← 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

What owners actually said

831 reports
67,000 miles · Feb 2, 2015
Unknown Or Other

FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS ON AND OFF. THE RPMS INCREASED WHILE DRIVING. THEY EVEN INCREASED WHEN THE BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED. THE CAUSES A MAJOR PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IF TRYING TO DRIVE IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. I TOOK CAR TO GARAGE AND WAS TOLD THERE IS A BULLETIN ON THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM AND IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY A…

Read full complaint

FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS CAR HAS HAD PROBLEMS ON AND OFF. THE RPMS INCREASED WHILE DRIVING. THEY EVEN INCREASED WHEN THE BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED. THE CAUSES A MAJOR PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IF TRYING TO DRIVE IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. I TOOK CAR TO GARAGE AND WAS TOLD THERE IS A BULLETIN ON THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM AND IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY A RECALL. I CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID "NO RECALL" ON THIS. AFTER RESEARCHING THE INTERNET I SEE THE 2008 DODGE AVENGER HAS A TERRIBLE REPUTATION. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER DODGE!!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10680609

150,000 miles · Jan 28, 2015
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO PICK UP SPEED UPON DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT NOTICED UPON REMOVING THE WIRING HARNESS THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FIRE, WHICH BURNED THE COMPONENTS PERTAINING TO THE FUEL PUMP THAT BURNED INTO THE FUEL TANK AND THE HOUSING. …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO PICK UP SPEED UPON DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT NOTICED UPON REMOVING THE WIRING HARNESS THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FIRE, WHICH BURNED THE COMPONENTS PERTAINING TO THE FUEL PUMP THAT BURNED INTO THE FUEL TANK AND THE HOUSING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V426000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ODI #10679572

Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2015
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM BUT DID NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAIL…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM BUT DID NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 085V152000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10679042

30,000 miles · Jan 22, 2015
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V152000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTE…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE COULD BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V152000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

NHTSA ODI #10678379

80,000 miles · Jan 19, 2015
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeat Belts

AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON WHEN MOVING SEAT UP OR BACK WHICH MAKES THE SENSOR COME ON, HAVE TO KEEP MOVING THE TRACK UNTIL IT TURNS OFF. IS THIS RELATED TO RECALL G14? FAN IN RADIATOR CONSTANTLY TURNS OFF AND ON, AND NOW MY CAR SEEMS TO HAVE A ELECTRICAL SHORT THAT MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHEN …

Read full complaint

AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON WHEN MOVING SEAT UP OR BACK WHICH MAKES THE SENSOR COME ON, HAVE TO KEEP MOVING THE TRACK UNTIL IT TURNS OFF. IS THIS RELATED TO RECALL G14? FAN IN RADIATOR CONSTANTLY TURNS OFF AND ON, AND NOW MY CAR SEEMS TO HAVE A ELECTRICAL SHORT THAT MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHEN THE AIR/HEATER IS TURNED OFF, ALSO THE LEFT SIDE OF CAR DEFROSTER DOES NOT WORK. MOST RECENT THE LEFT DRIVER SEAT BELT ALL OF A SUDDEN IS NOT RETRACTING, THIS IS NOT SAFE IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, DEALER IS CHARGING AN OUTRAGEOUS PRICE TO HAVE IT FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10676420

90,000 miles · Jan 15, 2015
Engine

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME GOING ABOUT 45 - 50 MPH AND THE CAR JUST DIED. THE RPM GAUGE FLUTTERS A LITTLE AND THEN THE CAR JUST DIED. SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO A PARKING LOT AND THE CAR RESTARTED AND SHE DROVE HOME. THE NEXT MORNING SHE WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 10 - 15 MPH AND AGAIN THE CAR JUST DIED. THIS TIME I…

