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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

What owners actually said

831 reports
97,000 miles · Jan 7, 2016
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT A COLLISION OCCURRING. THE WARNING LIGHT TURNED OFF; HOWEVER; AFTER SOME TIME, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT A COLLISION OCCURRING. THE WARNING LIGHT TURNED OFF; HOWEVER; AFTER SOME TIME, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

NHTSA ODI #10818689

70,000 miles · Dec 28, 2015
Air BagsInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED INOPERABLE TO DRIVE BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT BELIEVED TO BE A MANUFACT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED INOPERABLE TO DRIVE BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT BELIEVED TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFAULT. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND RECEIVED ARM INJURIES; HOWEVER, MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT NEEDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10816594

108,000 miles · Dec 22, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Unknown Or Other

HORN STARTED BLARING, LIGHTS WHERE GOING ON AND OFF WHILE SITTING IN PARKING LOT, DRIVEWAY AND WHEN DRIVING. CAR STARTED STALLING WHEN THIS PROBLEM STARTED. TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE TIPM. SAW WHERE IN 2008 DODGE/CHRYSLER HAD ISSUE WITH THE TIPM BUT THE 2008 AVENGER WAS LEFT OFF. HAVE SEEN ON DODGE TALK AND MULT…

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HORN STARTED BLARING, LIGHTS WHERE GOING ON AND OFF WHILE SITTING IN PARKING LOT, DRIVEWAY AND WHEN DRIVING. CAR STARTED STALLING WHEN THIS PROBLEM STARTED. TOOK TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE TIPM. SAW WHERE IN 2008 DODGE/CHRYSLER HAD ISSUE WITH THE TIPM BUT THE 2008 AVENGER WAS LEFT OFF. HAVE SEEN ON DODGE TALK AND MULTIPLE OTHER WEB SITES THAT THE 2008 DODGE AVENGER HAS HAD THIS ISSUE AND DODGE/CHRYSLER IS AWARE OF IT. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THEY SHOULD HAVE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLES. CAR CURRENTLY AT VENICE DODGE CHYRSLER DEALERSHIP. 941-493-7986.

NHTSA ODI #10811780

111,000 miles · Dec 18, 2015
Electrical SystemVisibility/wiper

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THE WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE CONTACT ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE WINDSHIELD AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THE WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE CONTACT ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE WINDSHIELD AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

NHTSA ODI #10811078

95,000 miles · Dec 14, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Unknown Or Other

VEHICLE STALLS AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR IN STOPPED TRAFFIC IN WET WEATHER. MOSTLY WET WEATHER, BUT HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST TREE TIMES IN DRY WEATHER. LOCAL GOOD YEAR RAN A "WET TEST" ON IT, COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE STALL. WHEN THIS HAPPENS I PUT IT IN PARK, TURN OFF THE IGNITION, PUT ON MY HAZARDS, AND IT STARTS BACK UP WITH NO PROBLEM…

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VEHICLE STALLS AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS OR IN STOPPED TRAFFIC IN WET WEATHER. MOSTLY WET WEATHER, BUT HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST TREE TIMES IN DRY WEATHER. LOCAL GOOD YEAR RAN A "WET TEST" ON IT, COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE STALL. WHEN THIS HAPPENS I PUT IT IN PARK, TURN OFF THE IGNITION, PUT ON MY HAZARDS, AND IT STARTS BACK UP WITH NO PROBLEM. MECHANIC CANNOT FIND THE SOURCE. THIS IS SCARY AT THE LEAST AND MAKES ME NERVOUS EVEN THINKING ABOUT HAVING TO DRIVE WHEN IT IS WET OUTSIDE. I READ A MENTION OF A WIPER MOTOR.. THAT IT MAY EITHER BE POORLY GROUNDED OR IS FAILING AND DRAWING EXCESSIVE CURRENT., HE RELATES THE STALLING IN WET WEATHER TO THIS AS THE WIPERS WOULD EITHER BE ON OR IN THE DELAY SETTING. ANY OTHER CIRCUITS SHARING THE SAME GROUND CIRCUIT WILL GET A REVERSE POLARITY VOLTAGE BURST EVERY TIME THE WIPERS SWEEP, IT SEEMS THAT WHEN IT IS ON DELAY THE SUDDEN HIGH RESISTANCE OF THE GROUND PATH KNOCKS OFF VOLTAGE SENSITIVE MODULES AND THINGS STOP WORKING FOR A MOMENT, IF YOU ARE OFF THE GAS, THE ENGINE JUST MAY STALL OUT. HE SUGGESTS CHECKING THE GROUNDS, CLEAN AND TIGHTEN THEM. I HAVE NO IDEA IF THIS COULD BE THE SITUATION OR NOT. I CAN GIVE THIS INFORMATION TO MY MECHANIC, BUT I DO NOT WANT TO GO IN WITH A GUESSING A GAME AND HIT OR MISS, THAT COULD GET EXPENSIVE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON AND OFF FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS NOW, APPROX.. 95K MILES.

