62 of the
745 complaints about the 1999 Dodge Caravan are about the
braking system — 8% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
77,619 miles.
REAR BRAKE LINES RUSTED AND BURST WHERE THE STAINLESS STEEL BRAIDED LINES ARE WELDED TO THE REGULAR STEEL LINES ARE CONNECTED, CAUSING BRAKE FLUID TO DISPERSE AND LOOSE PRESSURE AND COMPLETE FAILURE OF BRAKES. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD LEAD TO A FATAL ACCIDENT. THANK GOD MY 70 YEAR OLD MOTHER WHO OWNS THE VAN WAS NOT DRIVING IT.
NHTSA complaint #10615784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,749 milesColumbus, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE FRONT "FLEX" BRAKE LINES ON OUR DODGE CARAVAN APPARENTLY LEAKED BRAKE FLUID WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING LOSS OF MOST OF BRAKING POWER. FORTUNATELY, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING DRIVEN AT SPEED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. I NOW UNDERSTAND THAT CORROSION BETWEEN THE "FLEX" PART OF THE LINE AND THE METAL TUBE PART IS COMMON IN THE 1996 - 2000 YEAR CHRYSLER MINIVANS. TOTAL COST TO REPLACE THOSE LINES WAS $630.
NHTSA complaint #10433084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesDayton, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE LINES RUSTED OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10374788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,239 milesHebron, CT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. IT WAS COASTED TO A STOP, AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE ALL THE STEEL BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED DUE TO THE BRAKE LINES LEAKING BECAUSE OF EXTREME RUST. UPDATED 12/12/06.
NHTSA complaint #10170895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesColumbus, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKES AT 20 MPH ON A CITY STREET, THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD WHICH CREATED AN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE BRAKE LINES WERE EXTREMELY CORRODED AND LEAKED BRAKE FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME WHERE THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BRAKE LINES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE ROAD SALTS OR HARSH WINTER WEATHER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 10/30/2006 -REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE DUE TO STAINLESS STEEL BRAID/STEEL LINE CORROSION.
NHTSA complaint #10170399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesSilver Spring, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, AND THE STOPPING DISTANCE WAS EXTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A BRAKE FLUID LEAK. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 06E022000, PERTAINING TO THE HYDRAULIC SERVICE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10164694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Windsor, CT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
LTR RE 1999 DODGE CARAVAN , PLYMOUTH VOYAGER, AND CHRYSLER MIN-VANS DEFECTIVE METAL BRAKE LINES, REQUEST A DEFECT INVESTIGATION, S10/CMBK-051208-005. *TS ALL OF THE CORROSION OCCURRED NEXT TO THE WELDED STAINLESS STEEL FLEX SEGMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10145354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Windsor, CT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A BRAKE LINE BURST IN 1999 DODGE CARAVAN. *TS THE BRAKE LINE IN THE CONSUMER'S VAN WAS WELDED WITH DISSIMILAR METALS WHICH CAUSED CORROSION. ALL OF THE CORROSION OCCURRED NEXT TO THE WELDED STAINLESS STEEL FLEW SEGMENT. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER BUT THE PROVIDED TO ASSISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10138810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westminster, SC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
DT: CONSUMER DROVE DOWN A DRIVEWAY TO PARK VEHICLE. THE NEXT TIME HE WAS IN THE CAR HE HAD TO BACK OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY TO A ROAD WHERE IT WAS FLAT AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR. HE DROVE HOME FROM THERE USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. CONSUMER THOUGHT IT MAY BE LACKING BRAKE FLUID, WHICH HE REPLACED, AND DID NOT HELP. THE NEXT MORNING THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HIS MECHANIC, THINKING HE HAD AIR IN HIS LINE. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT BRAKE LINE BROKE. THE BRAKE LINE FOR EACH REAR WHEEL COME OUT OF THE ANTI-LOCKING DEVICE , IT BECAME A FLEXIBLE LINE THAT WAS WELDED TO A STEEL LINE. AT THE WELD WAS WHERE THE BRAKE LINE BROKE. *AK THE PARTS TO REPLACE THE BRAKE LINES WERE NOT AVAILABLE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. *NM *JB
NHTSA complaint #10125674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 201,936 milesValencia, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AND HAD NO BRAKES. CONSUMER PULLED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD AND APPLIED EMERGENCY BRAKES TO STOP VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #10117475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sioux City, IACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER AVOIDED THE OTHER VEHICLE BY SKIDDING INTO A DITCH. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD AND BACK INJURIES,BUT REFUSED TO GO TO THE DOCTOR FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CONSUMER'S RESIDENCE.
