1996 Dodge Caravan: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Feb 3, 2003 · Engine · 135,000 miles · IN

Grinding noise from A/C compressor unit. Unit then locked and broke serpentine belt. Clicking noise from passenger side dash just after starting stops after approx. 30 secs. Trans doesn't catch right away when put into drive.

Filed Mar 23, 2001 · Transmission · OH

Transmission failed twice once at 38,000 miles and again 130,000 miles due to a harden pin that went into transmission , snapped off and failed. Manufacturer used this hard pin instead of rolled type pin. Consumer felt this was a safety defect because transmission failed without warning, and there were no replacement parts available.*ak consumer had taken vehicle to dealer due to putting it in park and it starting to roll, dealer stated everything was okay, however 7000 miles later transmisison failed, consumer went to put it in drive and there was a grinding noise, vehicle just stopped, transmission was replaced and 92000 miles later transmission failed again, consumer has had 3 of the same vehicles and they hav all experienced transmission failures, consumer is requesting reimbursement.

Filed May 18, 2000 · Brakes · AZ

Consumer took vehicle to the dealership. Mechanic told him that t rear drums and front rotors were warped. Material they used for the brakes was defective. Mechanic put vehicle on the machine to smooth them out. However, consumer is still expericencing a loud squeaking noise coming from the rear wheel.

Filed Mar 5, 2000 · Engine · FL

Air conditioner causing a loud, grinding noise while running. Slight hesitation of engine while this is happening. Problem increasing in intensity over time.

Filed Feb 23, 2000 · Body, Brakes · HI

Brakes squeaking continously. Yh

Filed Jan 3, 2000 · Engine · OH

Serpentine belt has come off 6 times (at least) since jan 99. Twice on the highway with speeds of 65mph. The belt failure causes a loss of power steering and within minutes loss of electrical power. All kinds off parts have been replaced and yet it still has fallen off three times since dec 99. The garage has contacted local dealers for fixes but to no avail. The belt still flies off and the squeak that has occurred since the first replacement continues to get worse and worse. I had a dealer so much as say it was going to fly off whe it got wet. Well it's come off wet and when it's dry. Two times ago on a dark cold night 45 minutes from home with my entire family in the car going 65 MPH on the highway. Thank god I was driving and not my wife or daughter. This is a serious safety hazzard and must be addressed. There is an existing tsb on this issue on your web site but I don't know if it covers my car. A dealer I contacted today was aware of the problem and asked if I had a splash guard installed. He is looking at it tomorrow. Tensioners (3), pulleys, and many belts have been replaced so far. Please help me find a solution.

Filed Mar 8, 1999 · Airbags, Brakes · MS

On or about february of 1999, the airbag light starting blinking on and off, and I thought it was possibly a blown fuse. During the month of february I took the van in for service and while there in informed the served manager that the airbag light had begun to blink and I thought maybe a fuse had blown. He agreed to have it checked along with the other repairs I had requested. One repair being the squealing brakes I had repaired in october of 98. The service manager assured me the brakes were fine, and that those kind of brakes will often squeal. After that he informed me that in order to solve the airbag problem I would have to pay them an additional $800.00, because the airbag was no good. And I told the service manager that the airbag had never before deployed. How could it not be any good? I asked the service manager. He then told me it was a manufactures defect. But because I had gone over the 36000 mile limit, then I had to pay the full cost. I then call the chysyler cooperation, and informed them of this situation, they also told me that I would have to pay, but they would pay a portion which I feel was not fair, because the airbag was installed malfunctioned/not working in the first place. The van in question is the only means of transportation I have for my family. By god's grace we have not had an accident to find out that the airbags won't work. Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. C. Frazier/mother/comsumer

Filed Feb 6, 1999 · Acceleration, Brakes · OH

Since we purchased our van in august of 1997, we have had many repairs and visits to the dealer. As of today, they have not fixed or diagnosed the brake problems. When coming to a stop or applying my brakes, a crunching sound occurs ,and I can feel it in the pedal. It is a fairly loud sound and the vibration is distracting because you lose your brake pedal for a period of 1-2 seconds. I have talked to other dodge caravan owners and plan to take a detailed survey on this matter, but, none to this point have had this problem. This leads me to believe this is a defect in the brake system or antilock brake computer system which is undetectable. This does not occur all the time, and not under the same conditions. This, also, leads me to the conclusion there is a major saftey defect here. I have had this to the dealer and they say they cant diagnose the problem. What am I supposed to do, get in an accident? I have asked that they recall my van, refund full purchase price or replace my vehicle with one similar to mine. This is not the only problem: today it was in for brakes and a blown engine head gasket. Previously, catalytic converter/ blower motor/battery/ speed sensor and anti rattle bumpers that still havent corrected problem/fuel filter ground strap and fuel filler tube ground strap have been replaced. Also, deglazed brakes, but still brakes squeak.finally, headlights replaced w/housing/lamp, and whatever else they have done to it while in the shop right now. It has been there since tuesday feb.02. This van is no way worth the hassles that I have been put through and I dont think anyone should have this many problems so early on. I have done extensive research on this model and have found atleast 100 complaints for transmission problems and other major repairs and undiagnosed problems with the engine. I think it is time someone stepped in and took a good look at this 96 vehicle because it is not up to saftey standards by a long shot. Thank you.

Filed Dec 4, 1998 · Brakes · CO

While driving there is a grinding noise coming from the vehicle, and the brake pads and the rotors went out. The consumer states the steering wheel is vibrating ,and the vehicle is pulling to the right. Also ,the pedal vibrates when driving.

Filed Oct 1, 1997 · Brakes · MO

Was applying the brakes on vehicle when a howling/squealing grinding noise was heard. Happens intermittently. Took to dealer & was informed that there was no problem with brakes.

Filed May 13, 1997 · Brakes · NJ · fire

When applying force to the brakes, the rear brakes grind and the pedal pulsates, causing complete loss of braking,resulting in loss of control/accident.

Filed Apr 29, 1997 · Brakes · NJ

Abs brake failure. When hitting accelerator pedal or brake pedal, consumer heard a loud noise like a rubbing sound and a grinding feeling under feet. Vehicle is being repaired. Mechanic stated that brakes were worn down to rivets. All (4) brakes are being replaced.