Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK
2009/01/1999
 My complaint is on the abs system of my vehicle--not the airbags!!! when i attempt to stop at an intersection or stop sign the brakes are locking up on me while jerking to a stop. the brake pedal has locked up completely and the abs light continuosly comes on when you use the brakes. i have spent in excess of $600. replacing parts, changing tires, etc. i have been to 5 mechanics including the dodge dealership and no one can figure anything out. i must have an answer to what this is before my children or myself are killed because the brakes fail. i am so frustrated and am currently not even driving the vehicle except to the next mechanic. please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
09/08/19951106/01/1995
 Two letters dated 05/23/98 and 06/08/98 addressed to mr. robert eaton, ceo of chrysler corp. was sent with a repair history schedule containing 24 itemized occurences depicting the associated repair order number, nature of repair, mileage, date-in and date-out, remarks as to results, warranted repair or not, location of repair and cost if applicable. also depicted was the number of times we repeatedly returned the vehicle for brake repair which was six times within first six months and six times regarding electrical within the first six months of possession which all is evidenced by the given information on the repair history schedule i provided with the letters. i received a response back from customer service to no avail. i would be delighted to provide you at your request a copy of both letters which includes the repair history schedule i eluded to earlier.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK - CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
06/22/1996107/13/1996
 Module failed while backing up.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR
05/28/1998111/07/1995
 Brake rotor failed dur to corrosion.
 Vehicle's front disc hub rotors are defective. they are chipping off in the inside. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DRUM - SHOES/LININGS
11/01/1996202/16/1996
 Rear brake shoe failed.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
10/15/20071490001000
 Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge grand caravan. while driving 25 mph, the brake pedal slowly extended to the floor when depressed. the vehicle would stop three seconds longer than usual. the dealer stated that the failure was caused by dirty rear brake shoes. the knee pads, rotors, shoes, drums, and master cylinder were replaced. the hydraulic system was checked, but the failure continued. the purchase date was unknown. the failure mileage was 149,000 and current mileage was 150,198.
08/22/2004104351105/01/1996
 While driving cruise control increased the speed of the vehicle. consumer was unable to disengage the system. vehicle went in access of 85 miles per hour. vehicle was stopped by applying pressure to the brakes. *ak the consumer stated that extreme pressure on the brakes was required to slow the vehicle over a distance of one mile. a large amount of smoke emitting from the front brakes for several minutes. *tc
09/15/2001120000
 For 3 summers in a row, we have had to recharge the air condition system for it to only work 3-4 weeks at a time. our mechanic says that it isn't that the air conditing unit has failed it seems to be loosing the freon some where.the locks on the van to the tail gate doesn't seem to work correctly, 90% of the time you have to beat on the lock from the out side for it to unlock. we have also replaced the brake pad approx 3 times and they still squeak and seem to grab at times.
11/04/20021
 When the brake was applied, the vehicle experienced extended stopping distance.*jb
08/27/1999
 Transmission is leaking and the van does not back up. starter, air conditioner, and brake pads all had to be repaired. dealer contacted. *ak *ml
07/01/199507/08/1995
 Constant rubbing and grinding noise when brakes are applied and vehicle would lurch to a stop. dealer cleaned the rear brake shoes of dust and machined the warped rear drums, however the noise and lurching continued.
10/01/199507/08/1995
 Windshield wipers turn on automatically when controls are in the off position. also, the wipers work intermittently when they are suppose to work continously.
