1998 Dodge Caravan: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Nov 16, 2007 · Engine · 130,000 miles · FL

My daughter's van with 2 kids inside. (1) no cause. Four failures of same parts. Belt and related pulleys. Dealer(s) can't repair properly. (numerous similar problems noted on the net.) (2)repeated serpentine belt failure - 98 dodge caravan, 3.0l engine. Causes instant power steering loss, engine overheating and more. Could easily lead to loss of control, injury or death. (3) parts replaces 4 times. Not fixed, belts still squeal and will come off again.(just found out aftermarket goodyear and gates kits are available with redesigned pulleys and belt to address this problem. Chrysler dealer mentioned nothing about them) if only some of what I have read is correct, this should be a safety-related recall.

Filed Dec 3, 2004 · Electrical · VA

When consumer put key into the ignition to crank the vehicle it made a squeaking/grinding noise. While the engine was still running black smoke came from under the hood. Was not able to turn vehicle off. Vehicle turned off automatically on its own after smoke stopped billowing. Vehicle was not taken to a dealer.

Filed Jul 19, 2004 · Transmission · 78,000 miles · AK

When putting the car in reverse to leave for work, I heard a grinding noise. As I let the van run, the noise slowly stopped but the van wouldn't move. I talked to several people with caravans to see if this was common. And to my surprise, everyone said they had to replace/overhaul their transmission. I was informed to look at this site to see if any complaints matched mine and there was at least ten when I stopped counting. I notified dodge and they were of little help because they said my vehicle had 77,000 miles.

Filed Feb 4, 2004 · Transmission · CA

Consumer noticed grinding sound in front end. Replaced brake pads, noise still exist. Service manager found that noise was coming from vehicle's transmission, and was replaced because inspection revealed that numerous parts had been damaged. *la

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Transmission · 69,000 miles · CA

Transmission ------------ sudden failure of all forward and reverse gears. Key off-on brings back forward drive for about 100 yards then fails again. No reverse gear at all. Computer diagnostic indicates 3 transmission errors related to shifting. Sensors look ok. Shop had to rebuild transmission at a cost of over $2,000. Brakes ------ extremely excessive wear of front brake pads. Must be replaced at least once a year now. First time it occurred it destroyed one brake rotor -- had to replace that. Now, at the first sign of brake squeal I must check and replace the pads as they are close to wearing out. Generally get less than 15,000 miles per set.

Filed Aug 15, 2002 · Brakes · WA · crash

When on a exit ramp going downhill, brake pedal went clear to floor, no slowing. Car totaled trying to slow down by hitting guard rail and dump truck. Safety check by auto shop said failed master cyclinder. Two other drivers drove car that day without noticing any brake problems. No forwarning such as squeaky or grating sound on braking or squishy braking before. Since then have heard of two other caravan owners with failed master cyclinder without any forwarning. Very dangerous.

Filed Apr 7, 2001 · Transmission · VA

When putting my vehicle in park I heard a horrible loud grinding/groaning noise. When I tried to put my car back in geer I heard the same noise and my vehicles wheels locked up and would not move forward or backward.I had it towed and the transmission specialist inspected it and showed me that the planitary exploded inside the transmission he said this is a manufactures defect and should never have happened. He gave me the parts that were shattered and cracked many in such little pieces you cant find that got mixed in with the transmission fluid. He also told me I'm lucky it didn't happen when I was driving it with my children in the van. I imagine we wouldn't be here now. This repair cost me $1600.00 dollars I called crysler and they told me they weren't responsible and couldn't help with this. If it's a defective part than aren't they responsible? Please help. Thank you ,julie ann hit.

Filed May 16, 2000 · Brakes · MI

Anytime brakes are appplied suddenly or in slippery weather conditions, vehicle will shake & make a loud grinding noise. Dealer will be contacted.

Filed Nov 1, 1999 · Brakes · PA

While driving and trying to applying the brakes vehicle makes a squeaking sou, and the pedal has to be stomped for the vehicle to be stopped. Please provide any futher information.

Filed Sep 2, 1998 · Steering · WA

Heard loud grinding noise, followed immediately by loss of power steering while turning sharply to left. The loss of power was sudden. I simultaneously decelarted nd lessened the degree of turn and the power returned. Have made no sharp turns since, thus no recurrences.