Seven problems related to brake disc have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Brakes would shutter when depressed. Consumer took vehicle to dealer ,and they replaced pads and rotors consumer insisted that pads and rotors should have been able to be turned instead of replaced. Also, parts were defective, and manufacturer should not sale these parts. Consumer feared for safety of child. Please provide any further information.
The front, driver side calipers do not release which overheat the wheel. On two occasions the brake pads have sheared off, and when the tires are removed to inspect, studs easily brake off. Sears auto center broke off two studs after the 1st incident, and I broke off one stud after the 2nd incident on June 15, 2001. The negherbon service dept had replaced the caliper kit (springs and tracks) on 3/13/01. The wheel gets so hot that you burn your finger if you touch it. This problem does not happen every time. The overheating happens during times when the brakes are used often (benicia is very hilly), and does not happen during highway rides, when there is no traffic. My concern is that when the brakes starts to heat up do to use, the caliper does not release as freely, and eventually locks up and does not release at all (after the 1st incident I had to hammer off the old brake pads/caliper assembly from the rotor). Hopefully you can help identify the root problem before this causes a serious accident. I am very concerned that this overheating will cause a blowout or a wheel to come off if the studs fail while the van is being driven.
Front brake rotors and pads needed to be replaced at 14,000 mile of wear. Can NHTSA provide additional information on this matter.
All four brake rotors deteriorated. Dealer has been contacted. Pads replaced. Mjs.
Dodge does not want to pay for the defective brake systems. Even when this is the second time in two years.
Brakes are defective, and rotors/pads have failed four different times. Also causing brakes to grind. Dealers cannot correct cause.
Bad design, very poor performance and durability. Rotors warp and pads fall apart.