← New search

2008 Dodge Avenger

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Avenger years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Dodge Avenger are substantially higher than the model-year median of 157.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

722 reports with mileage · 109 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 236 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 219 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 138 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

36 crash reports26 fire reports24 injury reports

Steering complaints

21 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2012
Air BagsSteeringVisibilityCrashInjury

I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 DODGE AVENGER TO WORK ON 01/12/12. IT WAS RAINING THAT MORNING. I ATTEMPTED TO MERGE TO MY RIGHT WHEN SUDDENLY MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED AND MY STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO TURN 360 DEGREES HOWEVER MY TIRES WERE NOT MOVING. I BANGED IN THE MEDIAN. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS UNCONSCIOUS AND THE NEXT THIN…

Read full complaint

I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 DODGE AVENGER TO WORK ON 01/12/12. IT WAS RAINING THAT MORNING. I ATTEMPTED TO MERGE TO MY RIGHT WHEN SUDDENLY MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED AND MY STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO TURN 360 DEGREES HOWEVER MY TIRES WERE NOT MOVING. I BANGED IN THE MEDIAN. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS UNCONSCIOUS AND THE NEXT THING I REMEMBER IS SOMEONE CUTTING MY DRIVERS DOOR OFF TO GET ME OUT. I CONTACTED DODGE AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR OF A VEHICLE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW? I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO RETURN TO WORK DUE TO MY INJURIES AND DODGE COULD CARELESS. I COULD HAVE LOST MY LIFE THAT DAY....THANK GOD I DIDN'T. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10444276

75,000 miles · Jan 17, 2012
Air BagsSteeringVisibilityCrashInjury

ON 1/12/12 AT ABOUT 545AM I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON A RAINY DAY. WHILE TRAVELING ON 95 NORTH BOUND AT ABOUT 55MPH MY WIPER BLADES STOP WORKING AND SO DID MY STEERING WHEEL. MY STEERING COLUMN WAS NOT CONTROLING MY WHEELS AND I HYDROPLAINED WHILE TRYING TO STOP MY CAR. MY CAR SPUN AROUND NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE SLAMMING INTO THE MED…

Read full complaint

ON 1/12/12 AT ABOUT 545AM I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON A RAINY DAY. WHILE TRAVELING ON 95 NORTH BOUND AT ABOUT 55MPH MY WIPER BLADES STOP WORKING AND SO DID MY STEERING WHEEL. MY STEERING COLUMN WAS NOT CONTROLING MY WHEELS AND I HYDROPLAINED WHILE TRYING TO STOP MY CAR. MY CAR SPUN AROUND NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE SLAMMING INTO THE MEDIAN WALL. I HAVE HAD MANY MALFUNCTIONS WITH THIS VEHICLE BUT THIS ONE TOPPED THEM ALL. I HAVE BEEN OUT OF WORK SINCE THIS DAY WITH INJURIES CAUSED BY THIS ACCIDENT, I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I CONTACTED THE CORPORATE OFFICE OF DODGE AND WAS BASICALLY TOLD I WAS S. O. L. . NOW I'M STUCK WITH NO VEHICLE AND I'M OUT OF WORK BECAUSE OF IT. MY WARANTY ON MY CAR HAS EXPIRED AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY WILL ONLY PAY FOR THE DAMAGE THAT WAS CAUSED FROM THE ACCIDENT NOT THE PROBLEM THAT CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. SO WHAT AM I TO DO? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10444045

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2011
SteeringSuspensionTires

WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED WITH 3 YEAR WARRANTY FROM DRIVE TIME. FROM FIRST TIME ON FREEWAY WE NOTICED AT 70 MPH STARTED DEATH WOBBLE. TOOK IT TO DEALERS MECHANIC AND HE SAID NOTHING WRONG .TO GET THE BALANCE DONE . WE HAVE HAD THE BALANCE DONE , ALL 4 TIRES REPLACED WITH MANUFACTURES SUGGESTED SIZE TIRE, AND STILL GET THE DEATH WO…

Read full complaint

WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED WITH 3 YEAR WARRANTY FROM DRIVE TIME. FROM FIRST TIME ON FREEWAY WE NOTICED AT 70 MPH STARTED DEATH WOBBLE. TOOK IT TO DEALERS MECHANIC AND HE SAID NOTHING WRONG .TO GET THE BALANCE DONE . WE HAVE HAD THE BALANCE DONE , ALL 4 TIRES REPLACED WITH MANUFACTURES SUGGESTED SIZE TIRE, AND STILL GET THE DEATH WOBBLE AT ABOUT 70-74 MPH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10438961

50,000 miles · Jul 16, 2011
Steering

MY 2008 DODGE AVENGER HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SINCE WE PURCHASED IT. WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERIN PUMP TWICE, THE ALTERNATOR AND TODAY 07/16/2011 I COULDN'T SHIFT THE CAR FROM PARK TO REVERSE. *TT I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT AT 55MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE FISH-TAILS, AND WHENEVER IT RAINS OR SNOWS, THERE'S AL…

