2009 Dodge Grand Caravan: rotors or pads wearing out early

Filed Feb 26, 2015 · Brakes · 105,200 miles · NY

This van eats brakes. I have had to have numerous repairs to my braking system done approximately every 25,000 miles at great cost. Brake calipers freeze up, rotors warp and pads wear out from hanging up. Brakes then become difficult to modulate and vibration caused by attempting to stop from interstate speeds make vehicle control difficult.

Filed Nov 18, 2011 · Brakes · 36,060 miles · IN

We were on a trip and while on the trip the vehicle rolled over the 36k warranty. We were on the interstate going 75 MPH when the rear of the vehicle started making a terrible vibration and vibration noises. We were able to get off on an exit within 1/4 mile of the vehicle making this noise. After we were able to stop the left rear tire smelled awful like something burning. After we got it to the dodge dealer they confirmed that the caliper had failed on the left side of the vehicle. They stated that our VIN did not match those vehicles having the rear brake issues. Obviously we were experiencing the same issue as the other vehicles. Chrysler did agree to cover the failed caliper, but would not pay for the warped rotors or new brakes and would not cover the caliper on the right side as it had not yet failed (even though the rotor was badly warped). The rotors were on back order and would take 3 weeks to get in. We were told not to drive the vehicle as it was a safety hazard yet chrysler was unwilling to take responsibility and replace the right side caliper as it had not yet failed. We replaced the right side caliper at our cost and both rotors and brakes as both rotors were warped badly....from defective calipers...but since only 1 side was locking up and smoking they would only replace the 1 side. I did not want to put my family in a vehicle that could become a fire hazard and believe that this is totally irresponsible of chrysler to put peoples lives in danger and not even acknowledge it since our VIN supposedly did not fit with the vehicles that were deemed to have that problem. We contacted chrysler customer service directly and talked about the issue and the representative was basically unwilling to look up anything never offered to take any information from us (name, vehicle info), but yet was very eager to dismiss that there was an issue.

Filed Aug 16, 2011 · Brakes · 23,000 miles · GA

Replaced front rotors and break pads at 23k, vibrating somewhat. Dealer at that point said back brake pads wearing down, will soon need to replace and shave back rotors. At 26k, shaking on drivers wheel,vibrating badly when breaking was dangerous. Needed back brake pads and new rotors, rotors were warped. My 4th new caravan in 2 decades was a real disappointment! Although, the extended warranty for the front brakes were only $50 and now the back brakes $120 deductible is not alot, I shouldn't be paying to replace until 4-5 years or 40k-50k miles like our last 8 cars! I guess it's better then transmission trouble at 50k on my 1st caravan.

Filed Jul 31, 2011 · Brakes · 9,000 miles · MI

Steering wheel shaken at 9000 miles(warped rotors). Dealer replaced free due to mileage and I have 21000 now and steering wheel is shaken like crazy again. This vans braking system is dangerous when braking with no idea brakes are in the early stages of warping. There is so many complaints about this models brakes and something needs to be done before we have deaths.

Filed Jul 9, 2011 · Brakes · 21,291 miles · NY

Very noticeable brake pulsation,all four brake rotors and pads replaced due to their being pitted,rusted and down to metal on metal. Since off warranty asked for goodwill from dodge dealer and repair done for $100. Once again on 08/02/2010 the front rotors were found to be bad by dealer and replaced by dealer under warranty. Now, as of 07/07/2011 left rear brake appears to be stuck in a locked on position, brake is overheating,squealing and poor gas mileage and causing damage to rotor, pad and caliper per local mechanic. This failure is a real danger to someone who doesn't notice the condition as it may cause a fire due to excessive heat, premature tire wear, loss of braking due to fade and boiling of brake fluid. This condition also causes other brakes to work harder causing their premature wear.

Filed Jun 24, 2011 · Brakes · 23,673 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge grand caravan. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer to have the brakes repaired under warranty. While having the vehicle repaired, the contact was informed that the rear rotors were warped and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact expressed concern over the rotors warping on a low mileage vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 23,673. Updated 09/09/11*lj the rear rotors were turned, but not replaced. Updated 10/31/11

Filed Jun 9, 2010 · Brakes, Steering · 13,000 miles · NY

Shaking in steering wheel when brakes applied at higher speeds. Started intermittently at about 12,000-13,000 miles, proceeded to get worse. Husband at first couldn't feel it so I did not take it in. When it got really bad I told my husband to take it for a drive again, he said he thought it was the rotors to take it in to the dealer. Sure enough I had warped rotors which were changed on june 4, 2010. I am not the only person I know to have this problem at such low miles on a dodge vehicle. I have informed them to notify you.