2008 Dodge Caravan: common problems and reliability

The 2008 Dodge Caravan has 302 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and service brakes. Owners most often flag transmission failures — described as "janky," prone to "clunking," and a "known" problem. cited as a primary reason for the vehicle's poor reputation. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2008 model year

302
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
8
Crash reports
6
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Dodge Caravan vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
162
service brakes
62
air bags
42
hydraulic
41
engine
24

Recalls affecting the 2008 Caravan

fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap

Campaign 10V148000

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 CONVE…

suspension:rear

Campaign 10V164000

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 CONVE…

What owners say across generations

Mixed to negative sentiment overall, with a strong consensus on poor long-term reliability and specific, recurrent mechanical failures. The vehicle is acknowledged for its extreme practicality, low initial purchase price, and versatility (notably the Stow-n-Go

  • Transmission failures — described as "janky," prone to "clunking," and a "known" problem. Cited as a primary reason for the vehicle's poor reputation. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Electrical system/TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failures — fuse box issues causing a wide array of bizarre electrical problems (e.g., random horn activation, inoperable windows and gauges, wipers staying on). Described as an "incredibly common problem." Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine issues — includes oil cooler/oil filter housing leaks (specifically on the 3.6L Pentastar V6), overheating problems potentially related to water pumps, and head gasket failures. The 3.6L Pentastar is also noted for potential lifter and camshaft problems. Frequency: recurrent.
  • General build quality and reliability — described as having "over-engineered junk," "dumb issues," and being a "lesser build quality" vehicle that is often abused. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Fuel economy — cited as poor compared to segment leaders (e.g., ~20 MPG vs. 25 MPG for a Honda Odyssey). Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Caravan.

Typical used price

Used Caravan listings typically run $2,999–$6,399 across 1997 to 2007 model years.

Other Caravan model years

2011 Caravan2000 Caravan1996 Caravan
Full Dodge Caravan owner reportCompare against another car