Brake Disc Caliper problems of the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving 55 mph, the abs, esp, and brake warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the brake pads, calipers, and brake system were repaired; however, the indicators remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 159,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving 30 mph, there was a grinding noise coming from the front driver side wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the technician could not find a failure. The brake caliper was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

Rear passenger side brake caliper has seized up.

As I was driving on the highway, the rear brake calipers on either side became stuck. I stopped at a traffic light, and smoke was coming from the rear wheels. The caliper stuck to the brake pads on both rear wheels and became burned on. The vehicle requires new brake pads, rotors, calipers, and caliper brackets to be installed. This is a huge fire hazard. I am lucky that nothing caught on fire under the vehicle.

I have had to replace the brakes on my Grand Caravan 2 times so far. I had to replace them after approximately 18,000 miles and next at 44,000 miles. I do mostly city driving and only put around 10k a year on the car. Currently there is a grinding sound, I will need to have looked at by the dealer. At least 3 times the caliper stuck and you could smell the burning of the brake pad. In the most recent instance the heat was so high on the right drivers side front break that it melted the valve stem plastic cap. I have paid now approximately 1,800 dollars to replace brakes. After the last time I paid for them to install some sort of adapter to help with the known brake issue on this model. Obviously it did not work. The heat generated is very high and could be dangerous. This is an issue that is well known against this model year and car.

While driving on the freeway, the traffic was very heavy, hence I had to apply the brakes frequently over a distance of approximately 15-20 miles. As a result of overheating of the brake drums, one of the brake calipers 'froze' (I. E. The brake pistion stuck in extended position) and created even more overheating and excessive wear on the brake pad and rotors. In extreme cases, this can cause the rotor to lock up with loss of vehicle control. In my opinion, the brake's design is insufficient for the weight of the vehicle. This is confirmed by the fact that Chrysler replacement procedure/parts now specify a semi-metallic brake pad, similar to what is often used on race cars to handle the execess heat.

Encountered brake failure at 11000 miles. Repaired at my expense. Failed again at about 23000 miles, repaired under warranty. Failed again at 37,000 miles, my cost. All cases involved pads and rotors. There has got to be design failure where Chrysler/Dodge developers under engineered the size and/or composition of the brake caliper/pad system. Chrysler continues to deny that there is a design problem, yet there are hundreds of complaints here. Without a doubt, despite owning caravans since the original 1984 model, never again. Anyone interested in a class action lawsuit???.

2008 Dodge caravan se. . . Brake caliper seized up. Caused premature wear and tear on both the brake pad and rotor. Vehicle begins to shake violently at 30 mph+. The calipers cause brakes to wear out between 8000 miles to 14000 miles, far sooner than normal wear and tear would cause. Dealerships are repairing faulty calipers under "good will" tickets, which are treated like a warranty repairs in respects to charges to the vehicles owner. Technicians at the dealership alluded that the 2008 and 2009 model year for Dodge caravans and Chrysler town and country vans are known for severe brake problems. Seized calipers can also cause severe shifts in the steering while braking, which could cause collisions or accidents. This problem is widely known to owners who have reported it to many websites and dealerships.

While on the interstate in wisconsin driving at about 65 mph, the left rear brake on my daughter's van suddenly seized. When I pulled off the interstate, the entire wheel was too hot to touch and there was a strong burning smell. Fortunately there was a Chrysler dealer right there. They told me that the left rear caliper hung up on the brake. They said that the caliper adapter was new to this model (2008), that they have seen this before and that Chrysler has a newer design but the part was on back order. They told me that the pads, calipers and rotors on both rear brakes needed to be replaced. They cleaned and lubricated the brakes and I continued to chicago to have the repairs done there. Later my daughter told me that in April 2011, the same thing had happened but on the right rear brake. Again this was on the interstate. She heard a very loud squealing. After tapping the brakes a few times the sound went away and she continued. This is why the dealer said that the right rear brake pads, calipers and rotor also needed replacement. Worse, my daughter's brother-in-law bought the same model caravan in 2008. On a trip to virginia, also on the interstate, their brakes seized in the same manner. When we got to chicago, I took the van into roesch Chrysler in elmhurst illinois. They replaced the calipers under warranty but charged me to replace the pads and rotors. The fact that this has happened twice on my daughters van, that it also happened on her brother-in-laws same model/year van, that the caliper design was new in 2008, that since then a new caliper design has been released leads me to believe that the original caliper/brake design is defective and should have been covered under warranty. Moreover, Chrysler should have recalled these vehicles as a safety issue given an over heated wheel could have caused a high speed blowout.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact was driving 55 mph when the vehicle started to jerk and burning fumes were emitted into the vehicle. The contact also mentioned that the headlights would fail sporadically without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the front passenger side caliper was defective and needed to be replaced. Three months later, the rear driver caliper needed to be replaced as well. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 38,000 and the current mileage was 55,643.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated the rear brakes failed prematurely. The brakes, front brake pads and calipers on the front wheels were replaced at 22,000 miles. The contact stated smoke was coming from the rear brakes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the rear brake pads and calipers needed to be replaced as well. The VIN was not accepted. The failure mileage was 22,6000 and the current mileage was 27,986.