12/24/1995
 Uneven braking as though the rotors are out of round.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
1
 The abs light is illuminated most of the time, the consumer has to turn the vehicle off then on again to get the light to go off. nlm
02/25/20020
 While driving would step on brakes pedal, and at the time of activation, will makes a loud noise. had contacted dealer. please provide more information.*ak
 Intermittently abs light will stay illuminated while driving. delaer has not bene able to duplicate problem. please provide additional information.*ak
07/01/2001
 Brakes don't respond and brake well enough. also, front end pads/rotors and calipers need replacing. dealer stated they passed inspection with no problem, and it was just wear and tear. *ak
10/01/20001
 Slider door locks failure-left does not lock even manually; right will not unlock except manually. a/c compressor failed - always smelled antifreeze until failure. dodge will do nothing to help defray major cost. wipers come on/off whenever they want especially when cold. can put into drive/reverse w/o braking. numerous other misc problems-brakes, transmission, front end.*ak
303/01/1996
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
03/23/2001105/01/1996
 Minivan's dashlight warnings for airbags/abs(and related equip:horn/cruise control-inoperative) appeared. took auto to chrysler dealer for diagnosis. dealer service dept.stated defective item: clockspring device, and not a warranty covered part/service part, therefore customer liable for repair..
10/01/2000
 Brakes failed at 20-25 mph, pedal went to floor, and consumer heard a loud pop before that. dealer found that booster broke off from master cylinder.*ak
03/15/1999102/01/1999
 Right before vehicle shifts into overdrive there is a jerky motion. dealer cannot find problem, at 40 -45 mph. also, transmission has to be rebuilt, and airbag light stays on. dealer says it's due to an open circuit, brakes replaced twice, rotors replaced. *ak the consumer had transmission problems numerous times. noise in engine while driving due to serpentin belt and tensioner failure. *yh
01/05/200012/06/1999
 When driving at low rate of speed and upon depressing brake pedal to make a gradual stop, abs system kicked in, causing poor braking performance, and resulting in extended stopping distance. consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has yet to replace parts. *ak *ml
2005/01/1996
 Anti locking brake system releases the brakes on slow approach to a stop sign or stop light. they do not release when braking hard, only after initial braking and slowing for a stop. they release as if sensing a slippage at one to the wheels. there is no snow or water on the highway, conditions are dry and excellent, however they still release for 2-3 seconds before holdings (grabbing) again. *ak
02/10/20001406/22/1997
 Abs light stays illuminated while the vehicle is in motion, rendering abs system inoperable. dealer has repaired vehicle several times, and the problem still exists. *ak
05/28/1997310/01/1995
 I have purchased this vehicle new and have had nothing but continual problems with it. i have had problems with the brakes since it hit 24,000 miles. i was told by a chrysler shop that there was a rock in the rotor the first time. they replaced the rotor and pad on the left front the first time. then 11,000 miles later i had similar problems with the brakes and had to have both left and right rotors turned . i was told that they were warped. again i have had more problems. at 49,000 miles i had no front brakes at all, they were metal to metal. i brought the van to my local mechanic because it was not under warranty. he inspected the brakes and told me that the rotors and the pads had to be replaced, that there was no front brakes at all. he did the work and replaced the brakes and rotors. my mechanic knows of the problems that i have had with the brakes on the vehicle and says that it is crazy for me to have to replace these brakes as many times as i have. he feels that the problems are in the abs and that it is malfuncting. i recently had my snow tires put on my vehicle and asked the mechanic to check my brakes for me. i was told that my left front has half of the pads gone and that there is some wear on the right front. since i have had the brakes replaced in june 1999, every 3,000 miles when i have my oil changed i have my brakes checked. i am looking at replacing these pads again, they have approximately 6,000 miles on them and i can't afford to have my family and friend ride in this vehicle. in regards to my other complaints, i have had continual problems with the electrical system. i have reported to dave smith the problems i have with my windshield wipers, they wipe when ever they want to especially when it is cold and damp outside. i turn them on the first click on the interminent and they wipe 5-6-3-4 times and then shut off on the side of my windshield. there is nothing normal about them. they could not find anything wrong with.