NHTSA complaint #10103217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesDallas, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
REAR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED PREMATURELY, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10102015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elba, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES AT ANY SPEED THE VAN WOULD START BUCKING OR JUMPING. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT A SPEED SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10048622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Herndon, VACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL DEFECT. WHILE RAINING INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED. ALSO, THERE WAS A BRAKE PROBLEM. WHILE TRAVELING 30-35 MPH BRAKES WERE APPLIED, PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR, AND VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT. INSURANCE CO. HAD VEHICLE TOWED SO THAT THEY COULD INSPECT THE DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10044433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,999 milesBaltimore, MD
PARKING BRAKE
THE DEALER REPLACED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE YEARS AGO. *AK THE PARKING BRAKE DIDN'T ALWAYS HOLD, ESPECIALLY ON A UPGRADE. THEN IT MAY OR MAY NOT RELEASE ON ITS OWN. *PH
NHTSA complaint #10026265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED/ PROBLEMS WITH CLOCKSPRING. CONSUMER HAD NO HORN AND NEED HER BRAKES REPAIRED AS WELL. *MR PH
NHTSA complaint #10022254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pompano Beach, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10017536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
THE ROTORS CORRODED, WHICH CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10007123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,581 milesAudubon, PACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
I NOTIFIED THE FIRST INCIDENT TO THE DEALER ABOUT ITS SPEED SENSOR, OVER THE PHONE, WHICH BLEW AWAY JUST AFTER THE TWO WEEKS OF BUYING THIS CAR FROM HIS SHOWROOM. LAST MONTH, THE BREAK WENT BAD AND WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY, I HAD TO END UP REPLACING THE ROTOR AND COMPLETE BRAKE SET, PAYING AROUND $300 FROM MY POCKET, FROM A MIDAS IN PENNSYLVANIA. THE THIRD INCIDENT WAS MOST DANGEROUS, AND DON'T KNOW HOW I SAVED THE LIFE OF MY TWO LITTLE KIDS INCLUDING THE ONE WITH 11MONTHS INFANT BABY, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BLEW AWAY WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY AND LOST CONTROL ON THE DOWNHILL, IN THE CITY OF NORRISTOWN, SINCE ITS BREAK AND THE ENTIRE SYSTEM WENT OFF DUE TO THE FAILURE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND I EVENTUALLY TOOK A GREAT RISK OF PULLING THE CAR ALL BE MYSELF ON THE SIDEWALK AND SOMEHOW PROTECTED EACH OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS. THIS CAR IS PROVEN TO BE VERY UNSAFE AND DOES NOT WORTH THE LIFE OF MY KIDS AND MY FAMILY. I SINCERELY REQUEST TO HELP ME HAVE MY MONEY BACK AT THE EARLIEST. THE DEALER IS VERY RUDE AND ROUGH OVER THE PHONE AND DOES NOT LET ME SPEAK AT ALL. IT TOOK ME SEVERAL YEARS TO SAVE THIS MONEY TO BUY THIS CAR BUT THE DEALER HAS REALLY DECEIVED ME BY GIVING A FAULTY CAR. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS CAR DID NOT UNDERGO FOR ANY KIND OF SAFETY INSPECTION AS LONG AS IT WAS SITTING IN HIS SHOWROOM AND I AM VERY AFRAID OF DRIVING NOW.
