Most common 2008 Dodge Caravan problems
Share of the 302 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Caravan complaints by model year
Best Caravan years: 2014, 2015, 2013. Years to avoid: 2005, 2000, 2008, 1996, 1997. Compare all years →
2008 Dodge Caravan recalls (2)
Suspension › Rear
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.
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Dodge Caravan:
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
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.
What 2008 Dodge Caravan owners say
Electrical system all 162 →
Was driving home at night when randomly my lights started flashing, horn started blaring, windshield wipers started going off, washer fluid was spraying everywhere. Locks were locking and unlocking. I ended up driving into someone's lawn as I could not see properly with poor lighting and all the distractions. Once I got home the vehicle continued to be possessed even without the key in the ignition. I was finally able to get everything to stop after unplugging the battery. Upon internet research it didn't take long to realize it was TIPM fuse box issue, I have found several other customers with the same box having the same issues. I have gone to the junkyard 3 times and grabbed a used TIPM fuse box replacement. The first replacement the car would not start. Second replacement there was a lot of trouble lights on the dash and the odometer did not work. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caravan. Before operating the vehicle, the wipers, fluid pump, and horn began to operate without warning. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who stated that the fuse box modulator needed to be replaced. The repairs could not be performed due to the part not being available. After the vehicle was diagnosed, the failure recurred and smoke was seen coming from the vehicle. The contact discovered flames under the hood and the fire department extinguished the fire. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that an investigator would investigate the failure. The contact also received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 11V139000 (electrical system); however, the part for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. …
Brakes all 62 →
Traveling 55 down highway suddenly brake engages and brake came up on dash board.brake stays on for a minute or so then notice that it sounds as if I am over revving engine. When I could safely pull over I did so put in park for a minute went again as soon as I reached over 35 it still sounded as if I was over revving engine. When I could safely pull over again I shut the vehicle off at this time the windshield wipers start going and the horn is sounding off. I then got out disconnected the battery waited for 5 minites reconnected. I then preceded to go again and still sounded as if I was revving engine put 4 ways on and preceeded home at 25 miles an hour on a secondary road. This is not the first time this has happened it has happened several other times when taken in to the dealer they could not find issue this was while still under warranty. No one has been able to figure it out.
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.
Air bags all 42 →
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 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.
2008 Dodge Caravan engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 23 / 18 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Minivan.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Dodge Caravan a good car?
Based on 302 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Caravan rates use caution: 1.6× as many complaints as a typical year of the Caravan at the same age. It is one of the Caravan years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Dodge Caravan?
The electrical system — 162 complaints, 54% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the brakes (62) and air bags (42).
How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Caravan have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2008 Dodge Caravan, the most recent from April 23, 2010 (rear). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Caravan?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2015 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005, 2000, 2008, 1996 and 1997. See the full Dodge Caravan years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Dodge Caravan problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 37% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.