Brake Disc Pads Problems of Dodge Grand Caravan - part 1

Rear brake condition, 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan se (dual front piston brake version): a tire change at 85752 miles and slightly more than four years of road use revealed normal front rotors with 8mm of brake pad material remaining on the front pads but as little as less than 1mm on the rears with both rear rotors heavily corroded on their face as well as having significant areas of missing material on the face due to corrosion as large as 1. 5� x 1� and as deep as 1mm. (this condition is additionally unusual as it is common for the front brakes to wear before the rear brakes due to weight shift under braking requiring that the front brakes endure the bulk of the burden of slowing any vehicle, as well as by design where brake bias is shifted to the front to prevent the rears from locking under braking via the use of a proportioning valve; the corrosion on the rotor face seems to be indicative of a lack of adequate rear pad contact. ) the large area of missing rotor material corresponded with the most-worn pad, probably due to the sharp edges of the depression acting to slice, rather than abrade, the associated pad. Anecdotally, mechanics spoken with indicated they have frequently seen this generation of Dodge Grand Caravans with similar rear rotors and pads. This condition is unsafe due to the apparent lack of application of the rear brakes during the braking process, as well as being possibly indicative of a defect due to premature and abnormal wear of a brake component, along with the possibility of there being an error in the basic vehicle brake design/engineering as this condition may be due to an improperly specified or incorrectly functioning brake proportioning valve. Due to the safety critical nature of this discovery, it may be of value to have the rear brakes of all 2008-2020 Dodge Grand Caravans inspected.

See all problems of the 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Takata recall 1. The key fob, automatically controlled rear door hatch does not stay open when using the key fob or manually opening the hatch door. It has closed nearly upon myself - the owner, and others - without warning when stopped, motor off and loading or unloading items. There is no way to assess what caused this as it gets below normal wear. Single party use, no kids. This incidence started 12/12/2016 2. The front brakes make a scraping noise and wobbling of steering wheel upon coming to a stop. This was mentioned to the dealer earlier this year and brakes, pads and rotors were checked at dealer, and it was stated that nothing was wrong. New brake pads were installed in 2013. The car mileage is 85241 miles. The wheels have been rotated, aligned. The car has regular, routine maintainance, the brakes still scrapes and wobbles the steering wheel. This has been a recurring incidence.

See all problems of the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

I had my brakes changed in January with 49,000 miles and by June I had to take my van back in and pads were completely gone. So in 10,000 miles I went through brake pads that should of lasted 50,000+ miles. I had all rotors and front pads changed since the back were still good from January and its been 2 weeks now and my brakes are squealing almost constantly when I am braking. . . Not grinding yet but I am sure thats coming soon!.

See all problems of the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving approximately 35 mph and attempting to apply the brakes, one of the brake pads fractured and caused the rear driver side tire to lock up. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact removed the wheel in order to release the tire and noticed that the brake pad was completely fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the brake pads and rotors. The failure recurred one year later. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake pads needed to be replaced and protected by a caliper adapter to avoid uneven wearing of the pads. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Premature wear and failure of front wheel bearings, all rotors, brakes and pads. Possible failures are due to inferior parts being used during vehicle assembly.

See all problems of the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Previous owner of my vehicle described problems with brakes but said dealer fixed them. Have had to replace pads twice and now have grinding sound coming from front brake area. Car is under 45,000 miles. Have seen numerous complaints on brakes for Dodge caravans on the internet. Why is Dodge not responsible for fixing the problem? brakes should not be wearing out this quickly. This is a costly problem and I think a recall is needed given the number of complaints I've seen.

See all problems of the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Tl-the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. Additionally, the key failed to release from the ignition. The contact was able to release the key and restart the vehicle. The contact also stated that the brakes started to grind while driving with the illumination of the esb and abs traction control warning lights. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the front routers and brake pads were replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact later received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v373000 (air bags, electrical system) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. Parts distribution disconnect. Aw.

