Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES
11/22/201271000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph and depressing the brakes it was difficult for the vehicle to slow down. after merging off the highway the contact inspected the vehicle. the vehicle was later taken to a dealer for diagnosis. the technician advised that the left rear brake and caliper became too hot and wore the pad down causing the failure. the vehicle was repaired for the left and right rear brake and caliper. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 71,000. the current mileage was approximately 73,000. the vin was unavailable.
11/01/2012820001
 Vehicle started with doors suddenly and repeatedly locking and unlocking then drivers lock switch stopped working then week later passengers at the same time radios cd player started trying to eject cd repeatedly with out even being on or having one in it also at same time fuel gauge stopped working. now this morning wife coming home from work braking system started to malfunction almost causing a crash. upon simple web search this seems to be common occurrence with 2008 grand caravans electrical system repeatedly hearing or seeing as the case may be a faulty tipm (totally integrated power module) as told by dealership mechanics. it seems it is causing so many different problems such as those just described to headlights shutting off,wipers coming on horn blowing ect,ect,ect. how many people need to die before you take action. a copy of this will be sent to senators,congressman,and news media maybe if it makes the news someone wont have to die due to failure to act by your agency or dodge and chrysler. *tr
11/22/201271000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph and depressing the brakes it was difficult for the vehicle to slow down. after merging off the highway the contact inspected the vehicle. the vehicle was later taken to a dealer for diagnosis. the technician advised that the left rear brake and caliper became too hot and wore the pad down causing the failure. the vehicle was repaired for the left and right rear brake and caliper. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 71,000. the current mileage was approximately 73,000. the vin was unavailable. pmb
11/01/2012820001
 Vehicle started with doors suddenly and repeatedly locking and unlocking then drivers lock switch stopped working then week later passengers at the same time radios cd player started trying to eject cd repeatedly with out even being on or having one in it also at same time fuel gauge stopped working. now this morning wife coming home from work braking system started to malfunction almost causing a crash. upon simple web search this seems to be common occurrence with 2008 grand caravans electrical system repeatedly hearing or seeing as the case may be a faulty tipm (totally integrated power module) as told by dealership mechanics. it seems it is causing so many different problems such as those just described to headlights shutting off,wipers coming on horn blowing ect,ect,ect. how many people need to die before you take action. a copy of this will be sent to senators,congressman,and news media maybe if it makes the news someone wont have to die due to failure to act by your agency or dodge and chrysler. *tr
11/22/201271000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph and depressing the brakes it was difficult for the vehicle to slow down. after merging off the highway the contact inspected the vehicle. the vehicle was later taken to a dealer for diagnosis. after diagnosis they advised him that the left rear brake and caliper became too hot and wore the pad down causing the failure. the vehicle was repaired for the left and right rear brake and caliper. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 71,000. the current mileage was approximately 73,000. the vin was unavailable. tb
11/01/201282000
 Vehicle started with doors suddenly and repeatedly locking and unlocking then drivers lock switch stopped working then week later passengers at the same time radios cd player started trying to eject cd repeatedly with out even being on or having one in italso at same time fuel gauge stopped working. now this morning wife coming home from work braking system started to malfuntion almost causing a crash.upon simple web search this seems to be common occurance with 2008 grand caravans electrical system repeatly hearing or seeing as the case may be a faulty tipm (totally integrated power module) as told by dealership mechanics.it seems it is causing so many diferent problems such as those just described to headlights shutting off,wipers coming on horn blowing ect,ect,ect.how many people need to die before you take action.a copy of this will be sent to senators,congressman,and news media maybe if it makes the news someone wont have to die due to failure to act by your agency or dodge and chrysler.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
01/27/20101
 2008 dodge caravan brake pads need to be replaced at 15,000 miles. i thought on average, the brake pads are changed every 50,000 miles. i am concerned because if these brake pads need to be changed every 15,000 miles, i will need to change my brake pads every year and i think there is something wrong with this. i am hoping that you can resolve this issue by seeing if dodge chrysler will cover the brake pads as part of their warranty. *cn