NHTSA ODI #10810062

40,000 miles · Dec 3, 2015
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STAND STILL OR TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V152000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STAND STILL OR TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V152000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #10808275

164,000 miles · Dec 3, 2015
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed ControlWheels

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM SHORT CIRCUITS LEADING TO FAULTY READINGS ON GAUGE, CRUISE CONTROL WON'T OPERATE AT SPEEDS OVER 40 MPH, RADIO CONSTANTLY SKIPS FROM ONE STATION TO ANOTHER, ETC. CONTACTED CHRYSLER ABOUT THE RECALL ON THIS (RECALL #: 08V152000) ASKING TO HAVE IT REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE, BUT THEY REFUSED. THESE ISSU…

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TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM SHORT CIRCUITS LEADING TO FAULTY READINGS ON GAUGE, CRUISE CONTROL WON'T OPERATE AT SPEEDS OVER 40 MPH, RADIO CONSTANTLY SKIPS FROM ONE STATION TO ANOTHER, ETC. CONTACTED CHRYSLER ABOUT THE RECALL ON THIS (RECALL #: 08V152000) ASKING TO HAVE IT REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE, BUT THEY REFUSED. THESE ISSUES OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BOTH STATIONARY AND MOBILE.

NHTSA ODI #10808109

91,000 miles · Dec 1, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

TAKATA RECALL-THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT HAS BEEN APPEARING IN MY CAR WHEN I START IT. I THINK IT'S ABSOLUTELY INSANE THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS ON THE ETC BUT YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT IT. IF DODGE IS MAKING A FAULTY PART IN THEIR VEHICLES IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A RECALL OR BE FIXED. I WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN…

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TAKATA RECALL-THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT HAS BEEN APPEARING IN MY CAR WHEN I START IT. I THINK IT'S ABSOLUTELY INSANE THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS ON THE ETC BUT YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT IT. IF DODGE IS MAKING A FAULTY PART IN THEIR VEHICLES IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A RECALL OR BE FIXED. I WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN I NOTICED MY ACCELERATOR AND RPMS WERE BEING WEIRD. LUCKILY THE FLASHING ETC CAME ON AS I WAS COMING INTO TOWN SO I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT. THE WINTER SEASON IS APPROACHING AND I CAN'T RELY ON MY $10,000 CAR? SOMETHING DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT THERE. I'VE HAD THIS CAR FOR TWO YEARS AND I CAN TELL YOU ALREADY THAT I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE AGAIN. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ANNOUNCED. ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE SAME CAR AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE.

NHTSA ODI #10807833

98,880 miles · Nov 30, 2015
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes

BRAKE LIGHTS OUT DUE TO WIRING PROBLEM PER MECHANIC. BRAKES LOCK UP AND SKID. DASH LIGHTS FLICKER AND DIM WHILE DRIVING. TURNING SIGNALS NOT WORKING AND ALL FUSES REPLACED. ALL PROBLEMS WHILE VEHICLE MOVING OR STATIONARY.

NHTSA ODI #10807517

68,000 miles · Nov 23, 2015
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

NHTSA ODI #10806364

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.