1996 Dodge Caravan brakes problems

Filed Jun 8, 2015 · Acceleration, Body · OR · crash · 4 injuries

While turning into a parking space I touched break and the van accelerated to full throttle. The van jumped the curb and was heading toward 3 people, I turned the steering wheel enough to hit a light pole instead of them. The van quit racing for a few seconds and then revved up again. The light pole fell and I was again headed toward the people. I put both feet on the break and was able to stop the van, but not before hitting the people. Luckily they were just bruised because I just bumped them and didn't run over them. This all happened in a matter of seconds. I almost killed some people and no longer have transportation because the van was totaled.

Filed Dec 21, 2009 · Brakes · MD

I have a 1996 dodge caravan. The brake pads and rotors were replaced in june of 2009. Bendix brake pads and bendix rotors were used. On december 15, 2009, both brake rotors failed causing a total loss of braking. While slowing down a loud bang came from the front of the van. The brakes did not feel right at this point. While looking for a safe place to pull over and stop, another loud bang was heard. At that point the van had no brakes. The van was stopped using the parking brake. Upon investigation it was found that both front brake rotors had failed. The middle hub section of the rotor had separated from the rotor. The failure was the same in both rotors. No other damage was present on the van. Both front rotors were replace on the van to correct the problem. I still have the old rotors.

Filed Dec 31, 2008 · Brakes · 125,850 miles · IL

Complete and sudden brake failure while approaching a stoplight. I was very lucky to be able to steer around the vehicle in front of me to avoid a serious accident. Prior to the incident the brakes were working fine. This is an extremely dangerous and serious failure mode. I have seen other reports of this on the web and it is only a matter of time before someone gets seriously injured or killed...

Filed May 25, 2006 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · NJ

Premature brake line corrosion failure.

Filed Jan 19, 2005 · Brakes · 96,000 miles · PA · crash · 1 injury

Bought used 1996 dodge in sept 2003 and have replace brakes, rotor, and calipers 6 times. Mechanics don't know what else it could be. Brakes also lock when I press on them and hit bump at same time causing van to slide with me and my infant in it. Have to replace brakes and rotors every 2-3 months something needs to be done by the dodge company to recall these dodge caravans, this site has about 50% on complaints on brakes and rotors.

Filed Dec 12, 2003 · Brakes · 11,000 miles · IN

Consumer complained about ongoing ABS brake problem. Abs light came on and would either go off within seconds or stay on all day. This caused brake failure on separate occasions. Also, brakes failed to stop vehicle immediately, resulting in extended stopping distance, which almost caused a rear end collision. Dealership was unable to correct the problem. They performed a diagnostic test but no failure code was found.

Filed May 6, 2003 · Brakes · 20,000 miles · MN

When driving under icy weather conditions, when the brakes were applied, the ABS caused the vehicle to propel forward before stopping. The consumer believed the ABS were defective.

Filed May 6, 2003 · Brakes · 7,100 miles · RI

When the brakes were applied, the vehicle vibrated excessively, there was a 2 second delay before the brakes caught.

Filed Jan 8, 2003 · Brakes · 92,875 miles · NY

Height sensor valve, rear left brake (the actual date of the incident was january 5, 2003, however, the incident date segment did not provide the year 2003. Also, the number of failures section...once failure occurred, it continued) went to mechanic to find problem. There was another 1996 van there with the exact same problem (quite coincidental, which prompted this complaint). Mechanic said the height sensor valve needed replacement, could only be done by dealer due to the fact that it was a dealer part only and that the gas tank needed removal. The reason I am proceeding with this complaint is due to the fact that I had little to no warning that brake failure was imminent. During one trip (approximately 30 minutes total), brakes began to feel "spongy", then brake light came on, then total brake failure. Fortunately, we were on neighborhood roads without our three children in the vehicle. Van was inspected in september, no indication problem existed.

Filed Jan 3, 2003 · Brakes · 85,000 miles · ME

While driving and brakes are applied, the steering wheel will vibrate then there's a noise (place unknown)and vehicle will have extended stopping distance. Problem will worsen when driving in wet conditions. The dealership cannot fix the problem, and they indicated that the ABS brakes are the cause of the problem. Ts