Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. The contact noticed a loud noise coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the rear brakes, rotors and pads were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The current mileage was 29,550. The approximate failure mileage was 20,500. Udated 8/29/11 *cn updated 09/21/11
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan brakes complaints
Page 5 of 8: complaints 101 to 130 of 212, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I bought a 2008 dodge grand caravan in june 09 with 5,000 miles. As of today, at 57000 miles it is on it is needing its fifth set of brakes and rotors. I have been driving for 20 yrs and have never had to replace brakes at a rate like this. By this time I should have had to replace maybe one set at a maximum. Chrysler has failed to admit their mistake in undersizing brakes which clearly are being "eaten up" at a rate 5-6 times what they should. Chrysler did reimburse me $100 for a $500 brake job one time stating that they realized that original brakes were basically shoddy, but they have failed to admit that there is a problem with the design of the van itself. In fact, they blamed the problem on the epa no longer allowing asbestos in the brakes. If this is the case, why isn't everyone else on the road replacing brakes at this astronomical rate? I have had numerous cars, both new and used, and I have never had to replace brakes like this. I am very angry regarding this and feel that this should be publicized so as to not put others at risk for becoming victims of the same disappointing situation of a van. I personally plan on trading this van as soon as I am able.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. While braking, the contact noticed a grinding noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the front brake pads and rotors were replaced. After the repairs were performed the failure occurred a second time. The contact heard a grinding noise and noticed a burning smell. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the front brake pads and rotors were replaced a second time. The failure occurred a third time. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the rear brake pads and rotors were replaced. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000.
Driver side rear brake caliber mechanism. I has the caliber replaced in march and had new break pads and rotors installed. I drove about less than 3000 mile and had the same thing happen again. In this last episode I have paid out $1300 in just parts, not to mention labor costs, and two $100 tow bills and the problem is still not fixed. I have replaced the entire break caliber fully loaded mechanism and drove 20 miles and had to have the car towed due to the break caliber freezing again. This issue is a major safety issue that could cause death of myself my passengers, and others on the road. I bought this car used to get back and forth to work and family events. I got this car because of it size affordable for me as a single mother of three living on a fixed income. I thought because it was newer that I would be able to drive it for awhile before major issues would happen. I have only this car a year and have not been able to drive it more than 20 miles before having it towed to a garage since this last issue. I have had the pad and rotors replaced twice because of it in the last two weeks. This last time I had to tow it to my home as I cannot put any more money into it yet I still have 6 years of payments left. This is a major safety issue that needs to be addressed by the manufacturer. If they cannot fix it than they need to give me a new van.
I have a 2008 dodge grand caravan with 16,700 miles. Despite the fact that my brake pads were not ready to be changed, I had to replace the rotors in both front tires. I was having difficulty braking at 35 MPH. *tr the van was driven only one half of a mile to the mechanics and the mechanic measured the temperature of the air near the front tires at 198 degrees f; the rear tires measured 140 degrees.
2008 dodge caravan se... Brake caliper seized up. Caused premature wear and tear on both the brake pad and rotor. Vehicle begins to shake violently at 30 MPH+. The calipers cause brakes to wear out between 8000 miles to 14000 miles, far sooner than normal wear and tear would cause. Dealerships are repairing faulty calipers under "good will" tickets, which are treated like a warranty repairs in respects to charges to the vehicles owner. Technicians at the dealership alluded that the 2008 and 2009 model year for dodge caravans and chrysler town and country vans are known for severe brake problems. Seized calipers can also cause severe shifts in the steering while braking, which could cause collisions or accidents. This problem is widely known to owners who have reported it to many websites and dealerships.
