Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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. …
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.
Driving the vehicle on a residential street. Engine quit suddenly and unexpectedly. Steering and brakes failed. Vehicle went off the road, over the curb and came to a stop. No property damage or bodily harm. If we had been traveling at highway speeds, fear of death would have been a real concern. The engine would not start for approximately a minute after the incident. Engine finally started and the vehicle was taken to a Dodge dealership. Diagnosed as a 'bad win module' (wireless ignition node). The technician actually guessed the problem was the win module before diagnosing the problem. He said it was a 'fairly common problem'. An online investigation revealed this part has a recall associated with it in the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan (our Dodge Grand Caravan is a 2008). The reason I am writing the NHTSA is the newly replaced win module is clearly a redesigned part. …
This van dies while in operation, most often within the first 5 miles of driving in the morning. It has gotten to the point where it happens every single day, sometimes multiple times a day. It appears to happen most frequently when decelerating (upon taking our foot off the gas, the tachometer bounces way down (~500rpm or so), then stutters a bit, then the vehicle stalls/dies. This has happened while turning at an intersection several times, and we narrowly escaped a collision. We have had 2 key fob recalls performed, as Chrysler had attributed the problem to faulty fobs/ignition switches....the most recent recall was performed less than 6 months ago. No change was noted after the recall work was performed. The problem rarely happens on the highway, although it did happen to my wife last week while she was at highway speed on the interstate. …
While driving and while stopped at a stop light, the van will power down completely. Engine turns off, power steering fails, and all electrical. The EGR valve dangerously causes the vehicle to quit even while driving in traffic. This is a huge safety issue. I was traveling down the road at 40mph with all four of my kids in tow, when the power steering went out and vehicle completely quit. Thankfully, I was able to pull hard on the wheel to pull over. After several tries, I was able to restart the van. The valve is apparently failing to send fuel to the necessary areas of the engine causing it to shut completely down. This has now occurred on numerous occasions and I no longer trust this vehicle as a safe and dependable family vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding noise emitting from the front of the vehicle and the traction control warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was diagnosed again and the contact was informed that the steering angle sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls associated with the failure and the vehicle would have to be repaired at the owner's expense. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.
While driving down the road at slow speed in the neighborhood, the car randomly shuts off. The power steering, the power brakes and the engine stop working. It is happening now more frequently - twice today and my wife and kids nearly had a head on accident. Luckily the other car was able to swerve to miss our van otherwise there would have been a head-on. I took the car to my dealership several times over the last few months based on a recall notice that was issued for the van. I was told that they do not have the parts to fix it and that they have no idea when the parts will be available. How many people need to be hurt by this issue before they start delivering the parts to fix it?
Within the past several weeks on driving vehicle 2 block, my warning lights came on relating to ESP and the traction control light indicating upon evaluation by a private mechanic that attention was needed in the steering column mechanism (air bags?), and traction control sensor "idiot" light appeared causing vehicle to grasp the pavement more than usual, my tires appeared okay, and I was advised that when the ESP light comes on, traction control is automatic...please send me verification that this is a recall issue. I plan to have my vehicle towed by aaa to scott robinson Chrysler, Dodge in torrance and would request coverage of my rental vehicle for one week.
While driving on city street (between 20 and 30 MPH) the vehicle engine shut off. The power steering and power brakes also stopped making the vehicle difficult to stop or maneuver to a safe stopping location. There was no warning of a failure and the only indication was the traction control/stability dash indicator. After the vehicle was stopped it was placed in park and restarted, then drove fine. There were still no indications of a failure (CEL or ses light). No diagnostic codes were stored on the computer. Because this happens completely unexpected, if it were to occur while going around a curve or in an intersection there is a safety concern.
Steering complaints in other Grand Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, 4% of the model year's 1,293 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, though it has 8 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 Grand Caravan steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to steering 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.