The van lunges the shuts off while driving happens any time any place, just had the crankshaft position sensor following the codes it was showing, and it still does it.
The worst 2008 Dodge Caravan problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical162
- Brakes62
- Airbags42
- Engine29
- Visibility17
- Lights15
- Tires13
- Transmission11
- Body8
- Wheels7
- Acceleration6
- Driver assistance6
- Fuel system6
- Suspension6
- Steering4
- Locks3
- Seat belts2
- Seats1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Dodge Caravan
Stalling 38Wipers 36Headlights 17Door locks 12Won't start 10Grinding brakes 8Check engine light 7Brake failure 6Fire or smoke 6Loss of power 6Warning lights 6Airbag light 5No deployment 5Engine failure 5Key fob 5
Recalls 2
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 10V164000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 10V148000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 2008 Dodge Caravan
Defect investigations
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the federal safety agency 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 well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 296 complaints submitted by the petitioner in the original petition and five supplements, including 271 complaints related to the subject vehicles equipped with TIPM-7. Approximately 3 percent of CAS complaints are related to vehicles equipped with TIPM-6 and ODI?s review of these complaints did not identify any safety defect trends. ODI conducted a detailed review of complaints narratives submitted by CAS and consumers including careful analysis of vehicle repair histories, warranty claims obtained from the manufacturer and any available Customer Assistance Inquiry reports (CAIR). Analysis of the field data indicated that MY2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles exhibited significantly higher complaint rates related to fuel pump relay (FPR) failures than other subject vehicles. In a September 3, 2014 letter to the federal safety agency, Chrysler submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the FPR within the TIPM-7 which can result in a no start or stall condition in approximately 188,723 model year (MY) 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK) and Dodge Durango (WD) vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010 through July 20, 2011 (14V‑530).In a February 24, 2015 letter, Chrysler submitted a second DIR expanding the scope of the FPR defect condition to include an additional 338,216 MY 2012 through 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured from September 17, 2010 through August 19, 2013 and MY 2012 through 2013 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 18, 2011 through August 19, 2013 (15V‑115).ODI analysis of the CAS allegations of TIPM defects resulting in stall while driving, airbag non-deployment, unintended acceleration, fire and other faults identified a single defect condition related to 1 of over 60 different circuits in the TIPM assembly. The most common effect of this defect condition, related to the fuel pump relay, was a no-start concern, but it could also result in stall while driving (76 complaints). No valid evidence was presented in support of claims related to airbag non-deployment, unintended acceleration or fire resulting from TIPM faults and these claims were found to be wholly without merit based on review of the field data and design of the relevant systems and components.Except insofar as the petitioner's contentions relate to the defect condition addressed by the Chrysler recalls, the factual bases of the petitioner's contentions that any further investigation is necessary are unsupported. In our view, additional investigation is unlikely to result in a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists or a the federal safety agency order for the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect as alleged by the petitioner at the conclusion of the requested investigation. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize the federal safety agency's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is den
DP14004
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Dodge Caravan 63
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Pad kit - rear disc brake, front disc brake
- Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair...
- Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles
- (Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
- Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the...
- Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard...
- Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to...
- Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision...
- Radio [res]
2008 Dodge Caravan fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 24 | 19 |
| 3.8L 6‑cyl | FWD | 16 | 23 | 18 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | FWD | 16 | 23 | 18 |
What 2008 Dodge Caravan owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owned a 2008 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, an unknown Toyota Minivan entered his driving route and crashed into the vehicle. The driver sustained injuries to his back, neck, and feet and bruising. Medical attention was provided. The passenger sustained injuries to his neck, back, and shoulder, and medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to his resident. The air bags did not deploy. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the headlights appeared hazy and clogged. Additionally, the contact stated that the headlight failed to illuminate and provide proper illumination while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
The problems we are experiencing is the airbag indicator light keeps coming on and off dinging every time it comes on. The other issue we have experienced is the engine is in need of repair but the check engine light does not come on to let mechanics find the problem. However once every three months the light will come in but once vehicle is turned off the light goes off never to come back on until the next time a few months later. The check engine light issue has been going on for two years.
Started the vehicle one morning and drove up to a stop sign. I was in a city street making a left turn. Saw clear from both directions of any traffic.accelerated and the bas,esp light, and traction light came on. At this point the vehicle wanted to stall, lost power, and steering became difficult. Stopped the vehicle and restarted the engine and accelerated again to about 20 MPH and the vehicle repeated the stalling and hesitated to accelerate, once above 30 MPH all lights continued on and the vehicle kept driving accordingly. Every time the vehicle is started up and drove from that date of jan.26,2021 the vehicle malfunctioning continues. I find this to be a severe mechanical problem and a danger to me, my family, and the public.
Headlights turning off during any driving ,stationary,city highway night day rain cold warm all the above antime any condition.flickering sometimes staying off most of the time need to hold passing flash brights on to still atleast have light sometimes dosent work all the time. Months now.
Originally had taken car in for recall. The recall was for both doors. The dealer had delivered the car and told me I would be contacted for repair on the passenger door once the parts were in stock. After months of waiting I finally contacted them and was told that the parts were in stock. I made the appointment and when I was set to drop off the van I was told that I was going to be charged because it has been put in as complete in the dealers records but showed parts not installed. I was told to contact dodge and left the van there overnight. The next day I spent a lot of time on the phone to get the runaround with dodge. I picked up the car and didn't have the repair done. My family has used the van ever since. I have always put off repairing it because it was a recall that broke down as described in the recall verbatim and is a hazard for multiple reasons and I would blame dodge directly if anything were to happen. I have contacted them several times through out the last few years trying to rectify this egregious situation. I was told that the records indicate only one side was repaired however the recall still to this day shows complete. I take pride in buying and maintaining an 'american made' product and would have fixed this several times over had it not been for principle. Dodge does not seem to be concerned for a customer who is a family man. I protect my family with my own life. It is difficult to only use one door when parking on a busy street with 2-5 children who are forced to get out onto a busy street if that is the only option. It can be very risky. Even picking them up from school they are made to walk to the drivers side of the car even thou the pick up side is on the passenger. Secondly my main issue is a short while driving. Protruding wires could be pinched if the door is used which could lead to a fire or fault in the door functionality
I have had my dodge 2008 caravan for sometime. Was originally taken for repairs to the sliding door recall.
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that her vehicle was in the driveway parked when a neighbor notified that the vehicle was on fire. The contact discovered that the front driver side door went up in flames. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. A fire department and police report were made filed. No injuries were sustained. The fire department deemed the vehicle a totaled loss. The contact mentioned the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v235000 (electrical system) as a possible solution to the failure. However, the VIN was not included in the recall. No dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.
All gages are flashing with a binging sound all gages are jumping and turning signals only work when they want while parked and driving. Also driver side window buttons and locks are not working.
Compare the 2008 Dodge Caravan
Other model years
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Questions about the 2008 Dodge Caravan
Is the 2008 Dodge Caravan reliable?
Owners have filed 302 complaints about the 2008 Dodge Caravan, 3.5 times a typical Caravan model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2008 Dodge Caravan year score?
The 2008 Dodge Caravan scores 30 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Dodge Caravan: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Dodge Caravan?
Electrical system, with 162 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles. Next is brakes (62).
How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Caravan have?
2 recalls, covering suspension and fuel system, gasoline.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Dodge Caravan get?
Official estimates for the 2008 Dodge Caravan range from 18 to 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.3L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 24 highway.
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