Read full complaint

MY 2008 DODGE AVENGER HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SINCE WE PURCHASED IT. WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERIN PUMP TWICE, THE ALTERNATOR AND TODAY 07/16/2011 I COULDN'T SHIFT THE CAR FROM PARK TO REVERSE. *TT I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT AT 55MPH, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE FISH-TAILS, AND WHENEVER IT RAINS OR SNOWS, THERE'S ALWAYS WATER IN MY TRUNK. ALL THESE ISSUES SEEM TO BE A PROBLEM FOR MANY DODGE AVENGER CONSUMERS AND IT IS AN AUTROCITY THAT THESE VEHICLES HAVE NOT BEEN TOTALLY RECALLED. I HIGHLY DOUBT IF I WILL BUY ANOTHER AMERICAN MANUFACTURED VEHICLE BECAUSE I CONSTANTLY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE AMERICAN BRANDS.

NHTSA ODI #10413174

20,000 miles · Jun 4, 2011
Steering

POWER STEERING PUMP WENT BAD A WEEK AFTER WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10404452

54,900 miles · Sep 22, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering

I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN ON 9/18 WHEN, IN THE MIDDLE OF TURNING AND WHILE THERE WERE OTHER VEHICLES DRIVING TOWARDS ME, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKING IN THE POSITION IT WAS IN, MY BRAKE LOCKED SO I COULDN'T SLOW DOWN, MY GAS LOCKED AND ALL THE DASH LIGHTS WENT OFF. THE CAR STALLED. THE ONLY THING I WAS ABLE TO DO,…

Read full complaint

I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN ON 9/18 WHEN, IN THE MIDDLE OF TURNING AND WHILE THERE WERE OTHER VEHICLES DRIVING TOWARDS ME, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKING IN THE POSITION IT WAS IN, MY BRAKE LOCKED SO I COULDN'T SLOW DOWN, MY GAS LOCKED AND ALL THE DASH LIGHTS WENT OFF. THE CAR STALLED. THE ONLY THING I WAS ABLE TO DO, WAS PUT THE CAR IN PARK AS FAST AS POSSIBLE AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON. LUCKILY, THE CARS THAT WERE HEADING RIGHT TOWARDS ME SWERVED AS TO NOT HIT ME AND THE CAR THAT I WAS HEADING STRAIGHT FOR WAS ABLE TO MOVE BEFORE WE HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND WHERE I PURCHASED THE WARRANTY, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. MY BIGGEST FEAR IS THAT I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND HAVE TO TRAVEL ON THE FREEWAY NEXT TO LARGE SEMI'S AND IF THIS HAPPENS THERE, WE WILL SURELY DIE IN A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT SEEING AS HOW MY WHEEL LOCKS AS WELL AS MY BRAKES. I ONLY HOPE THAT MORE INVESTIGATION WILL BE DONE TO PREVENT THAT FROM HAPPENING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10357076

50,000 miles · Aug 15, 2010
Power TrainSteering

I WAS TRYING TO START MY 2008 DODGE AVENGER WHEN I WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE IT FROM PARK. THE CAR STARTS PROPERLY, BUT THE SHIFT GEAR DOES NOT MOVE. THIS IS DUE TO THE CHEAP PLASTIC THAT DODGE HAS USED AS A LEVER TO RELEASE A SPRING THAT RELEASES THE SHIFT. THE CHEAP PLASTIC HAS BROKEN!!! UNACCEPTABLE. MY DODGE HAS 50,000 MILES…

Read full complaint

I WAS TRYING TO START MY 2008 DODGE AVENGER WHEN I WAS UNABLE TO RELEASE IT FROM PARK. THE CAR STARTS PROPERLY, BUT THE SHIFT GEAR DOES NOT MOVE. THIS IS DUE TO THE CHEAP PLASTIC THAT DODGE HAS USED AS A LEVER TO RELEASE A SPRING THAT RELEASES THE SHIFT. THE CHEAP PLASTIC HAS BROKEN!!! UNACCEPTABLE. MY DODGE HAS 50,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10349452

Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2010
Power TrainSteering

2008 DODGE AVENGER'S GEAR SHIFT WILL STOP WORKING FOR NO KNOWN REASON. NO WARNING IS GIVEN WHEN THIS HAPPENS. IN ORDER TO GET THE CAR TO SHIFT INTO GEAR, ON MUST COMPLETELY DISASSEMBLE THE CONSOLE TO FIND THE 'MAGICAL PINK SWITCH'. ONE YOU PULL THE PINK SWITCH THE GEAR SHIFT WILL MOVE TO REVERSE. THE DEALERSHIP IS CHARGING …

Read full complaint

2008 DODGE AVENGER'S GEAR SHIFT WILL STOP WORKING FOR NO KNOWN REASON. NO WARNING IS GIVEN WHEN THIS HAPPENS. IN ORDER TO GET THE CAR TO SHIFT INTO GEAR, ON MUST COMPLETELY DISASSEMBLE THE CONSOLE TO FIND THE 'MAGICAL PINK SWITCH'. ONE YOU PULL THE PINK SWITCH THE GEAR SHIFT WILL MOVE TO REVERSE. THE DEALERSHIP IS CHARGING APPROXIMATELY $300 FOR THE REPAIR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10343875

