VehicleVerdict

2008 Dodge Caravan problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 421 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Caravan year — the 2008 model ranks #12 of 37 Caravan years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 41% of all reports (171 of 421), far ahead of brakes at 64.

421

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Caravan years?

Caravan NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted2,178 complaints1984: 26 complaints1985: 85 complaints1986: 55 complaints1987: 83 complaints1988: 135 complaints1989: 236 complaints1990: 341 complaints1991: 773 complaints1992: 1,126 complaints1993: 1,229 complaints1994: 836 complaints1995: 656 complaints1996: 2,178 complaints1997: 1,028 complaints1998: 840 complaints1999: 745 complaints2000: 613 complaints2001: 341 complaints2002: 326 complaints2003: 252 complaints2004: 83 complaints2005: 691 complaints2006: 231 complaints2007: 115 complaints2008: 421 complaints2009: 175 complaints2010: 257 complaints2011: 112 complaints2012: 116 complaints2013: 34 complaints2014: 27 complaints2015: 29 complaints2016: 42 complaints2017: 18 complaints2018: 6 complaints2019: 3 complaints2020: 4 complaints
Caravan NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Caravan years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Dodge Caravan problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System17141%
Brakes6415%
Airbags4210%
Engine297%
Tires & Wheels205%
Visibility & Wipers174%
Lighting154%
Other143%
Transmission113%
Body & Structure82%
Fuel System61%
Suspension61%
Speed Control61%
Steering41%
Latches & Locks31%
Seat Belts20%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)20%
Seats10%

Does the 2008 Dodge Caravan have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V164000SuspensionApril 23, 2010 · 834 units

Defect

THE BRAUN CORPORATION IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE CARAVAN MOBILITY CONVERSIONS WHICH WERE ALTERED BY BRAUN BETWEEN JANUARY 21, 2009 AND MARCH 19, 2010. DURING CONVERSION, THE CHASSIS WAS RAISED AND THE FLOOR WAS LOWERED TO ACCOMMODATE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES. IN RAISING THE CHASSIS, THE REAR SPRING HATS COME INTO CLOSER PROXIMITY TO THE REAR TIRES. IN ROUGH OR AGGRESSIVE DRIVING SITUATIONS THE TIRES MAY INTERMITTENTLY CONTACT THE REAR SPRING HATS.

Consequence

CONTACT BETWEEN THE TIRE SPRING HAT MAY WEAR A HOLE IN THE TIRE OVER TIME. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL IN THE EVENT OF TIRE PRESSURE LOSS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

BRAUN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-488-0359.

10V148000Fuel SystemApril 13, 2010 · 843 units

Defect

THE BRAUN CORPORATION IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE CARAVAN COMMERCIAL ENTERVANS WHICH WERE ALTERED BY BRAUN BETWEEN JANUARY 21, 2009 AND MARCH 19, 2010. DURING CONVERSION, THE CHASSIS WAS RAISED AND THE FLOOR WAS LOWERED TO ACCOMMODATE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES. IN RAISING THE CHASSIS, THE FUEL FILL PIPE COMES INTO CLOSER PROXIMITY TO THE LEFT REAR TIRE. IN ROUGH OR AGGRESSIVE DRIVING SITUATIONS, THE TIRE MAY INTERMITTENTLY CONTACT THE FUEL FILL PIPE.

Consequence

CONTACT BETWEEN THE TIRE AND FUEL FILL PIPE MAY WEAR A HOLE IN ONE OR THE OTHER COMPONENTS OVER TIME. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL IN THE EVENT OF TIRE PRESSURE LOSS, OR A VEHICLE FIRE IN THE EVENT THE FUEL PIPE IS COMPROMISED.

Remedy

BRAUN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-488-0359.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE ELTERICE PROUBLEMS WITH THE DRIVERS CONTROLL SWITCH TOO OPEN AN CLOSE THE WINDOWS , HAS IT BEEN KNOW TOO CATCH ON FIRE AN MAKE ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD GO ON AN OFF NOW AN THEN .LUCKY WE JUST'D STARTED UP THE VAN TOO WARN UP AN ALL THEN SUDDEN WE NOTICE THE DRIVERS CONTORLL SWITCH WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 1, 2017 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES MADE A LOUD NOISE. THERE WAS ALSO A SMELL AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED TWICE, BUT THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 1, 2008 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING EASTBOUND ON A CITY ROAD AT 30MPH. FROM THE NORTH, MY DRIVER SIDE A TRUCK RAN A STOP SIGN AS I WAS GOING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND MY VEHICLE STRUCK HIS CRUMPLING THE FRONT END OF MY VAN. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. WHILE MORE DAMAGE WAS DONE ON THE DRIVER SIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 5, 2018 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT A PARKING SPACE AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 15, 2013 · crash

“1. WHILE DRIVING (AT 30MPH) IN OUR 2008 DODGE CARAVAN, THE RIGHT FRONT TPMS VALVE STEM BROKE OFF AND THE TIRE IMMEDIATELY DEFLATED. 2. VALVE STEM BROKE OFF BELOW THE VALVE CORE DEFLATING THE TIRE, MOVED VEHICLE TO SIDE OF ROAD. 3. VEHICLE TOWED TO TIRE SHOP WHERE TPMS WAS REPLACED FOR $70.00. STILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 17, 2011

2008 Dodge Caravan — common questions

Is the 2008 Dodge Caravan reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 421 complaints put the 2008 model at #12 of 37 Caravan years. It is one of the Caravan years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Caravan problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (171 complaints), brakes (64 complaints), airbags (42 complaints).

Does the 2008 Dodge Caravan have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Dodge Caravan. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 Dodge Caravan under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Caravan years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Caravan years to avoid are 1996, 1993, 1992, 1997, 1998, 1994, 1991, 1999, 2005, 1995, 2000, 2008. The cleanest record among Caravan years belongs to 2019.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.