While driving 35 MPH the front brakes caught on fire. The dealer was notified and replaced the brake pads. The pads only had 1500 miles on them. *ak *ts
1997 Dodge Caravan brakes complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 72, newest first, as owners wrote them.
We have had our vehicle since 1999 and have been disappointed with its performance. This is our third chrysler/dodge van and this is the second of the three to have transmission problems. The first had them at 37,000 miles and this one is having them at 71,000 miles. We were smart enough to have an extended warranty for both vehicles, unfortunately, on the current van the warranty ran out last month...besides the poor engineering of the transmissions this van has had several problems with the tie rod and front end noise as well as going through front brakes relatively quickly (we do not drive it roughly and it is mainly used to transport our kids around our community approximately. 12000 miles or less a year since we have owned it.
Consumer states that transmission is useless. Transmission has already been replaced twice, and another one is needed. Consumer complains that there is a burning rubber smell when the vehicle is driven, and when ever the brakes are depressed.
Brake master cylinder failed while driving, causing vehicle to enter an intersection and was hit by oncoming traffic. Dealer notified.
The hydraulic fluid in the master cylinder reservoir decreases and the instrument panel brake warning lamp illuminates. Reference the federal safety agency campaign id number: 96v215000. Service advisor indicated that there was no recall on this problem, I showed copy of the federal safety agency campaign id number print out and he said "we don't use that information; we only use the factory data base and there's no recall". I have been experiencing the exact problem specified in the federal safety agency recall - search results! Please help. Thank you.
The anti-lock brake system light illuminated on the dashboard.
I recently learned about your web site service and decided to use it. Because I have experienced too many problems (various in addition to this list) over the past years with this vehicle. Dt
No summary. Dt
While vehicle was in a standing position, consumer accidentally bumped gear stick causing gear to change and roll forward without having to apply brakes. Mechanic stated the anti- lock brakes system was not operating properly. *ak
Parking brake pedal assembly failed.
Brakes were making a noise. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer indicated rotors were pitted.
Brakes were making noise. Took vehicle to dealer, and dealer indicated rotors were pitted.
Brakes: proportional valve had failed. Consumer noticed that brake pedal was getting spongy. Then, had check on brake fluid, where brake light had come on, and had lost brake power. Mechanic said that brake fluid had been contaminated. Please provide more information.
During the time of the june '01 failure I didn't realize there was a problem. My family and I had just entered a local roadway when a deer crossed in front of us. I applied the brakes and it was like stepping on a rock. I was unable to depress the brake. The brakes had just worked fine as we entered the highway and they work fine after this incident. I had never had anything like this happen previously. Nor did I realize at the time this was going to be a reoccuring problem. On october 6, '01 I was traveling along a residential roadway when a car stopped in front of me I was traveling at a safe distance and going approx 45mph. I should have had plenty of time to stop. However, I once again was unable to stop my van no matter how hard I stood on the pedal! I barely missed other vehicles on the road, crossed over a sidewalk and hit a house that lined the road. I ended up in an empty lot beside the house I had hit. My son suffered bruising on his upper legs from being bounced around and I suffered a cut hand and continue to have trouble with my back. I am so angry that my children 8 and 1, as well as myself were put in danger because of an automobile manufacturer not taking the responsible position in notifying the millions of people who own their product of a potential braking problem. I just hope a family isn't killed before chrysler/dodge wakes up to the fact that they are manufacturing an inferior product that could kill families. I am extremely upset that I was not aware of such a braking problem with this vehicle that I use to transport my children. Please help!!!!!!!!