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
05/08/2008156001
 Grand caravan sxt, 15,600 miles, front brakes and rotors are worn, and need replaced. occurs when you press on the brakes can hear screeching sound and grinding. chrysler is aware of the issue tsb# 05-006-08. but they make sure to limit their warranty to only 12 months, 12000 miles. *tr
08/28/2008154231
 Premature brake wear - front pads at 15,423 miles - front pads and rotors at 30,687 miles. *tr
04/21/2009167901
 Brake replacement -rotor -pads- front and rear - 16790 miles. *tr
09/26/2008810001
 The brakes drag very badly on this car, presumably due to some failure of the anti lock braking system. this brakes are badly overheated all the time, which is a safety defect, and, even with disc brakes can cause failure. the master brain for the brake system is located where it's guaranteed to be splashed by water and where any leakage from the transmission or engine is gong to foul the connections. *tr
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
12/10/200930700
 Rear break components (pads, rotors, lr caliper) at 30k on 12/10/09. front pads replaces on 1/14/10 at appx 31k: front pads and rotors on 4/2012 (3rd set) at 58k calipers not frozen: this vehicle year was the first year of the 4.0 l engine. already engine no longer an option: later model years (2010 and later) have larger callipers and pads. i truly believe this vehicle was redesigned and offered without consideration to the brake system components. the vehicle was so new that my owner manual doesn't reference the 4.0 liter engine. this model year has numerous compaints of premature break wear.
01/19/201023000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan se. the contact stated that the front brake and rotors was replaced at 23,000 miles and failed at 46,000 miles. the dealer was notified of the failure who advised the contact that it was not uncommon for the brakes to wear prematurely. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 23,000 and the current mileage was 46,050. kmj
01/19/201023000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan se. the contact stated the front brake and rotors was replaced at 23,000 miles and now they need to replace again at 46,000 miles. the dealer was notified who stated that was not uncommon for the brake to be worn out prematurely. the manufacturer was notified who will give her a return call. the failure mileage was 23,000 and the current mileage was 46,050. mw
11/25/201159000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. the contact stated that the front passenger tire began to wobble while driving approximately 55. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a diagnostic test. the technicians stated that the brakes failed, causing the wheel to reach a temperature of 900 degrees and wobble. the technician stated that the front rotors and calipers would have to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 59,000.
11/25/201159000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. the contact stated that the front passenger tire began to wobble while driving approximately 55. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a diagnostic test. the technicians stated that the brakes failed, causing the wheel to reach a temperature of 900 degrees and wobble. the technician stated that the front rotors and calipers would have to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 59,000. sm.
11/25/201159000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. while driving at approximately 55 mph the contact noticed the front passenger tire began to wobble. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic. the technicians stated the brakes had failed causing the wheel to reach 900 degrees and wobble. the technician stated the front rotors and calibers would have to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage 59,000. ds
10/25/201182000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. the contact was driving 50 mph when the antilock brake activated without warning, causing the vehicle to become inoperable. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the clock spring in the steering wheel. the manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised that the engineering department would return his call at a later date and offered no further assistance. the failure mileage was 82,000.
10/25/201182000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. the contact was driving 50 mph when the antilock brake activated without warning, causing the vehicle to become inoperable. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the clock spring in the steering wheel. the manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised that the engineering department would return his call at a later date and offered no further assistance. the failure mileage was 82,000. kmj
11/10/201137000
 Vehicle is a shuttle van. vehicle suddenly experienced loss of brake pedal firmness followed by the brake pedal going to the floor and not raising completely back up. also experienced sudden idle speed drop followed by a near stall. vehicle speed approximately 55mph. found vacuum brake check valve cracked with the pipe extension to the vacuum brake hose snapped off. plastic material of the valve itself had deteriorated, leaving a white chalky residue. valve replaced and vehicle returned to normal operation.
