2002 Dodge Grand Caravan: brake failure

Filed Nov 2, 2006 · Brakes · NY

2002 grand caravan brakes failed. *ts the consumer is seeking monetary compensation for the flawed braking system. The consumer stated he was never notified of the problem and only became aware of the problem after the damage had already occurred. The improperly designed backing plate allowed water and snow to enter the brake drum enclosure and when the temperature dropped to freezing the brake shoes froze to the drum. The situation most likely occurred when the emergency brake was applied.

Filed Dec 2, 2004 · Brakes · 16,000 miles · GA

Brake failure every 16000 miles or so. I had to replace the front brake pads 4 times since I had this vehicle. I had to replace the rotors twice since purchase because the rotors delaminated. Yesterday the van had a hard time stopping. It was like the front brakes were not grabbing.

Filed Jul 20, 2004 · Brakes · 20,095 miles · OH

Coming back to ohio from oklahoma ( vacation ) got to st. Louis and tried to apply the brakes and my foot went to the floor, absolutely no brakes. Got the van slowed down and got off interstate 70, it was approximately 9-9:30 at night. Spent the night at a motel got up in the morning and tried to put brake fluid in the resevoir, seeing that it was low and hoping that would fix the problem but the fluid was coming out as fast as I could put it in. Had to call chrysler hotline and have the van towed into a chrysler dealer. There were no parts to be found so we had to spend the night in a motel and called the dealer the next day (friday). Was told parts would not be in until maybe monday and one passenger had a plane leaving sunday to go to las vegas and the other passenger had to be back to work on monday morning. Had to find a car to rent to come home, received a call at 12 noon on tuesday july 13th and had to schedule the 2 days off to go back and pick up the van and return the rental. Had to take 2 days off work, hotel bills, meal bills, gasoline bills, car rental bills and misc.. Asked for the part back and was told it was sent back to the factory.

Filed Jun 13, 2004 · Brakes · FL

My vehicle has ongoing problems with abnormal brake wear. At 17000 miles the brakes hung up. The front left rotor was completely worn away. New pads and rotors. Right front caliper not functioning properly and was replaced. Prior to this I had the oil changed and brakes checked 1500 miles earlier--I had noticed that the brake pedal travel was varying and it was taking longer to stop the car. Mechanic had stated that left front had a little over half of brake surface left. Second brake failure at 34500 miles. Again, left front hung up. Took the car to arrigo dodge and was told I was lying about first incident even though I had receipts. Service rep told me both brakes completely worn away, even though again the problem presented with the left front brake hanging up. Was told it was my fault brakes were wearing prematurely. Car pulled to right after brake replacement when I called dealer again was told it was my fault dealer refused to do anything about it. Brakes began squealing - most noticeably left front again - within 500 miles of replacement. Left front brake sticks when starting off, brakes squeal, brake fluid seen leaking from right front, brake pedal already has a lot of play in it, takes an excessive amount of distance to stop even with strong force applied to brakes. I have narrowly missed having several accidents because of this. Called dealer, again told it was my fault -- driver habits they call it. In the 25 years I have owned and driven vehicles, I have never had to replace brakes before 38000 miles or had any problems remotely similar to this. P. 245 of owners manual states "if either of the two hydraulic systems lose normal capability ...there will be some loss of overall braking effectiveness. This may be evident by increased pedal travel during application, greater pedal force required to slow or stop..." what will it take for this problem to be correctly addressed -- people dying because of this brake failure?

Filed Jul 15, 2003 · Brakes, Suspension · MI

Consumer states that rear-end felt as if dragging while driving. Dealer diagnosed that plate, which covers the brake system, is defective causing water to leak into the system, resulting in rusting. This condition causes complete brake failure.

Filed Jun 10, 2002 · Brakes · MD

After purchasing vehicle brake light illuminated, indicating brake failure. Dealer was notified,and mechanic stated there were problems occurring. However, mechanic had no solution for problem until investigation through manufacturer had been closed.