A bad brake caliper usually shows up as steering pulling, dragging, uneven pad wear, heat, noise, or a brake fluid leak.

Common signs

The vehicle pulls to one side when braking or sometimes even while driving.
One brake assembly and wheel runs hotter than the others, or you smell a burning odor after driving.
Uneven brake pad wear on the same wheel often points to a sticking piston or caliper slide pins.
Grinding, squealing, clunking, or scraping noises from one corner of the car.
Soft or spongy brake pedal or reduced stopping power.
Visible brake fluid leak near the wheel or caliper.

What a Bad Caliper Feels Like

A sticking caliper can make the car feel like it is dragging or resisting motion, especially after braking. In severe cases, the rotor can overheat enough to cause smoke or a very strong burning smell.
The sticking caliper can cause the steering to pull towards the side that is sticking.

If you notice steering pulling to one side, overheating brakes, a burning smell, or a brake fluid leak, the car should be inspected right away, as caliper problems can worsen quickly and compromise stopping ability and safety.