Brake Disc Problems of Dodge Grand Caravan

Premature front brake failure-- we purchased our 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan new, in late spring 2004. Since then, we have had to replace the front brakes twice, once at 18,000 miles, and now at 35,000 miles. Our driving habits have not changed and previously (for the last 25 years, with 5 different cars) we have gone 30,000 - 40,000 miles between brake jobs. This vehicle replaced a 10-year old Plymouth grand voyager which had no problems with brake wear. The dealer service manager says he has seen 2005 Grand Caravans coming in needing brake jobs at about 25,000 miles, but not 18,000 miles. Yet, neither the dealer nor Chrysler admits that there is a system or component problem. I spoke with Chrysler customer service and they were, at best, reluctantly helpful. They have agreed to pay for the parts, but not the labor. So, I have now had to pay, in part, for front brake jobs twice in less than 3 years, averaging less than 18,000 miles between the repairs. This is totally unacceptable. Needless to say, if Chrysler doesn't do something else to remedy this situation, this will be the last Chrysler product I will own. . . And I will not be keeping this minivan much longer.

See all problems of the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Upon front end vibration and squealing was informed that they needed to resurface the front rotors and put on new breaks at 23,000 miles. The steering gear and hoses were also replaced at 21,000 miles. I feel that any mechanic who was taking the front end apart should have noticed the breaks were in need of replacing then.

See all problems of the 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Requested inspection disclosed " front brakes were overheated annd were blued and had front brake pads separating from the pad backing we avoid crash stops and do little hill driving. Probable manufacturing defect.

See all problems of the 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Warping occurs on disks car shakes when brakes applied. Dt.

See all problems of the 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Front pads and rotors wore out prematurely. Front left inner pad completely gone causing metal to metal contact. Both rotors severely damaged. Brakes are under designed for this vehicle.

See all problems of the 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

When taking a turn the brake pedal went to the floor. The next day as I was traveling on a feeder road as I applied the brakes for a red light I heard a gringing comming from front driver side of the tire. I immediately got on the phone with the dealer and notifed them. Car had to be towed to the dealer. This is not the first time this has happened. Vehicle has been in the shop approximately 7 times for this problem. It has had both front calipers replaced 4 times. Brake pads replaced about every 3000 miles and 2 master cylinders installed since Jan. 2001. Brake pads are being crystilized and can be crumbled in hand like charcoal. Have had roators replaced and turned several times. Also keep losing brake fluid.

Dirt, sand, and mud gets onto the rotor disc and the brake pads and causes the brakes to slip and also wear prematurely. The repair shop says that the manufacturer eliminated the shield on the inside so that debris can get onto the disc and pad much easier. They also said that the rotor discs are wearing prematurely from this as well as the fact that the discs have defective steel (air bubbles entrapped during manufacturing of the discs become exposed at pits through wear resulting in additional buildup of dirt and wear).

Dealer said they just wear out and charged $325. 00 to replace it. I saw on the local news last night that this has happened to thousands of others, so I just wanted to get mine on the record.

See all problems of the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

Twice during our ownership the front brake pads have crumbled and completely failed early in their useful lives causing the rotors to be badly routed. The first time it happened the dealer hid the fact that the pads failed completely and stuck us for the entire brake job, the second time I walked in unannounced to the repair area and saw the evidence first hand. Bottom line, if we had been driving at speed either time lives could have been lost. This is a serious problem.

See all problems of the 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan 🔎.

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Right rear hydraulic wheel cylinder failed, causing loss of breaking power. This caused premature wear of front disc pads which resulted in overheating and warpage of front rotors. Rear wheel cylinders were replaced as were front disc pads and rotors turned. Dealer stated wear on brake pads and rotors were not under warranty after 12000 miles.

Original rotors failed after 17k mi. (van started vibrating during braking ) dealer replaced rotors. Replacements started to vibrate severely after 17,000 miles. Dealer said they are pitted on the inside, must be replaced to stop the vibration but they are safe to drive. The vibration makes me question their safety.

When applying the brakes left front brakes squeak very loudly, and there is a delay in stopping.

Front brake pads crumbled/failed caused rotors to be routed/ruined at 46k miles and at 63k miles, should have been lots of pad left, failure lead to expensive repairs incl rotor replacement,, could have lead to death/disabilities, dealer hiding part failure through non-disclosure, also clock spring failure in steering ring lead to airbag deployment problem, dealer charged owner full price rotor replacement first and second time, part defects very dangerous.

Brake chatter/vibration problems with front brakes pads and rotors replaced problem recurring.

My brakes have been squeaking and grinding since about a month after we bought the car brand new. I have had the van into the dealership numerous times with complaints about it and only once, after my brake warranty expired did they feel the need to inform me that the front brakes were shot and the master cylinder for the back brakes was defective due to a leak. It has now been abut two months since the new brakes were put on and we had the van in again for the same problems. This time the dealership told us there was a large buildup of metallic residue which was causing the problem. They replaced the front brake pads again at no charge but noew, a week to the day later, my brakes are starting to squeak again. My warranty on this van in general is almost up. I want to make sure that this problem as well as the other minor ones I have with the van are corrected once and for all.

I have had to replace the brakes on this minivan approximately every 6 months or 12,000 miles. I know of several other people who are having this same problem. Yes, I got a warranty but you still have to pay for labor and brakes should be lasting 40,000 miles or more. I think there is a defect in the design of the front brakes, or wheel bearings. (which I have also had to replace) dt.

Left front brakes wore out prematurely. It sounded like metal rubbing against metal.

The windshield wipers turn on when not selected, and is very distracting, and has almost resulted in several accidents. Some of my friends which also own caravan/voyager have has the same problem and have had the switch replaced numerous times to no avail. I think Dodge needs to redisgn the switch, and recall all the effected vehicles and have it corrected immediately. Also as far as the front brakes, I have had the front brake shoes replaced at least 7 times in the time I have owned the car. I haven't replaced that many brakes together on all the other cars I have owned. I think the front disc brakes are undersized and cannot meet the weight of the van. Dodge also needs to redisn the front brake sys and make modifications to the affected vehicles.