Car Yearsto Avoid

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems

What owners have reported about the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan a good year?

It's one of the worst years for the Grand Caravan. Owners have filed 1,293 complaints with NHTSA, the 1st most of 12 Grand Caravan model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, airbags and brakes.

1,293 complaints 8 recalls, 1 fire risk 1st worst of 12 Grand Caravan years

Top 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan problems

1

Electrical problems

815 complaints (63%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and wiring.

Complaints 815 · Usually at 63,000–110,000 miles · Recall 14V373000, 10V235000

2

Airbag problems

294 complaints (23%) name the airbags, most often the frontal and side / window.

Complaints 294 · Usually at 60,000–130,000 miles · Recall 20V396000, 16V047000, 14V373000, 11V394000

3

Brake problems

211 complaints (16%) name the brakes, most often the rotor and pads.

Complaints 211 · Usually at 17,000–59,000 miles · Recall 09V351000

4

Engine problems

145 complaints (11%) name the engine, most often the cooling system and radiator assembly.

Complaints 145 · Usually at 65,000–118,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Airbags 23%
Brakes 16%
Engine 11%
Transmission 5%
Steering 4%
Wipers and Visibility 4%
Lights 4%
Stability Control 3%
Unknown or Other 3%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (824 of 1,293). The amber line is the middle value, about 71,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan recalls

Steering wheel / handle bar, Inflator module

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. 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.

Recall 20V396000 · Jul 2020

Frontal

In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail. 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.

Recall 16V047000 · Jan 2016

Switch

Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. 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. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.

Recall 14V373000 · Jun 2014

Non-powered axle assembly

Over time and with use, the vehicle's rear axle may develop cracks which could lead to axle failure. 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.

Recall 14V055000 · Feb 2014

Frontal, Sensor / control module-inactive

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. 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.

Recall 11V394000 · Aug 2011

Air conditioner

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. 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.

Recall 10V611000 · Dec 2010

Wiring

Fire risk

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. 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.

Recall 10V235000 · Jun 2010

Brakes

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. 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. These minivans have been altered into wheelchair accessible vehicles by eldorado.

Recall 09V351000 · Sep 2009
Check your VIN for open recalls

Get an email when your 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Grand Caravan years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan problems by system

Common questions

Is the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan a reliable year?

It's one of the worst years for the Grand Caravan. Owners have filed 1,293 complaints with NHTSA, the 1st most of 12 Grand Caravan model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, airbags and brakes.

What are the most common 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan problems?

Owners most often report problems with the electrical system, airbags, brakes and engine. 815 complaints (63%) name the electrical system, most often the ignition and wiring.

At what mileage do 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan electrical system problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 63,000–110,000 miles, with a middle value near 85,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan have?

8. Steering wheel / handle bar, Inflator module (20V396000); Frontal (16V047000); Switch (14V373000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan?

Ask for service records covering the electrical system, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2019, 2018 and 2015 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.