1999 Chrysler Town and Country: brake failure

Filed Jul 29, 2016 · Brakes, Engine · 270,000 miles · MO

I was driving on street and brakes went out. Did not hit anyone but had to drive to shop do to no brakes very slow. Brakes line rusted out and had to replace brake lines used emergency brake to stop and go. All parts of van is rusting frame that holds motor in rusted and can not trade in do to dealer said it is a safety factor and it can not be repaired do to rust.

Filed Sep 10, 2012 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · CT

My 17 year old son was driving the car; he applied the brakes while approaching a red light and the pedal went to the floor. He was driving slow enough and started braking soon enough that he was able to stop the car prior to the intersection by pumping the brake pedal vigorously. Both of the solid front brake lines had rusted out at the connection points with the flexible hoses... I had previously replaced the rear brake lines due to similar rusting problems (3 years ago), and did ask the dealer to inspect the front brake lines about a year ago prior to letting my son drive the 'old' minivan; the brake lines were given a clean bill of health...

Filed Jul 15, 2012 · Brakes, Engine · 152,950 miles · MO

On this day I was siting in my van with the ignition in the on position resetting my clocks in the vehicle I rested my hand on the shifter when it released from park into reverse gear without the engine running there are no brakes because of power braking you cant stop on a dime so I quickly engaged the parking brake to stop the vehicle from rolling down my drive. I immediately contacted chrysler who claims they are not responsible for this issue since they did not install this saftey feature on any chrysler town and country van to date also I have an issue with when it rains the serpentine belt falls off the pulleys if water splashes up onto the belt itself causing loss of brakes and steering due to this defect chrysler is aware of this issue but again refuses to recall the vehicles for a safer fix something needs to be done beofe they kill someone.

Filed May 11, 2009 · Brakes · 97,364 miles · PA

Hit the brakes heavily to avoid a stopped vehicle. Four miles later, the brake pedal went to the floor while proceeding down a three mile mountain road. The vehicle was finally stopped by placing the transmission in low range, pumping the brakes and application of the emergency brake. Brake fluid was leaking from both metal brake lines just aft of the anti-lock control valve. The metal lines are severely corroded at the junction of the solid metal line and the braided stainless steel section. Search of the internet at "www.ripoffreport.com" revealed that mine isn't an isolated case. Report #153655 at that site reads identical to my experience.

Filed Sep 25, 2006 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · NJ

When applying brakes, pedal sank almost to the floor indicating a fluid leak. Brakes barely worked at all and limped to chysler dealer who found ruptured rigid brake line where it joins to a short braided flexible section. Two long rigid brake lines that run nearly the length of the vehicle were replaced and as requested old parts were returned to me. Only in the immediate area where the flexible line joins the rigid lines was there severe rust and corrosion. One of the lines had rusted through and ruptured at this point. The rest of the rigid lines were free of corrosion. The vehicle is 5 years old with 100,000 miles in a relatively low salt environment, there should not be severe corrosion at this time causing brake failure. The joint area between the flex line and the rigid line is a design fault that should be addressed. Photographs and the replaced parts are available for examination.

Filed May 14, 2002 · Brakes · PA

Vehicle was losing brake fluid which caused brakes to fail. When brakes fail brake pedal goes to the floor, losing all functions. Brake fluid has to be in vehicle at all times in case of a refill. Dealer was notified. Please provide more information.

Filed Mar 1, 2001 · Brakes · MS

I had to have the tank on master cylinder replaced due to seeping of brake fluid. No obvious source of the leak was determined. It seemed to be coming from around the rubber seals where the tank attaches to the master cylinder. The first warning of the leak was the brake warning light. Upon checking the fluid it was discovered to be very low. It was refilled to the proper level. The tank area was well cleaned and dried. Within hours the tank was again wet with fluid. The level gradually decreased over the next several days as the fluid seeped out. No brake failure was observed, on loss of fluid from the tank. I had a local mechanic purchase a new tank from a dealer and put it on the car. New rubber seals were provided with the tank. Time will tell if this has fixed the problem.

Filed Feb 4, 2000 · Brakes · GA

Intermittently when brakes are depressed pedal goes to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance, and vehicle vibration. Dealer has inspected vehicle several times, and has not been able to duplicate the problem.

Filed Jan 14, 2000 · Brakes · NY · crash

When the brakes were applied pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping which caused a collision. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified. *ak