8.2

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
4,488 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Dodge Caravan fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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1997 Dodge Caravan Owner Comments

problem #15

Mar 192002

Caravan 6-cyl

  • 67,322 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicle clock spring failed prior to recall notice #B24. The consumer requested reimbursement.

- Winter Springs, FL, USA

problem #14

Oct 252002

Caravan

  • miles
Consumer states that he notice that gas was leaking from the gas tank, causing gas fumes inside the vehicle.

- Covina, CA, USA

problem #13

Mar 192001

Caravan

  • miles
This was a fuel leak on the top of fuel tank at one of the openings for the three items that connect to the tank. This was diagnosed in March, 1999. However, we had noticed a gas smell prior to this (1998-1999 most likely) and reported it, but nothing was found. We live on a steep hill and from Aug, 1997-Dec, 2000, we primarily parked the van in the garage where it was level. In Dec, 2000, we started parking it on the hill and started noticing a gas smell and a gas drip from the tank when the car was parked up hill. Most likely the leak has been from day one and when we had a full tank and drove up the hill, some of it would leak out. The servicing dealer (hayes Chrysler, lawrenceville, ga) identified the problem in March, 2001 and estimated a ~$700 repair to replace the tank, as the gaskets were most likely the problem, but it was more reliable to replace the whole tank. I believe, this was an improper and high quote and stated such and then I requested a repair under safety considerations and asked them to contact the manufacturer's rep. They did and Chrysler provided the tank and I paid the labor ($198) -- I probably should not have paid the labor. I know they have had some recalls related to simlar issues and rollovers. I do not understand the signature requirement -- I assume you relay the vehicle information, but not my personal information, correct?

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

problem #12

Mar 202001

Caravan

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Consumer was at the gasoline station when he filled up gasoline tank. Gasoline was leaking from bottom of tank. This has happened more than one occasion. Also, there has been gasoline smells coming inside of vehicle. Dealership is aware of problem.

- Cherry Hill, NJ, USA

problem #11

Dec 262000

(reported on)

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Engine had leaking seals which caused exhaust manifold to leak. Fumes would come from blower (defroster) when it was turned on. There was an electrical short in engine. Also, windshield wipers were erratic & would come on or off by themselves, and having a lot of problems with starter. Gasoline leaks from the tank due to the seal failure. Inside door panel on drivers side is broken.

- Pleasant Hills, CA, USA

problem #10

Mar 012000

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I feel this vehicle should have a recall on some of the problems it has. They are defenitely a major factor in safety. I hope these problems are fixed in the newer modles because most people purchase mini-vans for their family or company vehicle. Therefore, this particular vehicle I feel could probably fall under the lemon law. Or, manufactors are just making a big profit and are not considering the safety of their drivers. I would like to see them put their family in a vehicle with the problems mine has and quarantee their safety.

- Falkville, AL, USA

problem #9

Mar 132000

Caravan

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Fuel tank leaking gasoline near left rear tire.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

problem #8

Aug 261999

Caravan

  • miles
While traveling down the highway at 55 mph driver was trying to swerve due to a piece of metal on the road. In doing so, the metal was run over with the tire and struck the fuel tank, puncturing a whole and causing a leak. The dealer has been contacted.

- Wasco, CA, USA

problem #7

Aug 021997

Caravan

  • miles
Consumer can smell fumes getting into the vehicle when the gas tank is full. Vehicle has been into the shop for service, and they can't determine the problem.

- Ft. Collins, CO, USA

problem #6

Feb 121998

Caravan

  • miles
I have a 1997 Dodge Caravan that I purchased new in June of 1997. I have had my van to the dealership (roberts Dodge) in meriden approx. 6 times for a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. So far they have added extra padding to quiet the noise, replaced the gas tank, and replaced the rear shocks. To me this sounds like they admit to have known about a problem. I brought a mechanic for a ride on 11/12/98 to show him the noise is still there, he admitted to hereing the noise and they contacted Chrysler. The service man (bob) called me back after he heard from Chrysler and told me that they have done all they can do for me but I still have the problem. I also found this bulletin: Service bulletin number: 14-09-96 bulletin sequence number: 158 date of bulletin: 9609 NHTSA item number: SB049112 make: Dodge truck model: Caravan year: 1997 component: Structure:frame:members and body summary: 'thud/thump' sound when accelerating from a stop &/or when stopping quickly.

- Meriden, CT, USA

problem #5

Oct 031997

(reported on)

Caravan

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Noise caused by fluid motion in the fuel tank, thud/thump sound when accelerating from a stop and/or when stopping.

- Cypress, CA, USA

problem #4

Jul 221997

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle leaks fuel while driving. Owner notes problem has been corrected 4 different times, but problem returns. Cause unknown. Consumer states that problem began at 55 miles when the service engine soon light illuminated, dealer stated vehicle was fixed, however engine light illuminated 30 miles later, dealer replace the fuel tank, problem occurred again and dealer replaced the O-ring and holding nut, problem still exists. Left side door glass was bowed. Unusual noise occurs when vehicle shifts from park to reverse, neutral to reverse, and neutral to drive, dealer stated this was normal. Oil pan bent, dealer replaced.

- Bronx, NY, USA

problem #3

Sep 041997

(reported on)

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Grommett split during van conversion, causing fuel leak.

- Gretna, LA, USA

problem #2

Apr 211997

Caravan

  • miles
Gas moves violently in the gas tank upon initial acceleration.

- Colonia, NJ, USA

problem #1

Mar 251997

Caravan

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Fuel tank leakage while parked in garage, could smell gasoline. First time dealer replaced gas tank, second time, gas leaked onto garage floor and dealer replaced fuel pump.

- Stuart, FL, USA

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