general problems of the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan - part 1

While driving on city street (between 20 and 30 mph) the vehicle engine shut off. The power steering and power brakes also stopped making the vehicle difficult to stop or maneuver to a safe stopping location. There was no warning of a failure and the only indication was the traction control/stability dash indicator. After the vehicle was stopped it was placed in park and restarted, then drove fine. There were still no indications of a failure (cel or ses light). No diagnostic codes were stored on the computer. Because this happens completely unexpected, if it were to occur while going around a curve or in an intersection there is a safety concern.

01 /13/18 the very first morning I had it I worked at 6 am about 5 mins into driving 11 degrees! the traction light came on without me pushing the button. Then a eps w/ des lite up?? they both went on by themselves as well. Also the roads were not wet! this continues every morning despite the temperature. Up to current day 01/16/18 we received a dusting less the 1 inch on the ground. I pushed the traction button on despite that me and my 3 children slid into a mail box thankfully slowly! had to be pulled out due to in not starting up and stuck. . This van is loud and runs behind, kind of stutters. . It went through a half tank of gas in 1 day! there is at times but frequent we can smell gas. ? also this van started acting to the point of almost stalling out!.

As previously occurred, Chrysler concealed a known safety defect from its customers and then refused to help with repairs. The defective component is called the totally integrated power module (or tipm). The tipm consists of a computer, fuses, and internal relays, and is responsible for controlling and distributing electrical power to the entire vehicle�everything from steering and brakes, to the alarm, headlights, and the fuel pump. Since the tipm controls power to a wide variety of essential vehicle systems, including safety and security systems, the defect often leaves the vehicles incapable of providing reliable or safe transportation. Many class vehicles fail to start (or take dozens of attempts before the engine will turn over) because of the defect, and vehicles start up at other times only to stall, sometimes while traveling at high speeds. Vehicles also continue running without the key in ignition. The tipm defect has caused headlights and taillights to suddenly shut off. It has also caused horns to honk, car alarms to sound, and windshield wipers to activate all on their own. The tipm has also caused airbags to not deploy in some scenarios.

The clock spring in my Grand Caravan failed and causes the bas and esp system to apply brakes randomly before failing and offering no traction control. This happens each time I start driving forward and is worst when going from a stop sign around a turn.

While driving down the road the van loses complete power--steering, brakes. Electronic stability/traction control light comes on. Very scary/dangerous situation. With my 2 year old in the van!! I can usually pull off to the side of the road without any power steering or power brakes. After getting the van to a stop and shutting off the ignition, the van will fire right up and not have any problems for maybe a few days. Then it happens again. Today getting it to the side of the road and turning it off became a bigger problem when the van than didnt want to turn over it would act like it was going to and than not this persisted for 25min and finally turned over as I remained pulled over on a hill with my son in the car not a safe situation I have had it in the shop numerous times to try and diagnosis with absolutly no luck and for them to make me feel like I am making this up!.

This van dies while in operation, most often within the first 5 miles of driving in the morning. It has gotten to the point where it happens every single day, sometimes multiple times a day. It appears to happen most frequently when decelerating (upon taking our foot off the gas, the tachometer bounces way down (~500rpm or so), then stutters a bit, then the vehicle stalls/dies. This has happened while turning at an intersection several times, and we narrowly escaped a collision. We have had 2 key fob recalls performed, as Chrysler had attributed the problem to faulty fobs/ignition switches. . . . The most recent recall was performed less than 6 months ago. No change was noted after the recall work was performed. The problem rarely happens on the highway, although it did happen to my wife last week while she was at highway speed on the interstate. I'm listing today's date in the field of "when did this happen?", as it did happen to me today while in an intersection, turning left - I immediately shifted into neutral and restarted it, narrowly missing the car to my right which was also turning left. . . But it happens virtually every day now.

