Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Dodge Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caravan. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V373000 (air bags, electrical system); however, the part needed to do the repair was not made available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide the part to do the repair. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the engine seized twice and the steering and brakes seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
The van accelerated when pulling into an angled parking space at walmart, villa rica, georgia and impacted a parked car in the adjacent row, causing that vehicle to roll backward for approximately 20 feet before impacting a third car. Our van was stopped in the parking space previously occupied by the 2nd vehicle. Witnesses reported hearing strange noises and saw the impact as it occurred.no injuries. Vehicle is being repaired and will be examined by the repair shop to see if they can determine what occurred.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the rear side caliper bracket caused the brakes to wear prematurely, which caused an increase in stopping distance and time. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rear brake caliper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that when he attempted to stop the vehicle, both the front and rear brakes made a loud noise. There was also a smell and smoke coming from the braking system. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired twice, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 10,000. The current mileage was 30,240.
If vehicle is turned left or right while under acceleration then ESP activates the ABS system and causes front brake calipers to activate in the corresponding turn and abruptly stops the vehicle. This is a safety concern as this occurs when crossing another lanes of oncoming traffic. I feel this issue caused caused by the failure of the steering angle sensor within the sccm of the vehicle.
Spongy brake pedal goes almost to the floor to stop the vehicle. I replaced master cylinder, same problem, replaced power booster, same problem. This is a major design flaw with this vehicle with major complaints across the country and nothing has been done to date by hntsa to make Chrysler Dodge fix this major safety issue with all Dodge grand caravans.
My van cuts off while driving. Its very dangerous. I've almost been rear ended a few times. I've had the ignition changed as part of the recall but my van has been cutting off everyday now. This happens more when you first start driving the car. About 2 minutes after the van has been started to drive.
I purchased a brand new 2008 Dodge grand Caravan in oct. 2008.at 22,226 miles the dealership replaced front brake pads and machined front rotors. At 29,595 they machined the front brake rotors again. There was still shimming in the brakes so at 29,847 I took the car back to dealership. They replaced front brake rotors, machines rear brake rotors and replaced rear brake pads. At 31,854 my brakes were constantly squeaking. Dealership inspection brakes and said "normal characteristic of this model/brake. Under certain conditions due to material type and glazing brake life is approximately 90% life remaining front and rear." then at 35,665 I brought back to dealership for another inspection. I reported "excessive brake noise." their response was "brakes OK. Approximately 65% life remaining. Noise detected was characteristic. …
Brake complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Dodge Caravan, 21% of the model year's 302 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Dodge Caravan brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2008 Dodge Caravan, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Dodge Caravan brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 29,000 miles, and 45% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.