Vehicle: 2008 dodge grand caravan, in use for 20 months, 17000 miles. uneven brake pad wear. i believe this is a significant safety problem rather than a routine maintenance issue is based on what could have happened and what did happen. here are my observations and experiences (1) if the malfunctioning rear wheel brake calipers are unexpectedly locking up the wheel the operation of the antilock brake system (abs) and electronic stability program (esp) safety systems will be compromised since the control computers cannot fully unlock the rear wheels on slippery roads; (2) the rotational drag from locking rear wheels caused the vehicle to exhibit very poor starting traction and control on snow and a strong propensity to get stuck especially if the rear wheels were on a less slippery surface than the front wheels, it was not possible to 'rock' or push the vehicle free, turning off the esp as recommended in the operators manual for stuck situations did not help to free the vehicle; (3) the dragging rotor could overheat, reduce braking performance and cause unanticipated damage to brake system components, my rear brake components show signs of what looks to me to be excessive heating; (4) the failure occurred about 5 months and 5000 miles after factory service inspected the brake system and did not find any problems or excessive wear, this is well under chrysler's 12 month or 12,000 mile inspection interval recommendation for brakes, this is also under my more stringent 6 month tire rotation and brake inspection interval; (5) none of the onboard diagnostics for the abs or esp indicated a problem with the systems, no audible warning chirping devices sounded, the grinding noise of the irreparably damaged rotor and caliper on the left rear wheel was the first indication of brake system failure. i am trying to get chrysler to inspect and repair this safety defect under warranty outside of the standard 12 month 12000 mile brake warranty. *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. while driving at approximately 20 mph, the contact heard a loud rubbing and knocking sound from the front passenger side when he depressed the brakes. the vehicle was taken to the dealership for possible repair. the vehicle identification number was not available at the time of the complaint. the current and failure mileages were approximately 20,000.
Front brakes requied replacement in july 09 (16,613 m) and again in mar 10 (25,097m); rear brakes were also replaced in mar 10. this is definately premature. if not taking the van for dealer service & inspection at least twice a year, this condition would be an accident waiting to happen. my driving hasn't changed for over 40 years and i never previously had to replace brakes befor approximately 24-30k miles. verry satisfied with dealer - bettenhausen dodge, tinley park, il.
I have 44,000 miles on vehicle and on 3rd set of front brakes with new rotors. rotors were turned and brakes replaced at 26,000 miles as well. this seems excessive and repair tech suggested i investigate recalls/complaints on this, of which there seem to be over 100. *tr
1.) standard driving city and highway noticed squealing couple days ago 2.) at 22,000 mile our van has no pad and rotor is defective on passenger side, and driver side brakes pads are worn but rotor showing signs of wear. 3.) will have to replace the brakes. *tr
I noticed a loud grinding from the passenger side front wheel when applying the brakes. car was inspected at dealer and found to have completely worn out brakes and damaged rotors as a result of metal to metal contact. repair costs are $230. dealer states this is not covered by warranty even though it is premature brake and rotor wear. vehicle is only 14 months old with 16,000 miles. *tr
Premature brake failure and required replacement at 22,000 miles on new 2008 dodge grand caravan. *tr
The brakes on this vehicle are wearing out rapidly. the front brakes and rotors had to be changed at 13,000 miles. when the service was done it was noted that the front left rotor was grooved and was replaced along with the brake pads. the right front rotor was not changed. it was also noted the front end allignment was pulling to the right. the dealer rotated the tires and noted tire wear was the problem. the vehicle had 17144 miles and the allignment was still pulling. the dealer checked and stated the front end was set at manufacturers specs. the vehicle had 23,922 miles and the front brakes were sqeaking and grinding again. the dealer changed the front rotors and brake pads. the vehicle had 28,343 miles and the front end was sqeaking and shuddering when braking at any speeds. the dealer checked the alignment and reset the toe. by this time the tires on the vehicle were completely worn below 3/32 tread depth. the dealer stated this was the cause of the alignment problem. the dealer changed the front rotors and brakes due to them being grooved and warped. the dealer was told the noise sounded as though it was coming from the rear brakes. the dealer told me the rear brakes and rotors were warped and the pads were severely worn and should be replaced. the rear brakes were not even inspected at any time when the front brakes were completely ground down to metal. the dealer could only tell me the rear brakes were no longer under the warranty. please help!!! *tt