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while applying the brakes, the front end of the vehicle jerked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear brake pads and rotors were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 35,000.

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Premature brake pad wear, both front and rear brake pads. Rotors warping prematurely. These issues require yearly replacement at significant cost. I had to purchase high end, vented rotors and ceramic pads, at significant cost, to prevent the oem part failures.

When trying to stop or slow down, steering wheel vibrates so much it feels like I won't be able to hold onto it. My son replaced the rotor and pads on front brakes as they seemed worn. Then in April 2014 we took the car back to the dealer because brakes were grinding. They replaced rotor and pads and things seemed ok until may, when brakes started squealing and steering wheel vibrating again while braking. . Took car back to dealer on may 21, and asked them to check brakes, rotate tires, and change oil. They said brakes were in the "green". Still having vibration of steering wheel while braking, so I asked to bring it in for another check, and now they say the new rotors, (about 2 months old) show signs of significant wear. They asked me if I drove with both feet, and I do not. They verified my complaint of vibration in the steering wheel, and asked me to bring the car back in on this coming Friday. The brakes should not be wearing out this quickly. . .

First and foremost, I see 822 previous complaints (most refer to the exact same problems) with no sign of any intent by the NHTSA-odi or the manufacturer to respond and/or rectify this situation. Electrical problems: vehicle repeatedly loses power and stalls while driving. Power door locks stopped working completely from both interior switches and the key fob; will not lock or unlock any of the 5 doors from interior. Manually able to lock and unlock doors individually. Unable to lock back hatch with key fob or from inside vehicle therefore, vehicle remains unlocked. Both power sliding doors and power hatch stopped working. Other mechanical problems: vehicle shakes uncontrollably when applying brakes downhill; new brake pads installed, problem still exhists. My nieghbors had the exact same problems with their 2005 town and country. Bottom line: this is a widespead safety issue that requires immediate action. Unfortunately, as you can clearly see below, it is highly unlikely that any of us will ever see a response by the manufacturer, NHTSA-odi or anyone else for that matter. The manufacturer has no intent to admit responsibility and help consumers resolve this issue. Without action by the NHTSA-odi we as consumers do not stand a chance in solving this problem.

See all problems of the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the rotors failed, while driving approximately 55 mph. The rear and front end of the vehicle emitted a loud rattling noise when the brake was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The failure was located within the rotors which were warped and caused the brake pads to wear prematurely. The dealer replaced the rotors and brake pads. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,000 and the current mileage was 36,000.

Vehicle full loaded with family of 5 and at highway speed began to shutter violently when braking in traffic. This was not the activation of abs. Stability and control seemed at risk as well as braking power. General style of driving is to coast a great deal for greater gas mileage so this event may mirror similar events related to failed, inadequate, or deteriorated brakes at lower mileages. Authorized dealer indicated the brakes were fine but they will continue to vibrate/shudder due to "rust" and "pitting". Dealer's experience when test driving was with only one person, the driver, in the vehicle. When there is only one driver the shuddering is tolerable rather than fully loaded where control and stability become a significant concern. Dealer indicated that if I did not like the shuddering of the vehicle, they would happily replace the brake rotors and the pads. In the interest of safety for my family, I chose to replace the brake rotors and pads. This is the earliest I have ever replaced brakes on a new vehicle. I wanted to share this information since it falls into place with similar information being shared to help others in evaluating whether or not to purchase this vehicle. This experience will be something to consider in my future vehicle purchases. The new brakes work very well without any shudder/shaking/vibration. I am hopeful the new brakes will last more miles than the original set.

