Vehicle recall 97V079000 · May 16, 1997
Dodge Caravan, Dodge Grand Caravan and 3 more models
The bolts used to attach the strut to the body and the rear liftgate can accumulate fatigue damage if three factors combine.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- The bolts used to attach the strut to the body and the rear liftgate can accumulate fatigue damage if three factors combine. If the bolt is loose, the gas strut is over-pressurized, and the frequency of opening and closing cycles is higher than for the average customer, the bolt can fail.
- Consequence
- Personal injury could occur if the bolts break allowing the liftgate to fall suddenly.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect for loose fasteners, if the fasteners are loose, the strut (and integral bolts) will be replaced. If the bolt shows evidence of torque, the bolt will be removed, larger washers will replace the existing washer and the bolt will be reinstalled and hand tightened to the target torqued.
- Notes
- Owner notification began during August 1997. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.ALSO contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 97V079000
- Reported to NHTSA
- May 16, 1997
- Filed by
- CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Owner notification
- August 15, 1997
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 436,000
- Initiated by
- NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
- Components
- Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Support device/strut
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Chrysler Town and Country (1992): 1992
- Dodge Caravan (1992): 1992
- Dodge Grand Caravan (1992): 1992
- Plymouth Grand Voyager (1992): 1992
- Plymouth Voyager (1992): 1992
Has your Chrysler been repaired?
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