Brake Disc Caliper problems of the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan

All brake calipers are defective the piston seizes up causing the brakes to wear the pads off in a short time , overheating and seizing up the wheel. The most recent repair only had about 20,000 miles on the brakes I have replaced every caliper, rotor, and pads on all four wheels the most recent one was just two months ago, now I am back to the first wheel again. I have never had a car wear brakes like this several different mechanics at different garages. This is a definite design flaw and significant safety hazard. The ongoing repairs are costing me approximately 500. Per wheel every other year or so and precludes me from using the vehicle to tow, which is why I bought it. I am afraid to drive at highway speeds after a few months of brake replacement. The vehicle is always garaged in winter.

Calipers seized up going down the highway had to stop back right tire was smoking van is in the shop being repaired.

After attempting to come to a stop, my brakes started to screech a little. Within days, it was a non-stop grinding. On my way to take it to the garage for brake inspection, something fell off of the van. The repairmen told me that it was a caliper issue and they could not even let me drive off the lot without getting it repaired because it would be that dangerous. $774. 00 later, I had to have calipers, brake pads and rotors replaced.

Brake pads, rotors & calipers have had to be replaced 3 times. Car is now at 57,000 miles. If even gently using the brakes in stop & go traffic backup on highway, when car needs to accelerate, steering wheel vibrates badly and trouble getting car up to speed. Obvious that something is sticking regarding the brakes. When finally up to speed, problem disappears (60mph). Very frightening & potential serious accident problem. I drive long distances at night to & from work events & don't need to be stranded on a deserted highway somewhere at midnight. Why has there been no recall on a problem that everyone, including the Dodge mechanics, know about! this has become an ongoing issue, first on Feb. 14, then Feb. 16 and again Feb. 26. Rear brake pad after Feb. 14 was totally burned off ~ was replaced & still the issue is occurring, now on the front brakes.

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving various speeds and once the brake pedal was released after a stop, smoke was noticed from the front of the vehicle by the driver and passenger side tires. There were no warning indicators illuminated. On the day the vehicle was purchased, the vehicle moved sluggishly as if the emergency brake were engaged, but it was not. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to atlanta west Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram (1251 thornton rd, lithia springs, GA 30122 (678) 534-7470), but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the local firestone dealer where it was diagnosed with sticking calipers. Two independent mechanics test drove the vehicle and diagnosed that the calipers were not releasing when the brake pedal was released. The contact stated that the front brake pads were replaced four times, the front rotors were replaced three times, and the front calipers were replaced once; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 82,000.

A loud squeal in the front left (drivers) brake system. The factory caliper has failed to release causing consistent "rubbing" of brake pads on rotor. System generates excessive heat and potentially could cause a fire.

I started to smell burning brakes while driving on the highway. I got out when we parked and felt all the wheels. The rear wheels were so hot you couldnt touch them, the rear rotors were glowing red, and it smelled like burning brakes. Called the dealership since its only 2 years old and 16k miles. Was told its a wear item and they wont cover them, only the calipers, and no loaner since we dont have a service contract. Last Dodge I ever buy.

I noticed a high pitched squeal from the rear of the vehicle while driving. Saw large amounts of black dust on left rear hubcap, and wheel was extremely hot. Independent mechanic verified brake pads in contact with rotor only on that one wheel, and had been worn completely out. Brakes on all other wheels in excellent condition as would be expected at only 20,000 miles. Took to dealer expecting warranty repair as brake had no movement. Dealer diagnosis: brake pads frozen in slides. Dealer refused warranty repair as "brake pads are not covered and the calipers functioned once we put the vehicle on the lift and manually popped them open. Therefore no mechanical defect" my argument that it was not driver caused (other 3 wheels fine) was not accepted, although further firm discussion did result in service manager charging half price for total rear brake job. Very dangerous situation, brake design that allows this needs to be investigated.

The rear brakes burning cause by the calipers hanging up. Dealer replaced left rear disc brake caliper assembly and installed 2 new calipers and adapters and pads only because I was on vacation out of state when the problem started prior to 17000 miles . Charged 100 dollar deductable.

The front brake calipers seize up causing early disk and pad damage. The dealer said the calipers are under warranty, but not the pads or disks. I have the minivan serviced regularly and the brakes were ok. There was a pop sound when the calipers released, but the pads and disks were badly damaged. I now have a $1000 brake problem caused by a defective caliper that was under warranty. I should not have to pay for this. This is not normal wear or my fault.

Dodge Grand Caravan 2012; noticed about 3 months ago that the rear rotors were becoming so hot that you could melt a stick of butter by just holding it near after driving (30 minutes non-intense driving). One time the rotors were even smoking after. I have already replaced both rear rotors/brakes twice and just bought the car (used) in Dec 2012. I do not do any distance driving, and most is not city. I brought the car to a mechanic who recommended a complete caliper/rotor/pad replacement at around $600. Seemed like a generic fix. I declined, as I can do this with a free weekend, and had no guarantee of fixing the problem looking at other reported issues. The rotors continue to get hot (usually not both at the same time, but rather one more than the other each time), and am afraid to drive any farther than the 30 min commute to work. I have read so many stories of the same issue occurring to Dodge/Chrysler owners, and ones going all the way back to 2008 models. I can't fathom how this would still be an issue in a 2012 model, and that nothing has been done to help the consumer and correct the mistake. Even the dealership mechanic told me that the rotors are too small to handle the heat. I have nightmares of the day that it gets so hot that something in the assembly or tire goes and sends my family of 4 and 2 unborn children into oncoming traffic.

We have replaced the rotators and pads out of pocket 4 times on this vehicle. Another two were replaced in warranty before 36,000mile. The first repair made out side of warranty was at 37,000miles. The calipers have been replaced on the vehicle because the brakes clench down and won't release. We have replace the hoses, calipers, rotators, pads and bleed the system for all wheels in the past 6 months. The brakes are currently clenched down and won't come up. The mechanic now has to go into the vehicle to find what exactly is wrong. Because he has looked at the whole brake system and can't find what is wrong. First date of occurrence is 12-2013 for out of warranty repair on a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Rear brake pads completely worn down after 40000 miles. Rear wheels locked up and calipers needed to be released manually. Pads and calipers replaced due to rear calipers not releasing fully. Calipers, pads and rotors replaced. Not covered under warranty on 1 year old vehicle.

The rear brakes on the Dodge minivans were designed poorly. The calipers do not release properly, and the clearance on the brake pads is too tight and causes the pads to get stuck. Last night we had the brake hang on one of the rear brakes after using the parking brake. The pads stayed close to the caliper and caused the entire rotor to heat up from the excessive friction. Pads, rotors and calipers were replaced last week, full brake fluid replacement done at Dodge dealership this week. Everything checked out, now caliper is jammed. Numerous complaints from others are on the internet for the 2008 - 2012 (and some 2013+) model Grand Caravans due to poorly designed rear brake system.

The brakes calipers/brakes are seizing up, after complete replacement of all brake components, this problem reoccurred in less than 5000 miles, at the same time, the axle bolts were loose and the car became very unstable.

Tl-the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the brakes on the vehicle went out and the vehicle would not go in reverse. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be repaired where it was diagnosed that the calipers needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 18,000. Ad.