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.
The contact owns a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact smells something burning when the brakes are applied. The vehicle continues to stop normally. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer, but the contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the ABS wires were touching. Presently, no failures have occurred. The current and failure mileages were 120,000. Updated 09/18/07
The battery light came on in my 1997 Grand Caravan and a couple of minutes later the ABS light came on. When I got to work I cut the car off and tried to restart it. It did start but the cut off. Then it would not start at all. No dash lights anything. I waited about 3 hours and tried to start it again and nothing happened. When the tow truck came and the driver got in and tried to start it, again it was totally dead. He left the key in the on position while we talked and then about a minute later the dash light came on and he started it. The dealer could not find anything wrong with it. This happened once before about a year ago. On the way to work all the lights came on in the dash and I pulled over and cut the car off. After about 10 minutes I tried it again and it started with no problem. I am concerned that it is a problem with the computer. Have you heard of this problem before?
The vehicle's ABS and check engine light have been going on and off for about 6 months. We had a mechanic look into it and replaced a relay or switch that belonged to the blower motors (fans by radiator). The lights seemed to go away until a couple of weeks ago, the ABS light returned and the brakes act as though they are going to give out at any time. They have to be depressed for quite a length of time before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. There is also a weird sound of air or as if air where coming out when the brakes get depressed. I have had to add fluid once or twice a week and have been told by a mechanic buddy that there is very good chance its the brake booster due to the sound of air. I went online and noticed there were recalls for this in a couple of Grand Caravan but my VIN # doesn't fall into the suggested VIN range.
While applying the brake pedal it went the floor. The brakes failed to stop vehicle completely. However, driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to a garage for inspection. The mechanic could not duplicate the problem at this time.
While driving at 45 mph and applying the brakes. Pedal went to the floor, and there were no brakes. As a result, consumer's vehicle was involved in a collision. Dealer notified.
- Las Vegas, NV, USA
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Vehicle had been parked for 48 hours when I was informed that it was on fire. The vehicle engine area was completely engulfed in flames, it had not been started or used at all since it was parked. Vehicle was a total loss. Our county arson task force investigator concluded it was caused by a faulty anti-lock brake system.
Engine started to have a loud squeeking sound on start-up & squeek continued after but not as loud. Brakes noted to have a longer braking time when travelling at 50 mph.
While driving through a construction zone on hot day noticed burning rubber smell. Started down a hill and noticed brakes did not seem to work. Pedal went to floor. Tried parking brake. Car was steered into abandon gas station to avoid collision. Had to put into park to stop vehicle. Goodyear employee tried brakes:went to floor. Technician viewed (in hour)had brakes:bleed lines. Told air in lines. Same as ODI-id 887484.took to dealer:could not explain. Rear brakes thin. Mention of possible master cylinder defect.NHTSA told me of 1996 recall. Called Chrysler-VIN not involved.very concerned over future brake performance.
While driving 25 mph consumer applied brakes, pedal went to the floor, brakes failed. Consumer rearended vehicle, $ 3500 damage. Consumer noticed a burning smell right before accident.
Had problems with brakes. Took to mechanic to have them pulled. Noticed the rotors were corroded/rusted & pitted. Was informed rotors not usable & needed replacing.
Upon traveling about 20 to 25 mph and upon making a gradual stop the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard, making it very difficult to stop the vehicle, resulting in extended stopping distance. Consumer has yet to contact the dealer.
Numerous times over the last (3) or (4) months the harness on the integrated child seat became so tight around child that owner had to use the auxiliary release. Air conditioner has given consumer problems on 4 different occasions. ABS light illuminated, brakes were noisy and were replaced. Power lock failure. Power steering problem, consumer did not specify.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Martinsville , VA, USA