Read full complaint

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME GOING ABOUT 45 - 50 MPH AND THE CAR JUST DIED. THE RPM GAUGE FLUTTERS A LITTLE AND THEN THE CAR JUST DIED. SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO A PARKING LOT AND THE CAR RESTARTED AND SHE DROVE HOME. THE NEXT MORNING SHE WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 10 - 15 MPH AND AGAIN THE CAR JUST DIED. THIS TIME IT WAS NOT EASY TO START. IT TOOK SOME TIME BUT SHE WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AND GET IT OFF THE FREEWAY TO AN EMERGENCY PARKING SPOT. SHE HAD IT TOWED TO A SHOP AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. THERE WERE NO CODES COMING UP AND THEY DROVE IT AROUND AND HAD NO PROBLEMS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, SHE IS SCARED TO DRIVE IT. WE HAVE SEEN ALL THE POSTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING FROM DODGE ABOUT IT. WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR 3 1/2 YEARS AND IT IS JUST NOW OCCURRING - IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE AND I HOPE THEY CAN FIX THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10672881

84,100 miles · Jan 5, 2015
Air Bags

I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT MY 2008 DODGE AVENGER IS NOT INCLUDED ON THE AIRBAG RECALL LIST. I HAVE THE EXACT YEAR AND MODEL THAT IS BEING RECALLED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD I NEED A NEW AIRBAG, AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $900. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10670126

148,000 miles · Jan 4, 2015
Electrical SystemEngine

STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND A SYMBOL ON MY DASHBOARD APPEARED. THE SYMBOL WAS A LIGHTENING BOLT IN PARENTHESIS WHICH I'VE FOUND OUT IS THE ETC SYMBOL. THAT ALONG WITH MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TOGETHER. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF THE ETC SYMBOL DID NOT REAPPEAR BUT THE CHECK ENGINE SYMBOL DID. FROM LOOKING THROUGH FORUMS I'VE SEEN T…

Read full complaint

STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND A SYMBOL ON MY DASHBOARD APPEARED. THE SYMBOL WAS A LIGHTENING BOLT IN PARENTHESIS WHICH I'VE FOUND OUT IS THE ETC SYMBOL. THAT ALONG WITH MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TOGETHER. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF THE ETC SYMBOL DID NOT REAPPEAR BUT THE CHECK ENGINE SYMBOL DID. FROM LOOKING THROUGH FORUMS I'VE SEEN THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH NUMEROUS DODGE AVENGERS AND TO FIX THESE PROBLEMS COST LARGE SUMS WITH NO REAL CONCLUSION OF THE REASON FOR THE SYMBOLS APPEARING IN THE FIRST PLACE. I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THAT THIS PROBLEM BE NOTED IN THE AVENGER LINE AND RECALLED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10670003

517,500 miles · Jan 3, 2015
Visibility/wiper

TODAY, 1/3/2015, THE WEATHER WAS A MIX OF RAIN AND SNOW AND ON MY WAY TO MY DESTINATION THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THEN IT STARTED BACK UP AND THEN OFF AGAIN. AT ONE POINT WHEN IT STOPPED, I COULD NOT SEE, THE WINDSHIELD WAS COVERED WITH THE RAIN/SNOW MIXTURE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DE…

Read full complaint

TODAY, 1/3/2015, THE WEATHER WAS A MIX OF RAIN AND SNOW AND ON MY WAY TO MY DESTINATION THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THEN IT STARTED BACK UP AND THEN OFF AGAIN. AT ONE POINT WHEN IT STOPPED, I COULD NOT SEE, THE WINDSHIELD WAS COVERED WITH THE RAIN/SNOW MIXTURE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE TOLD IT WAS THE TIPM. THE PART WAS ORDERED AND TODAY I PAID ONLY FOR THE LABOR PORTION, $60.00 AND WHEN I RETURN ON TUESDAY I AM TO PAY FOR THE PART WHICH CAME TO $661.00. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10669879

50,000 miles · Dec 26, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION POWER INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CON…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION POWER INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IDLED, IT STALLED AS THE CHECK OIL AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #10668303

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.