ABS/brake light comes on and various component within the system have failed 3 times

- Temple Terrace, FL, USA

On 5/01/2000 took vehicle to be serviced told dealer that something wrong with brakes. Tires were rotated and told me nothing wrong with them. On 8/07/2000 after sliding through a stop sign for the second time they verified that I had no brakes all the way around because the rear end was leaking and it took out the back brakes and then the front because there was no back brakes. It cost $ $547.04 not including whatever they billled for warranty work on the rear end. But if the rear end leak had been caught on 5/01/2000 then I wouldn't have lost all the brakes, which on that date they said were fine.

- Wolcott, NY, USA

Beginning in January of 2000 of brakes have malfunctioned. We have experienced our brakes not working at all causing us to run through red lights and past stop signs. Our back brakes have locked up on us on multiple occassions causing us to have to swerve to avoid causing wrecks. On multiple occassions we have left black skid marks on pavement due to back brakes locking up. These breaking problems have happened at speeds varying from 5 miles per hour to 65 miles per hour. This vehicle has been in for repair on the brakes on 7 seperate occassions with repairs ranging from cleaning and adjustments to changing of calipers. On 1/14/200 the dx was brakes dirty and needed adjusted. On 2/3/00 dx calipers not working. 3/23/00 calipers replaced. On 11/10/2000 brakes were cleaned and adjusted. We picked up our vehicle today 1/13/01 for repair on brakes. We complained that again brakes are locking up and failing. The brakes were again cleaned and adjusted per technician. From the date of purchase our rear latch has not locked. 1/14/2000 dx rear lock assy failure. 2/3/00 assembly replaced. 3/23/00 the dx was accuator. 10/17/2000 accuator replaced. 1/13/01 technician made another internal repair in ac/heater system. On 10/17/2000 we notified berry motor that we were smelling our firecracker smell and smell noticable when air conditioning on because it would bring smell into vehicle. No dx noted at that time. 11/10/2000 vehicle in for overheating problems. Dx. gasket leaking. We recently experienced overheating again. Today's (1/13/01) dx thermastat failure and warped thermastat housing. We have many things go wrong with this vehicle; however, our biggest concern is the brake malfunctioning. We have been told by the dealership that the new anti-lock brakes our made out of a new material which is effected by dirt. They state that when these brakes get dirty, it will cause them to not function correctly.

- Pueblo, CO, USA

This is the second time this problem has resulted in an accident. The first time I wasn't sure what happen but after some investigation I found that the ABS system was not working properly. Instead of the brakes pumping like they are suppose to. When excessive force is applied the brakes lock up and the truck goes into a slide. Also if you are appling the force to the brakes and you hit a hole or any object in the road this causes the brake to release resulting in loss of brakes. It is like trying to stop a freight train, I spoke with Dodge today and the chrylsler's investigation team is going to look into this problem. In the mean time, this problem has resulted in two accidents for me causing me several thousand dollars in damages to my truck. I think there is a serious underlying problem with my vehicle and has made unsure that I want to continue to own this truck. Please help me with this matter, I don't think Dodge feels that it is their problem and I dont think they are willing to fix it.

- Acworth, GA, USA

Vehicle failed to stop at 2 red lights, 2 stop signs, and while making a right turn at an intersection. The first incident was about 1 year ago. The dealer has inspected the car and believes it is the ABS module, which they have been waiting for about 4 months from Dodge.

- Southold, NY, USA

Intermittently when applying brakes the pedal starts to stop normally. Brakes begin to grind, resulting in extended stoppingdistance. Dealer has inspected vehicle, and determined that ABS sensor is bad. The part has been on back order.

- Southold, NY, USA

When driving at 30-35 mph and upon depressing brake pedal to make a normal stop consumer noticed a loud noise, brake pedal got very hard, making it very difficult to stop which caused an accident. Dealer foud nothing wrong with the brakes. Also neither driver's side nor passenger side air bags deployed.

- Clinton, AR, USA

Approaching a stop while driving 30 mph driver applied brakes and ABS locked up, causing a rear end crash. There was almost $2,000 damage to vehicle.. prior to this incident, vehicle has been to the dealership numerous times for this problem. Dealership has not been able to correct this problem.

- Edgewater, FL, USA

After being stopped at a semaphore controlled intersection, the light turned green and traffic proceeded to cross the intersection. As I was entering the intersection, traffic ahead of me came to an abrupt stop. With plenty of time to stop, I stepped hard once on the brake, but the vehicle did not slow down. I even had time to look down to be sure that my foot was indeed on the brake before looking up to watch as I hit the vehicle in front of me.

- Apple Valley, MN, USA

Anti-lock brakes failed, causing vehicle to skid, and resulting in near miss on two occasions, clutch fan wasnt working since date of purchase engine sounded like jet engine getting ready for take off asked dealer if normal, said yes. Transfer case started growling after put in to four wheel drive for first time. Output bearings in transmission had to be replaced.

- Vernal, UT, USA

Upon cold start when placing vehicle in reverse and drive, and upon depressing brake pedal, pedal gets very hard, causing extended stopping distance. Emergency parking brake is engage in order to stop vehicle. Problem is intermittent. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer has yet to determine the cause.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Went to apply brakes to stop when brake pedal went to the floor. ABS light came on. Had no brakes, and hit another vehicle in rear. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy. Brake failure light did not indicate any problems. Taking vehicle to dealership.

- Atascadero, CA, USA

Consumer has had problems with anti-lock brake system. Employee of Chrysler drove vehicle with conusmer & found out ABS brakes locked up. Dealership, where vehicle was purchased, couldn't determine what was the cause. Consumer was trying to contact manufacturer.

- Madisonville, KY, USA

2 weeks ago I had the rear brakes lock-up under less than moderate pressure. The dealership adjusted the brakes and charged me $35. Then on 5-15 they locked-up again with the same amount of break pressure. There is virtually no warning except the brake pedal is a little stiffer. After the brakes were adjusted I did notice that my mileage increased almost 2mpg (so it's obvious they must have been draggging) I contacted Chrysler customer service and they said it was a vehicle maintence problem. The vehicle is less than 2 years old and less than 16,000 miles so it shouldn't need any rear brake adjustment. The rear are self adjusting anyway. I feel that this is a major safety concern especially since I Transport my wife and child in this vehicle. Chrysler said my complaint was the only one which I understand I may have "lemon" brakes on my vehicle. I commute on the capital beltway everyday and have locked-up the brakes at around 55 to 60 mph a few times. I hope this issue is taken seriously because my wife is afraid to drive this vehicle any longer. Thank you for your time. Paul D. allen.

- Burke, VA, USA

While driving, ABS brake and air bag lights will come on unexpectedly. Also, cruise control will shift speed.

- Warwick, NY, USA

Consumer was approaching a stop light and attempted to apply brakes, and the right front brake locked up, causing the consumer to slide into the side of another automobile. There have been numerous failures of the brakes, always under wet road conditions.

- Winterville, NC, USA

Vehicle is equipped with rear anti- lock brakes. In wet or snowy conditions, rear wheels lock up, causing the vehicle to skid, which may cause no braking and result in a crash. Vehicle has rwal brakes. Dealer cannot determine cause of the problem.

- Wilmington, DE, USA

While driving 15 mph and in an emergancy stop T braking system malfunctioned which had an impact. Road was wet but there was plenty of distance to stop. Vehicle just skid. Cause unkown. Currently no problems with rwal ABS system.

- Livingston, NJ, USA

ABS fails to activate on snow, ice or wet roads. Dealer says the condition is normal.

- Wilmington, DE, USA

When driving at 5-10 mph and when touching brakes, the wheels screeched and locked up as if slammed on brakes. Incident occurred again at 30-35 mph. Accident occurred. Vehicle had $5,000 damages. Dealer has the vehicle, testing.

- Middletown, NY, USA