Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The gear shift indicator and the emerg. Brake failed on a hill. Accident was reported to the waltham police ept. In waltham, ma incident took plce on 07/27/2001. There were no people in either vehicle. A dog with idiopathic epilepsy was in the back of the Caravan. The vehicle had been repaired for this defect at brookfielfd motos in brookfield , ma on 07/23/2001. The vehicle was towed to brookfield motos on 07/21/2001 for the airbag light being on and for the problem with the gearshift indicator. The van rolled unattended except for a dog in the very back of the vehicle down a hill into a parked vehicle. It was towed to peter fuller Dodge where the service mgr. Kristin callan said that there were no problems.in addition to the body damage to both vehicles,the insurance agent estmates a surcharge of 900$ per year to me for both vehicles in the state of ma. …
Dt*: the contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle transmission began to slip. There was a squealing noise coming from the rear passenger side wheel. The vehicle has not been inspected by a mechanic.
While driving noticed a problem, slowed down to approximately 3 MPH, coasted into a driveway, pushed on brakes, and heard a grinding noise. While foot on pedal noticed a popping noise. Couldn't push the pedal any further. Resistance come back while trying to put the brakes on. Got to repair shop, and both tire rods were off, back and front brakes were gone. There was no warning before the incident occurred.
When going down steep grades consumer puts vehicle in 2nd gear, and vehicle will stall. Found information on internet regarding this problem. Throttle plate carbons up, and causes engine to stall. Also, went to dealer who could not remedy problem. The vehicle stalled three times on steep mountain road and the driver lost steering control and the brakes failed too.
Brakes over heat, rotors on front wheels crack and break. Cost of repair/replacement is $200 to 450. Rear window has shattered 3 times when the weather is hot, and car siting in sun. You get in and close (not slam) the door and the window just shatters in to tiny pieces. Cost of replacement $795. These seem to be design defects. Many people seem to have my problem.
Intermittent problem with parking brake, releases without warning and sometimes not stay set. Problem appears to be ratchet assembly, the primary linkage going from the parking brake release handle. The brake pedal ratchet is not bent and is properly adjusted.
The anti-lock brake system light illuminated when the brake pedal was pressed, and the pedal traveled all the way to the floor. The consumer was told the ABS pump was constantly in motion, affecting the control of braking.
Re: doors and latches problem. Can document visit to dealer 3/26/96 although problem started earlier. They aligned doors which were sagging but wouldn't look at locks. Yesterday, 11/29/99 the lock on the drivers door failed completely. I had to drive home holding the door. When I took it to the body shop, the guy said, without even looking at it, what was wrong. The doors sag, a plastic casing in the lock wears down and binds the tumblers and the screws holding the lock/latch in fall out. He says he sees this 2-3 times a week on caravans but Chrysler won't do anything about it. The pass. Side door latch will have to be replaced altogether. He couldn't understand why it was working at all given its condition. It will cost me 375-400 to fix both doors. The latches are $100 a piece, and the guy said they would fail again given their construction. …
ABS brakes; on (2) occasions ABS failed to engage, not activating. Truck involved in (2) accidents. Dealer unable to determine once hooked to computer.
In dry weather applied the brakes and failed, ABS system came on and disengaged mechanical brakes, rearended car in front .
Brake complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Dodge Caravan, 13% of the model year's 489 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (26 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Dodge Caravan brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1995 Dodge Caravan, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Dodge Caravan brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 126,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.