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).
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.
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.
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.
Just resolved an ignition recall problem on the vehicle because of problems with independent wipers going off, horn going off,vehicle stalling while driving and doors locking and unlocking..Dodge replaced ignition and win module but problem began when I tried using ac or heater..I just brought the car 2 months ago and it has stalled on hgihway 3 times and on the road numerous times. Im afraid to drive the car. The check engine light turns on but goes out intermitently. Sounds like the itpm problem everyone is having ..cant afford another 2000 dollars to fix
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 while attempting to exit a parking space at 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and crashed into another vehicle. There were no injuries. The police were notified and a report was filed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for inspection and was repaired. The contact was not aware of the exact repairs made to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 66,844.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000. Updated 7/9/15 the consumer also experienced a problem with the sliding door, which almost closed on her. Updated 07/16/15
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.
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.
This has been a continuing problem since I bought car, car just dies while you are driving and you have nothing but until you get car stopped. Then it will restart and drive fine. It happens at all speeds but mostly on the interstates. The dealer did replace the ignition switch while under warranty but not until I went thru 3rd tier myself. It has started again and the dealer can not duplicate it so they return it with nothing done. I even let them keep it 3 days while they put it through their email 3rd tier system. Only answer back was there are no notices about it and the last report I got back was nothing done. It happens at all speeds from 65 down to 5 when making a turn at a red light. This is dangerous and I keep fighting them and documenting it every time I take them in. There doesn't seem to be a way for me to complain to Chrysler myself so I am hoping that this will start. …
Engine complaints in other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Dodge Caravan?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Dodge Caravan, 10% of the model year's 302 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Dodge Caravan engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.