Brake Master Cylinder problems of the 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan

Mileage at time of incident: 123860 miles. While driving this loaner vehicle of a friend. I encountered a sudden and unexpected hydraulic brake failure while stopping. Loss of brake fluid. Mechanical braking was available. Assessment of system showed no leaks on or around booster, master cylinder or abs distribution module. Approximately 50mm of severe corrosion of the two, rigid steel brake tubing sections, originating from the second junctions of the flexible hoses to the respective rigid steel brake tubing, that run along the driver side frame. When the braking system was used to stop, the sudden increase of hydraulic pressure caused a structural failure of the degraded tubing. This failure caused the catastrophic loss of hydraulic brake fluid and loss of the hydraulic braking system. This failure resulted in a near collision with another vehicle. Photographs were taken of the brake line tubing and junction and show the severity of the corrosion. This complaint is consistent with other similar complaints for this model and vehicle and model year as posted on the NHTSA. Gov website.

The contact owns a 2000 Dodge gran caravan sport. The contact was braking from approximately 35 mph when the vehicle became abnormally difficult to stop. The contact stated that the failure would occur intermittently while driving at various speeds. The contact, as a certified mechanic, replaced the master cylinder and brake power booster yet the failure persisted. The vehicle was not further repaired. The contact stated that the failure was the exact same as described in NHTSA campaign id number: 06e022000 (service brakes, hydraulic) on the 2000 Dodge caravan but not for the Grand Caravan. The approximate failure mileage was 106,242.

While braking at various speeds there was a crack inside the front master brake cylinder. When brakes were depressed brake pedal would go to the floor, causing extended stopping distance.

Brake light kept coming on, but only when turning left. Took van to dealer where bought new in sept. 2000 - gupton motors in springfield, TN. Service rep said that's normal and it means brakes need replacing. Replaced brakes. Also, tires don't last as long as they should, even under normal driving conditions. Riding on 3rd set with less than 65,000 miles. Dealer help? yeah, right. What a joke! local independent garage diagnosed current problem as being master cylinder leak. Needs replacing. Contacted manufacturer, but they say they know of no problems relating to this. Particular dealer doesn't care either. Typical, but they should think about future sales to me or anybody I talk to.

Brake fluid leakages due to a defected master cylinder cover. Dealer notified and temporarily fixed the problem until a replacement parts arrived. Two months have past and still no part.

After having the car for a few months my wife started complaining about the brakes. I thought it was her. Eventually she brought the vehicle to the dealer to be checked. They replaced master cylinder 7/31/01. On August 29 2001 she brought it to them again for brake problem. They bled and adjusted the system. On 2/10/02 my wife comes into the door and says she can't drive the car. There is a loud grinding noise. It was towed to the nearest dealer. They said that the front brakes were worn to backing plates and there is no to little tread left on the front tires. We declined them doing the repairs. We brought it to king bear. They told us it needed new rotors. We had them cut the rotors and put new pads on. We brought it back to the dealer we bought it from on 2/20/02. I felt it was ridiculous that the brakes, rotors and tires all needed replacing at 19,000 miles and wanted the brake system checked. They said it is normal brake operation. We bought a Dodge minivan in 1990. We replaced front and rear brakes at 48,878 miles. We put 4 new tires on at 50,000 miles. We replaced front and rear brakes at 82,190 miles. Replaced 4 tires at 108,520 miles. Repaced front rotors and pads at 108,537 miles. My brother has a 1998 Dodge pickup and just replaced the brakes at 48,000 miles. Can you help us? (tiresize: p215/65r15).