2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT review: Lemon van 48

I vowed I would never buy any minivan due to horrible crash test ratings and their handling but after much research we changed our minds. Overall we have been very, very happy with our 2009 3.3L Grand Caravan purchased in 2010 with less than 20, 000km on it. Yes we have had to replace brake pads and calipers and normal wear and tear items such as tires and wipers but overall it has done us well all these years. With over 141, 000km on it now the biggest issue we've had is with the connectors at the heater core failing and dumping almost all the coolant from the engine very quickly in late 2017. If this happens to you, don't drive it and have it towed instead. We were told to replace BOTH connectors at the same time or you may face a second failure shortly afterwards. That was about a $400 repair for both. We've heard that some people fail to stop driving right away and very quickly damage their engine due to the aluminum piston heads often now used in any later model vehicles. If you do that you could face a engine replacement that will cost you thousands instead. Be smart like us and don't drive without coolant! The biggest repair items would have to be replacing one of the sliding door wiring harnesses once along with one side power window motor repair. We have had not had issues with any tranny components or any real electrical issues and despite some repairs we have been very, very happy with it. We're actually very disappointed they are discontinuing the Grand Caravan. In fact we like it so much we'd buy another one again in few years. I guess we still have the option of staying with Dodge for a similar style vehicle but we don't want too many bells and whistles such as power sliding doors etc. The more electrical gizmos you get on any kind of vehicle the more you line yourself up for issues and large repair bills later.

Portage Dodge Chrysler always been bad about customer services. I bought a Chevy Malibu. They promise that if I had any problems, to bring it in. Within a week after I tool the car home, there was an oil leak. I took back and they had me wait for an hour. One of the owner came out and started to say that they can't do anything. I explain that I just bought the Chevy a week about. They had me wait another hour. They would smile and walk arund me. I grew angry and demanded to talk to the managers. He came back and said that they will not do anything, it was my responsibility. They would not take it back and this ended up costing me over $300 to replace the gasket. This was when I learn that Portage Dodge Chrysler does this all the time. They simply lie. I know this is not new to people. but I kinda of trusted them, now I don'

Bought our 08 last year(14) have had to replace oilpan gasket, head gaskets, waterpump, the radio went out and just pops now.driverside window shorts out, Transmission shifts different everytime. Slips when you are turning. I am tired of this piece of crap!

To the ### earlier : Dodge's lifetime powertrain warranty 06-08 is for the ORIGINAL OWNER ONLY. You're welcome.

I have a 2007 SXT, transmission went out at 30, 000 now it is burning oil like crazy. Seems like about 2 quarts in every 1000 miles. Tail pipe is black with soot. Any ideas what the problem is?
Thanks

OMG ...I finally found this site! I'm a single parent with 4 children and this has been the most painful purchase I've ever made in my life. I purchase this vehicle BRAND NEW after owning another Dodge. Much to my surprise it has had over 14 recalls like starter, brakes, transmission, keys, electric doors, radiator UFF!..and the list goes on. I stuck to it because I figured being a women no one would listed to my complaints and also I could not afford to take more time than I was already had to from my 8-5 job with out pay when EVERY PENNY counts (at least for me). I'm left with a BITTER "LEMON" experience, an empty $$ pocket and a hard lesson learned... I can only say I would never purchase a dodge again. :/ ...MY ONLY HOPE IS TO CONTRIBUTE WITH MY EXPERIENCE TO ALERT OTHERS FROM MAKING THE SAME MISTAKES.

This manually operated electrical switch failed as
determined by Wickstrom Dodge, and replacement of this switch required the
purchase of assembly part 1GJ35D5AF replaced by 1GJ35D5AJ. Dodge warranty phone clerks refused to consider this warranty claim, and they would not reveal the changes made by Dodge changing the 1GJ35D5AF with 1GJ35D5AJ.

This new shifter is definitely different than the factory installed part, with moving the gear shifter from drive to park much more difficult. We have not had problems with the ignition key switching off by itself, and we have not had problems with the shifter moving from park to neutral by itself. And we were not been able to remove the ignition key when the original shifter with failed manually operated electrical switch.

Is Dodge like GM hiding ignition switch failure problems?