See all problems of the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

We owned a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and at 59,000 miles, it not only need new brake pads (which would be normal), but to our surprise it needed new rotors as the original ones were so warped they could not be used for the new brake pads. We were informed that the manufacturer had added an extended warranty for the rotors and would be covered under their extended warranty. After having other issues with the van, the life long dealer we work with talked us into trading for a 2011 Dodge caravan, assuring that the brake and rotor issue had been resolved. It has been one year and the new van needed new brakes and rotors at only 19,900. I was informed that Dodge/Chrysler added an extended warranty (once again), but this time I got to pay a deductible of $50 (0-24,000 miles). If it happens again before 36,000 miles my deductible goes up. What, I get to pay for their poor parts purchasing? I have informed the dealer that this will be the last Dodge/Chrysler product I will own. They have tried to take care of us, but with no assistance from the manufacturer. Too bad that they do not want to provide a quality product for customers as this van is a great family vehicle, but would hesitate to put my grandchildren in it.

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. While reversing at approximately 2 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and a grinding noise was heard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the rear brake pads, rotors, and calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact mentioned that the front brakes were previously replaced approximately ten months prior to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

I was driving and the rear brakes seized. I pulled into my driveway and they were burning. I had complained to the dealer 2 months prior that I thought something was wrong with the brakes. I had a lot of pulsing in the steering wheel and didn't feel like I could stop quick enough. They said everything was okay. After the brakes seized on 6/28/12, I took it to the dealer and they said the rear brakes were all corroded. The rotors, brake pads and clips had to be all replaced. Months ago, Dodge had put an additional warranty on the front brakes for this very reason (pre-mature corrosion) instead of doing a recall. But the back brakes were not covered. I searched the internet and other people have had the same experience with corroded rear brakes seizing at low mileage. Please look it in this. I didn't expect something like to happen on a vehicle with relatively low mileage.

Exited highway (70 mph) then drove 55 mph for 3 miles to our home. Noticed heavy brake burning smell that stayed with me until arrived at home. Noticed smoke coming from driver side rear wheel/brake assembly. Husband(ex-ase master tech) came out to inspect and noticed all other brakes seemed ok in temp but left rear was extremely hot, smoking and rotor was discolored from over heat(black/blue). No metal on metal van was just in less than 1000 miles and dealer replaced front pads, rotors under TSB with $100 deductible. I was told at this time that rears had approx 20% pad left. Way to soon for rear brakes to wear out (before 36k miles?) took van into rochester hills Chrysler Dodge and they stated issue was left rear brake pad stuck in slides causing overheat. They stated that the brake bracket/clip/pads clearance is too tight and doesn't take much corrosion or brake dust collecting to cause sticking pads. I am aware of a new Chrysler brake bracket design for these vans and that they are on national backorder at the time of this report and that the redesign has additional clearance to eliminate this problem. But instead I was charged $174. 80 for new pads and turn both rotors. I fear that this issue will happen again and wonder if it will be worse next time (pad/brake fire, brake/wheel lock up or possible loss of control). This is not safe especially on a vehicle that is primarily used to transport kids, people etc. Lots of families out there with these. Please help! thank you.

See all problems of the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

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.

During a service visit to have the front brakes repaired under an extended warranty issued by the manufacturer for premature failure, I was notified that the rear pads and rotors also needed replaced, with the addition of an adapter to correct the problem that caused the premature failure of the rear pads and rotors. The manufacturers extended warranty did not cover the rear. The pads were not wearing evenly, the inside pads had worn to the wear indicator and the outside pads were worn to only 50%. Additionally, the left rear rotor was worn at a more significant rate than the right rear rotor.

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 !!!!!!!!!!!.

The rear brake pads on this vehicle failed completely at only 34,000 miles. No tattle-tale compoent was on the original brake pads, so there was no warning that the brakes were wearing until the brake shoes starting grinding on the rotors. We have noticed excessive brake dust on the rear wheels starting at around 7500 miles on this vehicle. The front brakes still have 60-70% wear left on them.

Rear brake pads and rotors failed on van. Chrysler extended warranty on front brake and rotors but not back brakes and rotors for up to $100 deductible on 36000 miles. Why not back brakes and rotors? they are made of same materials.

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.