2008 dodge grand caravan brakes wear out prematurely. we purchased this vehicle new. at 26,000 miles our vehicle requires new brakes and rotors. *tr
I received a letter from chrysler/dodge llc, informing me about a defect in the brake components of my 2008 dodge caravan. in the letter it states that i am responsible for getting my own brakes replace because my warranty have expired. the brakes pads have been replaced twice within the last six months and i have been told by a local dodge dealer the rotors need to be replace and i've only had the car 1 year and 7 months. i have called chrysler/dodge llc repeatedly only to receive extremely bad customer service. i don't feel like i should have to pay for their mistake. *tr
I have a 2008 dodge grand caravan and the front brakes are wearing out in 14000 - 18000 miles. there must be a problem with the calipers. i have been in contact with chrysler but they are not willing to find a solution or investigate the problem. most brakes last atleast 30,000 - 40,000 miles and when you hear a noise you think something got caught in your brakes but that's not the case. waldorf dodge service has had numerous complaints but said chrysler won't allow them to do anything. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge caravan. the contact noticed a loud noise coming from the rear end of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the rear brakes, rotors and pads were replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the current mileage was 29,550. the approximate failure mileage was 20,500. udated 8/29/11 *cn updated 09/21/11
High pitch sound turned out to be brake pads need replaced. service man is surprised that the pads are worn out with only 21k miles on the van. rear rotors also rusting bad. i found out that this is a common complaint. chrysler dodge should upgrade the brakes so the pads will not wear out fast. the pads are also very expensive compared to other vehicles. are they going to wait until an accident happens before the brake is fixed? *tr
2008 dodge caravan brakes are defective or under engineered. had to replace front brakes and rotors @ 22k miles and am now having to replace front and rear @ 35k miles. very nervous as to stopping ability now. *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. the contact noticed that there was excessive brake wear within a few months after the vehicle was purchased. he took the vehicle to the dealer for excessive oil consumption and was informed by the dealer that both the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. the vehicle was being repaired when the complaint was filed. the manufacturer stated that there was nothing they could do to assist him. the current and failure mileages were 14,369.
Premature wear of brakes and rotors. original front-end oem brakes and rotors needed replacement before the vehicle even reached the 20,000 mile mark. saw this same problem reported by many, many owners of same model/year van. others have stated when dealership replaces rotors/brakes, the new brakes/rotors wear just as fast. this seems to be a dangerous situation because new owners are not expecting brake problems so soon, and thus may overlook squeals from brakes as being caused by brake dust, or glazing, not realizing their brakes/rotors are completely worn and in need of immediate replacement (like i did). i do have the brakes/rotors that were replaced, i asked to have them returned to me from the dealership when they were replaced with new parts. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. while braking, the contact noticed a grinding noise coming from the front of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the front brake pads and rotors were replaced. after the repairs were performed the failure occurred a second time. the contact heard a grinding noise and noticed a burning smell. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the front brake pads and rotors were replaced a second time. the failure occurred a third time. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the rear brake pads and rotors were replaced. the approximate failure mileage was 19,000.
