2008 Dodge Caravan Problems: Electrical (298 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2008 Dodge Caravan is Electrical (40% of 298 owner reports). There are 2 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Electrical — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-09-07 298 complaints · 2 recalls

What problems show up on the 2008 Dodge Caravan?

120 of 298 filings named Electrical (40% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Brakes (53 reports).

There are 2 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Fuel system and Suspension. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 2007 has 78 reports on file; this year has 298. Older years collect more reports just by being on the road longer. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 2008 Dodge Caravan

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 2 campaigns on file below.
Electrical. Have a shop scan for stored codes and check battery, charging and any warning lights that stay on.
Brakes. Have a shop check pads, rotors, fluid and whether the pedal feels firm.
Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
Skim a few owner reports below for Electrical. Look for the same symptom repeating.
Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Electrical 120 complaints · 40.3% of the file

Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:

Crashes 8
Fires 6
Injuries 10
Deaths 0

All Dodge Caravan years →

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table

System / Component	Complaints	Share of Reports	Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM)	120	40.3%	1 crashes · 5 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES)	53	17.8%	0 crashes · 1 fires
Engine (ENGINE)	25	8.4%	2 crashes · 0 fires
Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)	15	5.0%	1 crashes · 0 fires
Airbags (AIR BAGS)	13	4.4%	3 crashes · 0 fires
Tires (TIRES)	10	3.4%	0 crashes · 0 fires
Glass / wipers / cameras (VISIBILITY)	9	3.0%	0 crashes · 0 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)	8	2.7%	0 crashes · 0 fires
Wheels (WHEELS)	7	2.4%	0 crashes · 0 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover	89	29.9%	1 crashes · 1 fires

NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

Campaign 10V148000 was reported 369 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.

View timeline records as a table

Date	Record type	Count	Record identifier
2007-Q4	Owner reports	1
2008-Q1	Owner reports	1
2008-Q3	Owner reports	3
2008-Q4	Owner reports	1
2009-Q2	Owner reports	6
2009-Q3	Owner reports	6
2009-Q4	Owner reports	5
2010-Q1	Owner reports	11
2010-Q2	Owner reports	6
2010-Q3	Owner reports	7
2010-Q4	Owner reports	3
2011-Q1	Owner reports	7
2011-Q2	Owner reports	8
2011-Q3	Owner reports	8
2011-Q4	Owner reports	7
2012-Q1	Owner reports	7
2012-Q2	Owner reports	5
2012-Q3	Owner reports	4
2012-Q4	Owner reports	7
2013-Q1	Owner reports	1
2013-Q2	Owner reports	1
2013-Q3	Owner reports	2
2013-Q4	Owner reports	5
2014-Q2	Owner reports	10
2014-Q3	Owner reports	15
2014-Q4	Owner reports	29
2015-Q1	Owner reports	28
2015-Q2	Owner reports	21
2015-Q3	Owner reports	29
2015-Q4	Owner reports	7
2016-Q1	Owner reports	6
2016-Q2	Owner reports	3
2016-Q3	Owner reports	6
2016-Q4	Owner reports	5
2017-Q1	Owner reports	3
2017-Q2	Owner reports	3
2017-Q3	Owner reports	1
2017-Q4	Owner reports	1
2018-Q2	Owner reports	2
2018-Q3	Owner reports	2
2018-Q4	Owner reports	1
2019-Q1	Owner reports	1
2019-Q2	Owner reports	1
2019-Q3	Owner reports	1
2019-Q4	Owner reports	1
2020-Q1	Owner reports	1
2020-Q3	Owner reports	1
2020-Q4	Owner reports	3
2021-Q1	Owner reports	1
2022-Q2	Owner reports	1
2022-Q4	Owner reports	1
2023-Q2	Owner reports	2
Apr 2010	Recall campaign	1	10V148000
Apr 2010	Recall campaign	1	10V164000
Sep 2014	Defect investigation	1	DP14004

NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-09-06 Open source record

Safety Recalls (2)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Fuel system and Suspension.

Recall campaign 10V148000

Fuel system

Report date

Apr 13, 2010

Component:

Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)

Consequence:

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.

View authoritative NHTSA record →
Recall campaign 10V164000

Suspension

Report date

Apr 23, 2010

Component:

Suspension (SUSPENSION)

Consequence:

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.

View authoritative NHTSA record →

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-09-07

Showing 8 of 298 complaints · page 1 of 12

2023-06-29Engine (ENGINE)

NHTSA ODI 11529504

CrashFireInjuryDeath

The van lunges the shuts off while driving happens any time any place, just had the crankshaft position sensor following the codes it was showing, and it still does it.

2023-05-23Airbags (AIR BAGS)

NHTSA ODI 11523498

CrashFireInjuryDeath

The contact owned a 2008 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, an unknown Toyota Minivan entered his driving route and crashed into the vehicle. The driver sustained injuries to his back, neck, and feet and bruising. Medical attention was provided. The passenger sustained injuries to his neck, back, and shoulder, and medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to his resident. The air bags did not deploy. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN was not available.

2022-10-25Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)

NHTSA ODI 11490791

CrashFireInjuryDeath

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that the headlights appeared hazy and clogged. Additionally, the contact stated that the headlight failed to illuminate and provide proper illumination while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

2022-04-11Engine (ENGINE)

NHTSA ODI 11460449

CrashFireInjuryDeath

The problems we are experiencing is the airbag indicator light keeps coming on and off dinging every time it comes on. The other issue we have experienced is the engine is in need of repair but the check engine light does not come on to let mechanics find the problem. However once every three months the light will come in but once vehicle is turned off the light goes off never to come back on until the next time a few months later. The check engine light issue has been going on for two years.

2021-02-25STEERING

NHTSA ODI 11397912

CrashFireInjuryDeath

STARTED THE VEHICLE ONE MORNING AND DROVE UP TO A STOP SIGN. I WAS IN A CITY STREET MAKING A LEFT TURN. SAW CLEAR FROM BOTH DIRECTIONS OF ANY TRAFFIC.ACCELERATED AND THE BAS,ESP LIGHT, AND TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON. AT THIS POINT THE VEHICLE WANTED TO STALL, LOST POWER, AND STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT. STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND ACCELERATED AGAIN TO ABOUT 20 MPH AND THE VEHICLE REPEATED THE STALLING AND HESITATED TO ACCELERATE, ONCE ABOVE 30 MPH ALL LIGHTS CONTINUED ON AND THE VEHICLE KEPT DRIVING ACCORDINGLY. EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS STARTED UP AND DROVE FROM THAT DATE OF JAN.26,2021 THE VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONING CONTINUES. I FIND THIS TO BE A SEVERE MECHANICAL PROBLEM AND A DANGER TO ME, MY FAMILY, AND THE PUBLIC.

2020-12-30Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)

NHTSA ODI 11385656

CrashFireInjuryDeath

HEADLIGHTS TURNING OFF DURING ANY DRIVING ,STATIONARY,CITY HIGHWAY NIGHT DAY RAIN COLD WARM ALL THE ABOVE ANTIME ANY CONDITION.FLICKERING SOMETIMES STAYING OFF MOST OF THE TIME NEED TO HOLD PASSING FLASH BRIGHTS ON TO STILL ATLEAST HAVE LIGHT SOMETIMES DOSENT WORK ALL THE TIME. MONTHS NOW.

2020-12-03Unclassified NHTSA leftover

NHTSA ODI 11377618

CrashFireInjuryDeath

ORIGINALLY HAD TAKEN CAR IN FOR RECALL. THE RECALL WAS FOR BOTH DOORS. THE DEALER HAD DELIVERED THE CAR AND TOLD ME I WOULD BE CONTACTED FOR REPAIR ON THE PASSENGER DOOR ONCE THE PARTS WERE IN STOCK. AFTER MONTHS OF WAITING I FINALLY CONTACTED THEM AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS WERE IN STOCK. I MADE THE APPOINTMENT AND WHEN I WAS SET TO DROP OFF THE VAN I WAS TOLD THAT I WAS GOING TO BE CHARGED BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN PUT IN AS COMPLETE IN THE DEALERS RECORDS BUT SHOWED PARTS NOT INSTALLED. I WAS TOLD TO CONTACT DODGE AND LEFT THE VAN THERE OVERNIGHT. THE NEXT DAY I SPENT A LOT OF TIME ON THE PHONE TO GET THE RUNAROUND WITH DODGE. I PICKED UP THE CAR AND DIDN'T HAVE THE REPAIR DONE. MY FAMILY HAS USED THE VAN EVER SINCE. I HAVE ALWAYS PUT OFF REPAIRING IT BECAUSE IT WAS A RECALL THAT BROKE DOWN AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL VERBATIM AND IS A HAZARD FOR MULTIPLE REASONS AND I WOULD BLAME DODGE DIRECTLY IF ANYTHING WERE TO HAPPEN. I HAVE CONTACTED THEM SEVERAL TIMES THROUGH OUT THE LAST FEW YEARS TRYING TO RECTIFY THIS EGREGIOUS SITUATION. I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECORDS INDICATE ONLY ONE SIDE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE RECALL STILL TO THIS DAY SHOWS COMPLETE. I TAKE PRIDE IN BUYING AND MAINTAINING AN 'AMERICAN MADE' PRODUCT AND WOULD HAVE FIXED THIS SEVERAL TIMES OVER HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR PRINCIPLE. DODGE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE CONCERNED FOR A CUSTOMER WHO IS A FAMILY MAN. I PROTECT MY FAMILY WITH MY OWN LIFE. IT IS DIFFICULT TO ONLY USE ONE DOOR WHEN PARKING ON A BUSY STREET WITH 2-5 CHILDREN WHO ARE FORCED TO GET OUT ONTO A BUSY STREET IF THAT IS THE ONLY OPTION. IT CAN BE VERY RISKY. EVEN PICKING THEM UP FROM SCHOOL THEY ARE MADE TO WALK TO THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR EVEN THOU THE PICK UP SIDE IS ON THE PASSENGER. SECONDLY MY MAIN ISSUE IS A SHORT WHILE DRIVING. PROTRUDING WIRES COULD BE PINCHED IF THE DOOR IS USED WHICH COULD LEAD TO A FIRE OR FAULT IN THE DOOR FUNCTIONALITY

2020-12-03Unclassified NHTSA leftover

NHTSA ODI 11377616

CrashFireInjuryDeath

I HAVE HAD MY DODGE 2008 CARAVAN FOR SOMETIME. WAS ORIGINALLY TAKEN FOR REPAIRS TO THE SLIDING DOOR RECALL.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems on the 2008 Dodge Caravan?

Owners named Electrical most often — 120 of 298 reports (40%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2008 Dodge Caravan?

NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Fuel system and Suspension. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2008 Dodge Caravan?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Have a shop scan for stored codes and check battery, charging and any warning lights that stay on. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-08-21 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-08-21

Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-09-07 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-09-07. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources