10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 5 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 1
- Average Mileage:
- 73,742 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
Received "safety recall L01" to replace the occupant restraint controller module (orc). The L01 recall was performed at Dodge dealership in daytona auto mall, daytona beach Florida where the vehicle was originally purchased. According to the procedure to replace the orc, the electronic stability dynamic sensor (esp) had to be removed and re-installed as part of the replacement for the orc. Vehicle was picked up and driven home that day. The next day the vehicle was started and the esp, bake assist sensor (bas), and traction control sensor lights appeared on the dash. Returned vehicle to Dodge dealer to verify that this was not caused by the recall procedure. Dodge dealer checked ABS codes and said the steering angle control /clock spring sensor was defective, and would cost $500 plus to fix. All these components are connected to the ABS system. I just cannot believe that one day after the L01 recall was done, that another component of the ABS system failed.
- Port Orange, FL, USA
June 2012, while driving the vehicle from a restaurant from dinner, the vehicle suffered a power failure which immediately caused the vehicle to power down while driving on the highway. I was forced to make a best attempt to pull over to the side of the road, which was made difficult by the fact that the brakes were powered by the electrical systems as was the steering. I subsequently called a mechanic who came and checked out the minivan but, no work was performed because when the mechanic arrived, the car started and drove perfectly and all of the voltages for the electrical systems tested okay. A month later, after arriving home and parking my car, I noticed that the cooling fan was still operating although the vehicle has been shut off. I then immediately started the car and did every check possible to make sure that I had not left anything on. After checking under the hood and closing the hood itself, the fan shut off on its on.within a matter of weeks, this same problem began repeating itself and would only stop once the battery ran down. I eventually had the fan relay/starter replaced after a mechanic suggested that this was the issue. I have subsequently found that the fan no longer stays on. However, the vehicle continues to either shut down while driving with no apparent cause and I am still experiencing problems with the vehicle's battery draining, although nothing appears to have been left on. The electrical problems have continued to get worse and increasingly dangerous and I have called several Dodge dealerships to speak with mechanics. To generalize, a majority of the mechanics have dealt with other consumers who have experience some or all of the same issues and suggest that the tipm is faulty and that this is a common issue on Chrysler and Dodge minivans of the same year and being that this is the case that they expect to see a recall issued.
- San Antonio, TX, USA
I have replaced brake pads and rotors 3 times in the last three years and I now have to bring in my van to have brake pads and rotors replaced yet again. Chrysler says they don't have an issue, however they have numerous complaints on the web plus they did one recall where all they did was replace the pads. They would not replace pads on my van since I had already done so. The pads had been replaced once before I purchased the van also. I have about 80,000 miles on my van and this will be the fifth or sixth set of brake pads on this van.
- Isanti, MN, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph with the brakes engaged, burning fumes were emitted into the cabin and the vehicle started making a loud grinding nosie. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front and rear brakes and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reccurred approximately 8 times in the last 3 years. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 68,000 and the current mileage was 116,000.
- Cahaffet, MN, USA
Purchased used 2008 Grand Caravan 2/12/10 with 29,695 miles, all four rotors and pads needed to be replaced by 39,471 miles on 03/23/11. Now at 52,500 miles and 10/10/12 all rotors and pads need to be replaced again. Brakes should not wear like this. Dodge is aware of the problem and does nothing.
- San Diego, CA, USA
We purchased vehicle with @ 15K miles in May 2010 - in January 2011 at @ 30K miles we had to replace the brakes and rotors the whole way around. I spoke with 3 mechanics who 1) said rotors at this low mileage was unheard of and 2) this was a known problem with Dodge Grand Caravan. Then, just 3 weeks ago, at 55513 miles, my left front axle / cv joint snapped. From (plenty of) online research, I learned 2 things - 1) this break should not occur in a vehicle so new and 2) all 2008 Chrysler / Dodge vehicles are known for this! in fact there was a recall in 08 for a lot of vehicles (not the Caravan) for just this! when I called Chrysler/Dodge - they first said that this wasn't a part of the powertrain warranty (um, it's an axle!!! attached to the drive shaft) and second - if I was the original owner, it'd be covered, but since I'm not, it wasn't. this was a $500 repair job. 2 weeks later!!!!!!! at @ 56000 miles, I started having front end problems again - back to the garage - this time, I'm surprised with the fact that I need brakes and rotors the whole way around again. And, ABS sensors, a new caliper and brake hoses. New brakes - again"!?!" here comes the online research again... I found a website (carcomplaints.com) that had 1027!!! entries from 08 Grand Caravan users that have had to repair or replace their brakes and rotors at an average of every 10000 miles - that is not normal!