11/28/199910/01/1997
 This vehicle has been the worst vehicle i have ever owned because of continuous ongoing problems ,the biggest of which was the engine head failure which cost me about a $1,000.00 thats with dodge paying an additonal $800.00 for the parts. now a year later, my transmission is failing and does not change gears. please help i promise not to buy a chrysler product again, i swear. all the other problems have been nagging, but tolerable. but this is too much. *ak
03/05/1999
 Anti-lock brakes failed while driving 35 mph, and brake pedal went straight to the floor. *ak
06/01/1999106/01/1998
 No summary listed for this vehicle. *ak
10/28/1997
 While driving at 25 mph and going down a hill, consumer applied the brakes and they were smoking, forcing the consumer to pull over to the side of the road. also, windshield wipers were working intermittently, and dealer could not determine the cause. *ak
01/13/19991
 Front disc brake rotors were pitted, causing excessive wear on the pads. its like metal to metal. will be taking vehicle to dealer to have it checked. *ak
09/05/1995
 Front windshield wipers come on without activating them. in addition, bench passenger seatbelt disconnects when buckled; brakes wore out when the car had 32,000 miles; left front tire blew out on the freeway at 7,000; transmission overhauled at 44,000 miles; passenger's sliding door locks do not open when unlocked, and gas tank was leaking. *ak
12/01/1995510/18/1995
 Abs system failed.
06/01/1996106/01/1996
 Noisy brakes.
 Vehicle has abs brakes, front brakes smoke and get very hot when applied. also, brake pedal goes to floor. problem is intermittent. dealer replaced pads and adjusted rear drums, but problem remains. *ak
05/16/1995
 On numerous occasions abs brakes has had persists problems.
 When applying the abs brakes the pedal will travel to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. the abs brake light illuminated, indicating malfunction within system. please give any further details. *ak
05/01/1996204/01/1996
 Antilock brakes failed twice.
12/15/1995711/01/1995
 Poor abs performance, during normal braking situations periodically the brake pedal will become hard, and not go down. *ak dealer can not find any problems . *slc
10/27/1996
 Abs brake failure, when brakes were applied, experienced exteneded stopping distance, also the pedal was very soft. *ak
09/09/1995109/09/1995
 Rear brakes noisy.
12/01/1995105/16/1995
 Antilock brake system fails intermittently in inclement weather, causing brakes to lock up.
11/16/1995
 Consumer states that you can hear a grinding noisie when you apply the brakes. the system has abs. new brakes put on at (13, 000) miles.*ak
08/15/199530
 Steering wheel locks after a 90 degree left/90 degree right turns, locks on second turn, causes loss of steering control, caused accident; also rear abs brakes groan/vibrate, causing lack of braking power, decrease in stopping distance.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT
08/01/19961205/01/1995
 Abs light comes on intermittently.
03/01/19973003/01/1997
 Anti lock brake warning light on randomly since purchase of vehicle unable to determine fault in the system.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
06/26/2002108/17/2001
 The front and rear brakes failed and was replaced. *yh
05/01/1996804/11/1996
 Front and back brakes were replaced due to being noisy, rear brakes began to vibrate, so dealer replaced rear shoes and rear wheel cylinders, right front brakes began making a metallic sound, dealer relined front disc brakes and resurfaced rotors, and cleaned and adjusted rear brakes, old parts removed from vehicle showed that one of the right front brake pads had failed, the brake liner on the pad had sheared or separated from the metal pad support, brakes began to make excessive screeching noises again and because of this the dealer replaced disc brake pads twice, consumer states front brakes are still noisy and have no brake pressure when driving 5-10 mph, dealer advised consumer that the front brakes were already 50 percent worn after only 6000 miles and the back brakes only had 5 percent wear left. *slc
07/07/19961507/01/1996
 This car has gone to the dealer so many times and not been fixed. after my warrantee expired i took the van to a trusted mechanic and at a great cost to me is the van being repaired. the dealer never once acknowledge or fixed any problems that the independant car mechanic was able to find easily.
06/20/19991
 Brake completely failed when exiting the freeway causing the pedal to go to the floor, consumer was able to stop car by reapplying the brake harshly. nlm
08/24/199803/21/1996
 Calipers stuck and resultant heat warped the rotors, resulting in the shuddering sensation in subsequent stopping.
