1996 Dodge Caravan: brake failure

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 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 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 Sep 25, 2002 · Airbags, Brakes · MT

The brake pedal goes to the floor. It has been almost 3 months trying to get fixed. The first dealer replaced the master cylinder twice and bled air to try to repair. The second dealer performed a brake inspection. They found a lot of air in the left rear line and also bled the ABS system. I also had them check the steering because the air bag light came on when I turned the steerring wheel and steering was noisey, like a groaning sound. They reported the clock spring clicking when the steering wheel was turned causing the air bag light to come on - and there is a moan or a honk noise when turning which would take new p/s hoses to repair. One week later the pedal was once again going to the floor and the ABS still coming on. The dealer said they would order a pump. Which took 2 weeks to get in. When I brought it in they kept it a few days then called to say it needed the ABS hydraulic package at a cost of $2,000+. They recommended I call chrysler customer service to see if they could assist with the costs. Chrysler customer service said it was a mechanical part that could go out at any time therefore my cost since the van is no longer under warranty (low mileage doesn't matter). I called the dealer and haven't heard back in two days to see what they could reccommend/ I looked on the internet and found this to be a problem with the dodge cravan so I wanted to file this complaint. Nlm

Filed Aug 9, 2002 · Brakes · CA

Circular crack in rotor saround the hub caused sudden failure of brake resulting in partial loss of braking and possible danger.

Filed Feb 27, 2001 · Engine · MA

On friday, february 16, 2001, I was on my way home from work and without any prior indication my the engine in my vehicle stopped running. I had been on the highway going the speed limit (65mph) and all of the sudden the engine stopped. I tried to stop but my brakes did not work and I tried to pull off the side of the road and had no steering. The vehicle was towed by aaa to willard's auto for them to look at it. They found that the casing for the transmission was destroyed and was unable to salvage it. I have to replace the transmission which is costing over $2,000.

Filed Jul 26, 1999 · Engine, Tires · IL

Tires had to be replaced at 20000 miles, serpentine belt failed on 4 seperate occasions, each occasion the power steering was lost causing a severe accident hazard, brakes failed without warning - replaced at 20000 miles, 2 freeze plugs failed without warning causing all antifreeze to leak out of car, front wipers go on without warning - at no specific speed, weather condition etc., all 12 lifters failed 2 times in the period of 1 month, turn signal will not turn off, and other minor miscellaneous problems.( dot number: )

Filed Dec 3, 1998 · Brakes, Engine · VT · crash

Vehicle would stall preventing brakes from working properly. Cv joint went through transmission, vehicle was in arbitration for 37mph vibration, brake failure and engine stalling

Filed Oct 27, 1998 · Brakes · CA

Brake failed to stop the vehicle quickly enough to avoid hitting a deer.

Filed Jul 28, 1998 · Brakes · CA · 3 injuries

Brake failure.

Filed May 18, 1998 · Brakes · CA

Abs brakes failed.