The brakes on 2008 dodge grand caravans are a joke, after 17,00 miles and several trips to the dealership with concerns about squeaking brakes, they say the van needs all new pads and rotors! after 17000 miles!!! *tr
Getting ready to replace the brakes on my 2008 dodge caravan vehicle for a second time. i have 52,000 miles and now the brakes and rotors need replaced. i understand chrysler is well aware of the problem and that they know the brakes are not adequate enough for this vehicle. i would like an investigation to be done because i think this could become a serious problem due to the brakes not being adequate enough for this size of vehicle. *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. while driving approximately 35 mph, she heard a loud grinding noise coming from the passenger side whenever the brake pedal was engaged. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that noise was metal to metal and the brake pads were completely worn out. the rotors had to be replaced. the repair cost was $356.56 at the owner expense. the vehicle has low mileage and believes that it is to soon to have them replaced. the failure mileage was 17484 and the current mileage was 17520.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. the contact stated that all four brakes and rotors were worn and needed to be replaced. the contact was concerned since the brakes began wearing with such low miles on the vehicle. the dealer informed the contact that the brake warranty was one year or 12,000 miles and that the manufacturer agreed to pay half of the repair costs. the dealer did not inform the contact why. the contact is aware of related failures for his year make and model vehicle. the current the failure mileages were 25,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. while driving 30 mph she heard a grinding noise during brake application. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for maintenance, the rotors and brake pads were replaced at an expense of $357.10. the failure and current mileages were 17331.
I have a 2008 dodge caravan ant the brake pads went out at 14756 with no warning. it was christmas eve my wife was nine months pregnant and i have 2 small children. there was no warning then suddenly the brakes were metal to metal and no parts store open we were stranded. they would not tow it under warranty. so i had to wait for a tow on christmas eve. dealer said not under warranty not our problem i was lucky to get 14,000 out of them that's pathetic. thanks chrysler...... last one i ever buy.. *tr
I own a 2008 dodge caravan. it has 16,234 miles on it. i took it in to be serviced for its first major service appointment. the mechanic at the dealership came out to talk to me and said that the pads, shoes and rotors were near failure. he also stated that the car was unsafe to drive in that condition. this was a dodge dealership and i assume that they know their product. i was concerned about the failure so i looked into it and found that this was a fairly common problem for owners of this car. *tr
Squeaking brakes at 18,000 miles. need my rotors turned and new pads. i was appalled!! there has to be something said when there are so many people complaining about the life of these brakes. called chrysler and got the "12 mos. or 12k, i'm sorry" i'm not buying it!! imagine how many people do not realize this is not normal. i would like to see chrysler build or buy a better quality product that will last at least 36,000. i paid alot of money for my new van so i would not have to worry about this kind of nonsense so soon. please, i plead with everyone who has this same complaint to take it as far as you can. don't let the "customer service" at chrysler just tell you nothing can be done, take it as far as you can. there is strength in numbers people, this is america. we can build a car that lasts 100,000 miles without an oil change, but rotors and pads only last 13k to 20 k, that's just bologna and we all know it!! *tr
Brakes needing replacement under 20,000 miles on a new vehicle less than 2 yrs old. this is a common & costly problem to have on this vehicle designed to transport families. there is a problem with the brakes that dodge/chrysler needs to address asap and issue a recall. *tr
I have a 2008 dodge grand caravan that has had repeated brake issues. the brakes wear out constantly, warping the rotors. today, on the freeway, the brakes binded and it smelled like we were having an electrical fire until we realized it was our brakes smoking. the vehicle has 26k miles on it and the brakes have been replaced 3 times. we replaced the brake pads ourselves at about 12k miles after hearing a loud grinding sound and the van shuddering enough to shake your hand back and forth on the steering wheel when stopping at low speeds. it seemed to work for a week or two but the problems quickly returned. we then decided to have the rotors turned to see if this would fix the problem. it seemed to fix the problem again for a very short while. we then purchased and installed brand new rotors which again fixed the problem for a short while. seeing as we had failed to fix the problem, we decided to take it to the dealership and have them fix our brakes. they of course said that the brakes were no longer under warranty but as a goodwill gesture they would repair the brakes for $50. they turned our front rotors again, stating that the shuddering was because the rotors were warped, again. as i drove away that day the van did the same shuddering. i immediately called the dealership and they stated that the back rotors were also warped and would need to be replaced. they did that and everything seemed fairly okay for a couple of weeks and then the grinding noise slowly came back and the shuddering has returned. it has only been 3 months since the whole brake system had been repaired! i hear a tsb has already been issued on the brake problems on this model with numerous consumer complaints. i will be taking the van to the dealer tomorrow to see what they say. *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. during a routine inspection the technician noticed that the inside of the rear brakes were completely worn and that the outside brakes look brand new. a local mechanic stated that he has no idea what may have caused the brakes to wear on the inside and confirmed that the contact needed to replace the rear brakes. the contact is concerned of this usual safety issue and that a crash could occur. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 43,200.
