Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
06E022000BRAKE PARTS, INC. E (Equipment)744003/20/2006MFRCHRYSLER GROUP LLC03/13/200603/13/2006
Defect SummaryCertain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain ford, daimlerchrysler, and jeep passenger vehicles. these brake cylinders were sold under the brand names of napa, raybestos, aimco, ac delco, carquest, bendix, and wagner. only products that were manufactured from july 27, 2005 through january 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. when subject to very cold temperatures, an internal seal in the master cylinder could lose flexibility and may cause brake fluid to leak.
Consequence SummaryLoss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
Corrective SummaryAffinia (brake parts, inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. the recall began on march 20, 2006. owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
NotesThis recall only pertains to aftermarket napa, raybestos, ac delco, aimco, carquest, and bendix brake hydraulic master cylinders and has no relation to any original equipment installed on daimlerchrysler or ford vehicles.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
0500106A09/23/20060500106A10020494Snow/water ingestion into rear brake drum. *kb10/27/2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
050030104/20/2001619506A condition may exist where a low frequency howl / moan noise is heard from the rear brake area during low speed and / or low speed turns such as a parking lot maneuver, with no brake pedal pressure applied. *tt06/04/2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM
050030503/09/2006050010610019632Snow/water ingestion into rear brake drum. *tt04/12/2006
050020406/21/2005050030510005996Snow/water ingestion into rear brake drum. *tt04/05/2004
0500102A09/23/20020500102630800Snow/water ingestion into rear brake drum. *yd this bulletin supersedes 05-001-02 dated march 4, 2002. *tt04/24/2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - DRUM
050010102/09/2001051099619122On some vehicles, while driving through deep or blowing snow / water, the snow / water may enter the rear brake drums causing rust to develop on the rear brake drum and shoe friction surfaces. this condition can lead to temporary freezi05/15/2001
05109901/31/20006089711Information regarding snow / water entering the rear brake drums. *tt02/24/2000

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES
06/01/2012110000
 Tl-the contact owns a 1999 chrysler town and country. the contact stated that once the vehicle was started, the gears could be shifted without the contact depressing the brakes. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where they advised him that the brake shift interlock was not placed in that particular year, make and model vehicle. therefore, the failure was considered a normal characteristic of the particular vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 110,000. the current mileage was approximately 185,000. kmj
06/01/2012110000
 Tl-the contact owns a 1999 chrysler town and country. the contact stated that after placing his vehicle in the on position the gears would shift easily without having to depress the brakes to release it. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis. after diagnosis they advised him that the brake shift interlock was not placed in that particular year make and model. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 110,000. the current mileage was approximately 185,000. tb
09/08/20121000001
 My 17 year old son was driving the car; he applied the brakes while approaching a red light and the pedal went to the floor. he was driving slow enough and started braking soon enough that he was able to stop the car prior to the intersection by pumping the brake pedal vigorously. both of the solid front brake lines had rusted out at the connection points with the flexible hoses... i had previously replaced the rear brake lines due to similar rusting problems (3 years ago), and did ask the dealer to inspect the front brake lines about a year ago prior to letting my son drive the 'old' minivan; the brake lines were given a clean bill of health... *tr
09/08/2012100000
 My 17 year old son was driving the car; he applied the brakes while approaching a red light and the pedal went to the floor. he was driving slow enough and started braking soon enough that he was able to stop the car prior to the intersection by pumping the brake pedal vigorously. both of the solid front brake lines had rusted out at the connection points with the flexible hoses... i had previously replaced the rear brake lines due to similar rusting problems (3 years ago), and did ask the dealer to inspect the front brake lines about a year ago prior to letting my son drive the 'old' minivan; the brake lines were given a clean bill of health...
