Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2014 to Dec 2015
The most reported issue is electrical system problems (396 complaints). 23 complaints involved crashes. 16 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (8)
NHTSA Campaign: 20V396000
Component: 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. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.
Risk: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V047000
Component: 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.
Risk: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V055000
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
Freedom Motors Inc., (Freedom Motors) of Savaria Vehicle Group (formerly The Liberty Motor Company) is recalling one model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan and certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country wheelchair accessible vehicles modified by The Liberty Motor Company from February 2008 through January 2011. Over time and with use, the vehicle's rear axle may develop cracks which could lead to axle failure.
Risk: Failure of the rear axle may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Freedom Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected axles, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2014. Owners can contact Freedom Motors at 1-800-561-9600. Freedom Motors' number for this recall is ENGF0216-3.
NHTSA Campaign: 14V373000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: 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. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.
NHTSA Campaign: 11V394000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 CHRYSLER GRAND VOYAGER, TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 24, 2007, THROUGH JULY 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONER (HVAC) CONDENSATE LEAK FROM THE HVAC DRAIN GROMMET ONTO THE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROL (ORC) MODULE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO THE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND A POTENTIAL INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WITHOUT WARNING.
Risk: AN INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN FRONT OF THE DEPLOYING AIRBAG AND/OR A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED AIR BAG MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 14, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V611000
Component: EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A WATER LEAK At THE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONER (HVAC) DRAIN GROMMET WHICH CAN LEAD TO ILLUMINATION OF AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND A POTENTIAL INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
Risk: AN INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN FRONT OF THE DEPLOYING AIRBAG AND/OR A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HVAC DRAIN GROMMET FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 14, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA Campaign: 09V351000
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
ELDORADO NATIONAL IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 AMERIVAN MOBILITY VEHICLES BUILT ON CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN PLATFORMS VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE LINES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ROUTED AND NOT SECURED PROPERLY DURING THE ALTERATION. IF NOT ROUTED AND SECURED PROPERLY, THE BRAKE LINES COULD RUB AGAINST THE VEHICLE CAUSING A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.
Risk: A BRAKE FLUID LEAK COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY CAUSING A CRASH.
Fix: ELDORADO NATIONAL AMERIVAN DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND IF THE BRAKE LINES WERE IMPROPERLY ROUTED THEY WILL BE CORRECTLY REINSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ELDORADO NATIONAL AT 1-800-955-9086. THESE MINIVANS HAVE BEEN ALTERED INTO WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES BY ELDORADO. THIS RECALL IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED BY CHRYSLER GROUP LLC AND WILL NOT BE PERFORMED AT NO COST BY DODGE OR CHRYSLER DEALERS UNLESS THEY ARE ALSO AN ELDORADO NATIONAL DEALER.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V235000
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 2007 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2009. SOME OF THE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ROUTED WIRE HARNESS THAT MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE THE LOWER SLIDING DOOR HINGE BRACKET CAN MAKE CONTACT AND WEAR THROUGH THE WIRE INSULATION.
Risk: A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD OCCUR INSIDE THE SLIDING DOOR, OVERHEATING THE LATCH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Fix: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-853-1403.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 1290)
Electrical System →6 issues
Your car's engine shuts off while you're driving without any warning, and the dashboard lights turn on at the same time. This has happened both on regular streets and on the freeway, creating a dangerous situation because there's no way to anticipate it. The issue likely involves the electrical system failing to keep the engine running, and the fix may require diagnosis of the battery, alternator, or engine control module.
Parts you may need:
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Your van's electrical system (specifically the TIPM, which controls power distribution) is failing intermittently, causing your headlights to flicker while driving and sometimes shutting off completely. When this happens, all your lights go out, leaving you unable to signal other drivers or be seen on the road. This creates a serious safety risk and is expensive to repair.
Parts you may need:
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Your vehicle stalled while you were driving and turning, and it wouldn't restart afterward. A mechanic diagnosed a failed WIN Module (Wireless Ignition Node), which controls the ignition system. The vehicle was repaired by replacing or repairing this module.
Parts you may need:
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Your key won't release from the ignition when you put the van in Park, leaving the vehicle stuck in accessory mode and draining the battery. The shift lever isn't properly engaging a small switch that tells the ignition to turn off. The dealer would charge over $200 for parts alone to replace the entire shift assembly, though the actual problem appears to be a misaligned $2 microswitch that could be repositioned or replaced.
