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2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 1,293 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, most often about the electrical (63% of complaints, typically around 85,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Grand Caravan model year since 2000 and has 8 recalls.
Most common 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan problems
Electrical
815 complaints · 63%Half of these problems showed up before 85,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, wiring, 12v/24v/48v battery, starter assembly.
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan electrical system:wiring recall for sliding door. Because of a few months on recall dates my vehicle has not been part of the recall ,my clips have completely broken and wires broke apart when door was opened.the complete sliding passenger door no longer works and this should be part of the…
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated the horn, and the windshield wiper fluids activated on their own intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed a diagnostic test that located several failure codes. The dealer cleared the failure codes, but the failure was not…
Air bags
294 complaints · 23%Half of these problems showed up before 96,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
Call switched from on to acc . There are no additional keys nor key chains on the fob. Why is it taking so long for recall repairs to be made????????
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving at 55 MPH, the horn activated independently and the windshield wiper and washer became engaged. The vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after five minutes. The vehicle was previously repaired under the NHTSA campaign number: 14v373000…
Brakes
208 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 27,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components.
2008 Dodge caravan...at last three oil changes have asked service staff to investigate ultra squeaky brakes (18k, 22k, 26k miles). Unable to determine source of extreme squeaking. Pads are 1/2 way gone on front and slightly more than that on rear. No way should this low mileage have brakes that are so worn and so…
Getting ready to replace the brakes on my 2008 Dodge caravan vehicle for a second time. I have 52,000 miles and now the brakes and rotors need replaced. I understand chrysler is well aware of the problem and that they know the brakes are not adequate enough for this vehicle. I would like an investigation to be done…
Engine
145 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 81,000 miles. Parts named most often: cooling system, engine, exhaust system.
On numerous occasions my 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan sxt will shut down unexpectedly while driving. Plugs, wires and battery have been changed. Win module has been changed at my request and not covered under warranty. The vehicle has been to the dealership numerous times and they have been able to find anything because…
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. While parked, the contact noticed that the check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised that the EGR valve would have to be replaced but informed the contact that the part was on a galactic backorder.…
Transmission
68 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. Upon restart, the vehicle operated as normal. The dealer advised the contact that they would upgrade the computer; however, they were not sure that this repair would correct the failure. The…
Vehicle intermittently does not start. Turn the ignition key and hear the starter click, but does not engage starter and engine does not turn over. Sometimes, on next try (turn ignition switch to off position and then back to start position) will start. Sometimes after many tries it will start. Sometimes turn the key…
Steering
55 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 92,500 miles. Parts named most often: steering wheel/handle bar.
Engine shuts off while driving!!! Dangerous situation if I was going faster I could have crashed with my 7 year old daughter in the car. Isn't this the same thing that happened to gm and they had lawsuits? Respond please: [] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Call switched from on to acc . There are no additional keys nor key chains on the fob. Why is it taking so long for recall repairs to be made????????
Visibility and wipers
53 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 80,500 miles. Parts named most often: defroster/defogger/hvac system, rear window wiper/washer, windshield wiper/washer, power window devices and controls.
Upon start of vehicle, wipers turned on(switch pos off), washer fluid sprayed(button not pressed), horn sounded (not pressed), could not get it to stop. Started vehicle, continued to do all three, vehicle placed in drive, would not shift out of 1st gear. Shut vehicle off, started again, same things. In days prior to…
Frequently will not start-have to raise hood & smack top of black box & then it will start, will go "crazy" while parked with no keys in ignition-horn honks, lights flash on & off, wipers go & fluid sprays-again have to smack box to make it stop. Between 5/2/16 & 5/18/16, while driving down the road, four times the…
Lights
48 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 81,000 miles. Parts named most often: turn signal, headlights, brake lights.
The first incident occurred while care was sitting in the driveway, no key in it. Horn started going wipers and wiper fluid started going full speed, and lights started flashing, door locks engaged and could not be stopped by key fob. This continued for about 10 minutes. I had to pull the fuses and disconnect the…
The instrument panel randomly lights up with all warning lights and chimes going off simultaneously, the windshield wipers activating and headlights flashing. Stopping the car, turning it off and on doesn't reset the problem, but it randomly goes away and doesn't happen again for two weeks or a month. It happens when…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: frontal
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Suspension: non-powered axle assembly
Risk: Failure of the rear axle may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: air conditioner
Risk: An inadvertent airbag deployment could result in injury to the seat occupant in front of the deploying airbag and/or a vehicle crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: air conditioner
Risk: An inadvertent airbag deployment could result in injury to the seat occupant in front of the deploying airbag and/or a vehicle crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: wiring
Risk: A short circuit could occur inside the sliding door, overheating the latch, possibly resulting in a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: service brakes, hydraulic
Risk: A brake fluid leak could result in a loss of braking ability, possibly causing a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Totally integrated power module failure
Summary
In a letter dated august 21, 2014, the center for auto safety (cas) petitioned the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the totally integrated power module (tipm) installed in chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that tipm defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On september 25, 2014, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened dp14-004 to evaluate the petition for a grant or deny decision. Odi analyzed complaint data provided by cas as
Air bag non-deployment/engine stall
Summary
In march 2011 chrysler submitted a defect information report for NHTSA recall no. 11v139 declaring a defect condition that could cause the ignition key to inadvertently move from the run to the acc position on model year (my) 2010 dodge journey, grand caravan, and chrysler town and country.the report identified engine stalling as the defect consequence and cited customer complaints and warranty claims, as well as two rear-end collisions, as leading to the recall action.chrysler determined that a defective win module, which is effectively the equivalent of the ignition switch, was the cause of the inadvertent key rotation, and that a new design win module would be installed as a remedy.in spr
Questions about the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (815 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles); air bags (294 complaints, typically around 96,500 miles); brakes (208 complaints, typically around 27,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan have?
- 8 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from July 7, 2020 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2008 a bad year for the Dodge Grand Caravan?
- It is the most complained-about Grand Caravan model year since 2000, with 1,293 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.