Twice during our ownership the front brake pads have crumbled and completely failed early in their useful lives causing the rotors to be badly routed. The first time it happened the dealer hid the fact that the pads failed completely and stuck us for the entire brake job, the second time I walked in unannounced to the repair area and saw the evidence first hand. Bottom line, if we had been driving at speed either time lives could have been lost. This is a serious problem.
1997 Dodge Grand Caravan brakes complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 71, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Front brake rotors were pitted and caused excessive wear on brake pads.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Rotors are prematurely wore out,pitted beyond repair.
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.
Premature wear of brake rotors. When brakes were applied brakes they would grind. Dealer has replaced the rotors.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Emergency brake unexpectedly releases / windshield wipers unexpectedly cycle once
Each time the emergency brake is applied, it releases on its own. The brake was rarely used,and therefore it doesn't seem like it should be defective.
Original rotors failed after 17k mi. (van started vibrating during braking ) dealer replaced rotors. Replacements started to vibrate severely after 17,000 miles. Dealer said they are pitted on the inside, must be replaced to stop the vibration but they are safe to drive. The vibration makes me question their safety.
Had problems with brakes. Took to mechanic to have them pulled. Noticed the rotors were corroded/rusted & pitted. Was informed rotors not usable & needed replacing.
Rotors are pitted and rusted causing poor contact with pads and increasing stopping distance. Nlm
Brake rear wheel cylinder failed resulting in leakage, pads replaced during repair. Mjs
The right rear park brake does not engage. Problem found 8 jan 99. Suspect loose or damaged park brake assy within the brake drum. Assy makes noise when applying tension on the parking brake cable. Left rear park brake functions properly. Normal brake operation (brake pedal) tested good, equal force on left and right brakes. Problem isolated to the right rear park brake assy.
Noticed noise from lt side of vehicle, checked brakes out right side was fine left side brake was down to the metal. Van is only 1997 model and they told me the caliper needed replaced . I dont think this item should need replaced in only one year . Is it possibly a problem or is this normal. My warranty ran out in november of 1998 and the problem occured in december of 1998. Thank you very much.( dot number: )
Parking brake pedal releases spontaniously when parked on a forward incline
When driving at 45 and up and braking the steering starts shuttering. Dealer contacted, and stated the rotors are warped and causing the shuttering. Repairwork done at owner's expense.
Abs and traction control has taken more than a month.
Brake rotors failed causing vibration in the steering wheel and difficulty maintaining control.
While driving and applying brakes, ABS brakes hesitate/fail.
Warped front brake rotors.
While driving on pennsylvania turnpike rear brakes started smoking/smell badly. Had to pull onto ramp.
Upon traveling about 20 to 25 MPH and upon making a gradual stop the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard, making it very difficult to stop the vehicle, resulting in extended stopping distance. Consumer has yet to contact the dealer.
Numerous times over the last (3) or (4) months the harness on the integrated child seat became so tight around child that owner had to use the auxiliary release. *ak air conditioner has given consumer problems on 4 different occasions. Abs light illuminated, brakes were noisy and were replaced. Power lock failure. Power steering problem, consumer did not specify.
Fuel line disconnected, causing fuel leak and strong odor.
Brakes failed, causing accident.
While driving the ABS braking system intermittently fails with pedal, has a low pressure.
Rotors had to be replaced due to poor design.
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