A few week ago, in the morning when me and the wife had just dropped one of our children off at elementary school, got back into the car, turned it on and started to drive away; the car did a hard jerk motion and then all the lights came on. So the next I took our van to firestone because cause my abs, brake, esp and other breaking information lights came and their was a strange noise coming from the from driver side of the car all at the same time. When firestone tech found the problem he told me that the abs system was faulty and I was also told that Dodge company knows about the problem but is not a safety recall. So for a small part that helps with the safety of my four young children and wife I paid 675 to fix the problem. And at this date and time my van is now setting at transmission shop so that I can find out if the abs going out some how did something to my transmission.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v373000 (air bags, electrical system); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. When attempting to place the vehicle in park, the brake pedal would have to be depressed at abnormal pressure and several attempts to shift the gear would have to be made. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

I received safety recall l25/NHTSA 14v-373 earlier this year advising me of the problem with the ignition key but saying that I would be contacted again by mail with a follow-up notice when the remedy part is available. In June 2015, I received safety recall r03/NHTSA 14v-373 which replaced safety recall l25. On June 10, 2015 I contacted my Chrysler dealer to schedule the repair. They informed me that they had to order the part and when they received the part they would schedule a repair appointment. As of this date, July 27, 2015, I have called them back twice and all they can tell me is that the part is still on order and they do not know when they will receive it.

The rear passenger brake seized up intermittently on a trip. Would occasionally free up after not using brakes for a while but then would seize up again producing a lot of heat, a grating sound and wearing down that pad completely.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle stalled and the steering and braking ability seized. The contact maneuvered to the side of the road to a complete stop. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle restarted normally and was driven to the contact's residence. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure recurred five additional times. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14v373000 (wireless ignition node). The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

(I do have the 2nd incident recorded on my daughters cell phone. However, turning off of sr795 onto main street coming home from work - my wipers began to work on their own, as well as the message light center - all started blinking rapidly, and my seat belt sound was continuously beeping. Then last week as we were going on the expressway (280-75-475) my speedometer would jump from 60 down to 0 back up - continously, while my wipers were going, all the message indicator lights were blinking, as well as my window would not not (still don't) work nor can I lock/unlock my van from the drivers side. The incident on the expressway, incident #2 - is the one I have recorded. I phoned grogantown Chrysler - and was informed they were never sent the l25 part that is recalled. My complaint is this: if my van is a 2008, the orginal recall was in 2011, how can a dealer put the van back on the lot for sale if the recall has not been addressed or fixed. Insane - and an inconvenience - I was told I could drive it til rouen (which is closer to me) can do a diagnostic test on may 26th. What happens if it is indeed the l25 recall and myself or my kids are injured in an accident cuz Chrysler corporation has not made this part available.

The contact owned a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. While making a right turn at 5 mph, the steering wheel shook violently and seized without warning. In addition, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed into a wall and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,238.

Engine shuts off while driving!!! dangerous situation if I was going faster I could have crashed with my 7 year old daughter in the car. Isn't this the same thing that happened to gm and they had lawsuits? respond please: iteachhs2@gmail. Com.

Tl-the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, the brake pedal was depressed but it took a greater distance to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 11v139000 (electrical system) however, the part to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Oo.

My 5 children and I got into the van to head to my disabled child's doctors appointment. We had just pulled out and began accelerating when the car shut off. The wheel locked, as did the brakes. It seemed as though all electrical to the van was lost. Nothing worked. We were stuck in the middle of the road. When I tried to restart the vehicle nothing happened. The dash indicators did not come on, the power locks and windows would not work. It was dead. After the children and I were almost rear-ended by a ups truck, I removed my children from the vehicle and brought them to the side of the road and told them to walk home (fortunately we weren't far). At that point I returned to attempt to get it to restart. After about 15 minutes of blocking traffic and 2 near collisions, the van came back to life. I brought it back to my home and parked it. This issue began when, about 3 weeks ago, my vehicle wouldn't start. I then discovered if I took the key out then put it back in it would eventually start. I had called the local Dodge dealership and was told it was my win module. I called Dodge and was informed that there was no eta on a replacement part but I can pay out of pocket to have it fixed and would be reimbursed. After calling the dealership again I was informed that they didn't have the means to fix it. This is absolutely ridiculous! the vehicle I purchased to keep my children safe put their lives in danger. It's the only vehicle I have that will fit all 5 of my children. Now my daughter, who is disabled, cannot see her doctor today, and only lord know when we'll have access to a vehicle for the already scheduled future appointment. I refuse to put my children back into a vehicle that could kill them!.

