Driving on the thruway with my family the van stalled twice without warning, although it would restart immediately and luckily there wasn't so much traffic. Have been having issues with dashboard lights(emergency brake, esp/bas, ABS & traction) coming on every time I turn on the van and start driving. The sliding doors either open by themselves or don't want to close, I have to repeatedly push the buttons to get it to close and also at times the door stops halfway and starts clicking. I had previously taken the van to a dodge dealer where they "fixed" the door problem, but after some time it again began with the same problem. My transmission constantly keeps shifting to 6th gear so I either have to turn off the van or shift down the gear to d in order to open or close the doors. The ignition key has been getting stuck on acc and doesn't want to come out. This is a very serious situation that needs to be addressed asap, before someone looses their life! The manufacturer needs to take action and make the necessary measures and precautions to protect the lives of consumers , not just the ones that are driving these unsafe vehicles but as well as those that are around us!!! (for many of us, this is our only transportation to get to and from work or like myself drive the kids to school and activities).
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan brakes complaints
Page 3 of 8: complaints 41 to 70 of 212, newest first, as owners wrote them.
As I was driving on the highway, the rear brake calipers on either side became stuck. I stopped at a traffic light, and smoke was coming from the rear wheels. The caliper stuck to the brake pads on both rear wheels and became burned on. The vehicle requires new brake pads, rotors, calipers, and caliper brackets to be installed. This is a huge fire hazard. I am lucky that nothing caught on fire under the vehicle.
We bought this van new in april of 2008 and in august 2008 and with 16,000 miles I had to replace the brake rotors pads and one caliper. Then two months later I had to replace the rear brakes which included the rotors, pads, and calipers. In late 2009 I have to replace both front and back brake systems do to failure. Now it is september of 2014 and after replacing the brakes on both front and back axles 5 times there needing to be replaced again. I have taken the van to our local dodge dealer and was told it's just hard driving. I had to replace the rear evaporator at 89,000 along with rubber heater lines that you can only buy as a set at over $120.00. Now the right rear door can only be opened from the inside and the door locks only work sometimes. Went out 09-17-14 to move the van to my garage to work on it and all of the lights went out and the horn went off along with the wipers and wiper fluid pump. How long before someone is killed before they fix these issues. This is my last chrysler product after owning 5 good ones. This is do to there inability or negligence in fixing these problems.
We are having to replace our brake pads and rotors and calipers way too often!! It started in 9-2010 and just continues to guess worse. We have taken the van to the dealership for some of the repairs and my husband who is a mechanic and has done some of the repairs himself. Either way this is a serious design flaw on chrysler part and they need to step up and protect their loyal customers and our families!!! Hello chrysler-most of us who have a mini van do so because we drive our children in them!!! Unfortunately for our family who lives paycheck to paycheck we did not know about the brakes issues on these 2008 models until about a week ago when we were researching what could keep going wrong with our brakes. I have driven chrysler vehicles most of my life and suffered thru the "mini van transmission issues" on 2 of those but they were older models and years ago so we thought we would be safe from those issues when we purchased our "used" 2008 van but instead we just traded those problems for brake issues!!! I hate to say this because we have been long long long time chrysler buyers, but no more~~~~~we have had this van since 2009 and never heard of this problem until I discover this web site, so cudos and thank you very much the federal safety agency!!!!! Buyer beware!!!!
T* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that while traveling at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact applied the emergency brake and was able to restart the vehicle. The failure recurred intermittently. In addition, the contact stated that the brakes failed. The contact also stated that the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 14v373000 (electrical system). The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
When I put the van in drive or reverse, there was a loud noise coming from the steering wheel area. I brought the van to the dodge dealer to fix it. He said a few codes had to be done and a fuel injection cleaning. I waited for the van for three hours and it was returned to me at a cost of $263. I drove down the road and the same noise was there as if it had not been touched. I brought the van immediately back to the dealer and was told it was the power brake module and that it was on back order. He took the van and told me to get a rental. It will be two weeks this thursday (rental car totaling over $700) and I am still waiting for the van.
This problem has been intermittent and getting worse. Sometimes it happens when we' driving and sometimes when it's parked with the engine off. The engine dies, horns blow, wipers go crazy and lights go on. All you can do is coast to a safe spot, wait for a while ,then restart the van.today as my husband drove to work, the power brakes went out. He was able to stop but it was very hard and dangerous. I don't know if it's related but we have had a problem with the blower for the air conditioner/ heater going out since about 2010. Updated 07/03/14 ma updated 07/11/2014
Wife was driving around 40 MPH when traction control light came on and she lost power steering and brakes. She was finally able to stop in the middle of the intersection, luckily there was no car coming. She then turned the van off and restarted and everything was fine. She said she is never driving it again because it is unsafe. Last year we had the tipm replaced after the seemingly common problem of horn honking, windshield wipers going and solvent spraying randomly several times. Not sure how chrysler can get away with having all of these life endangering issues without having recalls and fixing them. But what I do know is we will never buy a chrysler product again.