12/01/1996107/01/1996
 Rear brakes failed.
108/01/1996
 Brakes failed.
109/01/1995
 Brakes failed causing loud grinding.
07/08/1996402/01/1996
 Front brakes failed causing them to catch on fire while driving down a hill, brakes have been replaced but still do not operate properly.
10/30/1996
 Transmission/steering column/horn/struts/brakes/sway bars/battery/windshield wiper switch and a/c condensor failed.
01/01/1998105/20/1996
 Driving habits are conservative-do not ride the brakes. rotors should not be defective so soon. dealer could not produce defective rotors to prove evidence of wear.
05/18/19961
 Brake noise.
11/09/1995110/27/1995
 When brakes are applied, rubbing noise occurs, followed by difficulty stopping vehicle.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE
02/09/2006194000106/16/1995
 Rear brake hydraulic proportioning valve rusted through, leaking again. replaced the same item on 2-21-01 for the same problem. resulting in little to no braking. *nm
02/24/2004110000109/01/2002
 While driving vehicle lost brake power, and somehow the driver stopped the vehicle without incident. consumer determined that a hole in the brake differential proportional valve caused the brake fluid to leak. vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that valve was welded in the wrong spot, causing the valve to wear out over a period of time. brake differential proportional valve was replaced . *ak
02/08/2001106/01/1995
 Hydraulic proportioning valve leaking, resulting in little to no braking capacity. dodge dealer in houghton, mi said he has recently had to replace 4 or 5 proportioning valve for the same problem.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
10/01/1998108/01/1998
 Body control module failure occurred during a move from maryland to georgia, resulting in failure of windshield wipers during rainstorm. arrived at dealer only 451 miles after expiration of 75k warranty. however, neither the dealer nor chrysler would assist in repair costs. have submitted two lengthy voq's today as i am finally fed up with this chrysler product and the failure of chrysler and the nhtsa to enact additional forced recalls of these vehicles. the transmission, fuel tank, body control module, clock spring (which resulted in inoperative airbags), and suspension parts all failed long before they should have. additionally, a cursory search of both nhtsa and other web sites reveals that these parts have a high failure rate. despite being replaced by a dealer only two years ago, the steering rack on my minivan is already failing again. i am extremely unimpressed with both the quality of this vehicle and the lack of support from chrysler in addressing repeated failures.
07/01/2001
 Brakes don't respond and brake well enough. also, front end pads/rotors and calipers need replacing. dealer stated they passed inspection with no problem, and it was just wear and tear. *ak
02/15/200109/01/1996
 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. *ak
05/09/20011
 Transmission went out while consumer was driving at about 60-65 mph. when checked fluids were all bubbling up, and transmission was burned up. contacted dealer. *ak consumer states torque converter was also replaced, also brake pads and rotors had to be replaced. *jb
04/25/2000104/01/1996
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
12/14/199905/01/1996
 Automatic lock motor doesn't shut off right away when opened from keyless remote or during autolock when driving, struts are leaking oil at less than 50000 miles, windshield wipers lock up during cold weather, transmission slips out of gear during cold weather, front brakes vibrate and chatter: pads and rotors have been replaced twice in the last 6 months, grinding noise from steering column, whinning noise during accelleration. are there any recalls regarding these issues. the car is falling apart after 4 years. *ak
205/01/1996
 Brake chatter/vibration problems with front brakes pads and rotors replaced problem recurring
05/28/1997310/01/1995
