Brake Disc Caliper problems of the 2004 Dodge Stratus

My case is similar to odi case 10151711. I perform most of my car maintenance from oil changes to brake pad replacement. I had recently replaced my pads and made sure every bolt was tightened correctly. One week later I was driving down the highway at an approximate speed of 70 mph and heard a clunk and it sounded like I had ran over something as the object hit the bottom of my car. I thought someone threw something out their window. About a mile down the road I heard a noise that sounded like I had a flat tire. As I began to brake and pull over the noise went away. Confused by the sudden stop of the noise, I proceeded another mile or so down the highway until the noise from the right front tire started up again and sounded like grinding. I immediately pulled over at this point and came to a skidding stop. I tried to pull forward as I was off the road but very close to the shoulder. The car would not move forward regardless of the pressure on the gas peddle. I decided to try and back up and I was successful and pulled further off the shoulder. I saw that my caliper had come free and began to take chunks out of the alloy rim. I am very fortunate that I did not lose control of the vehicle or damage any other vehicles on the road. The tow truck driver and service manager stated they never saw anything like this before. $497. 66 later (new bolts and a rim) my car was mobile. I was over twenty miles from home when this occurred. Photos and bill available for review.

Vehicle has been experiencing a variety of noises from the front wheel area over 20,000 miles. Dealership has made several repairs, including replacing brake pads and installing new design rivets, but the problem persists. Independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and found the brake caliper bolts lose and almost separated from the caliper-- if the caliper had become separated with the vehicle in motion, it may have contacted the wheel rim causing front wheel lock-up.

I was driving at about 30 mph and coming to a slow for a stop light when it sounded like it had a flat tire. I started to pull over while continuing to slow the car when it came to a sharp stop and I could go no further to get out of the way of traffic. I got out to look, and saw no flat tire, but noticed front right brake grinded into rim. I had it towed to a repair shop near my home, and they assessed that a large bolt fell out from the brake calliper, and caused my brake to slip out and collide with the rim. My car is just over a year old, and I have never had any brake work done thus far. They found a replacement bolt for me, and I then drove it to the dealership to see if it was warranty covered, they said no. They suggested that I not drive on the rim for fear of not knowing whether or not there were fractures that were not visible, and that hitting one pot hole could collapse the rim and do further damage.