NHTSA complaint #10000876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,581 milesAudubon, PACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:CONTROLS:FOOT CONTROL/VALVE
I NOTIFIED THE FIRST INCIDENT TO THE DEALER ABOUT ITS SPEED SENSOR, OVER THE PHONE, WHICH BLEW AWAY JUST AFTER THE TWO WEEKS OF BUYING THIS CAR FROM HIS SHOWROOM. LAST MONTH, THE BREAK WENT BAD AND WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY, I HAD TO END UP REPLACING THE ROTOR AND COMPLETE BRAKE SET, PAYING AROUND $300 FROM MY POCKET, FROM A MIDAS IN PENNSYLVANIA. THE THIRD INCIDENT WAS MOST DANGEROUS, AND DON'T KNOW HOW I SAVED THE LIFE OF MY TWO LITTLE KIDS INCLUDING THE ONE WITH 11MONTHS INFANT BABY, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BLEW AWAY WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY AND LOST CONTROL ON THE DOWNHILL, IN THE CITY OF NORRISTOWN, SINCE ITS BREAK AND THE ENTIRE SYSTEM WENT OFF DUE TO THE FAILURE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND I EVENTUALLY TOOK A GREAT RISK OF PULLING THE CAR ALL BE MYSELF ON THE SIDEWALK AND SOMEHOW PROTECTED EACH OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS. THIS CAR IS PROVEN TO BE VERY UNSAFE AND DOES NOT WORTH THE LIFE OF MY KIDS AND MY FAMILY. I SINCERELY REQUEST TO HELP ME HAVE MY MONEY BACK AT THE EARLIEST. THE DEALER IS VERY RUDE AND ROUGH OVER THE PHONE AND DOES NOT LET ME SPEAK AT ALL. IT TOOK ME SEVERAL YEARS TO SAVE THIS MONEY TO BUY THIS CAR BUT THE DEALER HAS REALLY DECEIVED ME BY GIVING A FAULTY CAR. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS CAR DID NOT UNDERGO FOR ANY KIND OF SAFETY INSPECTION AS LONG AS IT WAS SITTING IN HIS SHOWROOM AND I AM VERY AFRAID OF DRIVING NOW.
NHTSA complaint #10000876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,800 milesFraser, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE, THE ROTORS HAVE HOLES IN THEM CAUSING VEHICLE TO HAVE EXTEND STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS CONSUMER HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASE. AFTER HAVING THE ROTORS REPAIRED, THE VEHICLE STOPS AT A MUCH SHORTER DISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #8022367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Three River, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AND NO WARNING THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER BEGAN LEAKING FLUID CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. NLMJLG
NHTSA complaint #8020136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bronx, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
WHEN PASSING THROUGH A CHANNEL OF WATER GOING IN A DIRECTION SERPENTINE BELT CAME OFF. OWNER HAD TO FORCE WHEEL TO KEEP FROM COLLIDING WITH A FENCE. ALSO, BRAKES BECAME INOPERATIVE ONCE WATER HAD SETTLED IN. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #8016630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Howe, IN
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE
BOTH PARKING BRAKE CABLES DISCONNECTED, LEAVING VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY PARKING BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #8013764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manchester, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH BRAKES LOCKED UP AND VEHICLE STARTED TO PULL TO RIGHT.CONSUMER FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #8004552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Buffalo, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKE ROTORS ARE WARPED, AND SEATBELT RETRACTOR WILL NOT RELEASE.
NHTSA complaint #8003754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dansville, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
ROTORS BECAME NOISY AND VIBRATED, NEW PADS AND ROTORS INSTALLED TWICE.
NHTSA complaint #9004961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MDCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #751446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake City, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHENEVER TRYING TO PUT VEHICLE INTO GEAR VEHICLE WILL, WITHOUT NOTICE, ACCELERATE EVEN WHILE CONUSMER HAS FOOT ON THE BRAKE. AK INTERLOCK SYSTEM WAS NEVER INSTALLED ON VEHICLE, CONSUMER STATES HE CAN MOVE THE GEAR LEVER AT ANY TIME. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #890013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WITH NO WARNING AND IN NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP WHILE APPLYING BRAKING PRESSURE. BRAKING FAILURE OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING AND ONLY ALLOWS FOR ABOUT A 20% BRAKING FUNCTION EVEN WHEN APPLYING FULL PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. NO CODES ARE STORED (AS PER THE DEALER) AND AFTER AN INCIDENT, THE BRAKE WILL FUNCTION NORMALLY. DEALER HAS LOOKED THE THE BRAKE SYSTEM TWICE AND CLAIMS THERE IS NO PROBLEM. HOWEVER THE LOSS OF BRAKING FUNCTION OCCURS RANDOMLY. DEALER REFUSES TO REPLACE ANY PARTS BECAUSE NO CODES HAVE BEEN SAVED IN THE COMPUTER.
NHTSA complaint #745047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.