Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
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. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rear module ignited and melted. As a result, all the connecting wires were damaged. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic but was unable to assist and suggested the vehicle be seen by a dealer. The vehicle was then driven to the dealer milford Chrysler sales (500 us-209, milford, pa 18337 [phone]) and informed the contact to call the insurance company usaa. The insurance company went to the dealer, inspected the vehicle, and then deemed the vehicle as a total loss. The origin of the fire was unknown. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The failure mileage was 118,000. Attached is the audio.(7/30/19)
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 NHTSA 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.
The switch housing in the drivers door that controls the windows on my 2008 Dodge Caravan caught fire when my daughter rolled down her window on the passenger side. I was driving down the road at the time and was only a couple of blocks from the house. Dodge has recalled the 2010-2014 models with the 3rd row electric vent windows which my vehicle also has. I reported the incident to FCA, the parent company of Dodge, and was told I would receive a call from their investigative unit in 48hrs. That was more than a week ago. Multiple calls later and they still have not bothered to call me back.
Car was not running and keys were not in the ignition, they were laying on the dash. No one was in the vehicle. When the passenger's front door was opened the horn started honking and windshield washer started spraying (wipers were not activated).it lasted only a couple seconds and stopped. It also activated the driver's side mirror's auto dim feature. Once I was on the road discovered it also prevented the car from shifting out of first gear. I tried manually shifting and slipping it from drive to neutral but that had no effect. The indicator light showed no response to the manual shifting it just remained on the "d". The van did go into neutral and the indicator light showed "n". I didn't try the van again until 24hrs later and everything was working fine. After researching online I see there is an obvious problem with the TIPM and will be replacing it. …
Driving 55 MPH the first time horn started blowing, lights flashing wipers front and rear running, washer fluid shooting out front and rear engine would not shut off for about 3 min. Second time it happened the car was not running and the lights started flashing and horn blowing with wipers running. Next time I was parked with motor running horn started, wipers front and back I unhooked the battery and it kept blowing mashed the remote crank and it killed the engine but would not crank back for about 1 hour. Today 01/30/15 we were merging into traffic on the interstate and the van died the wipers front and back went crazy the fluid sprayed the horn blew, I pulled to the side of interstate unhooked the battery and the horn stopped I took out the horn fuse waited about 30 min. On side of highway then hooked up battery and cranked and drove home 25 miles with no other problems. …
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.
Received l25 recall notice for my 2008 Dodge Caravan (wireless ignition node ~ unintentional movement) in early June. Placed 3 calls to local Dodge dealership and they displayed no sense of urgency whatsoever to address this issue. It is clear that, while they boast an excellent sales force, they are not interested in addressing low-yielding recall issues. My last two calls were met with, "oh, your part isn't in yet. We'll give you a call when it arrives." this goes against the spirit of what is outlined on the recall notice, where the defect is to be remedied in a timely fashion. My Pontiac grand am had a similar recall (14350) and it was addressed same day at a local dealership (alan webb Chevrolet of vancouver). Information for dealership to which this complaint is assigned: dick hannah Dodge 3517 ne auto mall dr, vancouver, wa 98662 [phone]
My van is up to date on all recalls, but it has begun to shut off randomly while driving. The traction control light comes on and whole thing shuts off. I have seen a ton of others with the same complaint. The dealership has been less than helpful. I have poured money into the car, but it is unsafe. Looks like a recall issue. There is no rhyme or reason to when it shuts off. Thankfully, it has been at less than 30 MPH because it is very unsafe. Others with the same complaint: http://www.carcomplaints.com/Dodge/grand_caravan/2008/engine/engine_stalls_shuts_down_while_driving.shtml https://www.cargurus.com/cars/discussion-c8343_ds632071 http://Dodge-grand-Caravan-repair.10w40.com/questions/2008-Dodge-grand-Caravan-sxt-40- dodgeforum.com/forum/Dodge-Caravan/176205-Caravan-stalling-when-in-motion.html
NHTSA investigations
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.
Electrical complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2008 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 162 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Dodge Caravan, 54% of the model year's 302 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Dodge Caravan electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 5 fires and 2 injuries to electrical system 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.