Parts you may need:
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Your vehicle's electrical system randomly activates multiple components at once — the windshield wipers turn on by themselves, dashboard lights flicker on and off, gauge needles move erratically, and warning chimes sound continuously. These episodes may last just a few seconds or continue for 5-10 minutes before stopping as suddenly as they started. The problem has persisted despite multiple repair attempts and wire replacements, and has been traced to a faulty TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). Fixing this issue will require replacing the TIPM unit, which may have a long lead time for parts availability.
Parts you may need:
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Your driver's side sliding door is stuck shut and won't unlock or open. You may have heard a buzzing sound coming from the door for a few days before it got stuck. The door's electrical lock mechanism may need to be repaired or replaced to restore operation.
Parts you may need:
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Steering,air Bags →3 issues
Your 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan is subject to NHTSA Safety Recall 20V-396, which involves the steering and airbag systems. You should contact a Dodge dealer immediately to have this recall addressed, as it relates to potential safety concerns with these critical components.
Parts you may need:
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You received a recall notice for your 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan affecting the airbags and steering system, but when you took it to the dealer, the replacement part wasn't available. You feel the manufacturer has taken too long to provide the part needed to complete the recall repair. You haven't experienced any actual failure with these components yet.
Parts you may need:
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You received a recall notice for your 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan involving the steering and air bag systems, but the dealership doesn't have the necessary parts in stock to complete the repair. The manufacturer has been aware of the delayed parts availability for an extended period. Your vehicle hasn't experienced any actual failures yet, but you're unable to have the recall work done until parts become available.
Parts you may need:
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Air Bags →2 issues
You took your vehicle to Steve White Motors in Newton, NC to have an airbag recall service completed, but the recall work was marked as incomplete. This means the airbag safety system may not have been fully repaired or updated as intended by the manufacturer.
Parts you may need:
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Your airbag warning light is staying on. This could indicate a problem with your airbag system that needs to be diagnosed. A mechanic will need to scan your vehicle's computer to identify the specific issue.
Parts you may need:
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Air Bags,seat Belts →1 issue
During a crash on 4/22/22, your van's airbags failed to deploy even though the impact was severe enough to cause you to hit your head on the steering wheel. Additionally, the seat belts did not properly restrain the occupants in the vehicle. Both the airbag system and seat belt system may need inspection and repair by a qualified technician.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,structure →1 issue
Your rear doors and back windows won't open, which is a serious safety concern if you need to evacuate the vehicle quickly in an emergency. This could trap you and your children inside if there's an accident or other urgent situation. The problem likely involves the electrical system that controls the rear door and window locks or mechanisms, and repair will require diagnosis of the electrical components and possibly replacement of door lock actuators or window motors.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train →1 issue
Your transmission is shifting erratically, causing the car to jerk and stall while driving on the road. This creates a safety concern since you could lose power while in traffic. The transmission may need to be inspected, serviced, or potentially replaced to resolve the shifting and stalling issues.
Parts you may need:
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Exterior Lighting →1 issue
Your headlights have become foggy and dim over time, making it hard to see the road while driving at night. The plastic headlamp covers deteriorate and lose clarity as the vehicle ages. Fixing this typically involves either polishing and sealing the headlamps or replacing them entirely with new units.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train,engine →1 issue
Your transmission makes an abnormal whining sound when you press the accelerator pedal at various speeds, and your check engine light stays on. After you pull over and restart the vehicle, it temporarily operates normally again. A mechanic told you the transmission likely needs to be replaced, though you haven't had it repaired yet. The fix will require transmission diagnosis and possibly a complete transmission replacement or rebuild.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,air Bags →1 issue
Your vehicle has repeatedly entered "limp home" mode (reduced power) on the highway, often at inconvenient times, while also triggering your wipers and dashboard warning lights. This appears to be related to faulty wiring in the rear sliding door assemblies, which have physically deteriorated on both sides. There was a recall for this wiring issue, but the work may not have properly addressed the underlying problem. Fixing this will likely require replacing or repairing the damaged wiring harnesses and connectors in the rear door assemblies.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →1 issue
Your engine stalled unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds with multiple warning lights appearing, though it restarted and ran normally afterward. This stalling has happened intermittently several times, and you've also noticed the engine hesitating during acceleration and randomly slowing down without warning. A diagnostic scan and fuel system inspection would help identify whether the issue is a faulty sensor, fuel delivery problem, or ignition system malfunction.
Parts you may need:
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Unknown Or Other →1 issue
Unknown
Unknown Or Other,engine →1 issue
Your car's engine exhaust is producing excessive heat that enters the front cabin area, even when you have all the vents closed. This unwanted heat buildup makes the interior uncomfortable. The issue likely involves a heat shield or insulation problem that normally prevents engine heat from radiating into the passenger compartment.
Parts you may need:
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