2008 Dodge Grand Caravan

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
Engine
3.8L V6
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-20 Full Synthetic (5 qts)
Transmission
Automatic 6-spd
Wheel Torque
95
ft-lbs

The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Dodge Grand Caravan.

For oil changes, the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet), and transmission fluid is ATF+4. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Dodge Grand Caravan, torque the lug nuts to 95 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan have reported 5 common issues including "TIPM Failure and Fuel Pump Relay Issues", "Power Sliding Door Cable and Motor Failure" and "Transmission Shudder and Torque Converter Failure". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 8 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (5 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 95 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Specifications
Motor Oil5W-20 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity5 qt
Lug Nut Torque95 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantMopar OAT (Purple/Violet)
Transmission FluidATF+4
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
ATF+4
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
6,000 mi / 6 mo
5W-20 conventional, 5 qt (3.3L V6) or 5.5 qt (3.8L/4.0L V6)
Tire Rotation
6,000 mi / 6 mo
Rotate every oil change
Cabin Air Filter
15,000 mi / 24 mo
Located behind glove box
Engine Air Filter
30,000 mi / 36 mo
Inspect at 15,000 mi
Brake Fluid
30,000 mi / 36 mo
DOT 3
Transmission Fluid
50,000 mi
4-speed or 6-speed automatic; ATF+4
Coolant
100,000 mi
Mopar OAT; then every 50,000 mi
Spark Plugs
30,000 mi
Copper core; replace every 30,000 mi
Serpentine Belt
60,000 mi
Inspect at 40,000 mi
Battery
48 mo
Inspect annually
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan.

Common problems reported by 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

TIPM Failure and Fuel Pump Relay Issues

The 2016 Grand Caravan's TIPM fails frequently, with the fuel pump relay being the most dangerous failure mode. The relay sticks closed, causing the fuel pump to run continuously even with the ignition off, creating a fire risk and draining the battery. Other TIPM-related issues include random horn honking, headlights turning off, and power window failures.

Solution

Replace the TIPM unit. Chrysler Customer Satisfaction Notification N47 extended warranty coverage for fuel pump relay issues on select models. An external bypass relay kit can be installed as a $50 temporary fix for the fuel pump relay specifically while awaiting full TIPM replacement.

Est. Cost: $400 - $1,200
2

Power Sliding Door Cable and Motor Failure

The power sliding doors stop functioning correctly due to worn cables, failed door motors, and faulty latch mechanisms. Symptoms include the door stopping mid-travel and reversing, refusing to close fully, or becoming stuck in the open position. Cold weather exacerbates the problem as the cable housing and track rollers contract and bind.

Solution

Replace the sliding door cable and motor assembly. Clean and lubricate the door track rails with silicone or white lithium grease. TSB 23-009-16 covers the revised cable assembly with improved wear resistance. Replace the door latch assembly if the latch microswitches are causing false pinch detection.

Est. Cost: $300 - $1,000
3

Transmission Shudder and Torque Converter Failure

The 62TE 6-speed automatic transmission develops a noticeable shudder during light acceleration between 30-50 mph, caused by deteriorating torque converter clutch material. As the clutch material breaks down, it contaminates the transmission fluid and can damage the valve body and solenoid pack, leading to harsh shifts and eventual transmission failure.

Solution

Replace the torque converter and perform a complete transmission fluid flush using ATF+4. TSB 21-003-16 REV. A addresses torque converter shudder diagnosis. If the valve body or solenoid pack is contaminated, those components must also be replaced. A fluid and filter change alone will not resolve an established shudder condition.

Est. Cost: $800 - $3,500
4

Engine Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak

The 3.6L Pentastar V6 oil filter housing gasket leaks oil externally onto the engine and exhaust, creating a burning smell and oil drips. The O-ring seals between the oil cooler and engine block degrade from heat cycling. This leak is extremely common after 50,000 miles and will progressively worsen if not addressed.

Solution

Replace all oil cooler housing O-rings and gaskets. TSB 09-002-16 provides the updated gasket kit part number with improved materials. The housing must be fully removed to access the lower seals. Ensure the mating surfaces are clean and free of old gasket material before reinstalling.