Why is Dodge or Wickstrom not honoring the extended warranty (that we purchased from Wickstrom for $2100 valid to 2016 and 90, 000 miles)?

I requested that Dodge or Wickstrom honor this warranty and either party issue a full refund for $544.01, and reply with 5 business days. Dodge refused even though clearly stated on my extended warranty.

Do not force the ignition key from the slot!, and be very careful about the ignition key switching to accessory, and the vehicle shuts off while driving, you will lose control of the vehicle!

Retail cost for the shifter assembly is $180, and the dealer charged $336 for installation.

Dodge acknowledges the shifter failure and they don't care!

We have a 2008 Grand Caravan with a $2500.00 Maximum Care Warranty that so far hasn't been worth a dime. We have had most of the problems described here and on other sites. Our latest issue is ASB and ESP lights that won't go out. We tried to enact the lemon law, and that time it took them one day short of the required days necessary for us to get the action moving. Naturally there were repeats of the same problem, and more. Like others have reported our dealer said we were the only ones with these kinds of problems, they had never encountered them before, and all their other customers were VERY satisfied with their caravans. This car was one of the biggest mistakes of our lives!

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Have had the recalls all taken care of. Have dealt with brakes/rotors that only last 25, 000 miles have had to replace heater hoses due Y cracking; Now the most aggravating issue of all the planned obsolescence key fobs! REALLY? they suck! The dealer is claiming we need new fobs, WIN module and replace the whole shift interlock cabling system for a mere $1500 just so we can start the (#*$^(#^ POS vehicle! OH we also still have a year of $425 payments on this POS that we can't trade in to save our lives!. All I can say is if it doesn't have a real key and real ignition forget buying it! At least the old stuff We used to build is something I can fix.

OMFG if I would of known 2 years ago when I bought my 2004 I would never buy such a lemon! 4 power window motors drivers side, 3 passenger side, power sliding door driver side quit workin, ### ### gas mileage, transmission slips when you leave after stoping the jumps into gear and now no fookin headllights! We bought a 1996 grand caravan and drove and drove and drove it till it was totally rotten! 435000 kms on it and would still get 24.7 mpg at 75mph down the highway! It was by far the best vehicle. Now we are just stuck with this piece of ###. I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER DODGE! I would push a ford and drive my Chevys but give me a gernade for a dodge!

I too have had problems with my van. Last month the driver side speakers stopped working. Mysteriously worked the next day. My driver window is finicky. Yesterday when starting to leave the store I looked to check the time and the radio/clock had no power. I have had to have the 'Y" piece of tubing that goes into firewall replaced because it was leaking anitfreeze. Both sliders have had problems; Most recently the plastic chain on the passenger side is now broke and I have to hold my had on the chain as I close it so it stays 'on track'. OH, an my check engine light has been on for about 6months. I had it checked and they said it was the EGR valve and it just causes lesser gas milage so I put it off getting it fixed. But now miraculusly; the light is out. ?
I have had ALOT of little problems with this van. SO NOT WORTH THE MONEY WE ARE PAYING.

We bought our 2008 caravan SXT about 2 years ago. We are the second owners. The EGR valve is bad and now we are only getting 13.2 mpg. Never in my life will I own a dodge product! We are getting ready to have baby number 5 and need something bigger. No one is wanting to buy it for anything over $10, 000. Such a waste of money. I'm disappointed that a large corporation like dodge would allow such poor products to be purchased. I guess that's where money is more important than customer satisfaction.

Mine is paid in full but in the shop every three months! My power steering hose has gone now for the third winter in a row and this is a recalled part that I have been paying for! I have gone into debt fixing this crap and I bought the van so I did not have to take it in! I am up to date on oil changes, flushes, etc! It's sad consumers pay the price for these lemons! This van sucks also for having many blind spots!

i just bought a 2008 dodge grand caravan and have had problems with the wipers going off with no key in it driving down the highway my horn went off by itself and wipers started going off with no warning or any clue of what was going on scared me and my children as well as a car in front of me which went to get out of my way and almost wrecked i contacted dodge and was told this was the 1st they have heard of this problem then i research it to find numerous complaints of the same or similar problems from others i then contacted NHTSA and registered complaint i would suggest everyone who is having these problems contact them at [protected]

I have a 2008 Doge caravan SXT with 110km on it so far the only problem I have was brake pads replace it once but now I am beginning to have problems with its electronics, intermittent power sliding doors will close near latching then suddenly open back so it has to be close manually, one time check engine came and then clears away. But now car is having problem with remote starting and lots of time the car will not start just click when you turn the ignition on. the only way you can start the cart is to remove the battery terminal then re- install then the car will start or if you are down hill just let the car roll down a few feet then start the engine seems to work but its a hustle to shut down the car when you are driving it and stop for a few moment. Any body has idea to resolve the problem pleas help . I am retired and has no income to pay the dealer to play with it aside as I read all the comments the dealers response is they cant find the problem but I am sure they are aware of it but they chose to ignore the problem thinking it will just go away cause they have no solution to the problem.

ah... brakes, brakes and more breaks.. 58.000 miles and installing the 3rd set of rotors and pads! I also notices that it looks like the 4.0 liter is no longer offered for 2012. Bought it new, First set of brakes (all the way around) at 25K.; 2nd set at 40K. I have decided to use the cheapest brake pads due to the frequent replacement. uses 2 quarts of oil every 2500 miles. Rear wheel bearing also have to be replaced.
I owned 8 Mopar through the years (4 of which were new). Switching to Ford or GM. My van in under breaked, terrible gas mileage, Oil consumption... it goes on and on.

Bought a 2008 Grand Caravan from a Dodge dealer in April 2011. The ad on Cars.com said it was a Certified Used Car, and would come with the Certified Vehicle warranty. However, before finalizing the deal, they tried to back out, saying that it was NOT a Certified Vehicle. I pulled out the printed ad (which I STILL have), and started to walk away from the deal (which I now wish I had), until they finally gave in. Had to take it back within a few weeks to have the passenger-side side door fixed (would close halfway, then open again). Brakes squealed from Day 1. Recently, the transmission started "clunking" when shifting into 2nd gear. Then the van started randomly dying...and not only at idle, but while driving down the road (nearly caused my wife to crash, as she lost power steering and brakes). Now the check engine light is on with a P0406 code (EGR Valve). Today I contacted Chrysler to see about getting it fixed under the Certified Vehicle warranty...and they tell me there is NO warranty coverage. After several calls to the dealership, they told me that it was taken care of, that the warranty info was never entered. Per Chrysler's web site, it STILL has not been entered...so it's back to calling the dealership again (I'm driving over there in person after work if they don't get this resolved by then). I will NEVER by another Chrysler product again.

We own a 2008 Dodge Caravan and we've also had the breaks done. 20K and they were finished. We had them replace by our own shop at $875.00 for the works - dealer quoted 1275 just for the pads. 3 months later we received a recall notice from the company saying the breaks were a problem. I sent them the paperwork from our fix and they reimbursed me the entire amount.
We have had many many other problems but with persistence I've had them all covered. Even the catalytic went 2 months ago.
NOW we have an exhaust leak...

We also ordered a 2008 Dogde Grand Caravan and it has been an absolute nightmare! Brakes replaced 3 times in as many years, rotors, rpm gauge, a/c unit worked on 2xs, the doors 2xs...not to mention, when I took it in the dealer acted like he had NEVER had any complain on any Dodge Grande Caravan...everyone he knew was happy and problem free! I coulda slapped him after all we have been through! How can we protest and get help? Class action?

We think our 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan is really a 2009 sold as a 2010 because it has hot spots and warping on brakes, hairline fractures on bearings, engine shut off at 60 miles and hour and almost got us killed, bad fuel sensor, bad muffler, bad van. Mechanics told us these were bad problems on the 2009 model and yet our 2010 has identical problems. No one at chysler helping rsolve this.

We traded our '99 Plymouth voyager for an '08 Grand Caravan, thinking it was time to step up a few years. What a mistake! Within the first year of owning it we have had to fix a lot of major things, Power steering hose somehow got a pin hole, tie rods, bearings on the front driver, bearings on the rear drivers, brake capillary seized the rear tire passenger side, sliding doors get water in them and since we live in Canada it poses some issues in the winter! The tires fill with mud and gravel so that every 2-3 weeks I need to pull them off and wash them out. The back hatch fills with dirt, freezes shut, I broke the handle in my first month of owning it. This is the worst vehicle my family has ever had! Unfortunately we can`t afford to get out of this to find something half decent!

I bought a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT used with 80k on it, I now have 110k on it and have had NO problems with it. These 4.0L Engines though do burn oil, when I go to change the oil, maybe one month after and only 2k driven it's already down 1 - 1.5L ... Weird, because there are no leaks and it passes E-test fine, no blue smoke out the exhaust either, so where is this oil going ? It's a Gas hog too, Lucky to get 23k/L highway and in town I'm burning 15 kilometers per Litre easy, which is real crappy mileage. These Vans really react hard to your driving style, so be aware that if you brake hard you'll burn through the brakes fast, best bet, get guaranteed graphite brake pads. Other than that I have had no problems so far, heat works too well, stereo is ear busting loud, seats adjust fine, windows work, wipers work, have Goodyear "fuelmax" tires on it which seems to match the vehicle's weight and power ratio nicely, handles really well. I like the fact that the seats all fold down and away and I can fit a full 15 stack of 4x8 sheets of wood in the back. All you people having problems need to question if the mechanic is being honest with you, or go change dealerships or mechanics. I'm talking above and beyond the car's obvious issues. I just hope mine doesn't start having problems like I've seen here ... wish me luck ! XD

Just like No More Dodge Ever said, my wifes 08 Caravan seems possessed, I just had to pick her up last night off the side of the the highway because her engine turned off, wipers were going nuts, windshield washer fluid spraying every where, horn sounding and unable to restart the car. I get to her to help, try to restart the car no luck, remove the battery cables to see if I can reset everything still no luck. We wait 40 minutes for AAA to show up to tow us to the dealer, he gets in the car and it starts right up. Get it to the dealership and of course its late and they are closing for the night. Next day my wfe gets the call from the dealership looking for more info because they can not duplicate the issue. This is not the first time the car has acted possessed, but it will be the last time we ever buy a Dodge anything. I would like to know what computer they replaced for No More Dodge Ever so I can suggest that to my dealership.

Just reading through some of these posts and we are all having similar problems with the AC. I had mine in the shop for the fifth time in 3 years for AC related troubles.
The service guys said they couldn't find any leaks, but even they admitted something weird is going on.
Because this van has the front and rear controls, a lot of the guts for the rear ventilation are inside the body panels, so it's a major job to get at them.
My fear is that is what's going to end up happening and I don't want to be stuck paying for what appears to be a faulty system.

We have an 08 Grand Caravan SE, with just over 65, 000 km (so no more warranty). We have had front and rear brakes (pads and rotors) replaced, as luck would have it, however, Chrysler stepped up and paid for all of that.
Our biggest beef is the AC, so far since buying this van in September 08, I have had to have work done on the AC every summer.
Today the dealer informed me they recharged the system and everything was holding but no obvious leaks, the problem being is if there is a leak and it has something to do with the rear system, then they have to take the whole thing apart to service it.
The dealer knows there's a problem, they looked at the history of service on the AC and didn't charge me for the service, but they also know there is something peculiar with the system but there are no obvious leaks.
I think it's time for a letter to Chrylser pointing out that there is fault somewhere in the system and I hope that they will step up and address this.
We'll see.

I have a 2008 dodge grand caravan 3.8 liter. We bought it used with over 20, 000 miles on it. We have had it for 2 years and the transmission just all of the sudden went bad? How can this be with no warning. We are still under warreny but because there was never a 60, 000 miles transmission service done the warrenty department is trying to fight it. We have owned alot of vehicles and never had taken any of them to get transmission serviced. The dealer has had our veichle for a week now and we are still waiting for an answer back from the warrenty dept. I had read nothing but bad reviews for this vehicle about there tansmissions and many other parts that have gone bad. Not to mention There are 5 recalls on my van which no one seems to want to fix eaither after calling a dodge dealership and they told me i had to get on a waiting list and no one has called me back and it has been atleast 8 months. We have had problems with the doors getting shut to about 75% and then popping back open for no apparent reason and then we had taken it back to our dealer and they said something about a computer needing to be reset which way did not work because we still have the problem. We have had the van for 2 years and have also had to replace the front brakes and roters 2 times and the rear brakes once. We had to replace the tires on it after the first year. If we werent so upside down on this veichle we would get rid of it and get into something else we can afford and i WILL NEVER BUY A DODGE EVER AGAIN. i am about to contact the better business boro or something. I have had it.

We too have a Dodge Grand Caravan that we would gladly like to blow up with high explosives. Brakes, rotors, possessed gauges and phantom noises, and the van is an 08 that hasn't hit 38, 000 kms yet. I cannot beleive what a lemon this van is, or how Dodge Canada has dealt with our inquiries. They have been elusive, evasive, and openly hostile, and we've decided to fix the a/c and get rid of the POS before anymore problems crop up. And they wonder why the domestic market is suffering? Try building a solid product, and then standing behind it!

yes i have had my 2008 dodge grand caravan for almost two years, i have had three recalls for radiator cap and ac hoses, ac still dont work said they found a leak, my question was "then why dont you fix it?" but since it not a recall they wont fix... but the radio is an issue comes and goes, and they recently found my power steering leak omg all these stories scare me... i need to get rid of this piece of ### car...

I agree with everyone here. These 2008 Grand Caravan's are GRAND PIECES OF JUNK... My problems are also the brakes, the radio display comes and goes on its own. The biggest problem I have is the ESP. The light comes on and the antilock brakes engage no matter where or how I'm driving, when this happens I lose all throttle response. Really makes me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. Contacted Chrysler and of course they don't seem to be able to find anything wrong. I submitted a similar letter to the NHTSA and of course they haven't had and other complaints. And our Government gave these "American" companies Billions of dollars for what? To make a big piece of crap and not be responsible to fix them... I had bought Hondas for many years before I decided to get a "domestic" Looks like I'm going back to Honda for good...

I had a Durango for years before my 2008 Grand Caravan with zero problems, but my Grand Caravan has been a nightmare. New brake pads at 16k, new rotors and pads at 33k, and I just had to put new pads, have my rotors resurfaced, and new calipers at 44k. All out of my own pocket with a grand total of almost $2k. The tires went at 27k. I've had to have the front aligned FOUR times and the rear twice and also replaced a bunch of bolts in the read for a total of $944. It still shakes. The van loses power intermittantly while I'm driving. Sometimes the wipers don't turn on or won't turn off. My stereo only works when it feels like it. My keyless entry works about 70% of the time. My shifter has popped off and been fixed twice. My air conditioning blows hot air and is in the shop being fixed today. This car has cost me THOUSANDS of dollars! I know cars require maintenence but this is outrageous. This van is garbage. Junk. I wish I had taken the thousands of dollars I've spent having this van fixed and put it down on a Honda. Shame on you Dodge for being so disloyal to your customers and so greedy that you sold such a shady vehicle and won't make amends.

We bought a used 2008 Grand Caravan SXT back in Feb 2010 and it had 69000KMs on it. Owning this piece of junk has been a nightmare and dealing with the dealerships and company directly has been even worst! We've put 37000KMs on it since we bought it and have had over $12, 000 in warranty repairs done to it. Everything from the transmission, the air bag system, the electrical system, front end, radio, we've had our front brakes done twice, our front struts have been changed twice and recently I discovered our engine was losing oil. The worst part is what these ###s at Dodge say when faced with ligit questions about their cars, I'm told its normal for these vans to burn up to 1 litre of oil per 1200KMs, its a Dodge standard which means they will not do anything to correct this problem, warranty or not. Now I`m no expert but I`m smart enough to know that when an engine thats less than 3 years old starts burning oil, something is not right. We paid over $3000 for the best warranty which was probably the best decision when we got this piece of crap. I've owned well over 10 different vehicles in my life and never have I had one burn oil like this. Its quite frustrating and now I'm just about ready to drive it through the Dodge showroom where we bought it. As nice and convenient these vans appear to be, they are junk! This is my first and last Dodge/Chrysler!

Ok we just brought our first vehicle a dodge caravan ext swivel and go. Three weeks later the engine light is on! We w
Are taking this vehicle back today! It hasnt even been a month!

2008 not so Grand Caravan here too! Both sets brakes, A/c line, 2 radiator cap leaks, transmission leak. Numerous problems with radio and sliding doors. Intermittantly wipers turn on when your driving. Leaking power steering line. 30K miles - tires ready to be replaced. Best is it's burning oil for about the last 15 months. They replaced the PCV valve, PCV hose, valve cover, still burning 2 qts per 3000 miles. Now the rear heated seat is out (after warranty of course). Our 1998 caravan was much better...shouldn't models get better each year? I love the features, but doesn't do much good if you can't keep it on the road.

i have a 2005 grand sxt, and its been great, i did have the airbag light issue, but it was just a airbag clockspring (dorman part 525-101) 32bux at autozone, 1 hr in driveway, good to go. brakes were replaced at 23k and 50k (it has 50k on it now) and I bought ceramic pads, there the best . no dust, no squeek.

I'm in the same boat with all of you! We bought our 2008 Grand Caravan from a Dodge dealership in April 2009. It had been owned by Enterprise Rent-A-Car prior to us and we were told by the salesman the warranty was still good. Before our SECOND payment was due, the transmission went out while we were out of state. Dodge refused to honor the "lifetime powertrain warranty" and we wanted in excess of $4, 000 to fix it. In addition to that "minor" setback, we've also had more than one module replaced as well as 2 sets of brakes. Last fall the van started stranding me (usually with kids) by going into "limp mode." I took it to Dodge and they said "we can't find anything wrong." I said, "Um...when I brought the van in the horn was blowing, all the lights on the panel lit up, the washer fluid was squirting everywhere, and it wouldn't start." To which they said, "Well, the porter took off the battery cables so we can't see any codes." After the FOURTH time it stranded me, they decided it was a computer and replaced it. I'm in agreement with other posts here...this is my LAST Dodge vehicle. I traded my 2004 Grand Caravan for the 2008 and I've wished over and over I hadn't. I've owned several caravans, the Chrysler Town & Country, and even a frickin' NEON and never had this much trouble. I'm looking now to buy two of my teens a vehicle and I can guarantee you it WILL NOT BE A DODGE.

So we are not the only ones having all these problems. I thought we were buying a van and not a lemon. My wife is so upset with this van, she works very hard to make the payment on her van. We have had it to the dealer for slider door problems, shifter, brakes, bumper, radio, dash problems (4) in the past month and now with 50, 000 miles an egr valve problem. Took it to the dealer and they charged 90.00 dollars to tell me it was the egr and at a cost of 280.00 we can get it fixed. Almost forgot the window problem for the 4th time. Now we are making a payment on the car and a payment on personal loan for the repairs. I also own a 88 Toyota pickup with 240, 000 miles and no problems. We looked into trading the van but it lost so much value we are upside down 6k. We will never buy another Dodge again. What really burned me was while waiting at the dealer I was reading a poster from J.D. Powers stating the Dodge Grand Caravan is the most reliable van. HAHAHA Where is his office I have a van for sale. Anybody try doing a lemon law on these vans. If so, post your outcome.

I had a 01' Dodge Grand Caravan and loved it cost 25k in 01' had it for 10 years with 230k miles love dodge only car I buy never had a problem. I just got a 2009 it was 80k miles it is truly the best minivan buy far 35k well spend its does a good 80-120 miles a day and there is miner problems that any car would give you. Dodge owner for LIFE

I have purchased my caravan in April, it was used with 26k miles. from the time we got it the front brakes have squeaked. The dealership (who we have dealt with for many years) told me that it is normal, I'm sorry but squeaky brakes on an 08' model is not normal. At any rate, I took it upon myself to replace the brake pads ($52) and that solved the problem for about 2 or 3 weeks then the squeaking came back. I recently replaced the rotors as well and yes, still squeaking. I am at my wits end and the squeaking is driving me insane.

Anyone know how to solve this problem?

We love the van, just wish it didn't squeak and sound like a junker. It is quit emberrasing when pulling up to traffic lights. Desperately looking for solution

I agree with this comments, because I have a 2005 grand caravan
SXT fully loaded and little by little problems are popping up it started with my airbag light always stays on while I'm driving and it can be so an-owing its driving me nuts! than my cruise control stopped working I push the button for it to come on and nothing, Than comes my radio the volume on my steering wheel doesn't work I had it for 4 months and already trying to get rid of it. Oh and by the way i will NEVER EVER BUY ANOTHER dodge car again.