general problems of the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan - part 2

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle brake issues. The consumer stated over the past two years, the right brake pad and rotors were replaced several times. Many of the replacements were done with less 12,000/15,000 in between. Updated 09/17/13.

On going problem. I've never had so much trouble with brakes. I change them out atleast twice a year, which in my opinion is crazy. I have had a set replaced for free due to the lifetime warranty on the brakes. I have changed out rotors and all. Something needs to be done about this.

2008 Dodge carvan purchased in August 2008. Rear brakes rubbing causing squealing, a burning smell and very hot rims. Dealer replaced both rear brakes in August 2009 at about 11,000 miles. Same thing occurred in 2011. Dealer refused to do anything on price and wanted $401. They claimed corrosion was the problem. Car now has 27,000 miles. Rear brakes only lasted 16,000 miles. There is a defect. Everybody knows that. Somebody is going to die. Rims will heat up and cause a tire to blow. Just a matter to time.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that there was a loud humming sound coming from the braking system. The noise would begin to sound while driving above speeds of 60 mph and cease once the brake pedal was depressed. Once the brake pedal was released, the noise would resume. The vehicle had not been inspected. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 38,000.

I bought a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan in June 09 with 5,000 miles. As of today, at 57000 miles it is on it is needing its fifth set of brakes and rotors. I have been driving for 20 yrs and have never had to replace brakes at a rate like this. By this time I should have had to replace maybe one set at a maximum. Chrysler has failed to admit their mistake in undersizing brakes which clearly are being "eaten up" at a rate 5-6 times what they should. Chrysler did reimburse me $100 for a $500 brake job one time stating that they realized that original brakes were basically shoddy, but they have failed to admit that there is a problem with the design of the van itself. In fact, they blamed the problem on the epa no longer allowing asbestos in the brakes. If this is the case, why isn't everyone else on the road replacing brakes at this astronomical rate? I have had numerous cars, both new and used, and I have never had to replace brakes like this. I am very angry regarding this and feel that this should be publicized so as to not put others at risk for becoming victims of the same disappointing situation of a van. I personally plan on trading this van as soon as I am able.

Brakes "burning" again.

I wanted to register a complaint about the brakes on our 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. They are not designed properly for the vehicle they are on, as they are having to be replaced every 3,000 - 4,000 miles. Chrysler knows it is an issue, but they will not offer an effective solution. They blame it on our driving stye, but that is not correct. We currently own a Ford taurus which is driven more than the van, and the brakes last 40,000 miles plus. We have owned 10-15 cars in our driving life, and they all have the brakes replaced around 40,000 miles. The caravan also has to have the rear brakes changed quite often, which typically only happens 1 time in the 100,000 mile life of our other cars. I did a google search for "brake life expectancy", and the third link pulled up was the following forum where many other drivers have complained about the same issue. . Read more...

The brakes on our 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan sxt completly rusted at 26,500 miles. As of 5/26/2011. Prior to that (05/27/2010) the brakes rusted and locked at 19,844. The car had to be towed on a platform truck because tires, wheels assemblies were completely locked at that time. Brakes have been pulsating and started to make harmonic sounds in the most recent incident. Brakes were spongy with the pulsating creating vibration in steering wheel. Have formally filed a complaint to Chrysler. Clerk at Chrysler indicated unusual number of calls but no detail, just that they're experiencing problems with the brakes involving Dodge caravan and town and country. Van is at dealer being repaired at this time.

Dealership informed me that front and rear brakes needed to be replaced. Minivan is not driven in the city, no stop and go traffic, majority of miles were done on the interstate.

Going on my 3rd set of brakes at 32k miles. Dodge service center said they knew of this being a problem on all Grand Caravans 2008 and later. Told me I was out of warranty . At this rate I will have over $3000 in brakes in less than 4 yrs. Need to be a recall for a longer lasting brake. This is to dangerous and costly for the owner and mothers who drive their children.