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving approximately 40 mph, there was an abnormal whistling sound when the brake pedal was applied and the vehicle hesitated to stop. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The rear brake pads and rotors were replaced, but the failure recurred. The brake pads and rotors were replaced six other times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the brake pads and rotors were wearing prematurely. The dealer replaced the brake pads and rotors one year prior to the recent failure. The dealer could not explain the cause of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,400.

I have a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan, that I bought new in July 2010. I have 31,000 miles and had to change the brakes and rotors 4 times. Dealer claims front end is to heavy. They supposedly have put a "revised brake pads" but same thing is still happening. Car pulsates repeatedly when I come to a stop, especially if I am stopping at the end of a hill. I bought this car because of my 2 small children and this is something that needs to be fixed.

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 whorped. 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 shouldnt 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.

The vehicle began to shake with only 17-18000 miles on it. We replaced brakes and rotors because Dodge told us that the rotors were warped and brake pads low. Now and 21000 I need to replace them again. The brakes are not sufficient for the weight of the vehicle and therefore Chrysler should be held responsible for designing an inadequate brake system. Consumers are not engineers and we buy vehicles trusting the manufacturers have designed a car correctly and with basic necessity (such as a braking system) to have to replace a vans brake every 3-5000 miles is ridiculous. Chrysler should recall this brake system and install new brakes on every Mini-van they produced.

Warped front brake rotors: received a notice from Chrysler of extended warranty on brakes because pads and rotors might need replacement "earlier than expected". Took it to the dealer 1/28/11 at 35,300 miles and they said there was no problem. At 44,000 miles noticed faint squeal. Took it to independent mechanic who found that front brake rotors were severely warped and needed to be replaced. Mechanic said there was was no need to replace pads, which were fine, and that this was unusual because they usually wear at the same time. (note that high mileage comes from cross-country trips in the interstate, without heavey use of brakes).

I purchased the vehicle in Aug 2010. Today's date is Nov 15, 2011. Current millege is 40,000 miles. I use the car for commuting to work on the highway. The front brakes and front rotors need to be replaced. The steering wheel has been shaking violently. I received a letter from Chrysler group llc dated oct 24, 2011 stating "the warrenty period for my front brake pads and front rotors has been extended because some of the minivans may need the pads and rotors replaced earlier than expected. " it has been extended to 3 years/36,000 miles. Unfortunaley, my dealership will not honor the warranty with me because of the current milage at 40,000. My issue is the fact that the car is only 1yr 4 months old and already needs new pads and front rotors. I understand from various dealerships that the front rotors are not built to handle the weight of the vehicle. I can supply the two dealerships that gave me this information. I believe that by writting the letter they are admitting a defect in the manufacturing of the 2009-2011 Dodge Grand Caravan and it should be recalled. Breaks are not a part of the van that can wait to be repaired. Eventually, someone will get hurt. I have contacted the Chrysler customer assistance center and they stood by the letter. I am having the van repaired by an auto mechanic and will save the damage parts for proof and resources to my claim.

Early wear on brakes and rotors. I experienced poor breaking, propulsion, screaching. Took six months for the Dodge dealership to acknowledge there was a brake problem. Vehicle had bad rotors which caused bad brake pads.

2009 Dodge Grand Caravan 70,000 miles having problems with dragging rear brakes and short (under 20,000) miles for top of line brake pads still haven't found a fix for this.

Front brakes worn out at 18k miles - not covered under warranty - not considered defective? pads gone - rotors heavily grooved.

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while traveling 35 mph, the brakes were depressed and the vehicle vibrated abnormally. In addition, the vehicle failed to stop properly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 20,000 and the current mileage was 45,000.

The contact owns 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while attempting to apply the brakes they pulsated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed a diagnostic test that determined the failure was located in the rear and front brake rotors and pads. The dealer replaced the rear and front brake pads and rotors. The failure mileage was 25,000 and the current mileage is 27,000. Updated 07/28/lj updated 08/01/11.