Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that a dealer recently serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V396000 (Air Bags, Steering). The contact stated that the dealer replaced the airbag module components located underneath the center console; however, the connected wiring was not replaced. Later, while the unoccupied vehicle was parked in a casino parking lot, the casino staff informed the contact that the vehicle was on fire. The fire department arrived, extinguished the flames, and filed an official report. The incident: the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence, where a secondary inspection indicated that the fire originated underneath the center console, where the recall repair had been performed. Both the manufacturer and dealer were notified of the failure, and the dealer provided documentation of the completed recall services. …
On 4/22/22 a lady hit my van so hard and no air bags deploy. I hit my head on the steering wheel and it never came out. No air bags in my van came out. Also the seal belts didn't hold anyone into place.
The vehicle entered "limp home" mode on a busy highway. After a little research, I found out that this could be caused by a short in wiring. There was already a recall on this vehicle related to the wiring harnesses in the rear sliding doors. At the time, we were experiencing no issues, but took it anyway where we were told that everything was OK and as far as I know, no work was done to correct the potential defect. Subsequently that assembly has fallen apart on both sides and now we're left with a vehicle that repeatedly enters limp home mode often at very inconvenient times, triggering the wipers, as well as all the lights on the dashboard. We'd really like to know that this known issue can be fixed and that Chrysler/Dodge didn't actually put an expiration date on safety.
Subject: Manufacturer and Dealer Non-Compliance / Obstruction of Federal Safety Recalls Vehicle: 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Description of Problem: I am filing a formal complaint against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)/Mopar and its authorized dealer network for active non-compliance, negligence, and obstruction regarding 7 open federal safety recalls on my vehicle. Authorized franchise dealerships have repeatedly refused to initiate the recall process, scan my vehicle's VIN, or open a formal Repair Order to place required parts on backorder. …
Vehicle has loose horn emblem Vehicle Heat/AC front not operable Vehicle driver side sliding door inoperable. Subject: URGENT SUPPLEMENT TO NHTSA COMPLAINT #11753124 - Unresolved Safety Recalls, Airbag Hazards, Dealer Refusal/Delay, and Conflicting Parts Availability Information Vehicle: 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan NHTSA Complaint: #11753124 Mopar Corporate Case: #97575701 I am submitting this as an urgent supplement to my existing NHTSA complaint concerning multiple unresolved federal safety recalls on my 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The circumstances have become increasingly concerning because the vehicle has multiple safety recalls, including recalls involving the airbag system, while I have received conflicting information from authorized Stellantis/Mopar representatives and dealerships concerning the availability of the required remedy parts. …
They did not open in 3 van wreaks - the faulty TIPM fuse boxes were put in at the factory (reconditioned fuse boxes) Dodge has admitted to this in the Dodge durango's. There are many many more models in the Chrysler/Dodge group of cars and trucks with this same problem but they are making money hand over fist at their repair shops so why fix it there is a easy fix they are not telling you about,the capacitors in your car,van or truck are over loading to fix all you have to do is disconnect the battery both the negative and positive sides for 24 the fist time, then 3 hours,then again each time for 1 hour when you see a faulty light come on or lights on you dash panel flashing or your engine shuts off while driving.this should clear up after 3 times of doing this.this worked for me my van does not shut off anymore,no more dash lights flashing.you May have to do this more than 3 times …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at 3 MPH and making a right turn another vehicle collided into the front driver side of the vehicle. A police report was filed. The seat belt failed to retract which caused the contact to hit her head on the windshield. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained an concussion, bruising to the right side of her body, the left cheek had bruising. The contact required medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 11V394000 (air bags, equipment). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving 45 MPH, the brakes and steering failed and the vehicle stalled without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into a large rock and the vehicle landed in a ditch. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V373000 (air bags, electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. While making a right turn at 5 MPH, the steering wheel shook violently and seized without warning. In addition, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed into a wall and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,238.
"Takata recall" air bags did not deploy in 3 accidents I was involved in. Between 2013 and 2014 on city streets speed of other driver was 45 to 50 miles per hour.driver james crutchfield hit me broadsided on right side of my van knocking out the window and pushing in the door.van totaled out.- I have pictures of the van after the accident I am still trying to drive it, have not been able to repair the van
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021.
Air bags › Frontal
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Air bags
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA investigations
Air Bag Non-Deployment/Engine Stall
In March 2011 Chrysler submitted a defect information report for NHTSA Recall No. 11V139 declaring a defect condition that could cause the ignition key to inadvertently move from the RUN to the ACC position on model year (MY) 2010 Dodge Journey, Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town and Country.The report identified engine stalling as the defect consequence and cited customer complaints and warranty claims, as well as…
Airbag complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 294 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, 23% of the model year's 1,293 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 20V-396 (inflator module, Jul 7, 2020); NHTSA recall 16V-047 (frontal, Jan 29, 2016); NHTSA recall 14V-373 (air bags, Jun 26, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 12 crashes, 1 fire and 13 injuries and 1 death to air bags 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.