- Beaver, PA, USA
We have been replacing our brakes every 4 months our mechanic says the braking system for this van was designed too small love the van but will trade in for something more safe we do have 4 children in our van daily and with the brakes wearing out so quickly we don't know when the brakes are gonna go out next...very disappointed there has not been a recall of some sort.
- Roseville, MI, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle began to shake as the contact was depressing the brake pedal. The contact noticed the brakes would hesitate to respond and there was also a burning smell present. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician replaced the front brakes, the hubs, the wheel bearings and the tie rod. After the repairs the contact noticed that the rear brakes would hesitate to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. The mechanic advised the contact that the brake pads and rotors would have to be replaced due to excessive corrosion and pitting. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.
- Brookville, OH, USA
I saved 15,000 dollars not easy wanted to buy my girlfriend a minivan and this is what I got. 4 months later front end started shaking and grinding seriously checked brakes in rear rotors looked shot and brakes were crumbling checked fronts same thing changed them and happened again 4 months later I didn't know buy purchasing this van it would put her and the kids in danger something needs to B done thanks. Also the dealer who sold me this vehicle most likely new of this problem and sold it anyway they should also be held accountable.
- Wilkes Barre , PA, USA
I wanted to register a complaint about the brakes on our 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. They are not designed properly for the vehicle they are on, as they are having to be replaced every 3,000 - 4,000 miles. Chrysler knows it is an issue, but they will not offer an effective solution. They blame it on our driving style, but that is not correct. We currently own a Ford Taurus which is driven more than the van, and the brakes last 40,000 miles plus. We have owned 10-15 cars in our driving life, and they all have the brakes replaced around 40,000 miles. The Caravan also has to have the rear brakes changed quite often, which typically only happens 1 time in the 100,000 mile life of our other cars. I did a google search for "brake life expectancy", and the third link pulled up was the following forum where many other drivers have complained about the same issue. townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.F1bbe4A just wanted to pass along my concerns. Thanks!!
- Corryton, TN, USA
Purchased new 2008 Grand Caravan. Brakes started squealing at 18,000 miles, had dealer check and they said all was ok. At 37,500 miles, brakes failed. Called Dodge dealer who advised that warranty extended by Dodge to 36000 miles had expired. I had brakes rebuilt at local master mechanic, who also found 2 faulty wheel bearings. Cost was over $1,000. I contacted Chrysler Corp who agreed to pay 1/2 of the repair bill. Since then we have had the brakes replaced 2 additional times, calipers stick heating up the wheel constantly. We finally traded in this vehicle 2 weeks ago, our 4th new and last Dodge product. The brakes are underengineered on this vehicle. Ps: the original Dodge dealer told me that Chrysler said if any vans come in under 36,000 mi to repair them at no charge but no recall was issued. The mfg warranty on brakes is 12,000 miles. 37500 miles on original sealed wheel bearings is unacceptable. Also unacceptable is a brake system that cannot be relied on.
- Cheboygan, MI, USA
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the brakes had to be replaced prematurely. The rear brakes were originally replaced at 41,000 miles. The contact stated that the brakes failed shortly after the replacement due to the rear calibers not releasing. The failure caused the rear rotors and brake pads to wear prematurely. The dealer advised that the parts needed for the repair were on backorder to the issue being widespread for the make and model. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and the current mileages were 41,000.
- Saginaw, MI, USA
We were driving on the freeway when a strong odor was coming into the vehicle. I pulled off on the next exit ramp to check were the smell was coming from. The back rotor failed (locked up), on the rear drivers side, turning the rotors white hot and causing them to smoke. Drove vehicle home after a half hour and vehicle was fine but this keeps occurring for the next two months every time the vehicle is driven over 15 minutes. Bring vehicle into Dodge dealership and ask why the braking system keeps failing and the told me a tsb has been issued and is a known problem. Dealership stated they are having numerous problems with the brakes on this model. They agreed to replace the front brake pads/rotors for $100 but I had to pay to have the rear brakes/rotors replaced. It is now two weeks later and I am having the same problems with the rear brakes !!!!!!!!!!! I have never experienced so many problems with a vehicle as this vehicle. Five recalls and various other issues with this poc !!!!!!!!!!! there are numerous complaints about the brakes of this vehicle please google and see for yourself. The brakes on this vehicle need to be recalled before someone is killed.....please look into this issue and have the brakes on this vehicle recalled before someone dies !!!!!!!!!!! I have three children and do not feel safe in this vehicle but like most americans I can not afford to purchase another new vehicle !!!!!!!! this is a major safety issue !!!! I have bailed out Dodge twice now and no more.....start protecting the consumer and not corporate America !!!!!!!!!!! thank you !!!!!!!!!!!
- Norwood, MN, USA
- Machesney Park, IL, USA