We purchase our 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan new on 12/22/2008. We have had to get our front pads replaced and front rotors resurfaced at 20,306 miles and Chrysler sent out a front brake limited warranty extension so we received a refund back minus the 50. 00 deductible for this repair. However now we've had problems with our rear calipers & rear brakes which we would like to have our repair refunded or a recall done on this matter. Here is the info: first complaint:--the rear calipers seized which caused the second complaint-- the pads wore out quickly. The rear calipers seized and the rear brakes failed and both had to be replaced. The rear rotors and drums had to be resurfaced at our expense($446. 38 parts & labor, not including tax).

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal noise emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the caliper was jammed on the rotor. As a result, both needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred on two other occasions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Approximately 20,000 miles front brake recall letter received, took to local dealer and repairs made. At 23,000 mile rear left locked, total replacement at the cost of $299. 29 to repair one brake, rotor and caliper. Very disappointed, was informed by dealer repairman that there should be a recall for the rears soon. Told to keep receipt for reimbursement.

In july2010, I had the front brakes replace after only 30000 m iles. Also a front caliper was replaced due to it not releasing after applying the brakes. In Aug, 2010 on a return trip from florida, the rear brake calipers froze , would not release, causing the rear brakes to overheat, causing rear brake failure. Repair of the rear brakes cost aprox. $ 580. 00. A complaint to Chrysler corp. Was initiated, and they reimbursed a total of$280. 00. I was told by 2 dealers that there has been an abnormal amount of problems with the brake calipers on the Chrysler/Dodge vans. Since we were transporting oxygen that my wife needs for medical purposes a fire or other failure of the rear brakes, ie fire, seizing of the brakes causing a wreck, or being disabled on the highway, miles from a repair facility could have had serious results. At the present time the only remaining caliper has failed, froze to the rotor, and is in need of repair which has been scheduled at a non dealer shop. The cost has been estimated at $100. 00. Chrysler corp has not given any acknowledgment as to the cause or why this is occurring, only the $280. 00 reimbursement. The question will this happen if I purchase another Chrysler van and has the brake caliper been acknowledged and fixed? 4280. 00 reimbursement.

We are having to replace our brake pads and rotors and calipers way too often!! it started in 9-2010 and just continues to guess worse. We have taken the van to the dealership for some of the repairs and my husband who is a mechanic and has done some of the repairs himself. Either way this is a serious design flaw on Chrysler part and they need to step up and protect their loyal customers and our families!!! hello Chrysler-most of us who have a Mini van do so because we drive our children in them!!! unfortunately for our family who lives paycheck to paycheck we did not know about the brakes issues on these 2008 models until about a week ago when we were researching what could keep going wrong with our brakes. I have driven Chrysler vehicles most of my life and suffered thru the "Mini van transmission issues" on 2 of those but they were older models and years ago so we thought we would be safe from those issues when we purchased our "used" 2008 van but instead we just traded those problems for brake issues!!! I hate to say this because we have been long long long time Chrysler buyers, but no more~~~~~we have had this van since 2009 and never heard of this problem until I discover this web site, so cudos and thank you very much NHTSA!!!!! buyer beware!!!!.

