Brake Disc Caliper Problems of Dodge Grand Caravan - part 1

10/19/2019, vehicle stationary: the driver's side rear caliper froze in the full-on position when lightly using the emergency brake. I was just a � mile from home and drove it to my garage (less that 30 mph). It was dangerously hot and would have caused a fire and major breakdown had I been on my 18-hour freeway commute. I jacked up the rear, removed the tire and saw that the e-brake spring had not returned the caliper to the brake off position. I was able to return it by lightly tapping the e-brake lever to the off position. At that point the brake caliper mostly worked as it should. However, re-applying the e-brake would again refreeze the brake to full on. I replaced with a mopar oem caliper and all is well again. I suspect the e-brake mechanism within the caliper failed. All my mileage is extended freeway commuting between two different state residences. The front brake pads have never been replaced and still measured 5/16� thick. The original rear pads had at least half their life span and I did not replace those either. Needless to say, I fear using the e-brake with this vehicle. The caliper on the driver's side rear cannot take the limited e-brake use without failing.

See all problems of the 2014 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.

See all problems of the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Vehicle purchased used 3/3/19, supposedly with no problems with brake system. Two months later rear brakes are grinding away at rotors, calipers are getting stuck, and there was a fire on driver's side rear brakes.

See all problems of the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

This vehicle has had multiple issues with premature brake pad wear. In fact, in October 2017, the vehicle had the following components replaced: calipers (both front and both rear), rotors (both front and both rear), brake pads (both front and both rear) replaced by pep boys in eastgate, ohio. It has only been just over 6 months and both front side brake pads have to be replaced, yet again! there is obviously something wrong with the engineering of this vehicle braking system and it has been reported on many consumer complaint sites and filed with Dodge/chrsyler and they refuse to acknowledge and repair the vehicles. The brake pads are wearing prematurely under normal driving conditions, no matter what type of weather is present. The brake pads will fail and result in serious or fatal accidents, if they have not already.

See all problems of the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Left side rear passenger door stuck in the lock position, unable to open it neither electric or manual, neither from outside or inside. The engine just turned itself off in four separate occasions, twice while crossing the intersection. Gaskets (y conector between hoses) of the cooling system blown off while driving on the highway , toxic antifreeze spilled out of the system, dangerous for passengers and environment. Rear calipers jamed because of excessive and unusual rust. Steering wheel jamed few times while driving, being necessary to stop the car, turning the engine off and on to be able to continue driving(this happened on the highway, and in the city, extremely dangerous). Transmission shatters in different stages of driving, before stopping,after stopping, while reducing the speed or accelerating.

See all problems of the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Rear calipers continue to seize even after repair and replacement. This causes the rear brakes to grind down the pads and rotors. A quick online search revealed over 200 consumers with the same complaint. Some of the examples were before the vehicle even had 50k original miles. This does not seem to be a random issue but rather a design flaw that the consumer should not be liable for .

See all problems of the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

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

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.

See all problems of the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Rear brakes wear out incredibly fast. There is a problem with the brake caliper not releasing, which seems to be causing the rear brake wear.

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.

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.

Front brakes stick. Have replaced pads, hoses and calipers to no avail.

See all problems of the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Brought new in 09, front rotors cut due to severe vibrations. . Was told I was not driving enough (never heard that before)1,700 miles. , bad vibration again in front . . Rotors cut front and rear. Took car to dealer for oil change and was told front brakes and rear brakes as well as rotors needed replacing 12852 miles, told by dealer this is normal wear and tear!!!. I started doing my own brakes as I could not afford the dealer anymore and they refuse to address the issue. I have been changing the brakes every other oil change, this is crazy. I have owned numerous cars over the years and have never had to do this. I finally took the car to the dealer as the rear drivers side caliper was burning up and was told to my surprise they said the front calipers were seized, they said the front controls the rear. They changed them and I put new rotors and brakes all around. Rear drivers side burning up hot and brakes almost to metal, took to dealer again and was told rear calipers needed replacing. They changed both rear calipers and I had the rear brakes replace again. Rear drivers side caliper started sticking again burning hot and brakes worn almost to metal again, they replaced and I went online and found many people with the same problem 08-12 caravan and none of them got any satisfaction from the dealer or Dodge. I told the tech about the complaints and all he could say is "if its broken we will fix, and thats all he can do" with no further explanation. I really dont know what to do anymore van has 62,000 miles and I really don't want my wife driving this van anymore with the kids, I feel it's so unsafe and has been a money pit.

Left year brake caliper seized, causing the wheel to overheat. Occurred at 34,000 miles. Repair costs were $600. Within two weeks it happened again, same wheel. Normal driving conditions.

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.