10/25/201182000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. the contact stated while driving 50 mph the antilock brake locks causing the vehicle to be inoperable. the brake lights does not illuminate and no warning lights illuminate either. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaces the clock spring mechanisms in the steering wheel that was causing the failure for the abs braking system. the repairs was paid under warranty. the manufacturer was notified who stated the engineering department will give him a call. they offered no other assistance. the failure mileage was 82,000. mw
11/10/201137000
 Vehicle is a shuttle van. vehicle suddenly experienced loss of brake pedal firmness followed by the brake pedal going to the floor and not raising completely back up. also experienced sudden idle speed drop followed by a near stall. vehicle speed approximately 55mph. found vacuum brake check valve cracked with the pipe extension to the vacuum brake hose snapped off. plastic material of the valve itself had deteriorated, leaving a white chalky residue. valve replaced and vehicle returned to normal operation.
10/21/201149000
 While driving at 25 mph towards a stop sign. i applied the brakes and i had no brakes. none, without warning the brakes completely failed. went through the stop sign. fortunatly there were no vehicles coming and no pedestrians crossing. have driven for 40 years and never had anything like this happen. very very dangerous. had vehicle taken to dealer in spokane. do not know what the problem is yet. this is the first year of a redesigned body style. maybe this is just the beginning of trouble for this vehicle.
09/15/201152000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. the contact stated the front driver side caliper bracket caused the brakes to wear prematurely and cause an increase in stopping distance and time. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer advised that there was nothing they could do because the vehicle was out of warranty. one year prior the the failure, the dealer replaced the entire brake caliper but the unit malfunctioned again. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic where the mechanic replaced the caliper bracket unit. the failure mileage was 52,000. the vin was unavailable. kmj
09/15/201152000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. the contact stated the front driver side caliper bracket causes the brakes to ware. the contact stated the stopping distances increased due to the faulty brakes. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer stated there was nothing they could do because the vehicle was out of warranty. a year earlier the dealer replaced the entire brake caliper but the unit malfunctioned again. the contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic and the mechanic replaced the caliper bracket unit. the contact stated was the vehicle was unsafe to driver. the failure mileage was 52,000
08/29/201178892
 Vehicle purchased in puerto rico with 40,000+ miles; replaced a rotor & all pads about 65,000 miles. could hear noises coming from brake mechanism (noises went away upon replacement of brakes with oem parts). around 70,000 miles the vehicle started locking itself without warning, at least twice with keys inside. imagine a hot day and a child in a restraint seat and the car locked. i did notice that about the same time, the power lock switch on the drivers side became inoperable. now at 78,892 the whole electrical instrument panel went on the blink (blank), except for the digital mileage indicator & 'gate ajar' . i stopped for groceries & when i went to crank the starter solenoid, nothing happens. had to tow home & am told that local dealers are charging $1,000 to reprogram the computer.... no wonder less & less people are buying american brand cars. any suggestions? i do appreciate the nhtsa efforts. thankyou!
08/20/201125000
 2008 dodge grand caravan with mileage at 25,000 the brakes and rotors had to be replaced on both front and back at a cost of $815.00. not included in warranty even though vehicle purchased new in february, 2009. right rear wheel became very hot and smoking. there was a terrible smell like metal on metal and when we put water on it - it sizzled. we still had 80miles until home and no garage opened on sat. evening.
06/08/201131687
 Year and half ago we received a recall letter from dodge concerning our 2008 dodge caravan, reference to the front brake pads. its seeems the brake pads were defective due to early wear out. the recall pads were replace by scott evans dodge according to service manager with a pad that more metal in the composition of the pad. now a year and few months later , i took my car in for front end realignment and scott evans is saying the brake pads that replaced the recall pads are now showing early wear out and should be replaced!!!!!! how is this possible, my car only has 31687 miles on it and now brakes pads are being replaced twice. my concern is the pads they put ont to replace the recall pads were also defective due to early wear out also. being this deal with vehicle brake please investigate and found if dodge is replacing recall pads and possible defective pads due to early wear out also. my wife and are in our late 50's and do not travel alot nor are our driving habits our of the norm. the miles on the car refect this. please investigate rick page
06/01/200810000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. the contact stated that when he attempted to stop the vehicle, both the front and rear brakes made a loud noise. there was also a smell and smoke coming from the braking system. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired twice, but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was contacted. the failure mileage was 10,000. the current mileage was 30,240.