The vehicle displays steering esp bas brake ABS and the esp symbol will illuminate. A 2008 dodge grand caravan while driving 10 MPH, the esp and traction control warning lamp was illuminated. That immediately after the brakes engaged independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer wanted to charge for diagnostics and replace steering sensor. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage is 129,700.
On occasion the vehicle will set of a signal alarm and display esp bas brake ABS and the esp symbol will illuminate - also the panel lights will flicker. I will also feel a very slight hesitation on my forward motion. It does not always happen - but always while vehicle was just starting to heat up.
I have had to replace the brakes on my grand caravan two times so far. I had to replace them after approximately 18,000 miles and next at 44,000 miles. I do mostly city driving and only put around 10k a year on the car. Currently there is a grinding sound. I will need to have it looked at by the dealer. At least three times the caliper stuck and you could smell the burning of the brake pad. In the most recent instance the heat was so high on the right drivers side front brake, that it melted the valve stem plastic cap. I have paid now approximately 1,800 dollars to the replace brakes. After the last time I paid for them to install some sort of adapter to help with the known brake issue on this model. Obviously, it did not work. The heat generated is very high and could be dangerous. This is an issue that is well known against this model year and car. ...updated 10/7/2014
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the esp and traction control warning lamp illuminated immediately after the brakes were engaged. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage were 127,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 54 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated to 80 MPH with the illumination of the electronic throttle and traction control warning lights. The contact attempted to stop the vehicle but the brake pedal could not be depressed. The contact was able to stop the vehicle and discovered that the accelerator pedal had become stuck. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that after stopping the vehicle and attempting to accelerate, the brakes engaged and released several time before operating normally. The contact indicated that the electronic stability program and the brake assist system warning lights were illuminated during the incident. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 125,000.
On going problem. I've never had so much trouble with brakes. I change them out atleast twice a year, which in my opinion is crazy. I have had a set replaced for free due to the lifetime warranty on the brakes. I have changed out rotors and all. Something needs to be done about this.
As I was driving on the interstate in atlanta, my vehicle ABS eps bas and esp light came on. At this time I was unable to use cruise control. Now it comes on intermittently and slows my vehicle down at odd times. I have taken it to the mechanic and they say they don't see anything wrong with it. I travel a lot and would hate for this to happen to me again especially with my children with me.
Heavy vibration coming from front brakes when braking from highway speed. Squealing in rear brakes also. Had to replace all 4 rotors and all pads. We are now at 95,000 miles and currently on the 4th set of rotors and pads both front and rear for the same problems every time. Each set of rotors and pads only lasted about 20,000 miles. Each time the problem happened we took it to the dodge dealer and were told all 4 rotors needed replacement as well as all pads at all 4 corners. The very first set was replaced free of charge for some reason, but every set of rotors and pads after that was out of pocket cost for me. This is excessive at best.
As I was driving, the dashboard on the van went absolutely insane! Then it just shut down completely. Everything is locked up, even the brakes. It won't even let me take the keys out of the ignition! It started working after about an hour. I have had nothing but problems from the months of owning it!!! Chrysler is not much help at all either. They can make a nice car but they have never stood behind the problems they have, I know that because I have owned 3 chryslers in a row!
I purchased my van in march of 2009 from lee chrysler. It was a one owner with some warranty left on it. A week or two, maybe less my husband and I had problems with the keyless entry keys not opening the van. After several trips to the dealership that problem was resolved. From that time on, every few months there was another problem. I have all the documentation, as to when all the work was done and what. When I purchased the van the previous owners had already replaced the brakes and starter. I found this out when I had to replace the brakes october 2011 and the starter in the spring of 2012. Since these items were under warranty in 2008, the first time they were replaced, I think it was the dealerships place to tell me that this work had been done. In july 2013 the ignition stopped working and I had to have it replaced. Lee chrysler doesn't have cars to loan, I had to rent one at my expense. They ordered and repaired the ignition, then my keys would not program to the new ignition, so I had to wait, paying for the rental another 3 days for them to order new keys, at my expense. The company should have know that old keys, the type I have, would not program to a new ignition. This is just the things that I have receipts for. The recalls I don't have all of them, but you have that list. I think since the company sold me a bad van in the beginning that they should help me get into a vehicle I could afford to replace this one. Ok I know you say why didn't I contact you or someone before now. I did write to chrysler co. In 2010 and they said they were sorry I was unhappy with my van, but there wasn't anything they could do. I also sent them a e-mail. They will not do anything, my van only has 70,000 miles on it. Thank you for your time.
2008 dodge grand caravan. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle brake issues. *smd the consumer stated over the past two years, the right brake pad and rotors were replaced several times. Many of the replacements were done with less 12,000/15,000 in between. Updated 09/17/13
While driving on the freeway, the traffic was very heavy, hence I had to apply the brakes frequently over a distance of approximately 15-20 miles. As a result of overheating of the brake drums, one of the brake calipers 'froze' (I.e. The brake piston stuck in extended position) and created even more overheating and excessive wear on the brake pad and rotors. In extreme cases, this can cause the rotor to lock up with loss of vehicle control. In my opinion, the brakes design is insufficient for the weight of the vehicle. This is confirmed by the fact that chrysler replacement procedure/parts now specify a semi-metallic brake pad, similar to what is often used on race cars to handle the excess heat.
