2017 Dodge Caravan Safety Report
2017 Dodge Caravan Safety Concerns and Reliability Issues
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Dodge Caravan
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Dodge Caravan. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (11) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 2 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Structure | Compare structure issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2019 | Compare against the 2019 Dodge Caravan with 3 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Dodge Caravan before buying across this generation. |
Dodge Caravan Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Dodge Caravan years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Dodge Caravan | 5 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Dodge Caravan | 36 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Dodge Caravan | 3 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Dodge Caravan | 23 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Dodge Caravan | 3 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2017 Dodge Caravan Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Dodge Caravan, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Structure
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Dodge onlyUnknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Dodge onlyElectrical System,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Engine issues Dodge onlyAir Bags
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Dodge onlyEngine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Dodge onlyVehicle Speed Control,Unknown Or Other,Fuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Vehicle Speed Control,Unknown Or Other,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Dodge onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Dodge Caravan
Reliability Score
The 2017 Dodge Caravan receives a reliability score of 72 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2017 Dodge Caravan
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Dodge Caravan:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake Light Switch Problem Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Caravan and Jeep Wrangler vehicles due to brake light switch issues, posing a safety hazard. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Stalling Multiple reports of unexpected engine stalling at various speeds, which can be dangerous, especially on highways. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Sliding Door Sticking Driver-side sliding door getting stuck into the lock position, making it impossible to open manually or by other means. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bag Light Intermittently Coming On Air bag light intermittently coming on, indicating potential issues with the air bag system, which is critical for safety. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Dodge Caravan:
Issues with brake lights and other exterior lighting components.
Problems with unexpected engine stalling and other engine-related issues.
Problems with sliding doors getting stuck or not opening.
Issues with the electrical system, including air bag light and other components.
Recall Details for the 2017 Dodge Caravan
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2017 Dodge Caravan by NHTSA:
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Caravan and Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The brake switches on these vehicles may malfunction, keeping the brake lights illuminated and/or allowing the vehicle to be shifted out of the PARK position without the brake pedal being pushed.
Consequence: Having the brake lamps continuously illuminated or being able to shift the vehicle out of PARK when the brake pedal is not pressed (and the ignition is in the RUN mode) can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake switches, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U09.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Dodge Caravan
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Dodge Caravan with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes.
2017 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DESIGN FLAW ON VEHICLE. *LD *JS
THE DRIVER SIDE SLIDING DOOR GETS STUCK INTO THE LOCK POSITION AND CANNOT BE OPENED MANUALLY OR BY DOING ANYTHING WHICH THEREFORE IS A HAZARD ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING MINIVANS ARE FOR CHILDREN WHOM BECOME STUCK INSIDE THE CAR.
DRIVING ON FREEWAY, AT AROUND 65MPH. VEHICLE SHUT OFF, LOST ALL POWER, NO ELECTRICITY, COULD NOT TURN ON HAZARD LIGHTS. I SHUT OFF IGNITION TURN IT ON AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE TURN ON AGAIN AND I PROCEEDED.
AIR BAG LIGHT IS COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY
VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN RUNNING, REGARLESS OF SPEED. VERY DENGEROUS, THE INSSUES HAS OCCURED MULTIPLE TIMES ALREADY.
PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL
I WAS SITTING IN TRAFFIC WAITING FOR THE RED LIGHT TO TURN GREEN. MY RIGHT FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE AND THE VAN IMMEDIATELY LUNGED FORWARD. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE ASAP, BUT THE CAR SITTING IN FRONT OF ME WAS HIT IN THE REAR. I HAVE NO IDEA WHY THIS RENTAL VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD QUICKLY FOR NO REASON. I RESEARCHED OTHER INCIDENTS WITH THIS SAME MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE AND FOUND LOTS OF INCIDEN...
2017 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC AT A LIGHT. MY FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE FOR A SECOND AND THE VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD QUICKLY, WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE REAR END OF AN ACURA SITTING ABOUT 10 FEET IN FRONT OF ME.
