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 2000 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchased a 2008 Dodge Caravan about 2 years ago from elite motors in victorville. The car was not smoked at the time of purchase and had to be done so about 1 month later. They said they had a hard time getting it to pass and then it passed but when I got it back I smogged it and it failed. Elite motos said they would work with me on resolving things but they never did. Since I've had the vehicle there has been a loud slapping noise coming from the air conditioner, the fuel pump has been replaced, two tires have blown, several sets of front break pads have been replaced, 2 battery's have been replaced, and within the last month both front and rear brakes/master brake cylinder/calipers/water pump/radiator has been replaced. …
Dt: contact states vehicle can be changed from any gear without pressing the brake. The contact's son got into the vehicle while it was running. Took it out of gear without holding the brakes, which resulted in the vehicle crashing through a garage door. At this time the vehicle has not been checked to see why the vehicle will go into gear without pressing the brakes.
I own a Dodge braun entervan.in the design of this van braun cuts out the floor to lower it 10 incher.the brake lines are replaced and are located under the lowered floor.the quality of the new brake lines are inferior and rust through causing complete brake failure. I tried to tell braun of the problem but they would not return my phone calls.
When driving down the road at 25 MPH the drivers seat all of sudden fell back (the top seat) and wont stay up in position. It seems that it is faulty due to a mechanism not being attach correctly. I have not been able to get the seat fixed due to high costs. Also the rear chassis brake tube seem to rust extremely and create itself a hole.
Dt: consumer's wife was driving with her 2 little girls. Stopped at a red light brakes failed and steering locked up. Went off the road into a parking lot and hit tree. The vehicle was towed and the mechanic said there were no brakes in the van. Van. Updated 3/20/2006 -
Consumer stated on aug. 4 2003, due to brake failure the vehicle was involved in a rear end collision with another vehicle. Consumer was not injured in the accident, but none of the air bags deployed. The air bag warning light did not work either.
While backing out of the garage brake pedal went to the floor, and vehicle continued to roll until it hit a brick wall and stopped. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, and dealer could not resolve the problem.
My 2000 Dodge Caravan with only 29,450 miles developed a severe vibration in the steering wheel accompanied by a disconcerting noise when braking. Prior to the vibration developing, I noticed the braking power had diminished. Upon investigation, I found the brake fluid was below the minimum level and had to add fluid. This improved the brake pedal performance but the stopping power was still subpar. Also, whenever I wash the vehicle there has always been a tremendous amount of black brake dust on and around the front wheels which raises environmental concerns for me. I took the car to the dealer who found the front brake pads were worn out and the front rotors were rusted, pitted, and slightly warped. Even though the car is only 2 1/2 years old and had only 29,450 miles, daimler Chrysler refused any warranty consideration on the brakes. I had to pay nearly $300 for repairs. …
Tl contact owns a 2000 Dodge Caravan. While driving and turning the steering wheel it seemed as if the power steering malfunctioned. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. The mechanic advised her that the tension and idle pulley failed and needed to be replaced. Furthermore, she noticed a squeaking noise which she presumed was in the brake area when the brakes were engaged and occasionally failed to stop the vehicle. She spoke with a representative where she purchased the vehicle; however, he test drove the vehicle and advised her that there were no problems with the brakes. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer or an authorized dealer have not been notified. The current and failure mileages were approximately 138,830. Updated 4/30/10 transmission fluid was leaking. Updated 06/28/10
Ltr fr john harisiadis (il) request an investigation into the defective rotors used on Chrysler/Dodge minivans, he has experience w/ Chrysler/Dodge in getting his 2000 Dodge grand Caravan repaired. Consumer feels that dealers are putting defective rotors on vehicle deliberately. Vehicle was taken to have a noise checked and was told that the rotors were "pitted and rusted". There was a noise in the brakes. It was diagnosed as the front wheel rotors which were pitted and rusted. The consumer needed a letter from john harisiadis who requested an investigation into defective rotors used on Chrysler/Dodge Mini vans replaced. The rotors deteriorated prematurely which caused a noise when the brakes were applied.
Brake complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Dodge Caravan, 12% of the model year's 470 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Dodge Caravan brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2000 Dodge Caravan, though it has 4 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 2000 Dodge Caravan brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 5 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.