03/21/20121117951
 It had been raining but had stopped. i was making a right hand turn when my right tire went through approximately 2-4 of water in the gutter. i immediately lost control of the steering and veered into the opposite lane. fortunately there were no cars in that lane. i had difficulty steering and the engine began to overheat. i was fortunate the garage was around the corner. the belt had slipped off the pulleys. the belt had not broken, only slipped off. they said i was the 3rd town and country that day that had to have the belt put back on due to the wet weather, and that it was a problem with model for many years. this is the 3rd time to send this report. when i hit verify everything goes blank. *tr
03/21/2012111795
 It had been raining but had stopped. i was making a right hand turn when my right tire went through approximately 2-4 of water in the gutter. i immediately lost control of the steering and veered into the opposite lane. fortunately there were no cars in that lane. i had difficulty steering and the engine began to overheat. i was fortunate the garage was around the corner. the belt had slipped off the pulleys. the belt had not broken, only slipped off. they said i was the 3rd town and country that day that had to have the belt put back on due to the wet weather, and that it was a problem with model for many years. this is the 3rd time to send this report. when i hit verify everything goes blank.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK
12/19/2000103/01/1999
 Snow or ice leaked into my rear brakes, my rear brakes locked up and van immediately stopped. there was a load pop when this happened. the van had to be towed to the dealer. we were not injured because we were going very slowly when this happened but it could have been tragic if we had been in heavy traffic or traveling at a high speed. i think this could be a problem on other vans like ours and that it has probable caused some serious crashes. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
05/11/2009973641
 Hit the brakes heavily to avoid a stopped vehicle. four miles later, the brake pedal went to the floor while proceeding down a three mile mountain road. the vehicle was finally stopped by placing the transmission in low range, pumping the brakes and application of the emergency brake. brake fluid was leaking from both metal brake lines just aft of the anti-lock control valve. the metal lines are severely corroded at the junction of the solid metal line and the braided stainless steel section. search of the internet at www.ripoffreport.com revealed that mine isn't an isolated case. report #153655 at that site reads identical to my experience. *tr
10/16/2008100001
 Tl*the contact owns a 1999 chrysler town and country. while the contact's daughter was approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal extended to the floor when it was depressed. the vehicle barely slowed down and glided through a red light. a mechanic stated that the brake light separated from the stainless steel to the solid steel. the current mileage was 100,020 and failure mileage was 100,001.
09/01/2004108/16/1998
 All four rims rusted out. *bf all four ramps and tires collapsed. the brakes could not be fixed because the van runs so hot. *nm
10/17/2004471144
 The vehicle was equipped with heated seats'; return true; onmouseout=window.status=''; return true;>heated seats'; return true; onmouseout=window.status=''; return true;>heated seats'; return true; onmouseout=window.status=''; return true;>heated seats. the owner took the vehicle to the dealer to have the seats checked. the problem was not detected. now, the passenger seats are over heating also. the owner had the seats replaced on two seperate occassions. provide further details. *jb the consumer stated that all four seats failed. both front seats had burn holes in them. the consumer heard a noise coming from the front of the vehicle when going over bumps. the consumer was told that the strut tower went bad and had it replaced. the consumer complained that a vibration is felt while driving as if the vehicle drove on four flat tires. the consumer heard a whining noise when using the am radio which only happed when using the brake. *tc
08/15/20030
 Dealership tried but could not repair wharever is causing the clunking noise coming from under the front suspension. other refers to seat heater burning a hole in the seat, dealership and manufacture refuse to repair.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
12/13/2000107/01/1998
 Master cylinder leaked into the power brake booster which caused my entire brake system to fail. if the vehicle had been moving at the time of failure, it could have caused many fatalities. the dealer fixed it at no cost, however, i believe that this component should be investigated. the dealer was not concerned that this could have caused many fatalities.