Was stuck with no way to start vehicle because plastic fob key was cracked and wouldn't start van. There's a recall on the plastic ignition module but parts are not yet available and this recall is from June 2014. The ignition switch has moved a few times while I was driving from on to acc. Causing hard brakes and steering. Luckily it was at low speeds and no traffic around. Called dealer to see if there's a way to start with metal door key and I was told no. Also dealer wants to charge me to fix even though there's a recall out on it. Dodge is the cheapest pos and unsafe cars period !!!.

This relates to Chrysler safety recall l25 for wireless ignition node. Our van shuts off while driving without any warning and there is no steering and braking. This is the primary vehicle we carry 2 young children in and it is extremely upsetting that this recall has not been addressed. Our van shut off 3 times in the last 2 weeks while carrying our kids. The local dealership reports there is a national back-order and no parts are available to fix it. How is this possible? what are we supposed to do? this is very unsafe and totally unacceptable! please help!.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. While driving at 30 mph, the contact smelled the odor of burning rubber inside the vehicle. The rear brakes were smoking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake routers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,000.

Wife was driving around 40 mph when traction control light came on and she lost power steering and brakes. She was finally able to stop in the middle of the intersection, luckily there was no car coming. She then turned the van off and restarted and everything was fine. She said she is never driving it again because it is unsafe. Last year we had the tipm replaced after the seemingly common problem of horn honking, windshield wipers going and solvent spraying randomly several times. Not sure how Chrysler can get away with having all of these life endangering issues without having recalls and fixing them. But what I do know is we will never buy a Chrysler product again.

This vehicle has an outstanding recall issue l25 wireless ignition code. We purchased the vehicle in April 2014 at which time we have experience a handful of complete shut down of the vehicle while traveling up to 35 mph. Daily the ignition must be turned 4-5 times before starting or will start and immediately shut down. We have removed all extra keys and key chains as stated by Chrysler. Calling Chrysler has been unsuccessful as they have a recording claiming the recall parts are not available at this time and wait times for over 15 mins will not still allow you to talk to someone in person. Therefore the local dealership is unable to repair. Is gm offering a free loaner until this vehicle is declared safe? I have a payment and do no longer wish to drive this vehicle. I have also tried to sell it for over a month with no luck. We are honest people and would inform buyer of outstanding recall unlike the dealer in which we purchased from. We have contacted our auto lender do start paper work on a voluntary repossession, however this will impact our credit greatly and we will also be responsible for the defaulted difference between the auction price and our loan.

On occasion the vehicle will set of a signal alarm and display esp bas brake abs and the esp simbol will illuminate - also the panel lights will flicker. I will also feel a very slight hesitation on my forward motion. It does not always happen - but always while vehicle was just starting to heat up.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving 10 mph, the esp and traction control warning lamp illuminated immediately after the brakes were engaged. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage were 127,000.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving approximately 54 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated to 80 mph with the illumination of the electronic throttle and traction control warning lights. The contact attempted to stop the vehicle but the brake pedal could not be depressed. The contact was able to stop the vehicle and discovered that the accelerator pedal had become stuck. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 96,000.

Tl-the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart but the contact lost power steering and power brakes. The contact also stated that when starting the vehicle he would hear a clicking noise. The dealer diagnosed that the terminal battery had failed. The battery was replaced twice, however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was included NHTSA campaign number:14v373000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. Ne.

As I was driving on the interstate in atlanta, my vehicle abs eps bas and esp light came on. At this time I was unable to use cruise control. Now it comes on intermittently and slows my vehicle down at odd times. I have taken it to the mechanic and they say they don't see anything wrong with it. I travel a lot and would hate for this to happen to me again especially with my children with me.

The vehicle displays steering esp bas brake abs and the esp symbol will illuminate. A 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan while driving 10 mph, the esp and traction control warning lamp was illuminated. That immediately after the brakes engaged independently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer wanted to charge for diagnostics and replace steering sensor. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage is 129,700.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that after stopping the vehicle and attempting to accelerate, the brakes engaged and released several time before operating normally. The contact indicated that the electronic stability program and the brake assist system warning lights were illuminated during the incident. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 125,000.

As I was driving, the dashboard on the van went absolutely insane! then it just shut down completely. Everything is locked up, even the brakes. It won't even let me take the keys out of the ignition! it started working after about an hour. I have had nothing but problems from the months of owning it!!! Chrysler is not much help at all either. They can make a nice car but they have never stood behind the problems they have, I know that because I have owned 3 chryslers in a row!.

When the problem first occurred, the car power would blip: the gauges would go to zero, the clock would go off, the lights would flicker on and off. I took it to the dealer and they said they fixed some wiring. After the car was returned, the problem persisted and worsened. Now, when the car slowed down (at a stop sign or light) the power would turn off completely, the engine would stall, light would go off, clock would go off, etc. I had to turned the key off and on to start the car again. I took it back to the dealer. They replaced two different parts - the abs module and the main fuse panel for the car. When the car was returned, the problem persisted and got worse again. Now the car, when stopped or slowed down, power would shut down completely, shutting everything down as before, but now the key wouldn't turn. I couldn't turn it off or on or do anything for minutes at a time. The car power would suddenly turn back on on it's own. So, once again, I took it to the dealer. This time they did a software update to several modules. I just received the car back from that visit on 12/17/14. The problem still persists. On 12/22/14, I lost power in the car while driving at a normal speed (30 mph) going down a hill. The power steering and brakes went out and I had trouble getting the car to a stop. I was finally able to put enough pressure on the brakes to slow the car and pull to the side of the road at the bottom of the hill. Since then, I've lost power twice when stopped at stop lights. I've been able to turn the key off and then back on. I called the dealer again. They said that it's most likely related to a recall and there was nothing they could do because they didn't have parts. They advised me to remove all other keys and rings from the ignition key. Even after that, I still lost power once so far.

The car was parked stationary at the top of a hill. It started to roll down the hill while it was off. Three children were in the car. Their brother tried to stop the car, and got caught under the car wheel, and died. The car was in park.

I saved 15,000 dollars not easy wanted to buy my girlfriend a minivan and this is what I got. 4 months later front end started shaking and grinding seriously checked brakes in rear rotors looked shot and brakes were crumbling checked fronts same thing changed them and happened again 4 months later I didn't know buy purchasing this van it would put her and the kids in danger something needs to b done thanks. Also the dealer who sold me this vehicle most likely new of this problem and sold it anyway they should also be held accountable.

This problem has been intermittent and getting worse. Sometimes it happens when we' driving and sometimes when it's parked with the engine off. The engine dies, horns blow, wipers go crazy and lights go on. All you can do is coast to a safe spot, wait for a while ,then restart the van. Today as my husband drove to work, the power brakes went out. He was able to stop but it was very hard and dangerous. I don't know if it's related but we have had a problem with the blower for the air conditioner/ heater going out since about 2010. Updated 07/03/14 MA updated 07/11/2014.

June 2012, while driving the vehicle from a restaurant from dinner, the vehicle suffered a power failure which immediately caused the vehicle to power down while driving on the highway. I was forced to make a best attempt to pull over to the side of the road, which was made difficult by the fact that the brakes were powered by the electrical systems as was the steering. I subsequently called a mechanic who came and checked out the minivan but, no work was performed because when the mechanic arrived, the car started and drove perfectly and all of the voltages for the electrical systems tested okay. A month later, after arriving home and parking my car, I noticed that the cooling fan was still operating although the vehicle has been shut off. I then immediately started the car and did every check possible to make sure that I had not left anything on. After checking under the hood and closing the hood itself, the fan shut off on its on. Within a matter of weeks, this same problem began repeating itself and would only stop once the battery ran down. I eventually had the fan relay/starter replaced after a mechanic suggested that this was the issue. I have subsequently found that the fan no longer stays on. However, the vehicle continues to either shut down while driving with no apparent cause and I am still experiencing problems with the vehicle's battery draining, although nothing appears to have been left on. The electrical problems have continued to get worse and increasingly dangerous and I have called several Dodge dealerships to speak with mechanics. To generalize, a majority of the mechanics have dealt with other consumers who have experience some or all of the same issues and suggest that the tipm is faulty and that this is a common issue on Chrysler and Dodge minivans of the same year and being that this is the case that they expect to see a recall issued.

We have been replacing our brakes every 4 months our mechanic says the braking system for this van was designed too small love the van but will trade in for something more safe we do have 4 children in our van daily and with the brakes wearing out so quickly we don't know when the brakes are gonna go out next. . . Very disappointed there has not been a recall of some sort.