06/01/200810000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. the contact stated that when he attempts to stop the vehicle, both the front and rear brakes make a loud noise, there was a smell and smoke coming from the braking system. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they repaired the failure twice, but the failure reoccured. the manufacturer was contacted. the failure mileage was 10,000 and the current mileage 30,240. nw
12/25/200826000
 Multiple brake failures on my 2008 dodge caravan
04/01/201129180
 Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. the contact was driving at various speeds and when the brakes were engaged a loud noise was heard from outside of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the rear brake pads were replaced and rear rotor resurfaced. the failure mileage was 29,180.
12/25/200826000
 Multiple brake failures on my 2008 dodge caravan
04/01/201129180
 Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. the contact was driving at various speeds and when the brakes were engaged a loud noise was heard from outside of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the rear brake pads were replaced and rear rotor resurfaced. the failure mileage was 29,180.
12/25/200826000
 Multiple brake failures on my 2008 dodge caravan
04/01/201129180
 Tl-the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. the contact was driving at various speeds and when the brakes were engaged a loud noise emitted outside of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the rear brake pads were replaced and rear rotor resurfaced. the failure mileage was 29,180. js
12/25/200826000
 Multiple brake failures on my 2008 dodge caravan
04/01/201129180
 Tl-the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. the contact was driving at various speeds and when the brakes were engaged a loud noise emitted outside of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the rear brake pads were replaced and rear rotor resurfaced. the failure mileage was 29,180. js
03/21/201118000
 Both front and rear brakes of the vehicle have worn out prior to 30,000 miles. the fronts were gone at 18k, the rears gone right at 30k. the front brakes were replaced under an extended warranty, but, the rears had to be fixed personally, dealer wanted to charge almost 300 dollars to fix a problem they knew they had. i know the front brakes probably allready are half way worn down again after only 12k miles on the replacement pads.
05/25/201012000
 2008 dodge caravan. normal driving led to brakes wearing out and rotors needing to be replaced at 12000 miles and rear brakes wearing out at 17000 miles. dodge is putting inferior pads and rotors on the front and inferior brake pads on the back. they know this is a problem. most autos will go much further on pads. i believe they have done this deliberately in order to get more volume in the service bays at the dealership.
09/01/2009
 2008 dodge caravan breaks and rotors replaced multiple times with low mileage on vehicle. purchased the vehicle in march of 2008 and had to replace the breaks and rotors for the 1st time in sept. 2009. the 2nd time was in apr. 2010.
09/23/200929000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. whenever the contact drove the vehicle at any speed he noticed a squealing sound in the rear of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that all of the braking components needed to be replaced. the current and failure mileages were 29000.
01/20/2010372241
 2008 dodge caravan brake rotors have worn down prior to the brake pads. *tr
05/02/2009149761
 Brake system failure. had to have the brakes rebuilt. brake problem indicator light kept coming on. took the vehicle in for check and was told that it was just a problem with the computer. brakes gave out one month after the warranty expired. took the vehicle to an independent (certified) shop and was told the brake system needed to be completely rebuilt and that the brake warning system appeared to have been compromised, rendering it useless. also experienced problem with the tire inflation indicator (dealership fixed this problem and stated it was a computer malfunction) and shorts in the electrical system that caused problems with the horn turn signals, lights, and alarm system. dealership did a repair on the electrical system. *tr
01/15/2010160001
 Grinding noise when braking. kept getting worse. taken to dealer at 16,000 miles. told front brakes were worn out. replaced front brakes. charged over $300 - not under warranty. told back brakes would probably go also. this is on a 2008 dodge caravan. many others have written to complain with same problem. local dealer said they had 4 front and back replacements recently. all only had 16-18,000 miles. this is in a small town. with that many complaints, chrysler will rapidly lose customers. *tr
01/17/2010210001
 The brakes on the 2008 dodge grand caravan are the worst. stay away from the dealer when you need to replace them they will rip you off. i brought my van there and they wanted to charge me over $900 for front brakes, rotors and a brake fluid flush which is !@#$%. the brakes wear out much too quick on this car and a recall should be issued. *tr
11/01/2009230001
 My 2008 dodge caravan needs front and rear pads and my dealer said the rotors could be cut. i told him to take it off the lift. i can't afford that right now - just paid 2 college tuition payments. we bought the car brand new and this happened at 24,000. i do not drive fast. my hubby's toyota has almost 30,000 mi. and does not need brakes and he's a little tougher on a car! *tr