10/09/2000
 Consumer was traveling 55mph on highway and there were deers in the middle of the road dancing. however, deers were far away, up the road. there was time for vehicle to stop. consumer applied the brakes two times, but brakes didn't stop. vehicle. third time she applied the brakes, they grabbed a little bit. but, it was too late,vehicle ran into the deers. vehicle suffered damage. dealership was aware of malfunctioned brakes. there was air in brake lines. rotors were heated because pads and rotors were blue, and pads and rotors were replaced.*ak
03/01/1999
 Consumer has a intermittent problem with brakes. has to increase stopping distance to stop. dealer says the brakes are the best design for the vehicle.*ak
 Intermittently when brakes are depressed pedal goes to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance, and vehicle vibration. dealer has inspected vehicle several times, and has not been able to duplicate the problem. *ak
01/03/20002
 When the brakes were applied pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping which caused a collision. dealer and manufacturer have been notified. *ak *ml
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
 Vehicle was losing brake fluid which caused brakes to fail. when brakes fail brake pedal goes to the floor, losing all functions. brake fluid has to be in vehicle at all times in case of a refill. dealer was notified. please provide more information.*aki
07/03/2000105/01/1998
 Rear axle of broke! axle broke on inside of right rear wheel/brake assembly. caused brakes to fail as continued on three (3) wheels. we skidded left and right, turned into the skids, almost hitting other motorists and vehicles. almost went over embakements. frame bent. new tire at time.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
10/10/20011
 There was a noise coming from front brakes. took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced pads and turned rotors. *ak consumer feels that the materials used in the brake rotors are not up to standard. *yh
10/09/2000
 Consumer was traveling 55mph on highway and there were deers in the middle of the road dancing. however, deers were far away, up the road. there was time for vehicle to stop. consumer applied the brakes two times, but brakes didn't stop. vehicle. third time she applied the brakes, they grabbed a little bit. but, it was too late,vehicle ran into the deers. vehicle suffered damage. dealership was aware of malfunctioned brakes. there was air in brake lines. rotors were heated because pads and rotors were blue, and pads and rotors were replaced.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
07/21/2000
 Rotors have rusted from inside, resulting in a collision. dealer has inspected vehicle.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM
03/27/199911/01/1998
 This van is very unsafe i need help
08/26/1999111/01/1998
 We have a 2 year old daughter this should never happen
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
07/21/20061000001
 When applying brakes, pedal sank almost to the floor indicating a fluid leak. brakes barely worked at all and limped to chysler dealer who found ruptured rigid brake line where it joins to a short braided flexible section. two long rigid brake lines that run nearly the length of the vehicle were replaced and as requested old parts were returned to me. only in the immediate area where the flexible line joins the rigid lines was there severe rust and corrosion. one of the lines had rusted through and ruptured at this point. the rest of the rigid lines were free of corrosion. the vehicle is 5 years old with 100,000 miles in a relatively low salt environment, there should not be severe corrosion at this time causing brake failure. the joint area between the flex line and the rigid line is a design fault that should be addressed. photographs and the replaced parts are available for examination. *nm
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER
03/01/200349013006/20/1998
 Problems with the clock-spring (cruise control,horn,remote radio controls,air bag warning light) previous problem with hydraulic brake master cylinder . replaced on 1/14/03 [64,100]. *nlm
02/28/2001106/01/1999
 I had to have the tank on master cylinder replaced due to seeping of brake fluid. no obvious source of the leak was determined. it seemed to be coming from around the rubber seals where the tank attaches to the master cylinder. the first warning of the leak was the brake warning light. upon checking the fluid it was discovered to be very low. it was refilled to the proper level. the tank area was well cleaned and dried. within hours the tank was again wet with fluid. the level gradually decreased over the next several days as the fluid seeped out. no brake failure was observed, on loss of fluid from the tank. i had a local mechanic purchase a new tank from a dealer and put it on the car. new rubber seals were provided with the tank. time will tell if this has fixed the problem.*ak
12/13/2000107/01/1998
 Master cylinder leaked into the power brake booster which caused my entire brake system to fail. if the vehicle had been moving at the time of failure, it could have caused many fatalities. the dealer fixed it at no cost, however, i believe that this component should be investigated. the dealer was not concerned that this could have caused many fatalities.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - PEDALS AND LINKAGES
01/26/20031
 Brake pedal goes down all the way to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. dealer has been notified. ph. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE WARNING
10/16/20041007/16/2001
 I have had brake problems since 2001 when i first bought the van, and i am tired of spending money on this problem, and now they tell me that i need a new transmission and i had no warning of that.