OCT 19, 2017 I STILL HADN'T BEEN CONTACTED FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN REGARDS TO THE OCT 18TH COMPLAINT NUMBER 11034442 OCT 19TH 2017 I WAS BACKING UP IN MY LONG DRIVEWAY, AND I WAS ACCELERATING IN REVERSE THE ENGINE DIED. THE DEALERSHIP PAID FOR A RENTAL FROM FRIDAY TO MONDAY. MONDAY AT 11:50 THE DEALERSHIP CALLED TO SAY TO RETURN THE RENTAL AND PICK UP MY VAN. WHEN I ASKED IF THEY WERE ABLE TO F...
AFTER HEAVY RAIN OVER THE NIGHT, WHILE THE VAN WAS PARKED, A LOT OF WATER ENDED IN THE REAR INTERIOR, LUGGAGE AREA, SO IN THE MORNING WITHOUT A DRAINING PLUG I COULDN'T DRAIN IT OUT FROM UNDERNEATH, BUT HAD TO COLLECT IT WITH TOWEL AND PAPER IN ORDER TO PUT THERE MY FOOD I JUST BOUGHT. I GUESS THE GAP BETWEEN THE ROOF AND REAR-5TH DOOR IS TOO WIDE, BECAUSE I CANNOT SEE THE RUBBER WHICH GOES AROUND...
I PURCHASED A 2017 DODGE CARAVAN AND QUICKLY REALIZED IT IS NOT SAFE FOR MY SEVEN YEAR OLD CHILD BASED ON HIS AGE, HEIGHT AND WEIGHT!! THE IS ONLY ONE SAFE POSITION FOR HIM IN THE ENTIRE VAN AND I HAVE IT DOCUMENTED OVER AND OVER ON VIDEOS THAT I TOOK WHILE HAVING CERTIFIED CAR SEAT SAFETY EXPERTS ATTEMPT TO HELP ME SAFELY SECURE MY CHILD, INCLUDING SAFE KIDS WORLDWIDE (ON VIDEO AND IN WRITING!!),...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Dodge Caravan
Has the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN have?
The 2017 DODGE CARAVAN has 11 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN?
The 2017 DODGE CARAVAN does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN involve structure (2 complaints), unknown or other (2 complaints), electrical system,engine (1 complaints). Other affected components include air bags, engine, vehicle speed control,unknown or other,fuel/propulsion system.
How many crash reports does the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN out of 11 total complaints (18.2% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN have?
There are no fire reports for the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN.
Should I buy a 2017 DODGE CARAVAN?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 11 complaints, 1 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN are: 1. STRUCTURE (2 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE (1 complaints), 4. AIR BAGS (1 complaints), 5. ENGINE (1 complaints). STRUCTURE is the single most-reported problem area with 2 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 DODGE CARAVAN?
Be cautious of structural and electrical issues, especially with brake lights and engine stalling. Ensure the vehicle is serviced regularly to address these concerns. The 2017 DODGE CARAVAN has 11 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN?
The 2017 DODGE CARAVAN receives a reliability score of 72/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 11 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 2 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Brake Light Switch Problem and Engine Stalling.
What are the known issues with the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN?
Known issues with the 2017 DODGE CARAVAN include: Brake Light Switch Problem, Engine Stalling, Sliding Door Sticking, Air Bag Light Intermittently Coming On. These are based on patterns found across 11 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Dodge Caravan?
Yes, there is a recall for brake light switch issues affecting certain 2017 Dodge Caravan and Jeep Wrangler vehicles.
What are the common issues with the 2017 Dodge Caravan?
Common issues include unexpected engine stalling, brake light switch problems, and sliding doors getting stuck.
Is the 2017 Dodge Caravan safe for children?
Some buyers have reported that the vehicle is not safe for young children due to structural and safety concerns.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of structural and electrical issues, especially with brake lights and engine stalling. Ensure the vehicle is serviced regularly to address these concerns.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Dodge Caravan
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Dodge Caravan. The data includes 11 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14