Brake Disc Caliper Problems of Dodge Grand Caravan - part 2

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle brake pads and rotor problems. The consumer stated the brakes needed to be replaced prematurely. The right rear brake pads became metal-to-metal with the brake rotor. The consumers mechanic stated the brake pads were frozen on the caliper slides, and the rear brakes were the same.

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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.

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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.

We had a very loud scraping noise coming from our rear drive side tire. At first it was when you applied the brakes but it quickly be came constant. We called the dealer and the quickest we could get in was 4/30/13. The dealer let us know that the rear caliper saddle ceased and this caused severe damage to the rorot and the pads. The caliper is under warranty but the damage is causes is not. I did a search and it looks like this is an issue with these vans but no recall from Dodge. They did however add an extension to the front brakes becuase they were all so causing issues in these vehicles. Looks like they need to do the same for the back. I am located in canada.

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The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the rear brakes and calipers seized and overheated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that they needed to replace the rear brake pads. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and a claim was filed. The failure mileage was 36,000.

After owning the van about 1 1/2 years I noticed the brakes were hanging up causing overheating. I took the van in and they said it was dirt stickingto the calipers so the lubricated it up, but shortly after it didi it again. At 56,000 kms I took it in because brakes dragging again and this time they said my brakes were wore out. I only drive highway and I am an instructor who teaches fuel efficiency which reduces wear on brakes. They put new brakes and rotors on the van and 100 miles later the front left wheel is overheating. There is still rattles in the brakes. I took the van in before summer started because on the passenger side air vent it would not go to cold, only hot. I took it to the dealer and they said Chrysler is aware of the problem and do not have an anwer to the problem. I know another 2011 Dodge caravan owner and he is having the same brake problem.

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. While reversing at approximately 2 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and a grinding noise was heard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the rear brake pads, rotors, and calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact mentioned that the front brakes were previously replaced approximately ten months prior to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Problem with brakes. Rear calipers stick causing rotors to overheat and pads to wear prematurely. Dealer fixed front brakes because of recall but would not repair rear brake problems. Chrysler should be made to stand behind their product.

When brakes are applied, it sounds as if metal is rubbing against metal. Brake pads are brand new and rotors are in excellent condition. Have had the vehicle looked at and have also talked to others to find out the calipers are bad and this is a common problem. Even when replaced, the same thing begins to happen shortly afterwards.

Rear passenger wheel gets extremely hot while driving. It appears that the caliper may be locking up. The rear wheel on the driver side also makes a high pitched whine, which is intermittent and usually goes away by tapping the brake pedal. We took it to the dealer and they said we needed a rear brake job. However, I believe this is due to defective calipers which are not releasing the pads from the rotors. The rear brakes on every car I have owned always last significantly longer than the front. The fact that the rear pads are worn excessively while front are not indicates a defect in the rear brake assembly. The ignition was repaired as part of a recall. However, after starting the car, the key does not return to the "on" position. This allows the car to run and be driven, however none of my lights or directionals work. I can wiggle the key to get it into the correct position, but sometimes it is not obvious that the key is in the wrong position. This results in me driving without headlights in the rain and thinking that I am signaling properly in turns when in fact everything is off.

Upon driving I notice the brakes seems to be stiking and or calipers seizing while driving and also changing the brakes /rotors much sooner than supposed to also bad mpg all this was hapenning between 18 k miles 25 k miles and 38 k and currently 47 k miles please this is a design flaw from calipers sticking and braking the vehicle while driving and eating the pads prematurely the concerned customer will wait for a response back the local Dodge dealer will not take things serious untill they will have fatality ES thanks much.

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Rear brakes are not releasing completely causing the brakes, rotor, bearing, and wheel to become super-heated. Driver's side is the most significant issue. The brakes make a screeching sound, smoke and smell of burnt rubber come from wheels. If water is poured on the wheels, it vaporizes immediately. It does not do this with every trip, but is becoming more frequent. Driver's rear caliper has been replaced twice and brake line once with no improvement. Brakes on driver's side only last 11,000 miles. Have contacted local dealer, but doesn't acknowledge that they've heard of this issue before. I see many examples searching this site and other sites. This is a major safety issue. Vehicle now has 71,000 miles.

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.