While on the interstate in wisconsin driving at about 65 MPH, the left rear brake on my daughter's van suddenly seized. When I pulled off the interstate, the entire wheel was too hot to touch and there was a strong burning smell. Fortunately there was a chrysler dealer right there. They told me that the left rear caliper 'hung up' on the brake. They said that the caliper adapter was new to this model (2008), that they have seen this before and that chrysler has a newer design but the part was on back order. They told me that the pads, calipers and rotors on both rear brakes needed to be replaced. They cleaned and lubricated the brakes and I continued to chicago to have the repairs done there. Later my daughter told me that in april 2011, the same thing had happened but on the right rear brake. Again this was on the interstate. She heard a very loud squealing. After tapping the brakes a few times the sound went away and she continued. This is why the dealer said that the right rear brake pads, calipers and rotor also needed replacement. Worse, my daughter's brother-in-law bought the same model caravan in 2008. On a trip to virginia, also on the interstate, their brakes seized in the same manner. When we got to chicago, I took the van into roesch chrysler in elmhurst illinois. They replaced the calipers under warranty but charged me to replace the pads and rotors. The fact that this has happened twice on my daughter's van, that it also happened on her brother-in-law's same model/year van, that the caliper design was new in 2008, that since then a new caliper design has been released ' leads me to believe that the original caliper/brake design is defective and should have been covered under warranty. Moreover, chrysler should have recalled these vehicles as a safety issue given an over heated wheel could have caused a high speed blowout.
I have replaced my brakes 3 times since I bought utter and motors 1 time they get very hot and smell like their burning also a possible hub bearing is going out on passenger side last but not lease my light on radio is not working as well. I've observed on the web site several dodge grandcaravans have been having.
The brakes on our 2008 dodge grand caravan sxt completely rusted at 26,500 miles. As of 5/26/2011. Prior to that (05/27/2010) the brakes rusted and locked at 19,844. The car had to be towed on a platform truck because tires, wheels assemblies were completely locked at that time. Brakes have been pulsating and started to make harmonic sounds in the most recent incident. Brakes were spongy with the pulsating creating vibration in steering wheel. Have formally filed a complaint to chrysler. Clerk at chrysler indicated unusual number of calls but no detail, just that they're experiencing problems with the brakes involving dodge caravan and town and country. Van is at dealer being repaired at this time.
I bought a used 2008 dodge caravan with 34,000 miles on it. There was a recall on the brakes and rotors at 38,000, carmax never told me that. I ended up replacing my rotors twice since nov 2010 and my brakes 4 different times. I sent dodge chrysler a letter with my invoices for refund with no response. And now again dodge is telling me that I need to replace the rotors and brakes. I don't have the money, and I should not have to continue to pay for this. I drive a special needs daughter and two sons in this van and feel it is unsafe but its the only car we have and no one will help us. Thank you
Here we go again. Front brake problems at 18,000 miles on a 2008 grand caravan. Then the recall, now the rear brakes at 35k. After discussion with the service manager he stated the rear brakes could wear out at 8k miles(r u kidding me) some service manager. Back brakes should last at least 40-50k when not towing. The rear brake calibers and pads have the same defects as the front. I changed the rear pads and 1 glide was missing and that pad was worn alot more than the other 3. Thanks dodge, great vehicle. Also who was the genius that came up with the 225 65 16 tire size, nice job.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that when she started the vehicle, the speedometer was non-functional and the engine, ESC and ABS lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The transmission also had to be replaced in january 2009 and the vehicle would jerk intermittently. The brakes were defective and were replaced by a local mechanic. In 2010, the instrument panel suddenly stopped working; the windshield wipers and turn signals also did not function. The dealer repaired the failure. The contact called the manufacturer who offered assistance with the other issues aside from the speedometer and lights on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not repaired for the speedometer and light failure. The current mileage was approximately 57,000. The failure mileage was unknown.
My wife came home friday(3/11/11) complaining that her front brakes were making a grinding noise. So the following day I jacked the 2008 dodge grand caravan up to inspect for a problem and found that both front brake rotors were worn down with metal to metal contact from the brake pads. The van has only 29,000 miles on it. Back during october we got a letter from dodge stating we needed to bring our van in for a brake inspection for the front brakes because there were issues of premature front pad failure so we complied. At that time they noticed no problem,but now I have to replace both front rotors and front pads on a vehicle that only has 29,000 miles. This is a known issue from dodge, but they state there is only a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty for brake parts/problems.
I was driving my vehicle down the road, it had been about 10 minutes since I had left the service department of my local dodge dealer to have my A/C serviced. My rear brakes had been serviced less than 6,000 miles previously and had been checked the night before by a just brakes technician. As I was driving I began to hear some squealing. When I stopped at a red light I noticed a huge amount of smoke pouring out of the rear of my car. I was able to accelerate enough to coast in to the just brakes shop where technicians looked at my vehicle and discovered a total brake failure of my rear brakes. The temperature had reached so high that the assembly itself was white hot and smoking. Had I not been closer to the shop my brakes might have failed because the pads were totally destroyed when they took them off. I have the old pads in my possession.
