Problems with 1999 Dodge Caravan 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. *tt

Brake lines rusted out. *tr

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. *nm

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. *jb

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.

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 *tt

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.*ak

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.*ak

Rear brake system failed prematurely, causing extended stopping distance. dealership was unable to resolve the problem. *ak

When the brakes were applied, the pedal traveled to the floor, which caused the vehicle to experience extended stopping distance. *jb

The rotors corroded, which caused extended stopping distance.*jb

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. *jg

Consumer states while driving and no warning the master brake cylinder began leaking fluid causing extended stopping distance. dealer notified. nlmjlg

While driving at 35 mph brakes locked up and vehicle started to pull to right.consumer found it difficult to control vehicle. contacted dealer.*ak

Brake rotors are warped, and seatbelt retractor will not release. *ak

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

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. *ak

Front rotors were warping due to excessive wear, and causing problem with braking properly or delayed stopping. dealer notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under a manufacturer's recall, and vehicle wasout of its warranty. any repairs would be at consumer's cost. feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak

While stopping at a red light the brakes failed, the vehicle proceeded through the red light and struck another vehicle, driver sustained left leg injuries and the driver of the other vehicle sustained collar bone injuries. nlm

Brakes do not work properly; brakes at first were jumping, then brakes were wearing out. contacted dealer, and dealer has changed brake pads. but, problem still occurs. *ak

Front brake rotors have rusted through, causing the brakes to fail. rotors have been replaced. *ak rear brake drums also are rusting. the rust that is dislodged is fouling the self-adjuster mechanisms, and manual adjustment of the rear brakes is peridically needed. *yh

Vechicle purchased in feb. of 1999, rotors & pads were changed in aug 1999, 21000 miles later both rotors & pads need to be changed again.*ak

Front brakes are wearing excessively. also, rear brakes are not adjusted properly. dealer / manufacturer notified. feel free to provide further details. *ak

Pedal went to floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. dealer replaced master cylinder and calipers. however, problem was not resolved. *ak

While consumer was in for other services, was advised by technician that vehicle had a defective tire, consumer is now requesting reimbursement for the tire. *jb

Noise present from front brakes, found that left front caliper was dragging and ruined brake pad and rotor. they replaced caliper, rotor, and front brake pads. second complaint in nov. 99 heard growling noise coming from brakes, took it to dodge said all was fine. in february i had to take van back to dodge because brakes were making noise, they replaced brakes and resurfaced rotors. said we had to get them checked every 9,000 miles. this replacement was done on feb 3, 00. today march 2, i have a noise coming from the brakes while driving slowly. will stop by dodge tomorrow 3/4. *ak

Vehicle was involved in a rear end accident due to brake failure. when brakes were applied, vehicle continued to move. also, brake pedal was hard. can nhtsa help in this matter. *ak

Brakes shutter and vibrate. consumer has to put foot almost to the floor to stop the vehicle, took to dealer and they replaced rotors and pads. they have been replaced 3 different times. currently, rotors need to be replaced again. vehicle had been in 6 times for brakes. *ak

Consumer states that engine makes loud noise and it idles erratically, vehicle has stalled while travelling 60 mph, on one occasion, dealer found that a piston had failed, however problem still exist. brakes squealed, dealer cleaned and sanded pads and rotors. vehicle shook at speeds above 70 mph, dealer balanced and rotated tires. consumer smelled strong odors through the ventilation system. passenger side sliding door inoperable. alternator belt came apart. accelerator rattles. vehicle experiences deceleration. carpet buckles. *slc

Took vehicle 5 times to dealer . when applying brakes at 55-60 mph they pulsate, braking distance normal. *ak

Consumer was traveling 60- 70mph and vehicle started shimmying when brakes were applied. dealer changed rotors/shaved/ rotor/ change pads, and aligned vehicle. all 4 things were done to rectify problem, no remedy.*ak

From the time that we purchased this vehicle, we have had an on-going problem with the brakes. when we are at a speed of greater than 60mph and begin braking, we have a vibration in the front end. it is afffecting the handling of the vehicle. the first time it was taken to the dealer on 4-20-99-they resurfaced the rotors. on 5-19-99, it went in for the same problem-they replaced the rotors. on 6-15-99, it went in for the same problem-they replaced the rotors, balanced and rotated the tires. on 7-20-99, it went in for the same problem, this time they resurfaced the rotors. as we drove this vehicle home, we discovered that the vehicle still has a vibration in the front end when braking. the service tech that we have dealt with tell us there is nothing wrong with the front end.

While backing vehicle up, right rear brakes locked up. black streaks on driveway (1/5/99). emergency brakes were not used. had contacted dealer (1/20/99), pickard dodge 530 e. cumberland pathway corbin ky 40701). wanted old car back, was charging $8,900. *ak