On a recent trip from florida, our 2008 Dodge van experienced rear brake failure. While traveling on I-75, at highway speed, 70mph, the rear brakes seized, causing smoke , the rotors heating to the point being red hot, all causing difficultly in stopping. After letting the brakes cool and making our way to a repair facility, we were told that the rear calipers had seized, frozen in place causing the brakes to overheat and burn. The cost of replacing the brakes, calipers and other parts cost over $575. 00 plus the loss of a day traveling and over night stay. We were told that t the brakes were failed and could have easily caused a fire due the amount of heat generated or a crash.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated the rear calipers began to heat up and the rear wheels also locked. The tread came off of both tires because of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic who stated the calipers failed and were a manufacturers defect. The manufacturer did not inspect the vehicle. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 80,000.

Driving at highway speeds noticed the vehicle felt with less power than usual. I came up to a traffic jam and had to reduce speed to 0 mph. At this point I notice a large amount of smoke coming out of the rear right wheel well and began noticing a burnt brake smell. I pulled over to the side and saw the brake pads were smoking profusely. Visual inspection showed the rotor had acquired a light blue color all around. Rotors and pads have less than 300 miles since being installed, I had installed aftermarket ceramic pads instead of dealer's semi-metallic compound, new rotors are also aftermarket since I refused to give Dodge any more money for what I considered sub par components since I had to do a total brake replacement well under 30,000 miles and my previous request for servicing brakes under warranty went unanswered. . Van was inspected by two different dealers before brake replacement and both dealers said there was nothing wrong with the brake system , that it was normal wear and tear and they could not find anything wrong with the calipers and or other brake system components. Once brake pads stopped smoking I resumed minimum highway speed until reaching an exit two miles ahead. Van did not feel sluggish at this point and brakes did not smoke again. This could happen at any time again because dealer was not able to find anything wrong with the brake system previously and they have no known root cause for this failure. In my opinion this has to be related to what I consider a premature brake replacement done earlier this month.

Calipers hanging up causing brakes to heat up. Has been occurring for several months. When taken to the Dodge dealer they initially stated nothing wrong. Then 1 week later state I need new calipers, rotors turned and brake pads. They state the only thing covered under warranty is calipers.

I have a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and the front brakes are wearing out in 14000 - 18000 miles. There must be a problem with the calipers. I have been in contact with Chrysler but they are not willing to find a solution or investigate the problem. Most brakes last atleast 30,000 - 40,000 miles and when you hear a noise you think something got caught in your brakes but that's not the case. Waldorf Dodge service has had numerous complaints but said Chrysler won't allow them to do anything.

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan brake problems that are costing a fortune to repair. Constantly having to replace brake pads, rotors and now calipers on a van with 67,000 miles on it. Everytime I take my van in for service, I am told that the brakes have to be repaired immediately because the vehicle isn't safe to drive. I have three small children and safety is my number one concern, but I can not afford to keep putting money into this vehicle that is less than 2 years old. The first brake repair work that had to be done was when the vehicle only had 21,233 miles on it. Since then, we are putting hundreds of dollars into brakes every couple of months.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that on August 18, 2009 while driving approximately 45 mph someone advised him that his wheel was smoking. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who confirmed that both rear calipers were locked the dealer replaced calipers, rotors, and rear brake pads at 14,768 miles. On October 25, 2010 while driving he smelled smoke again. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the right rear caliper was frozen, the left rear caliper was sticking and the brake pads were overheated and cracked. The rear calipers, and brake pads were replaced at 29,979 miles. The manufacturer provided a rental vehicle when the first failure occurred. The failure mileage was 14,768. The current mileage was 29,979. Updated 01/18/11 updated 1/19/2010 updated 03/31/11 according to the invoice, the rear calipers were not releasing properly and the rear rotors were discolored. Updated 06/01/11.

