While on vacation trip front brakes became hot. Stopped and checked, tire was so hot could not touch. Firestone complete auto care made repairs on 6/17/2014 replaced (calipers) rotors and pads. On 10/10/2014 rear brakes became too hot . Dealer repaired replaced calipers and brake pads 53,000 miles. Very dangerous tires became too hot firestone $696.85 dealer $694.07 total $1390.92. Called on 10/17/2014 to chrysler llc customer center talked to rep. No help on caliper brake issue.
2008 Dodge Caravan brakes complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 62, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle would vibrate continuously and without warning when driving at any speed. The contact also stated that the brakes would not release from the rotors. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
While driving down on ramp at chamberlayne ave in richmond, va to major highway i64 cutoff completely, no power, no brakes no nothing! Second time, travel @ approx. 65 MPH on i64 near bottoms bridge exit on i64, car cut off, no power, no brakes, no nothing! Third time - entering i64 towards va beach, va in traffic approx. 40 MPH, car cut off, no power, no brakes, no nothing; fourth time - while driving down mercury blvd at the king st exit ramp, 20 MPH, car cut off, no power, no brakes, no nothing! Fifth time, leaving work at 2114 executive dr, hpt va, approx. 10mph entering into street, car cut off, no power, no brakes, no nothing, after being evaluated for 8 hrs by dodge dealership; sixth time, when leaving mercury blvd at king st exit ramp, 20 MPH, car cut off, no power, no brakes, no nothing after computer was reset!
The brake rotors warp every 20,000 miles or so, so bad that the steering wheel shakes. This has happened on both my 2008 and my 2011 caravan. Dodge has known about this problem for years and has refused to address it other than to give a discount only if you ask for it. Getting them fixed at the dealer is a pain cause they take the van for at least a day some times two. Also the wheel bearings on the 2008 did not last very long at all first set was replaced under warranty(37,000 miles) second set(68,000miles) was not. I have not had the wheel bearing issue on the 2011. The wheel bearings are sealed so it has nothing to do with the warped rotor issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH and depressing the brakes it was difficult for the vehicle to slow down. After merging off the highway the contact inspected the vehicle. The vehicle was later taken to a dealer for diagnosis. The technician advised that the left rear brake and caliper became too hot and wore the pad down causing the failure. The vehicle was repaired for the left and right rear brake and caliper. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000. The current mileage was approximately 73,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Vehicle started with doors suddenly and repeatedly locking and unlocking then drivers lock switch stopped working then week later passengers at the same time radios cd player started trying to eject cd repeatedly with out even being on or having one in it also at same time fuel gauge stopped working. Now this morning wife coming home from work braking system started to malfunction almost causing a crash. Upon simple web search this seems to be common occurrence with 2008 grand caravans electrical system repeatedly hearing or seeing as the case may be a faulty tipm (totally integrated power module) as told by dealership mechanics. It seems it is causing so many different problems such as those just described to headlights shutting off,wipers coming on horn blowing ect,ect,ect. How many people need to die before you take action. A copy of this will be sent to senators,congressman,and news media maybe if it makes the news someone wont have to die due to failure to act by your agency or dodge and chrysler.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH he heard a high pitched squeal. The vehicle was moved from the highway and the contact further inspected the vehicle. There was an immense amount of heat coming from the rear wheels. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the calipers had seized. The vehicle was repaired however, two years later the calipers on the front also seized. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 15,000 and the current mileage was 50,000.
Rear break components (pads, rotors, lr caliper) at 30k on 12/10/09. Front pads replaces on 1/14/10 at appx 31k: front pads and rotors on 4/2012 (3rd set) at 58k calipers not frozen: this vehicle year was the first year of the 4.0 l engine. Already engine no longer an option: later model years (2010 and later) have larger callipers and pads. I truly believe this vehicle was redesigned and offered without consideration to the brake system components. The vehicle was so new that my owner manual doesn't reference the 4.0 liter engine. This model year has numerous complaints of premature break wear.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan se. The contact stated that the front brake and rotors was replaced at 23,000 miles and failed at 46,000 miles. The dealer was notified of the failure who advised the contact that it was not uncommon for the brakes to wear prematurely. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000 and the current mileage was 46,050.