56,000 miles · Apr 19, 2010
Steering

TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE CONTACT OBSERVED THE COLUMN SHIFT WAS STUCK IN THE PARK POSITION. THERE WERE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE GEAR SHIFTED FROM THE PARK POSITION INTO ANOTHER POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THAT INFORMED THE GEAR SHIFT FAILURE WAS A COMMON PROBLE…

Read full complaint

TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE CONTACT OBSERVED THE COLUMN SHIFT WAS STUCK IN THE PARK POSITION. THERE WERE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE GEAR SHIFTED FROM THE PARK POSITION INTO ANOTHER POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THAT INFORMED THE GEAR SHIFT FAILURE WAS A COMMON PROBLEM. THERE WAS NOT A RECALL OR SERVICE WARRANTY RELATED ISSUE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE ENTIRE GEAR SHIFTER REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THE OWNER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SERVICE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,500. UPDATED 11/05/10. *LJ

NHTSA ODI #10326293

35,000 miles · Oct 29, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering

I HAVE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY 2008 DODGE AVENGER IT HAS STALLED OUT UNEXPECTEDLY WITH NO SENSOR INDICATION, I BROUGHT IT TO THE SHOP A FEW TIMES CONCERNING THIS ISSUE AND NOTHING COULD BE DETECTED THE MECHANIC FIXED SOMETHING BUT WAS NOT CERTAIN IT WOULD FIX THE ISSUE, AND NOW THE CAR HAS HAD A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE…

Read full complaint

I HAVE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH MY 2008 DODGE AVENGER IT HAS STALLED OUT UNEXPECTEDLY WITH NO SENSOR INDICATION, I BROUGHT IT TO THE SHOP A FEW TIMES CONCERNING THIS ISSUE AND NOTHING COULD BE DETECTED THE MECHANIC FIXED SOMETHING BUT WAS NOT CERTAIN IT WOULD FIX THE ISSUE, AND NOW THE CAR HAS HAD A KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING I TOOK INTO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT WAS FIXED AFTER THE CAR WARMS UP IT RETURNS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10290245

Official recalls

6

08V152000 · Electrical System:wiring

Apr 2, 2008

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 180,963 MY 2007-2008 SEBRING AND DODGE AVENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A STANDARD TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS). UNUSED ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR THE TPMS MAY BECOME CORRODED AND COULD SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN CAUSE A VARIETY OF CONDITIONS INCLUDING ENGINE NO-START, DEAD BATTERY, AN INOPERATIVE CRUISE CONTROL OR REMOTE START SYSTEM, AND/OR ENGINE STALLING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: ENGINE STALLING COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL SEAL THE WIRES FOR THE TPMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

07V473000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly

Oct 10, 2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE ENGINE COOLANT MAY BE DRAWN INTO THE LEFT RADIATOR COOLING FAN MOTOR CONNECTOR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT AND RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CONNECTOR FOR CONTAMINATION OR DAMAGE, INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS OVERLAY, AND REPLACE THE FAN MOTOR FREE OR CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

07V426000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Sep 13, 2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND COULD SEPARATE. THIS CAN CAUSE THE FUEL TANK TO LOOSEN AND LEAK FUEL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERBODY FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK RETENTION STRAPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

07V414000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Sep 12, 2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE FRONT DOOR LATCH CABLE MAY BECOME PARTIALLY UNSEATED FROM THE INTERIOR RELEASE HANDLE HOUSING POSSIBLY CAUSING THE LATCH TO STICK IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION OR THE LOCK FUNCTION TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH AN UNLATCHED DOOR CAN RESULT IN AN UNBELTED FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT FALLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE OR BEING EJECTED IN A CRASH, CAUSING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A SECONDARY RETENTION FEATURE TO BOTH FRONT DOORS. THIS ACTION WILL SUPERSEDE AND EXPAND A PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL (PLEASE SEE 07V-104). THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

07V240000 · Air Bags:frontal

Jun 13, 2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSORS UTILIZED FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSORS AND REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALLBEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

07V104000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Mar 15, 2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT DOOR LATCH CABLE MAY BECOME PARTIALLY UNSEATED FROM THE INTERIOR RELEASE HANDLE HOUSING CAUSING THE DOOR LATCH TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION AND NOT BE SECURED TO THE STRIKER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS, THE POSSIBILITY OF A DOOR OPENING COULD CAUSE AN UNBELTED PASSENGER TO BE EJECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy: THIS ACTION IS SUPERSEDED (PLEASE SEE 07-V414.) DEALERS WILL ADD FREE OF CHARGE A SECONDARY FEATURE TO BOTH FRONT DOORS TO PREVENT THE DOOR LATCH CABLE FERRULE FROM BECOMING UNSEATED AT THE INTERIOR FRONT DOOR RELEASE HANDLE HOUSING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

AQ10001 · Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit

Opened Nov 18, 2010 · Closed Dec 28, 2015

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other

On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.