We have been replacing our brakes every 4 months our mechanic says the braking system for this van was designed too small love the van but will trade in for something more safe we do have 4 children in our van daily and with the brakes wearing out so quickly we don't know when the brakes are gonna go out next...very disappointed there has not been a recall of some sort.
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan brakes complaints
Page 4 of 8: complaints 71 to 100 of 212, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle began to shake as the contact was depressing the brake pedal. The contact noticed the brakes would hesitate to respond and there was also a burning smell present. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician replaced the front brakes, the hubs, the wheel bearings and the tie rod. After the repairs the contact noticed that the rear brakes would hesitate to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. The mechanic advised the contact that the brake pads and rotors would have to be replaced due to excessive corrosion and pitting. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.
I saved 15,000 dollars not easy wanted to buy my girlfriend a minivan and this is what I got. 4 months later front end started shaking and grinding seriously checked brakes in rear rotors looked shot and brakes were crumbling checked fronts same thing changed them and happened again 4 months later I didn't know buy purchasing this van it would put her and the kids in danger something needs to b done thanks. Also the dealer who sold me this vehicle most likely new of this problem and sold it anyway they should also be held accountable.
I wanted to register a complaint about the brakes on our 2008 dodge grand caravan. They are not designed properly for the vehicle they are on, as they are having to be replaced every 3,000 - 4,000 miles. Chrysler knows it is an issue, but they will not offer an effective solution. They blame it on our driving style, but that is not correct. We currently own a ford taurus which is driven more than the van, and the brakes last 40,000 miles plus. We have owned 10-15 cars in our driving life, and they all have the brakes replaced around 40,000 miles. The caravan also has to have the rear brakes changed quite often, which typically only happens 1 time in the 100,000 mile life of our other cars. I did a google search for "brake life expectancy", and the third link pulled up was the following forum where many other drivers have complained about the same issue. Http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f1bbe4a just wanted to pass along my concerns. Thanks!!
Purchased new 2008 grand caravan. Brakes started squealing at 18,000 miles, had dealer check and they said all was ok. At 37,500 miles, brakes failed. Called dodge dealer who advised that warranty extended by dodge to 36000 miles had expired. I had brakes rebuilt at local master mechanic, who also found 2 faulty wheel bearings. Cost was over $1,000. I contacted chrysler corp who agreed to pay 1/2 of the repair bill. Since then we have had the brakes replaced 2 additional times, calipers stick heating up the wheel constantly. We finally traded in this vehicle 2 weeks ago, our 4th new and last dodge product. The brakes are underengineered on this vehicle. Ps: the original dodge dealer told me that chrysler said if any vans come in under 36,000 mi to repair them at no charge but no recall was issued. The mfg warranty on brakes is 12,000 miles. 37500 miles on original sealed wheel bearings is unacceptable. Also unacceptable is a brake system that cannot be relied on.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the brakes had to be replaced prematurely. The rear brakes were originally replaced at 41,000 miles. The contact stated that the brakes failed shortly after the replacement due to the rear calibers not releasing. The failure caused the rear rotors and brake pads to wear prematurely. The dealer advised that the parts needed for the repair were on backorder to the issue being widespread for the make and model. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and the current mileages were 41,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the brakes made a grinding noise when depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the brake failure several times. The dealer replaced the brake pads and calipers twice but the failure was not corrected and there was a significant increase in braking distance. In addition, the air conditioning unit failed and would not blow cold air. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 2,000 and the current mileage was 28,296.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact was driving 45 MPH when the brakes were applied and the vehicle started to shake abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact believed that both rotors were replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 13,000 and the current mileage was 20,000.
We were driving on the freeway when a strong odor was coming into the vehicle. I pulled off on the next exit ramp to check were the smell was coming from. The back rotor failed (locked up), on the rear drivers side, turning the rotors white hot and causing them to smoke. Drove vehicle home after a half hour and vehicle was fine but this keeps occurring for the next two months every time the vehicle is driven over 15 minutes. Bring vehicle into dodge dealership and ask why the braking system keeps failing and the told me a tsb has been issued and is a known problem. Dealership stated they are having numerous problems with the brakes on this model. They agreed to replace the front brake pads/rotors for $100 but I had to pay to have the rear brakes/rotors replaced. It is now two weeks later and I am having the same problems with the rear brakes !!!!!!!!!!! I have never experienced so many problems with a vehicle as this vehicle. Five recalls and various other issues with this poc !!!!!!!!!!! There are numerous complaints about the brakes of this vehicle please google and see for yourself. The brakes on this vehicle need to be recalled before someone is killed.....please look into this issue and have the brakes on this vehicle recalled before someone dies !!!!!!!!!!! I have three children and do not feel safe in this vehicle but like most americans I can not afford to purchase another new vehicle !!!!!!!! This is a major safety issue !!!! I have bailed out dodge twice now and no more.....start protecting the consumer and not corporate america !!!!!!!!!!! Thank you !!!!!!!!!!!