On july 19th we lost all brakes on our 1997 dodge caravan. The next day full use of the brakes returned. On july 21st we once again had complete failure of the brakes. We are only owners of this low mileage vehicle. We took the van to tires plus to have the system checked. The only thing found was slight wear on the front brakes. We had them replace the pads but the vehicle still had intermittent brake loss. Next the bled the lines again and we had brakes again. We took the vehicle home and drove it for seven days but lost brakes again on the 29th of july. This time the master cylinder was replaced but still brakes were intermittant. Right now the van is at jim's dodge country being worked on. This time the claim is that the ride high proportioning valve is defective. We use the van for our children and all the times we have lost our brakes children have been in the vehicle. We have managed to avoid any accidents but we have been lucky. Our vehicle is very low mileage and has been well cared for so I think mechanically this needs to be investigated before someone gets hurt.
While driving on highway brakes failed without warning. Everything failed lights/power steering. Pedal went to the floor. Also, pumped brakes to stop with no avail.
Brakes would shutter when depressed. Consumer took vehicle to dealer ,and they replaced pads and rotors consumer insisted that pads and rotors should have been able to be turned instead of replaced. Also, parts were defective, and manufacturer should not sale these parts. Consumer feared for safety of child. Please provide any further information.
The front, driver side calipers do not release which overheat the wheel. On two occasions the brake pads have sheared off, and when the tires are removed to inspect, studs easily brake off. Sears auto center broke off two studs after the 1st incident, and I broke off one stud after the 2nd incident on june 15, 2001. The negherbon service dept had replaced the caliper kit (springs and tracks) on 3/13/01. The wheel gets so hot that you burn your finger if you touch it. This problem does not happen every time. The overheating happens during times when the brakes are used often (benicia is very hilly), and does not happen during highway rides, when there is no traffic. My concern is that when the brakes starts to heat up do to use, the caliper does not release as freely, and eventually locks up and does not release at all (after the 1st incident I had to hammer off the old brake pads/caliper assembly from the rotor). Hopefully you can help identify the root problem before this causes a serious accident. I am very concerned that this overheating will cause a blowout or a wheel to come off if the studs fail while the van is being driven.
Brakes were changedat every 4,000 miles according to records. Dealership was aware of problem. Also, when applying brakes vehicle would not stop.
Vehicle experienced several electrical problems: windshield wipers inoperable due to a short in switch, radiator fan relay replaced, ground wire loose in engine causing dash cluster to go haywire, horn, power windows, radio, speedometer, and air conditioner inoperable at times.
Airbag light came on and horn stopped working, mechanic stated clock spring assembly needed to be replaced. *ak also consumer was having problem with the radio that has been worked on five times and replaced twice and still doesnot work to consumer's satisfaction, consumer also had brakes replaced, also the tensioner belt on the timing belt, also the water pump broke, also transmission went out.
Parking brake has never be able to hold veh., even on slight incline. Dealer said parking brake "normal".
Teeth in emergency brake gear have worn out. When emergency brake is applied it does not hold. Dealer has been contacted.*ak emergency brake failed because the brake gears are completely stripped.
Had brake trouble; told needed new master cylinder at same time told needed new transmission.... When I asked why both would need replaced so soon, dealer said "these things happen"; both issues could have LED to major safety issue. I use this vehicle to transport my two children, both under age 4; then dealer failed to correct brake problem (left air in the lines) which LED to brakes continuing to lock... Another major safety issue! I was told the calipers needed to be replaced as well... But brakes continued to lock until they finally discovered air in the brake lines! I thought this might be an isolated incident until I checked with colleagues who also own caravan with similar problems... Checked the federal safety agency web site and was shocked at the number of similar complaints!
Parking brake cable failed. Nlm
While traveling and when depressing brakes pedal vehicle would still travel. Dealer was notified. Please provide further information.
Transmission jumped out of gear while driving along the highway. The brake shoes were rubbed into the drum so badly that the drums had to be replaced. No indication of brake wear, noise, or stopping prior to this event.
When brakes are applied for quick stop, the vehicle seems to travel too far before completely stopping.
The front disc brakes have been a constant problem, after the latest brake replacement, rotors only lasted a few weeks before they warped again.
Braking system malfuncationed, causing extended stopping distance which may result in a crash. Also, brake rotors rusted through. Please provide further information.
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