Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 | 9% | 42,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 10% | 80,000 miles |
| 2012 | 9 | 10% | 31,000 miles |
| 2011 | 6 | 8% | 70,000 miles |
| 2010 | 23 | 13% | 22,000 miles |
| 2009 | 11 | 9% | 38,000 miles |
| 2008 | 62 | 21% | 29,000 miles |
| 2007 | 10 | 12% | 57,000 miles |
| 2006 | 12 | 7% | 32,000 miles |
| 2005 | 19 | 4% | 37,000 miles |
| 2004 | 8 | 12% | 33,000 miles |
| 2003 | 35 | 18% | 36,000 miles |
| 2002 | 16 | 7% | 40,000 miles |
| 2001 | 14 | 5% | 56,000 miles |
| 2000 | 55 | 12% | 51,000 miles |
| 1999 | 50 | 9% | 97,000 miles |
| 1998 | 48 | 8% | 75,000 miles |
| 1997 | 72 | 10% | 102,000 miles |
| 1996 | 153 | 11% | 85,000 miles |
| 1995 | 62 | 13% | 126,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Caravan. While driving 5 MPH with the brake pedal depressed, an abnormal squeaking noise was heard. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the failure would occur each time when depressing the brake pedal. The contact called the dealer cassens & sons Chrysler Dodge Jeep at [phone] (3333 il-159, glen carbon, il 62034) where an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing and repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,184.
I purchased a new van on July 5, 2013. On July 8, 2013, I drove 4 miles, and stopped at a red light. I accelerated to approx. 40 MPH, when suddenly the van shifted to the right momentarily, upon which I regained control immediately. Suddenly, the van jolted right again, jumped the curb, climbed an embankment, and would not stop accelerating. I kept pushing the emc controls forward....but it would not stop the vehicle. It is not that the vehicle kept accelerating, but rather, the vehicle would not stop accelerating. As a result, the vehicle only stopped when I crashed through a large evergreen tree (front right passenger area). The van continued to accelerate until I ran head first into a hardware store, which ultimately stopped the vehicle. There was an analysis performed, and I expressed great concern over the lack of information disclosed in the report. …
I bought this minivan in 2011. I do not drive much so it currently has less than 35,000 miles on it. Nonetheless, I have had to replace the brakes and rotors 4 times (maybe 5) since I have owned it. I just had them replaced again in November, and yet 7 months later, I have to do it again. I have only put some 3,000 miles on it since the last replacement. Something is seriously wrong. The brakes began squeaking and very quickly (like a day or two without my hardly driving it) to the rotors being gone as my pedals are vibrating. I know others are complaining about this here and all over the internet. Something has to be done about this. It is a serious safety issue. Not to mention, incredibly costly to keep up with these costs that I cannot afford.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Caravan. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle shook and a grinding noise was heard. The contact smelled a burning rubber odor when attempting to apply the brakes. The vehicle suddenly stalled. The failure occurred several times. The contact took the vehicle to the carmax dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission, TIPM, alternator, and battery failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failures recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.
My husband and I were driving one day, out of thy blue, the van began to shake towards the front of the van. We couldn't get the speed over 25 MPH. We got it to the nearest mechanic shop. They said it was the calipers. They said that it was very close to catching on fire. I had to have both calipers replaced and a brake job. I also had to purchase a new tire. I called and reported it to Dodge/Chrysler. They said that there had not been any problems with other vans. It was an extremely scary incident to go through. They said that they might be able to do something if the van had actually caught on fire. That's just crazy. This has cost me about $800.00. I just want to make sure that this gets reported in case other vans have similar problems. The mechanics were shocked at what they saw. They said that it should not have done what it did.
While driving one day, out of the blue my can would not go over 25 to 30 MPH. It would shake violently if we went faster. We got it to the mechanic and the brakes had almost caught on fire. It ruined one tire and the brakes and calipers. The mechanic said that this should have never happened. It was extremely dangerous. I reported it to Dodge. They said it had never happened. I want to make sure that it does get reported. I feel like I should be compensated for this. They said that there was nothing they could do since it never actually caught on fire. Really?
I have filed 2 complaints regarding recall l25 for Dodge/Chrysler vehicles. 2009 Dodge grand Caravan completely shutting down while driving. Steering goes out, brakes out. Complete power out while driving. This is very dangerous and scary. I have children I have to take to multiple places. By the grace of god, the 5 times this happened, we .were on slow moving, non busy roads near home. I have not yet experienced this on the highway. It would be potentially fatal. I usually drive in the lanes on the outside so if it occurs, I May be able. To pull off to the side. I have to take the highway daily to work.there were 5 occurrences, 2 in October 2014 and now recently 3 mores times close together, dec.20, 23 and jan 11, 2015. I have contacted Chrysler customer service 3 times. …
Tl contact owns a 2009 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel and the brakes were inoperable without warning. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 11V139000 (electrical system) however the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000. Updated 5/26/15 updated 9/28/2017
Related recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
The master cylinder rear seal, between the hydraulic fluid and the vacuum reservoir, May not seal adequately allowing hydraulic fluid to be drawn into the power assist vacuum reservoir.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder on all affected vehicles. Addendum (4-14-97): vehicles inspected per Chrysler recall no.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Caravan years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (153), 1997 (72), 1995 (62), 2008 (62) and 2000 (55) model years. Brake complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for Dodge Caravan brake problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 96V-215 (master cylinder, Oct 29, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Caravan brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles; 55% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (170 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › rotor (74).
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.