2008 dodge grand caravan brake problems that are costing a fortune to repair. constantly having to replace brake pads, rotors and now calipers on a van with 67,000 miles on it. everytime i take my van in for service, i am told that the brakes have to be repaired immediately because the vehicle isn't safe to drive. i have three small children and safety is my number one concern, but i can not afford to keep putting money into this vehicle that is less than 2 years old. the first brake repair work that had to be done was when the vehicle only had 21,233 miles on it. since then, we are putting hundreds of dollars into brakes every couple of months. *tr
I own a 2008 grand caravan sxt. i replaced the front brakes and left rotor on my van at 21,000 miles. well, it is 44,000 miles and i need front brakes and a left rotor replaced again. i am learning that others are having the same problem. i was told by the dealer service manager that it was my driving wearing out the brakes. *tr
2008 dodge caravan...at last three oil changes have asked service staff to investigate ultra squeaky brakes (18k, 22k, 26k miles). unable to determine source of extreme squeaking. pads are 1/2 way gone on front and slightly more than that on rear. no way should this low mileage have brakes that are so worn and so squeaky. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. the contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, she depressed the brake pedal and heard a grinding noise. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostics, where the technicians stated that the front and rear brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. the failure occurred a second time approximately 20,000 miles after the repairs were performed. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the technician stated that the front and rear brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced again. the vehicle was repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 34,000.
2008 dodge grand caravan front brake pad and rotor replacement at 25k. first time i've owned a "new" vehicle needing front pad replacement so soon, despite light town driving. *tr
I have had to replace the front brakes on my 2008 grand caravan three times since purchasing it in 2009. in addition the rear brakes have been replaced twice. the first time the front brakes were replaced was in october 2009 at 27,933, then 12/31/2010 at 58,000 and now at 74,500 we are replacing them again. the rears were replaced on 10/29/2009 at 28,653 and now at 74,500. understand that dodge knows there is a problem because i received a letter in 2010 saying they would pay a percentage of the replacement cost for the front brakes depending on the mileage of the vehicle. however besides repaying for some of the costs incurred for the first replacement nothing else was done because the problem keeps occurring ever 30,000 miles or less. *kb
My brakes and rotors (front and rear) needed replacement on my 2008 dodge grand caravan sxt after only 16000 miles. this is less than half the usual expected lifetime of brakes. dealer will not cover because it was over 12k miles. dealer says 2008 and 2009 vans are heavier than earlier models, but they still use the same old brake system from earlier models. this doesn't sound safe or fair to me. *tr
25,000 miles on our 18 month old grand caravan and the brakes and rotors are shot. no warning, no grinding, squeaking, nothing. i am reading hundreds of reports of people with the same problem. this sounds like a recall in the making. chrysler is aware of the issue tsb# 05-006-08 but chooses to do nothing. *tr
Front and rear disc brakes after 22,000+ miles wear the semi-metallic pads to "dust," breaking-up and going metal-to-metal damaging the disc rotors. initial quote from walt's, a local chain of repair outlets is $978.00. *tr
2008 grand caravan has been having brake noise for a while, dealer said they could find nothing. when rear brakes became metal to metal they replaced rear pads and rotors and told me fronts were fine. upon leaving the fronts were still dragging, the next day i returned with a service bulletin saying they are to replace all pads and rotors so i feel chrysler is trying to hide a major brake issue. *tr
Brakes, transmission, doors. *tr
