. The vehicle experienced this failure a total of six times and it was repaired. The failure mileage was 122,000 and the current mileage was 130,000. Updated 03/05/lj updated 03/08/12.

1997 Grand Caravan se - repeated intermittent failure of dash gauges. When this occurs, no feedback from car on speed or gas level. This is a dangerous condition. Additionally, there is occasional stalling. Multiple other consumers appear to have same problems. . Read more...

The contact owns a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving 65 mph, the contact noticed smoke rising from the hood of the vehicle. The fire department was able to contain the flames to the engine compartment before extinguishing the fire. A police and fire report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 176,000.

The contact owns a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. Whenever the contact shifts, the vehicle makes an unfamiliar noise. When the vehicle is parked, it operates normally. The transmission stalls and will start back up, but it is unreliable. The vehicle would rev and have to be restarted in order for the revving to stop. If there is a power fluctuation, the rear wipers will turn on and off at random. The high beams on the headlights do not work, but the failure was repaired. The parking light on the front driver's side failed. He replaced the bulb, but it still does not work. The contact stated that he is constantly replacing the low beam lights. The serpentine belt slips off; however, it has been repaired. The check engine light flashes on and off and there is a burning electrical smell coming from the vehicle. The front strut assembly is rusting and rotting. The rocker panel on the driver's side is rusted completely. The current mileage was 186,000 and failure mileage was 149,766. Updated 09/10/08 updated 09/11/08.

I have a Dodge Grand Caravan, and while I am driving, the engine just stops working and my steering wheel gets very hard to manuver. I took it the the car dealer and they can't figure out what is wrong with it. This is very dangerous.

I own a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan se all wheel drive. My van has 185,000 miles on it aprox. And had 149,000 when purchased in 2004. I am having several electrical issues with the van from the get go to current. My front wipers will come on by them self at any given time and they refuse to shut off. I have to pull my car over and shut it down and hope when I start it next that the wipers will stay off. Just recently my check engine light keeps popping off and then back on and continues to do so. My rear a/c and heater blower works intermittently. I go through headlights like im drinking water and most recently my cigarette lighter no longer has power to it. I would like to be able to charge my cell phone in the van. I have taken the van to my mechanic and have had repairs done to correct the issues but they seem to be unrepairable. I also own a 1996 Plymouth voyager that has the same very wiper issue. I have filed a complaint with Chrysler.

Reported problem to Dodge corp. Several years ago about wipers coming on by themselves. Was advised that since no recall, no remedy. On this issue, my research shows that there have been enough complaints and this issue should be handled by a recall. Secondly, and most recently. Both driver and passenger windows failed. Dodge represents that time/mileage precludes repair at their cost. Rear wing vent window quit working approx. A week ago (Mar. 2004). Vehicle seems to be falling apart electronically. Mileage/warranty should not be an issue. Defects are defects. Recall requested.

While driving rear right audio speaker caught on fire. Vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and the fire was put out with a large burlap bag.

My 97 Dodge Grand Caravan has an electrical defect causing the gear selector, abs, and service engine soon light to display on the dash. Dealer is unable to determine cause.

Consumer has been having electrical problem with his converted van when he tried to get in or get out of vehicle. The ramp did not work properly. Also, some others bottoms did not work. Dealer and manufacturer contacted.

Fan belt kept sliding off got broken. This problem would occur when it would rain or snow. The part was replaced four times. The cruise control had become inoperative and the air bag light had come on.