I have had to replace the brakes on my 2008 dodge grand caravan multiple times since purchased on 11/14/2011. The van only has 69000 miles on it. The problem is that even after the brakes are replaced the brakes makes squeaking sounds & grinding almost immediately. I take it back and they say nothing is wrong. I wait a little longer and they say brake pads & calipers need to be replaced. Good thing I brought it in. This vehicle is poorly designed and if we can't tell then the brakes are going bad, a serious accident could result. Have replaced brake pads 5 times. And have also replaced rotors and calipers.
Replaced front brakes at 21150 miles. Told by smithtown dodge & chrysler(new york) that there is a service bulletin but no recalls on the brakes. Did some research online and discovered this is a major problem with the 2008 dodge caravan. There are hundreds of stories of brake replacement with low mileage.the dealer even admits there is a design flaw that the pads are too small for the size vehicle.there is the same problem with the rear brakes,with stories of wheels locking up. Being a retired mechanic I think this is a serious problem. Just consider a van full of people not being able to stop, or worse have a wheel lock up at 55mph on a highway. I think there should be an investigation into this problem. People's lives should come first.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, he heard a squeaking coming from the brakes. The vehicle was maneuvered to the shoulder and stopped. The contact noticed that both rear brakes were smoking. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the rotors were replaced. The failure recurred twice. The contact also stated that on one occasion, the brakes unexpectedly engaged while driving 60 MPH. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 10,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the brakes wore prematurely and were defective. The dealer made three attempts to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was aware of the failure however, did not offer any assistance. The contact was awaiting repairs to the vehicle at the dealer. The current mileage was 82,000 and the approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact was driving 55 MPH when the vehicle started to jerk and burning fumes were emitted into the vehicle. The contact also mentioned that the headlights would fail sporadically without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the front passenger side caliper was defective and needed to be replaced. Three months later, the rear driver caliper needed to be replaced as well. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 38,000 and the current mileage was 55,643.
I have had to replace the front brakes on my 2008 grand caravan three times since purchasing it in 2009. In addition the rear brakes have been replaced twice. The first time the front brakes were replaced was in october 2009 at 27,933, then 12/31/2010 at 58,000 and now at 74,500 we are replacing them again. The rears were replaced on 10/29/2009 at 28,653 and now at 74,500. Understand that dodge knows there is a problem because I received a letter in 2010 saying they would pay a percentage of the replacement cost for the front brakes depending on the mileage of the vehicle. However besides repaying for some of the costs incurred for the first replacement nothing else was done because the problem keeps occurring ever 30,000 miles or less.
The brakes on this vehicle are wearing out rapidly. The front brakes and rotors had to be changed at 13,000 miles. When the service was done it was noted that the front left rotor was grooved and was replaced along with the brake pads. The right front rotor was not changed. It was also noted the front end allignment was pulling to the right. The dealer rotated the tires and noted tire wear was the problem. The vehicle had 17144 miles and the allignment was still pulling. The dealer checked and stated the front end was set at manufacturers specs. The vehicle had 23,922 miles and the front brakes were sqeaking and grinding again. The dealer changed the front rotors and brake pads. The vehicle had 28,343 miles and the front end was sqeaking and shuddering when braking at any speeds. The dealer checked the alignment and reset the toe. By this time the tires on the vehicle were completely worn below 3/32 tread depth. The dealer stated this was the cause of the alignment problem. The dealer changed the front rotors and brakes due to them being grooved and warped. The dealer was told the noise sounded as though it was coming from the rear brakes. The dealer told me the rear brakes and rotors were warped and the pads were severely worn and should be replaced. The rear brakes were not even inspected at any time when the front brakes were completely ground down to metal. The dealer could only tell me the rear brakes were no longer under the warranty. Please help!!!