I have to have my brake pads and rotors replaced many times. I just had new pads put on in july 2012 and will need new pads again in december 2012. My pads don't even last a year. This is very unsafe as the brakes start to deteriorate so rapidly I need to have them checked every three months during an oil change.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced numerous brake failures. The front and rear brake pads and rotors were replaced several times however, the failure was not corrected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance and the dealer advised that the rear brakes were not releasing. In addition, the rear brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000 and the current mileage was 66,000.
Dealership informed me that front and rear brakes needed to be replaced. Minivan is not driven in the city, no stop and go traffic, majority of miles were done on the interstate.
Received "safety recall l01" to replace the occupant restraint controller module (orc). The l01 recall was performed at dodge dealership in daytona auto mall, daytona beach florida where the vehicle was originally purchased. According to the procedure to replace the orc, the electronic stability dynamic sensor (esp) had to be removed and re-installed as part of the replacement for the orc. Vehicle was picked up and driven home that day. The next day the vehicle was started and the esp, bake assist sensor (bas), and traction control sensor lights appeared on the dash. Returned vehicle to dodge dealer to verify that this was not caused by the recall procedure. Dodge dealer checked ABS codes and said the steering angle control /clock spring sensor was defective, and would cost $500 plus to fix. All these components are connected to the ABS system. I just cannot believe that one day after the l01 recall was done, that another component of the ABS system failed.
June 2012, while driving the vehicle from a restaurant from dinner, the vehicle suffered a power failure which immediately caused the vehicle to power down while driving on the highway. I was forced to make a best attempt to pull over to the side of the road, which was made difficult by the fact that the brakes were powered by the electrical systems as was the steering. I subsequently called a mechanic who came and checked out the minivan but, no work was performed because when the mechanic arrived, the car started and drove perfectly and all of the voltages for the electrical systems tested okay. A month later, after arriving home and parking my car, I noticed that the cooling fan was still operating although the vehicle has been shut off. I then immediately started the car and did every check possible to make sure that I had not left anything on. After checking under the hood and closing the hood itself, the fan shut off on its on.within a matter of weeks, this same problem began repeating itself and would only stop once the battery ran down. I eventually had the fan relay/starter replaced after a mechanic suggested that this was the issue. I have subsequently found that the fan no longer stays on. However, the vehicle continues to either shut down while driving with no apparent cause and I am still experiencing problems with the vehicle's battery draining, although nothing appears to have been left on. The electrical problems have continued to get worse and increasingly dangerous and I have called several dodge dealerships to speak with mechanics. To generalize, a majority of the mechanics have dealt with other consumers who have experience some or all of the same issues and suggest that the tipm is faulty and that this is a common issue on chrysler and dodge minivans of the same year and being that this is the case that they expect to see a recall issued.
I have replaced brake pads and rotors 3 times in the last three years and I now have to bring in my van to have brake pads and rotors replaced yet again. Chrysler says they don't have an issue, however they have numerous complaints on the web plus they did one recall where all they did was replace the pads. They would not replace pads on my van since I had already done so. The pads had been replaced once before I purchased the van also. I have about 80,000 miles on my van and this will be the fifth or sixth set of brake pads on this van.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH with the brakes engaged, burning fumes were emitted into the cabin and the vehicle started making a loud grinding nosie. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front and rear brakes and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reccurred approximately 8 times in the last 3 years. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 68,000 and the current mileage was 116,000.
Purchased used 2008 grand caravan 2/12/10 with 29,695 miles, all four rotors and pads needed to be replaced by 39,471 miles on 03/23/11. Now at 52,500 miles and 10/10/12 all rotors and pads need to be replaced again. Brakes should not wear like this. Dodge is aware of the problem and does nothing.
We purchased vehicle with @ 15k miles in may 2010 - in january 2011 at @ 30k miles we had to replace the brakes and rotors the whole way around. I spoke with 3 mechanics who 1) said rotors at this low mileage was unheard of and 2) this was a known problem with dodge grand caravans. Then, just 3 weeks ago, at 55513 miles, my left front axle / cv joint snapped. From (plenty of) online research, I learned 2 things - 1) this break should not occur in a vehicle so new and 2) all 2008 chrysler / dodge vehicles are known for this! In fact there was a recall in 08 for a lot of vehicles (not the caravan) for just this! When I called chrysler/dodge - they first said that this wasn't a part of the powertrain warranty (um, it's an axle!!! Attached to the drive shaft) and second - if I was the original owner, it'd be covered, but since I'm not, it wasn't. This was a $500 repair job. 2 weeks later!!!!!!! At @ 56000 miles, I started having front end problems again - back to the garage - this time, I'm surprised with the fact that I need brakes and rotors the whole way around again. And, ABS sensors, a new caliper and brake hoses. New brakes - again?!?!? Here comes the online research again... I found a website (carcomplaints.com) that had 1027!!! Entries from 08 grand caravan users that have had to repair or replace their brakes and rotors at an average of every 10000 miles - that is not normal!
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