Had front brakes done at 7,000 miles found out they were going to be covered because there was a satisfaction notice that just came out. . . Now I have 10,386 miles and the rear brakes had to be done. Never had to had to do rear brakes until I needed my third set of fronts done. . . . This is my third Dodge Grand Caravan. Dealer said they don't know of any problem.

Brake extended warranty for 2008 Grand Caravan.

Brakes have been worn out twice in 24k miles.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that both the front and rear rotors were wearing prematurely and excessively. The dealer replaced the rotors in July 2010 and the rotors were worn again and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made of the failure however, did not offer any assistance. No repairs were performed. The current mileage was 74,000. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000. The VIN was unavailable.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact was driving 45 mph when the brakes were applied and the vehicle started to shake abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact believed that both rotors were replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 13,000 and the current mileage was 20,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan se. The contact was applying the brakes when the brake pedal began to vibrate abnormally and the brakes were exhibiting an unusual chattering. The dealer was notified who advised that the failure was common in his year, make amd model vehicle but unless the manufacturer was willing to assist, there was not much he could do to assist. The contact did not inform the manufacturer of the failure nor was the vehicle repaired. The current mileage was 32,000 and the failure mileage was 12,000.

At approx 45k miles, I have now replaced brakes and rotors 4 times!!! this is absurd. . . You buy a caravan because you have kids, therefore you don't have the excess money for this constant repair. . . Each time it's $350 or more!! just had rotors cut again. . . . Brakes are squealing soooooooo bad. This is insane. I've spent so much money on this van. I was told Dodge makes the best caravan. . . Honestly, it's a piece of crap if I'm going to keep getting new brakes every 10k - 15k miles. Chrysler really needs to do something about this before someone gets killed. I drive in a mountainous area and applying the brakes and having my steering wheel shake doesn't make me feel safe or my family! I always have my kids in the car. Does someone need to get killed before a recall is made????? no wonder why american cars have the worst reputation. . . . You people do nothing for the consumers!.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving at approximately 20 mph, the contact heard a loud rubbing and knocking sound from the front passenger side when he depressed the brakes. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for possible repair. The vehicle identification number was not available at the time of the complaint. The current and failure mileages were approximately 20,000.

Front brakes requied replacement in July 09 (16,613 m) and again in Mar 10 (25,097m); rear brakes were also replaced in Mar 10. This is definately premature. If not taking the van for dealer service & inspection at least twice a year, this condition would be an accident waiting to happen. My driving hasn't changed for over 40 years and I never previously had to replace brakes befor approximately 24-30k miles. Verry satisfied with dealer - bettenhausen Dodge, tinley park, IL.

I have 44,000 miles on vehicle and on 3rd set of front brakes with new rotors. Rotors were turned and brakes replaced at 26,000 miles as well. This seems excessive and repair tech suggested I investigate recalls/complaints on this, of which there seem to be over 100.

I noticed a loud grinding from the passenger side front wheel when applying the brakes. Car was inspected at dealer and found to have completely worn out brakes and damaged rotors as a result of metal to metal contact. Repair costs are $230. Dealer states this is not covered by warranty even though it is premature brake and rotor wear. Vehicle is only 14 months old with 16,000 miles.

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan brakes wear out prematurely. We purchased this vehicle new. At 26,000 miles our vehicle requires new brakes and rotors.

2008 Dodge caravan brakes are defective or under engineered. Had to replace front brakes and rotors @ 22k miles and am now having to replace front and rear @ 35k miles. Very nervous as to stopping ability now.

Premature wear of brakes and rotors. Original front-end oem brakes and rotors needed replacement before the vehicle even reached the 20,000 mile mark. Saw this same problem reported by many, many owners of same model/year van. Others have stated when dealership replaces rotors/brakes, the new brakes/rotors wear just as fast. This seems to be a dangerous situation because new owners are not expecting brake problems so soon, and thus may overlook squeals from brakes as being caused by brake dust, or glazing, not realizing their brakes/rotors are completely worn and in need of immediate replacement (like I did). I do have the brakes/rotors that were replaced, I asked to have them returned to me from the dealership when they were replaced with new parts.

