This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
While driving the ABS system activated even though the pavement was dry. The problem is that the ABS system prevented the brakes from functioning at all and I rolled through an intersection even though I was pressing firmly on the brake pedal. The ABS warning indicator eventually illuminates indicating something is wrong with the system however, I don't think it should have failed in such a way as to prevent any braking action from occurring. This problem has only happened once but I was very lucky that no other vehicles were traveling through that intersection at the same time that this problem caused me to roll through it while the stoplight was red for me.
While vehicle was in a standing position, consumer accidentally bumped gear stick causing gear to change and roll forward without having to apply brakes. Mechanic stated the anti- lock brakes system was not operating properly.
Brakes: Proportional valve had failed. Consumer noticed that brake pedal was getting spongy. Then, had check on brake fluid, where brake light had come on, and had lost brake power. Mechanic said that brake fluid had been contaminated.
During the time of the June '01 failure I didn't realize there was a problem. My family and I had just entered a local roadway when a deer crossed in front of us. I applied the brakes and it was like stepping on a rock. I was unable to depress the brake. The brakes had just worked fine as we entered the highway and they work fine after this incident. I had never had anything like this happen previously. Nor did I realize at the time this was going to be a reoccuring problem. On October 6, '01 I was traveling along a residential roadway when a car stopped in front of me I was traveling at a safe distance and going approx 45mph. I should have had plenty of time to stop. However, I once again was unable to stop my van no matter how hard I stood on the pedal! I barely missed other vehicles on the road, crossed over a sidewalk and hit a house that lined the road. I ended up in an empty lot beside the house I had hit. My son suffered bruising on his upper legs from being bounced around and I suffered a cut hand and continue to have trouble with my back. I am so angry that my children 8 and 1, as well as myself were put in danger because of an automobile manufacturer not taking the responsible position in notifying the millions of people who own their product of a potential braking problem. I just hope a family isn't killed before Chrysler/Dodge wakes up to the fact that they are manufacturing an inferior product that could kill families. I am extremely upset that I was not aware of such a braking problem with this vehicle that I use to Transport my children. Please help!!!!!!!!
While driving on highway brakes failed without warning. Everything failed lights/power steering. Pedal went to the floor. Also, pumped brakes to stop with no avail.
- Souderton, PA, USA
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When driving at any speed and applying the brakes, brakes grab and go half way to the floorboard and will come to a stop, brakes are working intermittently.
Brakes are defective, brakes go to floor when applied, resulting in extended stopping distance. When pedal is pushed very hard, the car continues to roll. Investigator looked at the car and cannot remedy the problem.
Brake system is defectiive. The brakes have been replaced and the vehicle still does not stop. When brakes are applied, it results in extended stopping distance. Dealer states that if red indicator light does not come on then there is no problem, and cannot duplicate the problem.
When traveling at any speed on wet or dry pavement the ABS light illuminated on the dash. Upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle became very hard to stop, causing extended stopping distance/brake fade away. Consumer has contacted the dealer has replaced parts.
Vehicle was being driven with emergency brake still engaged, without knowledge due to poor location of brake warning light. Also, vehicle would not stop when brakes were engaged.
Driving on an icy hill and applied the brakes truck slid into a curve. This was the result of what happened after that; broke wheel in three parts underneath steering arm. Truck has been with dealer for 5 1/2 weeks, and the dealer said that problem was fixed. Well driver went down same hill and the same problem happened again.
Consumer stated when depressing the brake pedal there was a grinding sound in the rear end, resulting in extended stopping distance and brakes fading away. Consumer contacted the dealer, dealer refused to replace any part.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Monticello, MN, USA