2008 dodge caravan brakes are defective or under engineered. Had to replace front brakes and rotors @ 22k miles and am now having to replace front and rear @ 35k miles. Very nervous as to stopping ability now.
2008 dodge grand caravan. Consumer states there have been five recalls for her vehicle and had problems before the recalls were announced. She would like to terminate her lease early. *kb in june 2009, the vehicle needed new front brake pads and rotors at only 15,000 and again in august 2010. In the spring, the vehicle had no air condition. The dealer informed the consumer the part was manufactured too short and froze during the winter, which caused fluid to leak out. The problem was resolved after 3 weeks. In june 2010, the same hose ruptured and again the consumer was left with no A/C. The radiator cap had to be repaired which was why the consumer had to keep adding coolant. The washer fluid sensor was not working and needed to be replaced. In august 2010, the power sliding door stopped functioning for days. When the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, they were unable to find a problem. However, two months later a recall was issued. The consumer stated she also experienced power failures with the vehicle. Each time the problem occurred the engine would run, but nothing else in the vehicle worked, such as the windows, locks, windshield wipers and interior lights etc. The problem was sporadic and each time the consumer went to the dealer, they were unable to find any problems.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan se. The contact was applying the brakes when the brake pedal began to vibrate abnormally and the brakes were exhibiting an unusual chattering. The dealer was notified who advised that the failure was common in his year, make amd model vehicle but unless the manufacturer was willing to assist, there was not much he could do to assist. The contact did not inform the manufacturer of the failure nor was the vehicle repaired. The current mileage was 32,000 and the failure mileage was 12,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact heard a clunking noise and began to smell a burning odor. The contact pulled over and noticed that the odor was coming from the rear passenger side brake. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the rear passenger side brake had locked up. The brakes were replaced. The failure occurred three additional times. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000 and the current mileage was approximately 60,000. Updated 02/23/11 *bf updated 02/28/11
We purchase our 2008 dodge grand caravan new on 12/22/2008. We have had to get our front pads replaced and front rotors resurfaced at 20,306 miles and chrysler sent out a front brake limited warranty extension so we received a refund back minus the 50.00 deductible for this repair. However now we've had problems with our rear calipers & rear brakes which we would like to have our repair refunded or a recall done on this matter. Here is the info: first complaint:--the rear calipers seized which caused the second complaint-- the pads wore out quickly. The rear calipers seized and the rear brakes failed and both had to be replaced. The rear rotors and drums had to be resurfaced at our expense($446.38 parts & labor, not including tax).
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an increase in stopping distance when braking at any speed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the brakes were replaced. The failure since recurred twice. After each failure, the brakes would either be replaced by an authorized dealer or independent mechanic but to no avail. The failure mileage was 10,000 and the current mileage was 50,000. Updated 02/09/11*lj updated 05/09/11
Approximately 20,000 miles front brake recall letter received, took to local dealer and repairs made. At 23,000 mile rear left locked, total replacement at the cost of $299.29 to repair one brake, rotor and caliper. Very disappointed, was informed by dealer repairman that there should be a recall for the rears soon. Told to keep receipt for reimbursement.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that on august 18, 2009 while driving approximately 45 MPH someone advised him that his wheel was smoking. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who confirmed that both rear calipers were locked the dealer replaced calipers, rotors, and rear brake pads at 14,768 miles. On october 25, 2010 while driving he smelled smoke again. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the right rear caliper was frozen, the left rear caliper was sticking and the brake pads were overheated and cracked. The rear calipers, and brake pads were replaced at 29,979 miles. The manufacturer provided a rental vehicle when the first failure occurred. The failure mileage was 14,768. The current mileage was 29,979. Updated 01/18/11 *bf updated 1/19/2010 *cn updated 03/31/11 according to the invoice, the rear calipers were not releasing properly and the rear rotors were discolored. Updated 06/01/11
2008 dodge grand caravan 32k miles front brakes were squeaking so we took it to local dodge dealer. Said the front rotors and pads needed to be replaced. This car is new and the first brake job needs rotors? We paid for it and later dodge sent out a reimbursement letter in the summer to pay half of the costs. I wonder if they put the same junk rotors back on? Now, 6k miles later the front right brake squeals like the pad is low but the dealer said it is ok and that is "normal". It is not normal to hear a grinding pad on rotor sound when the pad is good! The only thing he said they could do would be to resurface the rotor and put stop squeal on the pad. It would cost around 120.00 bucks. Poor parts are obviously on this car...I will not buy another dodge or suggest anyone do so. Other problems with this new car so far are: 1. When first bought, trans fluid leak, warranty fixed that. 2. Rotors and pads on front (as described above), reimbursed for half 3. Now at 38k miles, the front left wheel bearing is bad, have to replace, 220.00 dollars, I am talking to chrysler to see if they will pay for or not. Two dealers and two repair shops cannot get this part for a week to a month, they are on backorder.