Purchased newx 2008 Grand Caravan. Brakes started squeling at 18,000 miles, had dealer check and they said all was ok. At 37,500 miles, brakes failed. Called Dodge dealer who advised that warranty extended by Dodge to 36000 miles had expired. I had brakes rebuilt at local master mechanic, who also found 2 faulty wheel bearings. Cost was over $1,000. I contacted Chrysler corp who agreed to pay 1/2 of the repair bill. Since then we have had the brakes replaced 2 additional times, calipers stick heating up the wheel constantly. We finally traded in this vehicle 2 weeks ago, our 4th new and last Dodge product. The brakes are underengineered on this vehicle. The original Dodge dealer told me that Chrysler said if any vans come in under 36,000 mi to repair them at no charge but no recall was issued. The mfg warranty on brakes is 12,000 miles. 37500 miles on original sealed wheel bearings is unaceptable. Also unaceptable is a brak system that cannot be relied on.

Noise started at 13,188 miles with 2008 caravan. Told to fix front brakes, I did. Still a noise. At 30k miles they finally found that 1 rear brake caliper was sticking the other was frozen. I believe this led to excessive wear. The rear brakes are also a problem on this car.

The brake system on this van is a constant problem and is costing us thousands of dollars in repairs. The brake system on this van is running very hot even on cold days. The brake pads and rotors fail prematurely and the wheel hubs fail from constantly overheating. The abs starts feeding too much pressure to the wheel calipers and causes the brake pads to constantly touch the rotors which creates excessive brake pad and rotor wear as well a overheating of the grease in the wheel hubs which causes them to fail. Nobody should have to replace brakes every 7,000 to 10,000 miles. This is a factory defect in the design and Chrysler is not going to do anything about it because it will cost them too much money.

Tl-the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the brakes was not depressed but the brakes were making an abnormal noise without. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake pads, rotors and calipers failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The contact stated that he had the brakes, brake pads and rotors repaired seven times and the failure still recurred intermittently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,500. Sg.

Premature brake wear. Rear brake calipers, rotor, and pads, were replaced by the dealer at no cost at 19,000 miles due to rotors overheating. At 19,400 miles, front brakes began to shudder when applied. Dealer said the front rotor and pads need to be replaced at a cost of $390. The dealer says after 12,000 miles they are not responsible.

I had a Dodge Grand Caravan that I purchased there less than a year before with brake noise. My wife complained on previous occasions but was told nothing was wrong. When they finally looked at it vehicle was out of warranty period and they said the repair would not be covered. It cost us $471. 98 to replace front and back pads and resurface rotors. Was not informed that a TSB #05-006-08 had been issued. Part number recommended in TSB does not match part number on my invoice. Now they need replaced again a year later because they were making a squealing noise and overheating. When I took it in to a local mechanic, he said my left rear caliper is leaking and needs to be replaced. No calipers are available as they are on national backorder. I now have a van that is too dangerous to drive and no parts are available to repair it.

We bought this van new in April of 2008 and in August 2008 and with 16,000 miles I had to replace the brake rotors pads and one caliper. Then two months later I had to replace the rear brakes which included the rotors, pads, and calipers. In late 2009 I have to replace both front and back brake systems do to failure. Now it is septempber of 2014 and after replacing the brakes on both front and back axles 5 times there needing to be replaced again. I have taken the van to our local Dodge dealer and was told it's just hard driving. I had to replace the rear evaparator at 89,000 along with rubber heater lines that you can only buy as a set at over $120. 00. Now the right rear door can only be opened from the inside and the door locks only work sometimes. Went out 09-17-14 to move the van to my garage to work on it and all of the lights went out and the horn went off along with the wipers and wiper fluid pump. How long before someone is killed before they fix these issues. This is my last Chrysler product after owning 5 good ones. This is do to there inablity or negligence in fixing these problems.

I have had to replace the braks on my 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan multiple times since purchased on 11/14/2011. The van only has 69000 miles on it. The problem is that even after the brakes are replaced the brakes makes squeaking sounds & grinding almost immediately. I take it back and they say nothing is wrong. I wait a little longer and they say brake pads & calipers need to be replaced. Good thing I brought it in. This vehicle is poorly designed and if we can't tell then the brakes are going bad, a serious accident could result. Have replaced break pads 5 times. And have also replaced rotors and calipers.

New 2008 Dodge caravan rear brakes burn & squeal since new. Pads replaced several times and calipers twice. Problem continues to repeat usually no charge since car still in warranty (29000 mi). But I need reliable brakes. Dealer says it is a known problem with the 2008 but can't stop the problem from recurring. Recently the abs & the hydraulic modules went and I had to be towed.