Getting ready to replace the brakes on my 2008 Dodge caravan vehicle for a second time. I have 52,000 miles and now the brakes and rotors need replaced. I understand Chrysler is well aware of the problem and that they know the brakes are not adequate enough for this vehicle. I would like an investigation to be done because I think this could become a serious problem due to the brakes not being adequate enough for this size of vehicle.

Brakes needing replacement under 20,000 miles on a new vehicle less than 2 yrs old. This is a common & costly problem to have on this vehicle designed to transport families. There is a problem with the brakes that Dodge/Chrysler needs to address ASAP and issue a recall.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. During a routine inspection the technician noticed that the inside of the rear brakes were completely worn and that the outside brakes look brand new. A local mechanic stated that he has no idea what may have caused the brakes to wear on the inside and confirmed that the contact needed to replace the rear brakes. The contact is concerned of this usual safety issue and that a crash could occur. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 43,200.

I own a 2008 Grand Caravan sxt.   I replaced the front brakes and left rotor on my van at 21,000 miles.   well, it is 44,000 miles and I need front brakes and a left rotor replaced again.   I am learning that others are having the same problem.   I was told by the dealer service manager that it was my driving wearing out the brakes.  .

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan front brake pad and rotor replacement at 25k. First time I've owned a "new" vehicle needing front pad replacement so soon, despite light town driving.

I have had to replace the front brakes on my 2008 Grand Caravan three times since purchasing it in 2009. In addition the rear brakes have been replaced twice. The first time the front brakes were replaced was in October 2009 at 27,933, then 12/31/2010 at 58,000 and now at 74,500 we are replacing them again. The rears were replaced on 10/29/2009 at 28,653 and now at 74,500. Understand that Dodge knows there is a problem because I received a letter saying in 2010 saying they would pay a percentage of the replacement cost for the front brakes depending on the mileage of the vehicle. However besides repaying for some of the costs incurred for the first replacement nothing else was done because the problem keeps occuring ever 30,000 miles or less.

My brakes and rotors (front and rear) needed replacement on my 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan sxt after only 16000 miles. This is less than half the usual expected lifetime of brakes. Dealer will not cover because it was over 12k miles. Dealer says 2008 and 2009 vans are heavier than earlier models, but they still use the same old brake system from earlier models. This doesn't sound safe or fair to me.

25,000 miles on our 18 month old Grand Caravan and the brakes and rotors are shot. No warning, no grinding, squeaking, nothing. I am reading hundreds of reports of people with the same problem. This sounds like a recall in the making. Chrysler is aware of the issue TSB# 05-006-08 but chooses to do nothing.

Brakes started grinding and squealing loudly when coming to a stop. Van had less than 20,000 miles however when I had the service technician look at it, I was lucky I hadn't lost brakes altogether. I had to purchase new brakes and new rotors as the ones that came from the factory were so worn down that it wouldn't even help to simply turn them. This is outrageous and yet another problem I have had with this van since I bought it. All of the issues I have encountered are very unsafe and I am thankful that so far I haven't had my children with me during these episodes. I believe Chrysler should be reimbursing all owners for the cost of the brakes and rotors as the ones that were from the factory are quite obviously faulty and defective.

I purchased a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan sxt used from a fleet service with approx 28k miles on it. I went to check the tires and brakes myself, and have discovered the brakes and rotors need replacing. The problem is, no metal is touching the rotors, yet they are wore on the outside edge down to the minimum thickness of 26. 4 mm. The parts dealer won't turn them, so new ones have to be installed. This seems to be a premature wearing issue.

I have a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan that has needed brakes and rotors two times in 19000 miles. I feel this is way to short a time period.