Early wear on brake pads and rotors. Brakes and rotors were replaced three times. Mileage was 20,000 at first repair 40,000 miles at last repair. Traded in vehicle for 2010 grand caravan. Same issues with 2010 and 17,000 miles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. The contact stated that the front passenger tire began to wobble while driving approximately 55. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a diagnostic test. The technicians stated that the brakes failed, causing the wheel to reach a temperature of 900 degrees and wobble. The technician stated that the front rotors and calipers would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000. Updated 01/05/12*lj updated 01/11/12
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. The contact was driving 50 MPH when the antilock brake activated without warning, causing the vehicle to become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the clock spring in the steering wheel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised that the engineering department would return his call at a later date and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 82,000.
Vehicle is a shuttle van. Vehicle suddenly experienced loss of brake pedal firmness followed by the brake pedal going to the floor and not raising completely back up. Also experienced sudden idle speed drop followed by a near stall. Vehicle speed approximately 55mph. Found vacuum brake check valve cracked with the pipe extension to the vacuum brake hose snapped off. Plastic material of the valve itself had deteriorated, leaving a white chalky residue. Valve replaced and vehicle returned to normal operation.
While driving at 25 MPH towards a stop sign. I applied the brakes and I had no brakes. None, without warning the brakes completely failed. Went through the stop sign. Fortunately there were no vehicles coming and no pedestrians crossing. Have driven for 40 years and never had anything like this happen. Very very dangerous. Had vehicle taken to dealer in spokane. Do not know what the problem is yet. This is the first year of a redesigned body style. Maybe this is just the beginning of trouble for this vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated the front driver side caliper bracket caused the brakes to wear prematurely and cause an increase in stopping distance and time. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer advised that there was nothing they could do because the vehicle was out of warranty. One year prior the the failure, the dealer replaced the entire brake caliper but the unit malfunctioned again. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic where the mechanic replaced the caliper bracket unit. The failure mileage was 52,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Vehicle purchased in puerto rico with 40,000+ miles; replaced a rotor & all pads about 65,000 miles. Could hear noises coming from brake mechanism (noises went away upon replacement of brakes with oem parts). Around 70,000 miles the vehicle started locking itself without warning, at least twice with keys inside. Imagine a hot day and a child in a restraint seat and the car locked. I did notice that about the same time, the power lock switch on the drivers side became inoperable. Now at 78,892 the whole electrical instrument panel went on the blink (blank), except for the digital mileage indicator & 'gate ajar' . I stopped for groceries & when I went to crank the starter solenoid, nothing happens. Had to tow home & am told that local dealers are charging $1,000 to reprogram the computer.... No wonder less & less people are buying american brand cars. Any suggestions? I do appreciate the federal safety agency efforts. Thankyou!
2008 dodge grand caravan with mileage at 25,000 the brakes and rotors had to be replaced on both front and back at a cost of $815.00. Not included in warranty even though vehicle purchased new in february, 2009. Right rear wheel became very hot and smoking. There was a terrible smell like metal on metal and when we put water on it - it sizzled. We still had 80miles until home and no garage opened on sat. Evening.
Year and half ago we received a recall letter from dodge concerning our 2008 dodge caravan, reference to the front brake pads. Its seems the brake pads were defective due to early wear out. The recall pads were replace by scott evans dodge according to service manager with a pad that more metal in the composition of the pad. Now a year and few months later , I took my car in for front end realignment and scott evans is saying the brake pads that replaced the recall pads are now showing early wear out and should be replaced!!!!!! How is this possible, my car only has 31687 miles on it and now brakes pads are being replaced twice. My concern is the pads they put on to replace the recall pads were also defective due to early wear out also. Being this deal with vehicle brake please investigate and found if dodge is replacing recall pads and possible defective pads due to early wear out also. My wife and are in our late 50's and do not travel alot nor are our driving habits our of the norm. The miles on the car reflect this. Please investigate [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. The contact stated that when he attempted to stop the vehicle, both the front and rear brakes made a loud noise. There was also a smell and smoke coming from the braking system. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired twice, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 10,000. The current mileage was 30,240.
Multiple brake failures on my 2008 dodge caravan.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. The contact was driving at various speeds and when the brakes were engaged a loud noise was heard from outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the rear brake pads were replaced and rear rotor resurfaced. The failure mileage was 29,180.
Both front and rear brakes of the vehicle have worn out prior to 30,000 miles. The fronts were gone at 18k, the rears gone right at 30k. The front brakes were replaced under an "extended warranty", but, the rears had to be fixed personally, dealer wanted to charge almost 300 dollars to fix a problem they knew they had. I know the front brakes probably already are half way worn down again after only 12k miles on the replacement pads.