Encountered brake failure at 11000 miles. Repaired at my expense. Failed again at about 23000 miles, repaired under warranty. Failed again at 37,000 miles, my cost. All cases involved pads and rotors. *tt there has got to be design failure where chrysler/dodge developers under engineered the size and/or composition of the brake caliper/pad system. Chrysler continues to deny that there is a design problem, yet there are hundreds of complaints here. Without a doubt, despite owning caravans since the original 1984 model, never again. Anyone interested in a class action lawsuit???
Consistent brake and rotor failure..scraping, grinding, locking and shimmeying of the wheel when braking. Was informed by chrysler corporation that this year, make, model has a known "design" flaw in the braking system. Their solution is to temporarily keep replacing the brake pads and rotors, however after 36000 miles the consumer is responsible for full replacement and payment of these parts every single year as they fail to operate correctly every 12,000 miles. Chrysler corporation knowingly sold this vehicle to consumers and refuses to do anything but put a bandaid on this issue. They should issue a recall and completely rehaul the braking system or give the consumers a brand new vehicle and reimburse for all expenses surrounding this issue. They are putting the lives of children at risk as well as others.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel began to vibrate and the vehicle exhibited an abnormal grinding sound while applying the brakes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician stated that the brake pads and rotors would have to be replaced. After the repairs the failure recurred four times. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 7,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that both front and rear brakes were wearing prematurely, causing the vehicle to shake violently. In february 2009, the dealer repaired the brake pads and in october and december 2010, the dealer repaired the front and rear brake pads and rotors. The failure continued to recur. The manufacturer was aware of the failure yet no repairs were performed. The current mileage was 80,000 and the approximate failure mileage was 18,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated the rear calipers began to heat up and the rear wheels also locked. The tread came off of both tires because of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic who stated the calipers failed and were a manufacturer's defect. The manufacturer did not inspect the vehicle. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that both the front and rear rotors were wearing prematurely and excessively. The dealer replaced the rotors in july 2010 and the rotors were worn again and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made of the failure however, did not offer any assistance. No repairs were performed. The current mileage was 74,000. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000. The VIN was unavailable.
2008 dodge caravan purchased in august 2008. Rear brakes rubbing causing squealing, a burning smell and very hot rims. Dealer replaced both rear brakes in august 2009 at about 11,000 miles. Same thing occurred in 2011. Dealer refused to do anything on price and wanted $401. They claimed corrosion was the problem. Car now has 27,000 miles. Rear brakes only lasted 16,000 miles. There is a defect. Everybody knows that. Somebody is going to die. Rims will heat up and cause a tire to blow. Just a matter to time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that there was a loud humming sound coming from the braking system. The noise would begin to sound while driving above speeds of 60 MPH and cease once the brake pedal was depressed. Once the brake pedal was released, the noise would resume. The vehicle had not been inspected. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage is 40,000. Updated 11/16/11*lj the consumer stated the humming noise ceased. Updated 12/02/11
We own a 2008 dodge grand caravan with 45k miles on the van. The van has been through 4 complete brake repairs within the 45 k and most recently we needed to replace the master cylinder. We were over 1000 miles from home on july 20th in miami when both brakes and master cylinder went out. By luck I noticed the problem and brought it in for service, this had the potential to be life threatening for my young kids, my wife and I. We are looking to you for help before we or someone gets hurt. We are averaging the need for brakes every 12k miles. We have paid for all of the repairs and dodge finally issued a repayment for a percentage of the cost. These brakes are underperforming and I believe it is an engineering issue. Please research this issue. There is a lot of complaints about this issue and someone needs to make sure the public is protected. I appreciate your help in this matter.
Brakes "burning" again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, she depressed the brake pedal and heard a grinding noise. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostics, where the technicians stated that the front and rear brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The failure occurred a second time approximately 20,000 miles after the repairs were performed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the technician stated that the front and rear brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began to shake excessively while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostics, where the technician stated that the front and rear brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. Approximately 20,000 after the repairs, the contact experienced the failure a second time. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the front and rear brake pads and rotors were again replaced. The failure occurred a third time. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated the rear brakes failed prematurely. The brakes, front brake pads and calipers on the front wheels were replaced at 22,000 miles. The contact stated smoke was coming from the rear brakes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the rear brake pads and calipers needed to be replaced as well. The VIN was not accepted. The failure mileage was 22,6000 and the current mileage was 27,986. The consumer stated the rear brakes were replaced again at 28,000 miles. Updated 03/08/12
Front brakes worn out at 18k miles - not covered under warranty - not considered defective? Pads gone - rotors heavily grooved.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history