 I have purchased this vehicle new and have had nothing but continual problems with it. i have had problems with the brakes since it hit 24,000 miles. i was told by a chrysler shop that there was a rock in the rotor the first time. they replaced the rotor and pad on the left front the first time. then 11,000 miles later i had similar problems with the brakes and had to have both left and right rotors turned . i was told that they were warped. again i have had more problems. at 49,000 miles i had no front brakes at all, they were metal to metal. i brought the van to my local mechanic because it was not under warranty. he inspected the brakes and told me that the rotors and the pads had to be replaced, that there was no front brakes at all. he did the work and replaced the brakes and rotors. my mechanic knows of the problems that i have had with the brakes on the vehicle and says that it is crazy for me to have to replace these brakes as many times as i have. he feels that the problems are in the abs and that it is malfuncting. i recently had my snow tires put on my vehicle and asked the mechanic to check my brakes for me. i was told that my left front has half of the pads gone and that there is some wear on the right front. since i have had the brakes replaced in june 1999, every 3,000 miles when i have my oil changed i have my brakes checked. i am looking at replacing these pads again, they have approximately 6,000 miles on them and i can't afford to have my family and friend ride in this vehicle. in regards to my other complaints, i have had continual problems with the electrical system. i have reported to dave smith the problems i have with my windshield wipers, they wipe when ever they want to especially when it is cold and damp outside. i turn them on the first click on the interminent and they wipe 5-6-3-4 times and then shut off on the side of my windshield. there is nothing normal about them. they could not find anything wrong with.
06/06/199801/01/1996
 Dealer does not recognize that these are safety issues(seat problem was defined in previos service orders)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
 When applying brakes pedal went to floor and driver heard a popping sound. dealer inspected vehicle, and determined that brake pads had come apart.*ak
05/28/20000
 Fuel line that goes into fuel injector tube, was leaking. this can cause a fire. also, front brake pads broke off inside of brake holder, and consumer has no front brakes.*ak
08/01/1996103/16/1996
 Brake shoes failed.
508/05/1995
 Brake pads failed.
 Vehicle has abs brakes, front brakes smoke and get very hot when applied. also, brake pedal goes to floor. problem is intermittent. dealer replaced pads and adjusted rear drums, but problem remains. *ak
06/18/19971
 Heard squealing noise coming from front wheel, according to dealer caused by wear and tear, replaced brake rotors/pads.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
02/24/2001105/28/1996
 Transmission would no longer shift from first to second gear. had to be replaced at 72000 miles.*ak the hinges on the door were replaced and the front rotor was turned. *yh
01/05/200106/01/1996
 On the cruise control, it accelerated on it's own. had a very hard time getting pulled over safely in heavy high speed traffic. burned up brakes/rotor. wrote chrysler.nothing. airbag clock recently failed and saw article in paper about your investigation. thank you.
03/15/1999102/01/1999
 Right before vehicle shifts into overdrive there is a jerky motion. dealer cannot find problem, at 40 -45 mph. also, transmission has to be rebuilt, and airbag light stays on. dealer says it's due to an open circuit, brakes replaced twice, rotors replaced. *ak the consumer had transmission problems numerous times. noise in engine while driving due to serpentin belt and tensioner failure. *yh
1
 Consumer is requesting reimbursement which was denied for recall repair (00v-136). *mjs
1
 Brake rotors are warped, causing a loss of brakes. these are the same rotors that are on the jeep that have been recalled. dealer has been contacted.*ak
 Front rotors warped or flawed. heavy steering wheel and front end vibration during downgrade slow braking. fuel tank is collapsed which will hold only about 13 gallons. wipers coming on intermittently and gets worse when climate gets hot. belt tensioner failed which can hit and break the main crankshaft pulley.
08/01/1999201/01/1996
 Belt tensioner failed and hit the main pulley which was damaged and replaced. brakes pulsated at around 30k miles. they were maintained by turning the rotors, but the problem came back after a month. all of these problems where paid out of my pocket after i was told it is not covered under the extended warranty. *ak
01/13/19991
 Front disc brake rotors were pitted, causing excessive wear on the pads. its like metal to metal. will be taking vehicle to dealer to have it checked. *ak
508/05/1995
 Brake wheel cylinder and rotors warped.