Several times this winter my wife has went to start our vehicle and it would not start. This has resulted in missed time at work and kids missing school as well as 1 occurrence of being strained while out shopping. It seems to effect it mostly when really cold outside 30 or below. We have also had severe issues with the brakes. I have had all four brakes replaced twice and both front rotors as well as calipers replaced. The problem is that after a few minutes of driving (20-30 mins) the front passenger side brake drags causing a very strong metallic smell to enter through the air vents inside the van. My worry is that one day it will catch on fire and my vehicle will be lost in the fire.

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.

Back left wheel smelled very hot when I got out of the van. Went to touch very hot to touch took to local mechanic,after calling dealer ship said out of warranty. Back left calipers were bad had to replace both rear calipers,rotors and brake shoes. I believe anything to do with brakes are a hazard the wheel got hot from calipers not working properly could have caused a blowout and brake system failure. Im not a mechanic but the mechanic I took it to was disgusted that the calipers had gone bad expecially at that mileage. He suggested I called my dealership back and tell them want happened which I did. The owner said cant help when I take to an outside mechanic. I believe this is a safety hazard I also checked other online complaint seems to have been a problem with Dodge van for last 3-4 years.

See all problems of the 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

My Grand Caravan has 121,000 miles on it. I am having the rear calipers replaced for the third time. (at 68k miles, 98k miles, now 121k miles). Each time the calipers have seized up.

Rear passenger side brake caliper has seized up.

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.

This van eats brakes. I have had to have numerous repairs to my braking system done approximately every 25,000 miles at great cost. Brake calipers freeze up, rotors warp and pads wear out from hanging up. Brakes then become difficult to modulate and vibration caused by attempting to stop from interstate speeds make vehicle control difficult.

While driving over 40 mph, suddenly brakes get spastic, they are trying to brake as I am driving on expressway. This problem wore out completely the brakes and calipers at 18000 miles. Got new brakes (Dodge regulation) and now same thing happened on expressway while driving over 45mph. I need to drive on x-ways.

Just had 2010 van that was purchased new in for a routine oil change. Was told that we need to replace rear brake pads, rotors and calipers. 61,000 miles. This will be the 3rd set of pads and rotors on the rear. Based on the type of driving we do this should not be happening. Interestingly enough around 15,000 miles Chrysler replaced the front rotors and pads because of a known issue. If I remember correctly it was because of a caliper sticking on the front. These pads, rotors and calipers have not needed to be replaced or serviced in over 45,oo0 miles based on all the feedback online and a conversation with an ase certified mechanic it is a very common issue.

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 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.

While driving on the fwy my van turned off. It was after driving over a part of the freeway that seemed to have a dip. My gauges went to "0" & I felt a loss of power. I turned the key fob in the ignition & it seemed to start back up. The gauges went to the max and all warning lights flashed red as my car does when I initially start it. On 8/11/14 I was exiting a driveway, the same thing happened crossing a 2 lane road. I didn't turn the key fob this time as my van turned off & then back on by itself. I dropped my van off to have it checked out, but they didn't find a recall on anything with the ignition or engine turning off. I looked up the info & found recall code l25 describing exactly what was happening. I spoke to a rep named crystal at the recall phone number given & she confirmed my vehicle will be included in the recall & notices will be going out as they just updated the notice this morning. Since the recall was just updated, I have to pay for the inspection on the wireless ignition node, keep all work orders & receipts, wait for the recall notice & get reimbursed because this is dangerous. I have to borrow the $ as I cannot run the risk of driving my 3 kids around & have an accident. I am also having a problem with my engine running hard, sounding like marbles are rattling against metal as I accelerate & it making a glug glug sound & running hard. I just paid $412 to replace my calipers & brake pads as they were not releasing & caused the brake pads to crumble (replaced 2 weeks prior) & as I was braking it sounded like metal scraping against metal. This was due to the friction and heat from the calipers not releasing. Luckily my rotors weren't warped (also brand new & placed 2 weeks prior). My vehicle has 57,576 miles & I keep up the maintenance on it as well. . This is very concerning. Never had issues like this on a vehicle with less than 100,000 miles.

The calipers locked up on my rear driver side wheel. There was a terrible smell and loud sound when it happened. I was out of town with my daughter. I had to leave the van on a country road and come back for it later in order to let it cool so it didn't catch fire. The cost to repair was $750 to have all 4 calipers replaced. I had a 2006 Dodge caravan that had the same thing happen 3 years ago. When it happened to me in 2011, it smoked and 911 was called to check out the issue. Having had 2 of the same types of vans have the same problem indicates to me that there is something wrong with Dodge's design of their vehicles. There are instances of this problem all over the internet with several Dodge models. A friend of mine several years ago had the same problem with a brand new Dodge dakota that she had for 2 weeks. This is a dangerous problem that should be addressed by Dodge. Having brakes catch fire is a dangerous situation. I can no longer take my van out of town for fear of it happening again.

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.

Tl- the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted an abnormal odor and the brakes seized while being operated at various speeds. Upon inspection the contact stated brake's passenger-side brake caliper was smoking. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic where the calipers replaced. The vehicle the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure was approximately 105703. Kh.

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.

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.

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.