DecodedCars2008 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Minivan - 2WD
- Engines
- 3.3L 6-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 17 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints133 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 35 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan is a minivan offered with 3 engines (3.3L 6-cyl, 3.8L 6-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 24 highway), 1% worse than the 2008 minivan average of 19.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 133 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2008
- Engine added: 4.0L 6-cyl
- Engine dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Caravan/Grand Caravan →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | -1% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD FFV | 3.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | -1% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -6% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -6% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 minivans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Toyota Sienna | 19 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2008 Kia Sedona | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Honda Odyssey | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Nissan Quest | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Hyundai Entourage | 18 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Uplander | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Suspension › Rear · Apr 23, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V164000 · 834 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe And Cap · Apr 13, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V148000 · 843 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2008 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 106 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 36 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Visibility/Wiper — 8 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 101,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Caravan/Grand Caravan years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Caravan/Grand Caravan | 20 | – | Not rated | 2 | 68 |
| 2007 Caravan/Grand Caravan | 20 | – | Not rated | 0 | 25 |
| 2006 Caravan/Grand Caravan | 20 | – | Not rated | 1 | 34 |
| 2005 Caravan/Grand Caravan | 20 | – | Not rated | 1 | 50 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →