2008 Dodge Caravan Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 Dodge Caravan has a complaint index of 92, the second-worst of 13 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Electrical system issues dominate, making up 54% of complaints, with 2 recalls tied to Braun conversion vehicles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 92/100
- #2 of 13 Caravan years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 302
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 10
- Top issue
- Electrical System
Top 2008 Dodge Caravan problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System164 (54%)
- Brakes67 (22%)
- Airbags42 (14%)
- Engine35 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires22 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers16 (5%)
- Other15 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (4%)
- Structure & Body9 (3%)
- Fuel System6 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Electrical system failures cause dashboard warning lights, horn, wipers, and door locks to activate on their own while driving.
- Driver-side window control switches reportedly caught fire in the door housing, in some cases while the vehicle was parked or idling.
- Airbags failed to deploy in multiple crash events, including rear-end collisions and front-impact accidents.
- Front and rear brakes reportedly produced loud noise along with smoke and a burning smell, recurring even after dealer repairs.
- Engine stalled unexpectedly at low speed while exiting a parking space, leading to a collision in one reported case.
2008 Dodge Caravan recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V164000Apr 23, 2010Suspension, Wheels & Tires834 vehicles
Suspension:rear
The braun corporation is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 chrysler town & country and dodge caravan mobility conversions which were altered by braun between january 21, 2009 and march 19, 2010. During conversion, the chassis was raised and the floor was lowered to accommodate wheelchair accessibility features. In raising the chassis, the rear spring hats come into closer proximity to the rear tires. In rough or aggressive driving situations the tires may intermittently contact the rear spring hats.
Risk: Contact between the tire spring hat may wear a hole in the tire over time. This may result in loss of vehicle control in the event of tire pressure loss increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Braun will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on june 4, 2010. Owners may contact braun toll-free at 1-800-488-0359.
- NHTSA 10V148000Apr 13, 2010Fuel System843 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap
The braun corporation is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 chrysler town & country and dodge caravan commercial entervans which were altered by braun between january 21, 2009 and march 19, 2010. During conversion, the chassis was raised and the floor was lowered to accommodate wheelchair accessibility features. In raising the chassis, the fuel fill pipe comes into closer proximity to the left rear tire. In rough or aggressive driving situations, the tire may intermittently contact the fuel fill pipe.
Risk: Contact between the tire and fuel fill pipe may wear a hole in one or the other components over time. This may result in loss of vehicle control in the event of tire pressure loss, or a vehicle fire in the event the fuel pipe is compromised.
Remedy: Braun will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on june 4, 2010. Owners may contact braun toll-free at 1-800-488-0359.
2008 compared with other Caravan years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Dodge Caravan reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Caravan ranks second-worst among 13 model years with a complaint index of 92, earning an Avoid verdict.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2008 Dodge Caravan?
- Electrical system complaints are the largest category, accounting for 54% of all complaints (164 of 302), including reports of switches catching fire and dashboard systems activating on their own.
- Does the 2008 Dodge Caravan have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Dodge Caravan, both tied to Braun Corporation mobility and commercial conversions, covering suspension/wheels/tires and fuel system components.
- How does the 2008 Caravan compare to other Caravan years?
- The 2008 model's complaint index of 92 is worse than most other years; only 2005 (index 100) ranks worse, while years like 2014 (index 17, Best verdict) and 2011 (index 42, Good) fare much better.
- At what mileage do 2008 Caravan problems typically show up?
- Electrical system complaints show a median mileage of 80,000, brake complaints at 29,590 miles, and airbag issues at 84,000 miles, based on NHTSA data.