The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan has 11 recalls, the most serious involving the ignition switch, which can slip out of the ON position while driving and shut off the engine, cutting power steering, power brakes, and disabling the airbags.
Several recalls involve the airbag system beyond the ignition issue. Water leaking from the HVAC drain can reach the occupant restraint control module, triggering the airbag warning light or causing the airbags to deploy unexpectedly. The airbag control unit on certain vehicles can corrode and fail, leaving the airbags unable to deploy in a crash. There is also a loose or missing steering wheel emblem whose securing hardware can become a projectile when the driver airbag fires. On the electrical side, the wiring harness for the power sliding door can chafe against the lower hinge bracket, creating a short circuit that can overheat the door latch and start a fire. Two recalls cover wheelchair-accessible conversions only: improperly routed rear brake lines can rub through and leak fluid, reducing braking ability, and the rear axle assembly on modified vehicles may fail and raise the risk of a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The brand emblem on the steering wheel center may be loose or missing. If the driver's air bag deploys, the emblem or its securing nuts could become projectiles.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control unit may corrode and stop working, preventing the air bags from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the air bag control unit at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ignition switch may shift from ON to ACC position while driving, causing the engine to shut off. This disables power steering, power brakes, motive power, and airbags.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a revised ignition module and a new frequency-operated button ignition key.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ignition switch may slip from ON to ACC while driving, shutting off the engine. This disables power steering, power brakes, and airbags, making steering and braking harder and removing engine power.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a revised ignition switch module and a new frequency-operated button ignition key.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Road conditions or jarring events may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and affecting safe airbag system operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle can develop cracks over time with use, potentially leading to axle failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected rear axles at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water from the air conditioning system can leak onto the airbag control module, potentially causing the airbag warning light to come on or airbags to deploy unexpectedly without a crash.
What the fix does
The airbag control module will be replaced to prevent water damage and unintended airbag deployment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can leak into the airbag control module through a faulty HVAC drain grommet, potentially causing the airbag light to turn on or airbags to deploy unexpectedly.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the HVAC drain grommet to prevent water leaks.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring harness for the power sliding door may be routed incorrectly and rub against the lower hinge bracket, potentially causing a fire inside the door assembly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the door wiring harnesses for damage, repair or replace them as needed, and reroute them under the door weatherstrip.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wire harness routing may allow the lower sliding door hinge bracket to contact and wear through the wire insulation.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the wire harness routing at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear brake lines may be improperly routed and unsecured, allowing them to rub against the vehicle and cause a brake fluid leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and, if needed, correctly reinstall the rear brake lines at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