Took vehicle in for regular maint. And was told brakes are metal on metal. This with only 20000 of highway miles. I had no expectation that brakes would be so bad so early with such light duty. Potentail disaster!
2008 dodge grand caravan brake wear. On 10/01/09 my 2008 dodge caravan with 13901 miles on the speedometer required the front and rear brake pads be replaced and front and rear rotors be turned. In august of 2010 chrysler group llc, the manufacturer of dodge caravan, sent me a limited warranty extension for 2008 dodge caravans front brakes.the letter states in part that "should the front brake components on your vehicle need to be replaced due to a defect in materials, workmanship or factory preparation", "chrysler will pay for the cost of parts and labor","less a $50 deductible". On 08/23/10 my 2008 dodge caravan with 25494 required that front and rear brake pads and front and rear rotors be serviced again. Chrysler authorized the replacement of the front brake pads and rotors but would not authorize the replacement of the rear brake pads or rotors. Chryslers customer assistance representative "britney" stated that chrysler was working on an extended warranty for the rear brakes. I believe that by issuing the extended warranty on the front brakes chrysler is well aware of a problem with the braking system on the 2008 dodge caravan. Chrysler, I believe, has initiated a silent recall, if you will, due to a flaw in the engineering design of it's braking system.
I purchased a brand new 2008 dodge grand caravan in oct. 2008.at 22,226 miles the dealership replaced front brake pads and machined front rotors. At 29,595 they machined the front brake rotors again. There was still shimming in the brakes so at 29,847 I took the car back to dealership. They replaced front brake rotors, machines rear brake rotors and replaced rear brake pads. At 31,854 my brakes were constantly squeaking. Dealership inspection brakes and said "normal characteristic of this model/brake. Under certain conditions due to material type and glazing brake life is approximately 90% life remaining front and rear." then at 35,665 I brought back to dealership for another inspection. I reported "excessive brake noise." their response was "brakes ok. Approximately 65% life remaining. Noise detected was characteristic. No abnormal conditions detected at this time." so basically in just 3,800 miles I went through 30% of the brakes life. This is after having front and rear pads and rotors replaced. I have received a letter stating chrysler is extending warranty of front brakes to 36,000 miles. My problem is that what happens after 36,000 miles and what about the rear brakes? How do I know I am driving with safe brakes? The dealers response was to bring the vehicle in for inspections. I called and spoke to the "chrysler recall team" and was told there are upgraded parts for the brakes on my vehicle but the dealership says that because I'm past the 36,000 miles they will not correct the problem with the upgraded parts.
Brake system issues and possible front-end issues in general, electrical issues. Had to replace front tires at 18729 miles. Brakes pads and rotors needed replaced at 24130 miles. Dealer only agreed to cover rotors after much disagreement. Stated everything else was normal wear and tear. Check engine light been coming on since late 2009, keep taking it in- stated problems with o2 sensors. Problem still not fixed. Dealer states we must need new computer, and that will be covered by warranty. Brakes have been making screeching/rattling noises again, and mileage is now at 29000 miles. Dealer states nothing wrong with brakes, that it must be brake dust. Dealer just does not want to take ownership or pay to cover- there is absolutely an issue that they will not admit. Instrument panel has failed 4 times while driving, including loss of power steering. There is something very wrong with this van.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. While driving 35 MPH with the brakes depressed there was a loud noise coming from the rear brakes. He noticed that the rotors were worn. The dealer was contacted and stated that since there were no recalls or warranties he would be responsible for the repair cost. The manufacturer confirmed that there were no recalls or valid warranties. The failure mileage was 19,000 and the current mileage was 33,000.
Brake pads and rotors failed after 15,000 miles and have been replaced about every 15,000 miles. I have replaced them 4 times in 2 years.
2008 dodge caravan. Normal driving LED to brakes wearing out and rotors needing to be replaced at 12000 miles and rear brakes wearing out at 17000 miles. Dodge is putting inferior pads and rotors on the front and inferior brake pads on the back. They know this is a problem. Most autos will go much further on pads. I believe they have done this deliberately in order to get more volume in the service bays at the dealership.
2008 dodge caravan brakes and rotors replaced multiple times with low mileage on vehicle. Purchased the vehicle in march of 2008 and had to replace the breaks and rotors for the 1st time in sept. 2009. The 2nd time was in apr. 2010.
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