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 1999 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I notified the first incident to the dealer about its speed sensor, over the phone, which blew away just after the two weeks of buying this car from his showroom. Last month, the break went bad and were not covered under the warranty, I had to end up replacing the rotor and complete brake set, paying around $300 from my pocket, from a midas in pennsylvania. The third incident was most dangerous, and don't know how I saved the life of my two little kids including the one with 11months infant baby, the automatic transmission blew away while driving normally and lost control on the downhill, in the city of norristown, since its break and the entire system went off due to the failure of automatic transmission and I eventually took a great risk of pulling the car all be myself on the sidewalk and somehow protected each of my family members. …
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rear brake lines rusted and burst where the stainless steel braided lines are welded to the regular steel lines are connected, causing brake fluid to disperse and loose pressure and complete failure of brakes. This is very dangerous and could lead to a fatal accident. Thank god my 70 year old mother who owns the van was not driving it.
Vehicle experienced an electrical defect. While raining interior lights failed. Also, there was a brake problem. While traveling 30-35 MPH brakes were applied, pedal went straight to the floor, and vehicle hit another vehicle in front. Insurance co. Had vehicle towed so that they could inspect the defect.
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.
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. The parts to replace the brake lines were not available when the vehicle was taken to the dealer.
Brake complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Dodge Caravan, 9% of the model year's 555 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Dodge Caravan brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1999 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 1999 Dodge Caravan brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 4 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.