Est. Cost: $200 - $500
5

Premature Rear Brake Caliper Seizure

The rear brake calipers seize due to corrosion of the caliper slider pins and piston bores, causing uneven pad wear, dragging brakes, and reduced fuel economy. The caliper brackets also corrode, making pad replacement difficult. This issue is most prevalent in northern states where road salt accelerates corrosion.

Solution

Replace the rear brake calipers, pads, and rotors as a set. Clean and lubricate the caliper brackets with high-temperature synthetic brake grease. Applying anti-seize compound to the slider pins during brake service can prevent future seizure. Annual brake inspection and cleaning is recommended in salt-belt regions.

Est. Cost: $300 - $800

8 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign: 20V396000 Date: 07/07/2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.

Consequence

Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.

2

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign: 16V047000 Date: 29/01/2016

FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.

Consequence

If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.

3

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Campaign: 14V373000 Date: 26/06/2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.

4

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

Campaign: 14V055000 Date: 11/02/2014

Freedom Motors Inc., (Freedom Motors) of Savaria Vehicle Group (formerly The Liberty Motor Company) is recalling one model year 2009 Volkswagen Routan and certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country wheelchair accessible vehicles modified by The Liberty Motor Company from February 2008 through January 2011. Over time and with use, the vehicle's rear axle may develop cracks which could lead to axle failure.

Consequence

Failure of the rear axle may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Freedom Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected axles, free of charge. The recall began on April 1, 2014. Owners can contact Freedom Motors at 1-800-561-9600. Freedom Motors' number for this recall is ENGF0216-3.

5

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign: 11V394000 Date: 03/08/2011

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 CHRYSLER GRAND VOYAGER, TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 24, 2007, THROUGH JULY 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONER (HVAC) CONDENSATE LEAK FROM THE HVAC DRAIN GROMMET ONTO THE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROL (ORC) MODULE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO THE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND A POTENTIAL INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT WITHOUT WARNING.

Consequence

AN INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN FRONT OF THE DEPLOYING AIRBAG AND/OR A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED AIR BAG MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 14, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

6

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Campaign: 10V611000 Date: 08/12/2010

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A WATER LEAK At THE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONER (HVAC) DRAIN GROMMET WHICH CAN LEAD TO ILLUMINATION OF AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND A POTENTIAL INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.

Consequence

AN INADVERTENT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN FRONT OF THE DEPLOYING AIRBAG AND/OR A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HVAC DRAIN GROMMET FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 14, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

7

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign: 10V235000 Date: 03/06/2010

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 2007 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2009. SOME OF THE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ROUTED WIRE HARNESS THAT MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE THE LOWER SLIDING DOOR HINGE BRACKET CAN MAKE CONTACT AND WEAR THROUGH THE WIRE INSULATION.

Consequence

A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD OCCUR INSIDE THE SLIDING DOOR, OVERHEATING THE LATCH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-853-1403.

8

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Campaign: 09V351000 Date: 11/09/2009

ELDORADO NATIONAL IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 AMERIVAN MOBILITY VEHICLES BUILT ON CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN PLATFORMS VEHICLES. THE REAR BRAKE LINES MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ROUTED AND NOT SECURED PROPERLY DURING THE ALTERATION. IF NOT ROUTED AND SECURED PROPERLY, THE BRAKE LINES COULD RUB AGAINST THE VEHICLE CAUSING A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.

Consequence

A BRAKE FLUID LEAK COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, POSSIBLY CAUSING A CRASH.

Remedy

ELDORADO NATIONAL AMERIVAN DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND IF THE BRAKE LINES WERE IMPROPERLY ROUTED THEY WILL BE CORRECTLY REINSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ELDORADO NATIONAL AT 1-800-955-9086. THESE MINIVANS HAVE BEEN ALTERED INTO WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES BY ELDORADO. THIS RECALL IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED BY CHRYSLER GROUP LLC AND WILL NOT BE PERFORMED AT NO COST BY DODGE OR CHRYSLER DEALERS UNLESS THEY ARE ALSO AN ELDORADO NATIONAL DEALER.

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Grand Caravan — Other Model Years
2020201920182017201620152014201320122011
See Also
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2008 Dodge Grand CaravanAll Vehicles Using 5W-20 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2008 Dodge Grand CaravanWiper Replacement: 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan