2000 Dodge Grand Caravan: brake failure

Filed Jul 24, 2013 · Brakes · 123,860 miles · PA

Mileage at time of incident: 123860 miles. While driving this loaner vehicle of a friend. I encountered a sudden and unexpected hydraulic brake failure while stopping. Loss of brake fluid. Mechanical braking was available. Assessment of system showed no leaks on or around booster, master cylinder or ABS distribution module. Approximately 50mm of severe corrosion of the two, rigid steel brake tubing sections, originating from the second junctions of the flexible hoses to the respective rigid steel brake tubing, that run along the driver side frame. When the braking system was used to stop, the sudden increase of hydraulic pressure caused a structural failure of the degraded tubing. This failure caused the catastrophic loss of hydraulic brake fluid and loss of the hydraulic braking system. This failure resulted in a near collision with another vehicle. Photographs were taken of the brake line tubing and junction and show the severity of the corrosion. This complaint is consistent with other similar complaints for this model and vehicle and model year as posted on the website.

Filed Jul 25, 2012 · Brakes · PA

While driving @ 35 MPH I tried to apply my brakes and the pedal went to the floor. I was able to get the car stopped and off the roadway. When I looked under my van I had lost all brake fluid. I was towed to a repair shop and informed the brake lines burst. This van has been in the family since 2003. Every year the brake lines must be replaced. This should not be. Thanks to my expertise I was able to prevent an accident today. Was I lucky???

Filed Feb 21, 2010 · Brakes · 115,000 miles · OH

Failure of my brake lines. This is the two brake lines leading to the rear brakes as they leave the "distribution block". The corrosion was near the junction at the hard tubing and flexible tubing. The plastic clamp accumulates dirt and salt and corroded the lines. Remainder of the tubing looks ok. Poor engineering, a definite design flaw. Were is the recall? Failed without warning. Total loss of braking. Many complaints of this using a simple google search.

Filed Nov 10, 2008 · Engine · 62,000 miles · NY

Serpentine belt keeps sliding off during slight moisture, whether raining, drizzling or splashing up water. Steering and brake failure multiple times. Had to use ford wheel that has a "lip" on it to keep belt from slipping any more.

Filed Aug 20, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

Problems with vehicle's alternator, battery, brakes and electrical system.*mr the consumer feels that the electrical problem caused them the replace the battery three times and the alternator twice in four years. The serpentine belt broke and left the driver stranded in rush hour traffic. The brakes failed which resulted in an accidents. Multiple brake components had been replaced prior to this accident. The consumer believes the vehicle is unsafe and request reimbursement.

Filed Jul 7, 2003 · Brakes · TX

Consumer stated that while driving and without warning the brakes failed, causing extended stopping distance. Dealer notified.

Filed Jul 18, 2002 · Brakes · CO · crash

1st incident: john elway dodge service on 12/27/2000 for final inspection from the sale. Asked to check rattle in the front right dash and the brakes, which acted soft. No paperwork was given. 2nd time occurred 11/13/2001: the brake problems reported to john elway dodge service, unable to get in before 2+ weeks. Brought to christopher's dodge world, inc. 16655 w. Colfax ave. Golden, co 80401 303‑238‑7311. Stated that the brakes failed when tried to stop (petal felt like it went to the floor, but yet the van did not stop.) also complained about the rattle in the dash and engine vibration at idle. Invoice #24497 which states each complaint and the findings a) engine vibration - unable to duplicate customers complaint. B) rattle noise in r/dash - cause: replaced belt and tensioner and repositioned fuel lines. C) brakes - clean, inspect, and adjust rear brakes. D) the transmission needed to be serviced- but my wife declined. The bill was $62.00 and the mileage was 13362. The 3rd time @ a week prior to 1/10/2002. Complained the brakes when driving on dry ground will act as if the ABS is working, the vehicle seems to have a soft petal and not stop the vehicle properly. Findings: a) transmission - not due for service until 40k (fluid confirmed by service manager at my wife's request due to last service at christopher' dodge.) b) brakes- found to be operating normal. Mileage was 15747. The fourth time june 2002- pushed on brakes but went through stop sign. The 5th time 7/1/02 under 15 MPH pressed on brakes, foot felt like it went to the floor not stopping, pumped brakes twice then pushed again felt like foot to the floor hit from behind. Driver stated that the brake lite flickered once, van still going then brake lite on when hit. No damage, no major injuries (wife's right collar bone red) 2 toddlers and 2 adults in van. Called john elway- van in next day. Miles 22772. Findings: could not verify concern at this time. Chrysler inspects same findings. Van at john elway.*

Filed Apr 25, 2001 · Brakes · MN

Brake failure while applying brake at a low speed, vehicle would not stop. No sign of failure was given. Dealer notified, and was unable to duplicate problem. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.