1997 Dodge Grand Caravan: brake failure

Filed Oct 9, 2014 · Brakes · 160,000 miles · MI · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, all of the brake fluid drained from the brake lines and the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into a tree. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed Jun 13, 2010 · Brakes · 99,400 miles · NJ

Complete brake failure due to rusted brake lines and sudden loss of all brake fluid no stopping ability except emergency brake (only effective at low speed).

Filed Mar 7, 2009 · Brakes · 210,000 miles · NJ

Sudden brake failure when departing my home. Pedal went fully to the floor. Later inspection revealed heavy corrosion at the brake line joints with the short section of flexible brake line just rear of the ABS box. No significant corrosion aside from the vicinity of the flex line. One of the corroded brake lines had a pinhole leak that triggered the brake failure.

Filed Nov 28, 2007 · Brakes · 112,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that fluid has drained into the brake system. The dealer stated that nothing was wrong with the vehicle and no recalls were issued. The contact notified the dealer months later and they stated that he was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 96v215000 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder). He took the vehicle to another mechanic and they discovered fluid leaking into the reservoir of the service brakes from the master cylinder; however, no fluid was leaking. As a result, the fluid began to enter into the instrument panel. The failure mileage was 112,000 and current mileage was 113,000. Updated 12/31/07 *bf the consumer stated when he attempted to apply the brakes, he realized he didn't have normal braking power. The pedal went all the way to the floor. Updated

Filed Feb 7, 2005 · Brakes · GA

While applying the brake pedal it went the floor. The brakes failed to stop vehicle completely. However, driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to a garage for inspection. The mechanic could not duplicate the problem at this time.

Filed Jun 21, 2004 · Brakes · NV · crash

While driving at 45 MPH and applying the brakes. Pedal went to the floor, and there were no brakes . As a result, consumer's vehicle was involved in a collision. Dealer notified.

Filed Nov 12, 2003 · Brakes · 94,000 miles · IL

While driving 60 MPH the brakes failed. *ak the consumer stated the brake lines were replaced.

Filed Jul 30, 2003 · Brakes · 95,000 miles · OH

While driving, brakes failed without warning. Dealer diagnosed that the brake fluid line, located near the gas tank, had corroded resulting in the brake failure.

Filed Jul 1, 2002 · Brakes, Steering · MD

The power steering/power brakes have been locking/failing intermittently for the past year. Took the car to the shop in july of 2001 and was told the steering wheel problem was due to humidity and loose belts and the weather would improve the performance. Noticed that when the steering locked, I was driving the car between 5 and 10 miles per hour. Also, when steering wheel locked, power brakes would fail. Had to literally stand on brake pedal or turn off car ignition to stop car. Threw car in park and turned the ignition immediately to regain steering and brakes. Had no steering capability at all. This problem has happened about once every 2 months but seems to be getting more frequent with 3 failures in the past 2 months. Took car into dealer on 6/24/02 and they worked on it for a couple of days before deciding the problem was some part of the steering column. They could replicate the problem with the steering but not with the brakes. They replaced some component of the power steering and released the car 6/26/02. Picked up the car on 6/27/02. The next day, 6/28/02, both steering locked and brakes failed. Will have car towed to shop today. Both son and husband have also experienced this problem while driving. Son nearly hit a tree when steering locked. Said "check oil light " came on dash. Said the only way he could stop the car was the turn the ignition off while in drive. We had noticed the problem more when making a turn. Husband said the problem happened to him this past friday (6/28/02) and he wasn't turning at all. We do not see "check engine" light flashing on when this problem occurs. We are all scared to drive the car because we are afraid it will stall or the steering wheel and power brakes will fail to work at high speed.

Filed May 4, 2001 · Brakes · IL · crash

While driving 25 MPH consumer applied brakes, pedal went to the floor, brakes failed. Consumer rearended vehicle, $ 3500 damage. Consumer noticed a burning smell right before accident.*ak

Filed Oct 17, 2000 · Brakes · KS

At 60 miles per hour on the highway, we notice burning smell from outside, and nearby drivers wave and yell that rear end is on fire, when attempting to slow down the brake pedal goes to the floor, an I procedded through a red light in a busy intersection-miles from home. Right rear brake was not on fire but smoking severly, after 15 minutes on the sid of the road brake pedal returned, dealership reports that rear brake shoes are burned and cracked but find no other problem, this is the second time in the dealership and third set of rear brakes.

Filed Jul 22, 1997 · Brakes · NJ · 1 injury

Brakes failed, causing accident.