Brake light flashed a few times. within one week of light sporadically flashing the brakes started to grind, metal to metal. the van is only 14months old with 10,000 miles. out of warranty because of time length (missed by only two months). chrysler would not fix so had to repair at own expense. brake pads replaced and rotors turned. researched on-line and this is a very common complaint/problem on this make/model and year. *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. the contact stated that on august 18, 2009 while driving approximately 45 mph someone advised him that his wheel was smoking. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who confirmed that both rear calipers were locked the dealer replaced calipers, rotors, and rear brake pads at 14,768 miles. on october 25, 2010 while driving he smelled smoke again. the vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the right rear caliper was frozen, the left rear caliper was sticking and the brake pads were overheated and cracked. the rear calipers, and brake pads were replaced at 29,979 miles. the manufacturer provided a rental vehicle when the first failure occurred. the failure mileage was 14,768. the current mileage was 29,979. updated 01/18/11 *bf updated 1/19/2010 *cn updated 03/31/11 according to the invoice, the rear calipers were not releasing properly and the rear rotors were discolored. updated 06/01/11
Brakes started grinding and squealing loudly when coming to a stop. van had less than 20,000 miles however when i had the service technician look at it, i was lucky i hadn't lost brakes altogether. i had to purchase new brakes and new rotors as the ones that came from the factory were so worn down that it wouldn't even help to simply turn them. this is outrageous and yet another problem i have had with this van since i bought it. all of the issues i have encountered are very unsafe and i am thankful that so far i haven't had my children with me during these episodes. i believe chrysler should be reimbursing all owners for the cost of the brakes and rotors as the ones that were from the factory are quite obviously faulty and defective. *tr
I purchased a 2008 dodge grand caravan sxt used from a fleet service with approx 28k miles on it. i went to check the tires and brakes myself, and have discovered the brakes and rotors need replacing. the problem is, no metal is touching the rotors, yet they are wore on the outside edge down to the minimum thickness of 26.4 mm. the parts dealer won't turn them, so new ones have to be installed. this seems to be a premature wearing issue. *tr
I have a 2008 dodge grand caravan that has needed brakes and rotors two times in 19000 miles. i feel this is way to short a time period. *tr
Brakes had to be replaced and rotors cut at 12,832 miles. vehicle started shaking while braking and brakes are spongy. i took it to the dealer with 16,762 miles on it. they told me the rotor needed to be replaced. they tell me this is due to heating from the brakes. *tr
Brake problems,brake calibers freezing to rotors, replaced brakes at 31,000 miles on 2008 dodge caravan have to pump brake pedal to get calibers to release, at 36,000 miles needed new pads, brakes still sticking to rotors at 47,000 miles. *tr
Bad or inferior brake systems for 2008 caravan. at 13,788 miles it began squealing (kind of like a squeaking hamster wheel) in front (left) but sometimes the right front. took car several times, they finally verified it there was a noise at 21,000 miles and could not find it but recommended pads and rotors although the fronts were just getting to the point where they needed replacement. replaced pads and rotors, kept squealing took car about 6 times to midas and a few more times to chrysler. now the right front or right rear? passenger side is grinding at 30k miles. we're afraid it is the drum. this began and has been off and on for about 2 weeks (today's date is 3/17/10. i have never had problems like this before with brakes. the minivans i bought in 1993 lasted 63k until i needed new pads and one i purchased later and at 43k when i turned in one in 2000 there were still no issues. *tr
Dodge grand caravan sxt 2008. brake pads and rotors completely worn out at less than 14000 miles. cost me close to $400.00 to correct the problem. bought the vehicle new. if anyone is interested i will be keeping the parts that have worn out. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. the contact stated that while driving 35 mph, he heard a squeaking coming from the brakes. the vehicle was maneuvered to the shoulder and stopped. the contact noticed that both rear brakes were smoking. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the rotors were replaced. the failure recurred twice. the contact also stated that on one occasion, the brakes unexpectedly engaged while driving 60 mph. the manufacturer was made aware of the failures, but offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 10,000.
Noise started at 13,188 miles with 2008 caravan. told to fix front brakes, i did. still a noise. at 30k miles they finally found that 1 rear brake caliper was sticking the other was frozen. i believe this led to excessive wear. the rear brakes are also a problem on this car. *tr