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 1998 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was backing out of a parking space in 2012, when the brakes completely failed, I had to put my vehicle into gear in order for it to stop. Even though I was only going 5 MPH or less, I was on a downhill slope. There wasn't an accident nor any damage, so I don't have that to report. The van was taken to towbin Dodge in henderson, nv that weekend I believe and I was told that the recall defect had been fixed. However, the horn, airbag light and ABS still do not work. My VIN #[redacted], my question is this. If the recall problem is still defective even though it's been repaired, what am I supposed to do?
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that when driving on wet roads, the power brakes and steering failed. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the pulley needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Consumer's vehicle brake pedal will not reach the floor, and the brakes have just failed. The consumer backed out of the garage, and brakes failed , resulting in a crash...had vehicle towed to dealer, who stated that front disc brakes failed. Consumer paid $160.oo to replace brakes.
Consumer states left front side of vehicle appears to be lower than the right and the brakes wear down only on the front left side, vehicle skidded when brakes were being applied which caused an accident consumer was advised front caliper, rotor and brake pads were needed because they were worn, dealership advised consumer they could not explain why vehicle was skidding, consumer is having to replace the rotor, caliper and brake only on front side every 8000 miles, consumer was advised by delearship that this type of vehicle is known to have problems with the brakes and would probably have to be replaced every six months. Key would not turn in ignition, dealer attempted to remove cylinder and it broke, dealer replaced. Tape dragged in the tape player, dealer replaced. At times when starting vehicle, there is no radio, lights, or horn, dealer could not find any problems. …
I have to change my front brake pads about every other month due to the brakes get to hot and usually the front driver side brake pad just falls off with no warning at all. I have taken this problem in to the dealer and was told that my calipers had to be replaced. I was very happy that it was still covered under the warranty. The dealer had my vehicle for about a week. When I got my van back it was fine for about 5 months, and then the problem started happening again. Now I am stuck with a vehicle that is costing a fortune to keep up the brake pad maintenance. I consider the brakes on a vehicle a lifeline and am surprised that this problem has not been recalled. Every person I know that owns a Dodge Caravan has the same complaint. I bought my van 01/01/00.
Transmission ------------ sudden failure of all forward and reverse gears. Key off-on brings back forward drive for about 100 yards then fails again. No reverse gear at all. Computer diagnostic indicates 3 transmission errors related to shifting. Sensors look OK. Shop had to rebuild transmission at a cost of over $2,000. Brakes ------ extremely excessive wear of front brake pads. Must be replaced at least once a year now. First time it occurred it destroyed one brake rotor -- had to replace that. Now, at the first sign of brake squeal I must check and replace the pads as they are close to wearing out. Generally get less than 15,000 miles per set.
1998 Dodge Caravan: (1.)twice in the past two years "flex plate" between the engine and transmission has failed breaking in the center imitating the sound of a failing main bearing. Under 100,000 miles. (2.) transmission failed 100,000 mi., (3.)wiring harness caught fire while engine running - destroyed harness. (sparks shooting out from beneath vehicle - fire extinguished before major damage @ 110,000 miles. ,000 mi. ( 4.) headlight lens plastic turned milky and inhibits proper light projection - difficult to see well at night even when lights are on bright.
Dt: the contact state that 1998 Dodge Caravan was having an intermittent problem with starting and stopping. The problem occurred on and off for about two years. The vehicle has been to the dealership, they have seen the problem, but could not duplicate it. Also, the vehicle has been to an independent repair shop, and they could not fix the problem either. The vehicle only did this when the contact attempted to start it. This happened every day. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer four or five times. Updated 11/29/2005 -
I was slowing down toward a traffic light and about 35-MPH the ABS light came on. The car brakes went almost to the floor could not stop. Consequently I could not avoid a collision. The dealer said that the air bag did not open because the vehicle impact was inches just above the left side of the bumper, to my surprise. I thought I was buying a safe vehicle for my family. Since the vehicle was new the light came on one time or another, the deler could not find the problem but it was there and nothing was fix.
When on a exit ramp going downhill, brake pedal went clear to floor, no slowing. Car totaled trying to slow down by hitting guard rail and dump truck. Safety check by auto shop said failed master cyclinder. Two other drivers drove car that day without noticing any brake problems. No forwarning such as squeaky or grating sound on braking or squishy braking before. Since then have heard of two other Caravan owners with failed master cyclinder without any forwarning. Very dangerous.
Brake complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 48 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Dodge Caravan, 8% of the model year's 629 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Dodge Caravan brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Dodge Caravan, though it has 5 recalls 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 1998 Dodge Caravan brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 2 fires and 4 injuries and 1 death 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.