1997 Dodge Caravan SE from North America - Comments

Right after we bought the minivan, the windshield wipers would turn on themselves occasionally, and usually after a few seconds, would stop.

One problem we've experienced lately is a violent shaking in the steering column that happens unexpectedly lasting about 5 seconds or so and then stops, sort of like going over speed bumps at a high rate of speed.

We're also having problems with the battery being dead for no apparent reason. We've already put in 3 new batteries since we've bought the van 2-1/2 years ago. The first 2 were found to be defective and were replaced free under warranty. The third battery was found to be fine; however, there's a draw on the battery coming from somewhere so now we must find where it's coming from. It has become a very unreliable vehicle as we never know when it's going to start.

This vehicle has many flaws; some are not worthy of spending the money to fix them (windshield wipers turning on automatically).

The vehicle is unreliable since we never know when the battery will be dead.

On the positive side, it's a comfortable van, can pack in a lot of stuff, and gets us fairly good gas mileage.

We have 1996 Caravan that suffers the problem of a ghost in the windshield wiper system. The wipers will turn on while driving, make two passes and then periodically turn on. The problem seems to be worse when the outside temperature is above 80 degrees F. Occassionally the wipers take one swipe when the car is turned off. At their worst, they go on and off when the left turn signel is turned on. During these ghost events the wipers do not turn on, so we must drive with Rain-X on the windows.

To stop the problem we rapidly move the switch back and forth, or spray the window once with the washer (the blade makes one pass and then the problem seems to be subdued for a while). The problem has existed at least from the 50,000 mile mark (presently at 150,000). We have spent over $300, and a lot of good will with mechanics, trying to fix it. Otherwise, we have really enjoyed the Caravan, but we will not purchase another Dodge vehicle unless we can get this problem fixed. How can we fairly sell such a vehicle, perhaps to a family, and then have the wipers fail while driving?

Dead batteries... weird windshield wiper switches? Come on, that's not enough to keep you away is it? These are all simple fixes. The wiper problem is quite possibly a problem in the clock-spring (located in the steering wheel, and often under recall warranty). As far as the battery problem, and "good" tech can figure that one out. I had the same two problems with mine... sometimes would "click" and not start. Replaced both battery cables and presto, fixed. When cared for and fixed properly, these things are tough and will go forever. Those stories of Caravans with 500k on them aren't wives's tails. There's a reason why you see more old Caravans than any other minivan on the road. Take care.