132 of the
1,860 complaints about the 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan are about the
braking system — 7% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
120,000 miles.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO AVOID A CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED AND FLUID WAS LEAKING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 3/31/15
NHTSA complaint #10691638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,852 milesMachefeny Park, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT ADDED BRAKE FLUID TO THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE STRUT TOWER WAS RUSTED AND THE WHEEL CYLINDER HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND TOLD THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,852.
NHTSA complaint #10459460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesKingsport, TN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
NHTSA complaint #10207752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 194,000 milesDafter, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10149939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,351 milesShawnee Mission, KS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
NHTSA complaint #10089445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLewistown, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
NHTSA complaint #10070396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesSaint Paul, MN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE
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 .
NHTSA complaint #10060951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winchendon, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10008830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Osseo, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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
NHTSA complaint #567054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homestead, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES FAILED AND WAS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #567168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stafford, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS
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.
NHTSA complaint #8012783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stafford, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #8012786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whittier, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
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
NHTSA complaint #562605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #562605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #759041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mammoth Lakes, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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.
NHTSA complaint #8004524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beleview, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
INTERMITTENTLY ABS LIGHT WILL STAY ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. DELAER HAS NOT BENE ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8001971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whittier, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
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
NHTSA complaint #562605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #562605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Martinez, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
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.
NHTSA complaint #752942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Dend, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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.
NHTSA complaint #894488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Dend, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
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.
NHTSA complaint #894488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brandon, VT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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.
NHTSA complaint #750031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brandon, VT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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.
NHTSA complaint #750031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vienna, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
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.
NHTSA complaint #749466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valrico, FL
PARKING BRAKE
PARKING BRAKE FAILED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #561413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valrico, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
REAR BRAKES MADE GRINDING NOISES. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #561413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
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.
NHTSA complaint #888015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marina, CA
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.
NHTSA complaint #887945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawrenceburg, KY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #744449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.