2012 Dodge Grand Caravan: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Oct 16, 2019 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · AZ

Notice a noise that was sort of like a grinding/groaning noise when idling and it would get worse if I turned on the AC. The sound was also present at lower rpms but would disappear after the vehicle got up to speed. Turns out the flex plate is broken. The noise has been getting worse over the past month and after visiting multiple shops to be told, it was a rock in the brakes, to maybe transmission we found a shop that identified the actual issue.

Filed Feb 28, 2017 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · IL

While driving or stationary I will lose all reception on my radio (am/fm) and just get static. The cd player will continue to work. The antenna connection is solid. While this is happening, I will also get flashing on my dash of the hazards and the motor of the heater will give off a grinding noise. I can turn all the equipment off and the car will continue to run. The radio eventually comes back and no other noises occur. This has been occurring for the last year.

Filed Jan 18, 2017 · Brakes · 81,082 miles · PA

After attempting to come to a stop, my brakes started to screech a little. Within days, it was a non-stop grinding. On my way to take it to the garage for brake inspection, something fell off of the van. The repairmen told me that it was a caliper issue and they could not even let me drive off the lot without getting it repaired because it would be that dangerous. $774.00 later, I had to have calipers, brake pads and rotors replaced.

Filed Sep 25, 2015 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · MD

A loud squeal in the front left (drivers) brake system. The factory caliper has failed to release causing consistent "rubbing" of brake pads on rotor. System generates excessive heat and potentially could cause a fire.

Filed Aug 16, 2014 · Brakes · 20,424 miles · OH

I noticed a high pitched squeal from the rear of the vehicle while driving. Saw large amounts of black dust on left rear hubcap, and wheel was extremely hot. Independent mechanic verified brake pads in contact with rotor only on that one wheel, and had been worn completely out. Brakes on all other wheels in excellent condition as would be expected at only 20,000 miles. Took to dealer expecting warranty repair as brake had no movement. Dealer diagnosis: brake pads frozen in slides. Dealer refused warranty repair as "brake pads are not covered and the calipers functioned once we put the vehicle on the lift and manually popped them open. Therefore no mechanical defect" my argument that it was not driver caused (other 3 wheels fine) was not accepted, although further firm discussion did result in service manager charging half price for total rear brake job. Very dangerous situation, brake design that allows this needs to be investigated.

Filed Jun 10, 2014 · Brakes · 8,500 miles · TX

Since we bought the vehicle, within 6 months of purchase brakes started making squeaking noise, brakes got cleaned at a local shop; and started making noise again in about 6 months, took to the dodge dealership at about apx. 8,000, don't remember exact date; they did a complete brake job new pads rotors and alignment, at 6 months breaks started squeaking again. Had brakes cleaned at a mechanic shop, noise stopped. Then again at 23,340 miles, in at the shop again, they tell me brake pads are normal wear and tear and are not covered; but now the front axles are making noises when the wheel turns and regular driving without breaking, like a click, click, click sound as the front wheels turn. When applying brakes the vehicle seems to shake a bit and makes squeaking noises when braking. I bought the vehicle brand new and do not tow anything with it, just normal driving to and from work; but the brakes issue seems to be a constant issue every 6 months to a year. It will be requiring another brake change and probable axle repair; am waiting for resolution under file no. 25141204 with dodge, am waiting to hear back. But it seems to be a brakes defect in the 2012 dodge grand caravan van. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle because of the brakes issue. They told me at the dealership that it's because they are mopad pads, and that they only last about 12,000 miles and wear out are not covered under warranty. I bought the extended warranty on the vehicle at the time of purchase, but the brakes problem is a recurring thing; they seem to start making noise at about 6 months after each fix and brake pads being worn out within a year. Don't know what else to do.