The 1997 Dodge Caravan has 6 recalls, the most serious involving the brake master cylinder, which can leak fluid into the power brake booster and reduce braking effectiveness, extending stopping distances.
A separate brake-related issue involves the master cylinder rear seal, which may not hold properly, allowing hydraulic fluid to migrate into the vacuum reservoir; as fluid drops, the brake warning light on the dashboard will come on. On the tire side, certain vans equipped with P215/65R15 Goodyear Conquest tires on steel wheels can experience a sudden, unwarned loss of air pressure, which can cause loss of vehicle control. Those same steel wheels carry an additional concern: scoring marks left on the rim during the tire-mounting process can weaken the wheel over time, raising the possibility of failure down the road. There is also a rear seatbelt issue where loose interior trim can fall into the outboard rear belt assembly, jamming it so it no longer latches or retracts, leaving that seat's occupant without a working restraint in a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
Trim material can loosen and fall into the rear outboard seat belt assembly, making that seat belt stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the trim with foam blockers and inspect and replace all third-row seat belt assemblies.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The Goodyear Conquest tires mounted on steel wheels can suddenly lose air pressure without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected tires mounted on steel wheels.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid past the rear piston guide into the power brake booster, causing partial brake loss and longer stopping distances.
What the fix does
The master cylinder primary piston will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Steel road wheels may have damage marks from tire mounting that could reduce their durability.
What the fix does
All steel road wheels, including the spare, will be replaced with new wheels.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steel road wheels were damaged during the tire mounting process, which can affect wheel integrity and performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace all road wheels and full-size spare tires with new wheels.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear seal in the brake master cylinder may fail to seal properly, allowing hydraulic fluid to leak into the vacuum power assist reservoir.
What the fix does
Replace the brake master cylinder. If inspected and found outside the suspect date code range, replace the primary piston instead.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