05/02/19971505/18/1996
 While driving vehicle about 45 mph vehicle stalled on the road, causing lack of acceleration or power. dealer and manufacturer were contacted. *ak windshield wipers come on by themselves, dealer replaced multifunction switch. vehicle would not start up and run, dealer replaced battery. steering wheel shakes while braking, dealer machined rotors. *slc
207/01/1996
 When brakes applied on occassion pedal vibrates/takes longer to stop vehicle, brake drums/rotors replaced. (qcaw)
06/18/19971
 Heard squealing noise coming from front wheel, according to dealer caused by wear and tear, replaced brake rotors/pads.
12/04/1996104/05/1996
 Front brake rotors out of round.
01/10/19971103/22/1996
 While driving experienced hydraulic brakes malfunctioning, noticed grinding noise, metal to metal rubbing; while applying brakes also, constant rear brake noise when slowing down until halt. manufacturer issued tsb, dealer resurfaced and finally replaced front rotors, problem still persists. *ak
01/10/1997
 When vehicle comes to stop itjerks and pulsates due to the warping of the front brake disc rotors. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM
508/01/1998
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
1
 Rear brakes made grinding noises. *slc
09/20/1999104/01/1996
 Groaning/rubbing sound and from rear when brakes applied
09/04/1998102/25/1996
 Brake drums and shoes had to be replace. manufacturer equipped vehicle with oversized brake cylinger which pressed shoes against drum, causing drum to be scored beyond repair.
207/01/1996
 When brakes applied on occassion pedal vibrates/takes longer to stop vehicle, brake drums/rotors replaced. (qcaw)
07/26/1996104/09/1996
 Rear brakes failed.
11/14/1996104/05/1996
 Rear brakes replaced.
1
 Rear brakes failed.
502/21/1996
 Noisy rear brakes; also steering column makes clunking noise when turning wheel. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - DRUM
03/26/1999106/01/1996
 At 36,000 the rear drum on the passenger's side does not meet the required measurement. i was told by monro muffler/brake, haverhill, ma, that the you should be able to cut the drums at least three times by 100,000 miles before the drums do not meet the required specifications. i brought the car back to the original dealership to voice my concerns that the drum is defective and was basically brushed off. i then contacted chrysler who gave me a file number , #5652064, in case a recall is assigned. i feel that a 3 year old car with 36,000 miles should not have a drum replaced so soon without being able to cut them at least once within 100,000 miles for this reason i think the drum is defective. thank you for your time and consideration. sue ferullo. *ak
 Vehicle has abs brakes, front brakes smoke and get very hot when applied. also, brake pedal goes to floor. problem is intermittent. dealer replaced pads and adjusted rear drums, but problem remains. *ak
08/06/1996107/01/1995
 Brake drum failed.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - SHOES/LININGS
08/06/1996107/01/1995
 Brake shoe failed.
05/18/19961
 Rear brake shoes replaced.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - WHEEL CYLINDERS
06/01/2002105/28/1996
 Airbag light is on/horn, and cruise control stopped working. dealer stated clockspring assembly needed to be replaced.*ak driver's side rear wheel cylinder had to be replaced. *tt
508/05/1995
 Brake wheel cylinder and rotors warped.
09/04/199802/25/1996
 Brake shoes and drum replaced because manufacturer installed larger than specified size brake cylinder.
05/18/19961
 Wheel cylinders replaced.
10/01/1996108/01/1996
 Brake cylinders failed.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER
08/01/1996106/01/1996
 Master cylinder failed.
02/16/1996107/01/1995
 Brake cylinder failed.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST
 There was a loss of power steering and power brakes due to the idler pulley breaking off. also, vehicle overheated quickly. dealer has the vehicle. needs new idler pulley. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST - VACUUM
10/01/2000
 Brakes failed at 20-25 mph, pedal went to floor, and consumer heard a loud pop before that. dealer found that booster broke off from master cylinder.*ak