VehicleVerdict

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,962 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.4 times the median Grand Caravan year — the 2008 model ranks #1 of 37 Grand Caravan years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 37 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 44% of all reports (864 of 1,962), far ahead of airbags at 294.

1,962

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

2

Investigations

47

Crash-involved

25

Fires reported

37

Injuries

3

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Grand Caravan years?

See all Grand Caravan years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System86444%
Airbags29415%
Brakes21511%
Engine1457%
Transmission683%
Visibility & Wipers543%
Steering543%
Tires & Wheels523%
Lighting503%
Other472%
Speed Control281%
Body & Structure261%
Latches & Locks161%
Fuel System151%
Suspension151%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)101%
Seat Belts50%
Seats30%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan have recalls?

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

20V396000AirbagsJuly 7, 2020 · 925,239 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.

Consequence

Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.

16V047000AirbagsJanuary 29, 2016 · 110,482 units

Defect

FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.

Consequence

If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.

14V373000AirbagsJune 26, 2014 · 722,705 units

Defect

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.

14V055000SuspensionFebruary 11, 2014 · 130 units

Defect

Freedom Motors Inc., (Freedom Motors) of Savaria Vehicle Group (formerly The Liberty Motor Company) is recalling one model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan and certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country wheelchair accessible vehicles modified by The Liberty Motor Company from February 2008 through January 2011. Over time and with use, the vehicle's rear axle may develop cracks which could lead to axle failure.

Consequence

Failure of the rear axle may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Freedom Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected axles, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2014. Owners can contact Freedom Motors at 1-800-561-9600. Freedom Motors' number for this recall is ENGF0216-3.

11V394000Climate Control (A/C & Heat)August 3, 2011 · 298,949 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 CHRYSLER GRAND VOYAGER, TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 24, 2007, THROUGH JULY 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONER (HVAC) CONDENSATE LEAK FROM THE HVAC DRAIN GROMMET ONTO THE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROL (ORC) MODULE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO THE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND A POTENTIAL INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WITHOUT WARNING.

Consequence

AN INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN FRONT OF THE DEPLOYING AIRBAG AND/OR A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED AIR BAG MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 14, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

10V611000Climate Control (A/C & Heat)December 8, 2010 · 299,635 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A WATER LEAK At THE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONER (HVAC) DRAIN GROMMET WHICH CAN LEAD TO ILLUMINATION OF AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND A POTENTIAL INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.

Consequence

AN INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN FRONT OF THE DEPLOYING AIRBAG AND/OR A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HVAC DRAIN GROMMET FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 14, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

10V235000Electrical SystemJune 3, 2010 · 284,655 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 2007 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2009. SOME OF THE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ROUTED WIRE HARNESS THAT MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE THE LOWER SLIDING DOOR HINGE BRACKET CAN MAKE CONTACT AND WEAR THROUGH THE WIRE INSULATION.

Consequence

A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD OCCUR INSIDE THE SLIDING DOOR, OVERHEATING THE LATCH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-853-1403.

09V351000BrakesSeptember 11, 2009 · 82 units

Defect

ELDORADO NATIONAL IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 AMERIVAN MOBILITY VEHICLES BUILT ON CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN PLATFORMS VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE LINES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ROUTED AND NOT SECURED PROPERLY DURING THE ALTERATION. IF NOT ROUTED AND SECURED PROPERLY, THE BRAKE LINES COULD RUB AGAINST THE VEHICLE CAUSING A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.

Consequence

A BRAKE FLUID LEAK COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY CAUSING A CRASH.

Remedy

ELDORADO NATIONAL AMERIVAN DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND IF THE BRAKE LINES WERE IMPROPERLY ROUTED THEY WILL BE CORRECTLY REINSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ELDORADO NATIONAL AT 1-800-955-9086. THESE MINIVANS HAVE BEEN ALTERED INTO WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES BY ELDORADO. THIS RECALL IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED BY CHRYSLER GROUP LLC AND WILL NOT BE PERFORMED AT NO COST BY DODGE OR CHRYSLER DEALERS UNLESS THEY ARE ALSO AN ELDORADO NATIONAL DEALER.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

SPONTANEOUS FIRE IN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AFTER PARKED FOR HOURS. *DT CONSUMER STATED THE WIRES AROUND THE FUSES WEREN'T BURNT. IT'S ALL IN THE BACK. AROUND THE BACK HATCH AND DRIVER SIDE IN THE TRUNK. IT MELTED THE BACK HATCH SO THAT YOU CAN'T EVEN OPEN IT. I'M GUESSING WHERE IT WAS LOCKING AND…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 11, 2019 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED THROUGH A FENCE AND LANDED IN A POND. AS A RESULT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS FATALLY INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 10, 2015 · crash

2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN HAS A BRAKE DESIGN FLAW WHICH CAUSES THE BRAKES TO FAIL PREMATURELY. THE FIRST SET WORE OUT BEFORE 25K MILES AND CAUSED MY WIFE TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT WHEN SHE COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AGAIN WITH LESS THAN 30K ADDITIONAL MILES. THIS IS TOO OFTEN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 15, 2008 · crash

ON SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2018, A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE, WHICH RESULTED IN AN EXPLOSION AND THE VAN WAS DETERMINED TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. FIRE DEPT. AND POLICE ARRIVED AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. A PUFF OF SMOKE STARTED, PULLED VEHICLE TO SIDE OF ROAD. EXITED VEHICLE AS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 21, 2018 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE RESIDENCE DRIVEWAY. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS STARTED THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND UNEXPECTEDLY THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL APPROXIMATELY TWENTY FEET AT APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, CRASHING INTO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 21, 2010 · crash

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan — common questions

Is the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,962 complaints put the 2008 model at #1 of 37 Grand Caravan years. It is one of the Grand Caravan years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Grand Caravan problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (864 complaints), airbags (294 complaints), brakes (215 complaints).

Does the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Dodge Grand 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 Grand Caravan under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Dodge Grand Caravan years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Caravan years to avoid are 2008, 1996, 2005, 2010, 2016, 1997, 2011, 2012, 2009, 1998, 2013, 1999, 2000, 1993, 1991. The cleanest record among Grand Caravan years belongs to 1986.

Related

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