Steering Column problems of the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan

Traveling down a street, the esp and traction warning lights came on. Checked the owners manual, it states not to drive over 30 mph when that occurs if the lamps cannot be reset. Reset lamps, lamps came back on, speed was reduced to 30 mph and after traveling a short distance, without touching the brake pedal, the brakes on both front wheels applied and brought the vehicle to a complete stop in the middle of the street in traffic. The brakes would not release until the motor was shut off and restarted. We were not hit by other vehicles, but it could have been very tragic. We were told by the dealer that failure of the steering angle sensor in the steering column will cause the brakes to engage and stop the vehicle. The cost for replacing the failed sensor and realigning the system was $712. 45.