Five problems related to brake disc have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Twice during our ownership the front brake pads have crumbled and completely failed early in their useful lives causing the rotors to be badly routed. The first time it happened the dealer hid the fact that the pads failed completely and stuck us for the entire brake job, the second time I walked in unannounced to the repair area and saw the evidence first hand. Bottom line, if we had been driving at speed either time lives could have been lost. This is a serious problem.
Original rotors failed after 17k mi. (van started vibrating during braking ) dealer replaced rotors. Replacements started to vibrate severely after 17,000 miles. Dealer said they are pitted on the inside, must be replaced to stop the vibration but they are safe to drive. The vibration makes me question their safety.
Front brake pads crumbled/failed caused rotors to be routed/ruined at 46k miles and at 63k miles, should have been lots of pad left, failure lead to expensive repairs incl rotor replacement,, could have lead to death/disabilities, dealer hiding part failure through non-disclosure, also clock spring failure in steering ring lead to airbag deployment problem, dealer charged owner full price rotor replacement first and second time, part defects very dangerous.
I have had to replace the brakes on this minivan approximately every 6 months or 12,000 miles. I know of several other people who are having this same problem. Yes, I got a warranty but you still have to pay for labor and brakes should be lasting 40,000 miles or more. I think there is a defect in the design of the front brakes, or wheel bearings. (which I have also had to replace) dt.
The windshield wipers turn on when not selected, and is very distracting, and has almost resulted in several accidents. Some of my friends which also own caravan/voyager have has the same problem and have had the switch replaced numerous times to no avail. I think Dodge needs to redisgn the switch, and recall all the effected vehicles and have it corrected immediately. Also as far as the front brakes, I have had the front brake shoes replaced at least 7 times in the time I have owned the car. I haven't replaced that many brakes together on all the other cars I have owned. I think the front disc brakes are undersized and cannot meet the weight of the van. Dodge also needs to redisn the front brake sys and make modifications to the affected vehicles.