2008 Dodge Grand Caravan: engine overheating

Filed Oct 25, 2018 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 15,000 miles · LA

The brake system on this van is a constant problem and is costing us thousands of dollars in repairs. The brake system on this van is running very hot even on cold days. The brake pads and rotors fail prematurely and the wheel hubs fail from constantly overheating. The ABS starts feeding too much pressure to the wheel calipers and causes the brake pads to constantly touch the rotors which creates excessive brake pad and rotor wear as well a overheating of the grease in the wheel hubs which causes them to fail. Nobody should have to replace brakes every 7,000 to 10,000 miles. This is a factory defect in the design and chrysler is not going to do anything about it because it will cost them too much money.

Filed Oct 1, 2016 · Engine · FL

After change the idler puley driving back room car overheating

Filed Jun 24, 2016 · Engine · 46,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. While driving at any speed, the contact noticed a foul odor in the vehicle. The contact opened the hood and observed coolant leaking. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was leakage from the "v neck". The failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.

Filed Oct 17, 2015 · Engine · 250,000 miles · IL

Parts #4781537ac(connect water pump to radiator,made from metal) was purchased at napleton's dodge (arlington height's ill ,60004) dealership at 05/07/2015..today middle of oktober 2015 and I must change this parts again because of antifreeze leakage(same problem was before) very costly !!!!!more over dangerous,can bring engine to overheat.was lucky catch this at my driveway ,but if long distance or highway ,or on the middle of nowhere.... ......should go back to mechanic and pay again for installation..why dealership sell same cheap parts as any regular parts store for higher price ...?

Filed Jul 24, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 152,325 miles · CA

Overheating when driving. Coolant leaking at heater hoses, shift over heat. Problems after recall repair service performed.

Filed Jun 2, 2013 · Brakes · 70,185 miles · WI

While driving on the freeway, the traffic was very heavy, hence I had to apply the brakes frequently over a distance of approximately 15-20 miles. As a result of overheating of the brake drums, one of the brake calipers 'froze' (I.e. The brake piston stuck in extended position) and created even more overheating and excessive wear on the brake pad and rotors. In extreme cases, this can cause the rotor to lock up with loss of vehicle control. In my opinion, the brakes design is insufficient for the weight of the vehicle. This is confirmed by the fact that chrysler replacement procedure/parts now specify a semi-metallic brake pad, similar to what is often used on race cars to handle the excess heat.

Filed Jan 10, 2013 · Engine · AL

There is a coolant leak coming from the y shaped diverter tube. The rubber has apparently been overheated due to its location over the hot engine. Many people have complained about this on forums. There needs to be a recall to have this replaced. The noxious smell of antifreeze comes in through the vents, and smoke pours out from under the hood. Radiator is soon empty of all coolant and the engine can overheat if not carefully watched. Coolant and water has to be constantly added in order to drive. This is clearly an issue with the placement of the tube over a hot engine and not insulating it well enough.

Filed Oct 11, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 55,000 miles · MI

There is a heater hose assembly leading from the top of the engine to the heater cores in the passenger compartment. A hose comes out of the engine and into a y-coupling, where it splits into two hoses. One hose leads into the firewall and the front heater core. The second goes under the vehicle to the back heater core. A coolant leak developed in the y-coupling, leaking coolant onto the exhaust. After leaking for some time, the check engine light came on to indicate low coolant. This appears to be a common problem, as a simple google search turns up many results like this: http://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-caravan/275625-2008-grand-caravan-coolant-leak-3.html either the y-couplings are defective, or are not designed to handle the stress and heating/cooling cycles inherent in carrying hot coolant.

Filed Oct 8, 2012 · Engine · 67,000 miles · WI

I bought a 2008 dodge grand caravan xlt on february 3 of 2012 from a local dealer in milwaukee, wi. On that time the mileage of the car was approximately 60000 miles. Two months after I have the car we saw the oil change light coming out on the screen which was unusual for us we took the car to the dealer and they fixed the light. Two months after I saw the engine light on the screen, we took the car to the dealer and they keep the car for 3 days while they made a repair that cost me $850.0, I made this payment because I trust them when they told me that was going to be the only repair. Weeks after I was on the high way with my whole family and I say smoke coming from the engine and we perceived a strong burn smell, the mileage on that time was approximately 67,000, we just made it to arrive to the dealer service and they found a very low coolant level which means that the overheating was related to the coolant line. Next day I took the car to the service, the car was there for 7 days after I was told that the car needs an engine change which I can't afford to pay. The dealer contacted the manufacturer but all I received from them were 8 oil changes. I received and offer to have another car but the trade value for my car is very low compared to the original price I paid and the new monthly payment is out of my possibilities. I'm driving this car taking the risk for my family with the winter coming. After reading the complaints on the federal safety agency I was able to see that I'm not the first owner of a 2008 grand caravan with a potential problem of overheating and fire on my car. I need assistance with this case. Thanks.

Filed Sep 11, 2012 · Engine · 35,000 miles · MO

There was a smell of hot coolant anytime we were driving. I took it to the dealer and they said there was bad connection on the heater hose assembly and it would be $525 to fix. Upon investigation in the dodge forums, this is an issue that is happening on a regular basis due to the heater hoses being directly above the exhaust collector and is causing the rubber to fail and thus causing coolant leaks. Best case is it smells when the coolant is leaking on the exhaust, worst case is people are getting stranded due to overheating. Dodge claims this is not covered under warranty.

Filed Sep 6, 2011 · Engine · 76,320 miles · KY

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated the temperature gauge displayed that the vehicle had overheated. The contact checked the vehicle and observed fluid leaking. The vehicle had to cool down before it could be taken to the dealer. The dealer replaced the heating and air conditioner hose. The contact stated the failure was a manufacturers defect because the hose was in a metal casing. The current mileage was 76,320.

Filed Aug 18, 2011 · Engine · 58,000 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge grand caravan. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle was leaking water from the cooling system and overheating. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who stated that hoses for the cooling system needed to be replaced. There were no recalls addressing the failure. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact to inform the federal safety agency. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 58,000. The VIN was unavailable.