In july2010, I had the front brakes replace after only 30000 m iles. Also a front caliper was replaced due to it not releasing after applying the brakes. In aug, 2010 on a return trip from florida, the rear brake calipers froze , would not release, causing the rear brakes to overheat, causing rear brake failure. Repair of the rear brakes cost aprox.$ 580.00. A complaint to chrysler corp. Was initiated, and they reimbursed a total of$280.00. I was told by 2 dealers that there has been an abnormal amount of problems with the brake calipers on the chrysler/dodge vans. Since we were transporting oxygen that my wife needs for medical purposes a fire or other failure of the rear brakes, ie fire, seizing of the brakes causing a wreck, or being disabled on the highway, miles from a repair facility could have had serious results. At the present time the only remaining caliper has failed, froze to the rotor, and is in need of repair which has been scheduled at a non dealer shop. The cost has been estimated at $100.00. Chrysler corp has not given any acknowledgment as to the cause or why this is occurring, only the $280.00 reimbursement. The question is: will this happen if I purchase another chrysler van and has the brake caliper been acknowledged and fixed? 4280.00 reimbursement.
2008 dodge grand caravan with 27,000 miles on it needs to have all four sets of brake pads and front rotors replaced for the second time. The front pads have were replaced 13,000 miles ago and have already worn down so far that they are cutting grooves into the rotors. I am a professional mechanic and have never seen brakes wear out in 12,000 miles. Dodge refuses to replace the brakes citing that they are wear items. They should wear out in 50,000 miles, not 12,000. I feel that this is a serious safety problem as even when new, the brakes are seriously under engineered. I have to press the pedal almost to the floor for normal stops and in the event of panic stops, I have had more than enough near misses where the van just didn't stop in time and I wound up off the road on the shoulder.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. After attempting to stop, the wheel vibrated causing difficulty when the contact tried to stop. The dealer stated that all four rotors and brake pads had failed; the front brake pads and rotors were replaced under warranty and the rear parts were replaced at a repair shop at the contact's expense. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that the failure was common but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 25,817 and the current mileage was approximately 29,000.
Going on my 3rd set of brakes at 32k miles. Dodge service center said they knew of this being a problem on all grand caravans 2008 and later. Told me I was out of warranty . At this rate I will have over $3000 in brakes in less than 4 yrs. Need to be a recall for a longer lasting brake. This is to dangerous and costly for the owner and mothers who drive their children.
2008 dodge grand caravan. 90,000 miles on vehicle. Heard a grinding noise coming from rear when brakes are applied. Investigated and found both rear wheels, inside discs pads were completely worn. Outside pads were still good. Replaced pads and rotors. Believe its the design of the calipers, never seen caliper pistons that turned out when brakes are applied. Had to have a special tool to turn the pistons back in to replace pads. I don't think that the pistons can retract very well because of the design causing more pressure on the inside pads. The new pads also smoked for a few days afterwards. After talking to a dealer no info or reason could be found for the excessive wear.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The front brakes deteriorated sooner than normal causing the front rotors to fail. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the front brake pads and rotors. The contacted received a refund from the manufacturer for the front brake defect regarding the material prepared by the factory. The contact called the manufacturer to advise them that the rear brake pads and rotors also failed. A report was not filed. The rear brake and rotors were replaced. The failure mileage was 29,000 and the current mileage was 32,000.
We bought a 2008 dodge caravan brand new and at 12,000 miles it needs brand new brakes. The brakes have been making a grinding noise for months. Chrysler has extended the warrenty on the brakes for that year. We believe this should be a recall! They also don't have the parts to fix the problem so I am driving on bad brakes with 4 children in the vehicle.
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