12/20/2009165571
 My brakes need to be replaced at 16,500 miles on my 2008 dodge grand caravan sxt. *tr
11/09/2009120001
 We own a 2008 dodge grand caravan, and have had the brakes replaced 3 times with only 20,000 miles on the van. *tr
11/10/2009330001
 I have a 2008 dodge caravan with 35k on it. we have had to replace the brakes two times in this year. the driving done with this car is highway miles with little or no constant braking involved. i replaced brakes in oct 2009 - when i went to dealer in mid november was told that i should replace again as they were becoming unsafe. *tr
09/19/20091
 I bought a 2008 dodge caravan from dealer on jan,1 2008. replaced front brake pads at @ 25,000 miles. i had to replace rear brakes at @ 45,000. just replaced the front pads again along with new rotors at 54,000 miles. *tr
04/09/2009150001
 Purchased vehicle in april of 08 and in august of 08 it would not turn on while i was picking my daughter up from school. i took it in to the dealership but they couldn't find the problem. the same think happened twice in november and again in december, again they couldn't find the problem. in april of 09 it stalled again at a ball game while it was raining and thundering and i had my 5 and 1 year old with me. i called the dealership to get it towed so they could find the problem. two days later they call me and say it was the fuel pump. i told them to check my brakes because i had heard them squeak that morning. they call that the rotors and pads are completely worn and they wouldn't let me drive it off the lot because it was unsafe. my vehicle only had 25,000 miles on it. my previous vehicle had 91,000 miles on it when i traded it in and rotors and pads had never been replaced. now 8000 miles later, my back pads need to be replaced. they are worn uneven and i was told my front pads will need to be replaced within the next 8,000-10,000 miles. *tr
08/17/20091
 2008 dodge grand caravan, front brakes were replaced in less then 12 months, down to metal. now right rear brake is bad, no pad left rotor thin. chrysler said come in and pay for an inspection. service person said she sees alot of this but no one complains and just pays to have repairs done. internet message boards filled with caravan brake complaints. 2 brake repairs in less the 12000 miles wrong. *tr
01/06/20085800
 Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. the contact noticed excessive brake dust on the tires of his vehicle. he also noticed that the rotors were of a softer metal than the brake pads, which could cause premature rotor wear. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. the current and failure mileages were 5,800.
07/09/2009300001
 Needed new brakes, rotors , pads & on front wheels after only 30,000 miles. *tr
03/01/2009210001
 I bought a 2008 caravan from a local dealer, the first road trip we took the front brakes got hot and pulled to the left, causing the motor to loss power, we took it to the dealer to have it checked and they couldn't find anything wrong. i believe this is a safety issue and i am afraid to drive the van for long distance, what can i do? *tr
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
01/17/201011998
 Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. while driving approximately 35 to 40 mph on normal road conditions there was a strong burning odor and an excessive heat build up coming from the brake system. the contact was able to continue driving the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection which required replacement of the front and rear brakes; front and rear rotors. the contact was displeased with the costly repair as a result of the early brake system failure. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 11,998.
12/22/200956440
 Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. while driving, he noticed that the rear brakes were making a squeaking noise. a local mechanic stated that the rear brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced since the calipers were sticking to the rotors which caused them to become warped. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by an authorized dealer and there were no prior warnings. the current and failure mileages were 59440.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
01/17/201011998
 Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. while driving approximately 35 to 40 mph on normal road conditions there was a strong burning odor and an excessive heat build up coming from the brake system. the contact was able to continue driving the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection which required replacement of the front and rear brakes; front and rear rotors. the contact was displeased with the costly repair as a result of the early brake system failure. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 11,998.
12/22/200956440
 Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. while driving, he noticed that the rear brakes were making a squeaking noise. a local mechanic stated that the rear brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced since the calipers were sticking to the rotors which caused them to become warped. the vehicle has not been diagnosed by an authorized dealer and there were no prior warnings. the current and failure mileages were 59440.