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Driving down the road I smelled a burning smell coming from my van. I got out of my van and discovered that the smell was coming from my rotor . I took it to the dealership and they replaced my calipers and rotors due to a caliper sticking on the van. I have had numerous issues with the braking system. Pulsating of brakes, calipers sticking, premature of rotors. I have had my rotors replaced at 7186 miles, 15688 miles and 24,527 and 39,435 miles .

We were on a trip and while on the trip the vehicle rolled over the 36k warranty. We were on the interstate going 75 mph when the rear of the vehicle started making a terrible vibration and vibration noises. We were able to get off on an exit within 1/4 mile of the vehicle making this noise. After we were able to stop the left rear tire smelled awful like something burning. After we got it to the Dodge dealer they confirmed that the caliper had failed on the left side of the vehicle. They stated that our VIN did not match those vehicles having the rear brake issues. Obviously we were experiencing the same issue as the other vehicles. Chrysler did agree to cover the failed caliper, but would not pay for the warped rotors or new brakes and would not cover the caliper on the right side as it had not yet failed (even though the rotor was badly warped). The rotors were on back order and would take 3 weeks to get in. We were told not to drive the vehicle as it was a safety hazard yet Chrysler was unwilling to take responsibility and replace the right side caliper as it had not yet failed. We replaced the right side caliper at our cost and both rotors and brakes as both rotors were warped badly. . . . From defective calipers. . . But since only 1 side was locking up and smoking they would only replace the 1 side. I did not want to put my family in a vehicle that could become a fire hazard and believe that this is totally irresponsible of Chrysler to put peoples lives in danger and not even acknowlege it since our VIN supposedly did not fit with the vehicles that were deemed to have that problem. We contacted Chrysler customer service directly and talked about the issue and the representative was basically unwilling to look up anything never offered to take any information from us (name, vehicle info), but yet was very eager to dismiss that there was an issue.

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???.

Brakes were checked by dealer and said to be fine. After a few miles at road speed, I stopped and smelled hot brakes. Rear driver's was smoking. Lube on guides was boiling and rotors were blue. Dealer claims there is no problem. Claims it is our rough winters here in central NY. But they had just checked them and no salt or winter in July. I have ruined 4 sets of rear brakes and rotors since then. Just replaced the front for the first time at 70,000 miles. There is something wrong with the system that is applying the rear brakes when not needed. Sometimes I find the right side smoking and sometimes the left. We have done everything according to spec. Filed the guides, lubed the guides to be sure everything is free. Nothing helps. It is dangerous because all I have is the front brakes to stop in an emergency. Your dealer claims this is normal to only get 14000 miles on a set of rear brakes. They did replace one caliper but it made no difference. Thanks.

The van had squealing noise (at times) while driving. Then we noticed the strong smell of the brakes,like you are going down a steep hill,the burning smell. Must be the brake caliper sticking. . . So I took it to the dealer(where I bought it new) and was told that I needed new brake pad,new rotors at a cost of $777. 00. The van only had 38,282 miles on it.

My wife began hearing a noise several months ago. It turned out to be the rear brakes making the sound. She heard it almost every time she drove the vehicle. Finally I heard a groaning sound myself. The rear wheels were very hot compared to the front. I took the vehicle to the dealer we bought it from. He told me he has seen many of these vehicles come in with the same issue. The vehicle only has 19000 miles on it so I thought it was a warranty issue. He told me the brake system is only warranted for 12000 miles. He told me it will cost me about $365. 00 to change all the parts. I filed a complaint with Chrysler/ Dodge and they are only giving me $150. 00. Obviously they know there is a problem with the vehicles or why would they be giving me any credit at all if the vehicle is out of warranty? they told me the calipers locked up and that was the problem. I work with 2 other people that have the same vehicle and have the same problem. One dealership changed the rotors, pads, and calipers for him 3 times at no charge!! it happens on his vehicle about every 10000 miles. The other owner has the same dealer I have and was given the same line I was. He will have to pay for it. I can't imagine what the consequences would be if my wife is driving down the highway at 65 miles per hour and the rear brakes lock up!! you better believe there will be a mega-lawsuit!! how many other people are aware of this issue? this needs to be brought up on the national news and people need to be aware of it before someone is killed or injured from the brakes locking up. Thank you for this opportunity to complain and I hope something comes of it!.

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.

Owns a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. The rear brakes and calipers seized and overheated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that they needed to replace the rear brake pads. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and a claim was filed. The failure mileage was 30000.

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.