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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
171,215 miles · Feb 26, 2014
Electrical System

I WAS DRIVING HOME AND THE CAR BUCKED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL, JUST THEN I LOST MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS, CAR KEPT RUNNING BUT SLUGGISH. GOT HOME TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, EXACTLY WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO ME WAS DESCRIBED ON CHRYSLER'S RECALL PAGE. SO I CALLED CHRYSLE…

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I WAS DRIVING HOME AND THE CAR BUCKED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL, JUST THEN I LOST MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS, CAR KEPT RUNNING BUT SLUGGISH. GOT HOME TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, EXACTLY WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO ME WAS DESCRIBED ON CHRYSLER'S RECALL PAGE. SO I CALLED CHRYSLER AND THEY TOLD ME IT WASN'T MY MODEL, YET EVERYTHING I READ, EVEN ON YOUR PAGE, SAYS 2008 DODGE AVENGER AND THE PROBLEMS I KNOW HAVE ARE DESCRIBED TO A TEE. ANY HELP IN THIS SITUATION WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED AS I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX CHRYSLER'S PROBLEM. THANK YOU! RECALL ID #74738 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID- 08V152000 CHRYSLER RECALL NO. H07. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10565986

Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2014
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL ON MY 2008 DODGE AVENGER BROKE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM TO DODGE BUT THEY HAVE A 2 TO 3 WEEK BACK LOG ON THE PART TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. NOW I DON'T HAVE MY CAR FOR 2 TO 3 WEEKS AND I NOW HAVE TO RENT ONE. IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WHY HASN'T A RECALL BE PLACED ON THIS PART? WHY IF THIS IS KNOWN D…

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THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL ON MY 2008 DODGE AVENGER BROKE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM TO DODGE BUT THEY HAVE A 2 TO 3 WEEK BACK LOG ON THE PART TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. NOW I DON'T HAVE MY CAR FOR 2 TO 3 WEEKS AND I NOW HAVE TO RENT ONE. IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WHY HASN'T A RECALL BE PLACED ON THIS PART? WHY IF THIS IS KNOWN DO THEY HAVE SUCH A BACK LOG ON PARTS. IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WHY AM I PAYING FOR A RENTAL CAR? THIS IS A TOTAL LACK OF CUSTOMER SERVICE ON A CORPORATION LEVEL. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST CAR I HAVE HAD THIS KIND OF PROBLEM WITH WHEN IT COMES TO DODGE PRODUCTS. AS A LOYAL DODGE DRIVER FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS THIS IS THE LAST STRAW. THEIR INCOMPETENCE AS A COMPANY CAN NO LONGER BE OVERLOOKED AND BRUSHED AWAY. WHEN WILL THEY ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PRODUCT THEY PRODUCE AND STAND BEHIND IT? ALTHOUGH I EXPECT DODGE TO DO NOTHING AS USUAL THEY HAVE JUST LOST ONE MORE CUSTOMER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10565317

116,000 miles · Feb 18, 2014
Vehicle Speed Control

MY DODGE AVENGER HAD A THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH WHEN FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE. THEREAFTER, THE CAR FIRST WOULD NOT GO OVER 20 MPH. LATER THIS PROBLEM PROGRESSED. THE CAR ONLY HAD A SMALL AMOUNT OF POWER. IT COULD GET UP TO 30-40 MPH ON FLAT AREAS BUT STRUGGLED TO MAINTAIN 5 MPH ON INCLINES. THE VEHICLE WO…

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MY DODGE AVENGER HAD A THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH WHEN FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE. THEREAFTER, THE CAR FIRST WOULD NOT GO OVER 20 MPH. LATER THIS PROBLEM PROGRESSED. THE CAR ONLY HAD A SMALL AMOUNT OF POWER. IT COULD GET UP TO 30-40 MPH ON FLAT AREAS BUT STRUGGLED TO MAINTAIN 5 MPH ON INCLINES. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN GEAR BUT THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED DO TO ENGINE VIBRATIONS. I HAVE REPLACED THE PART AND THE CAR IS STILL HAVIN THE SAME PROBLEM. AT THIS POINT I'M NOT SURE HOW TO PROCEED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10564772

73,000 miles · Feb 16, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingVisibility

MY CAR HAS PROBLEM WITH THE BLOWER MOTOR N CAR WOULD JERK BAD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10564536

70,000 miles · Feb 13, 2014
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 55MPH AND THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR FAILED TO INCREASE SPEED AND STARTED TO JERK SLIGHTLY. THE RPMS THEN JUMPED FROM 1700 ABOUT TO OVER 2500 THEN STARTED PUSHING 3000 AND WOULDN'T GO DOWN UNTIL I WAS OFF THE HIGHWAY AND GOING 30MPH. MY RPM WAS STILL AROUND 2500.…

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I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 55MPH AND THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR FAILED TO INCREASE SPEED AND STARTED TO JERK SLIGHTLY. THE RPMS THEN JUMPED FROM 1700 ABOUT TO OVER 2500 THEN STARTED PUSHING 3000 AND WOULDN'T GO DOWN UNTIL I WAS OFF THE HIGHWAY AND GOING 30MPH. MY RPM WAS STILL AROUND 2500. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND TURN MY CAR OFF AND THAT SEEMED TO FIX THE ISSUE, UNTIL I NEEDED TO GO ON THE HIGHWAY AGAIN. EVERYTIME MY CAR WENT TO SHIFT TO A HIGHER GEAR WHEN I WAS HITTING BETWEEN 50 AND 55MPH IT WOULD HAPPEN. IT TOOK MY CAR TO A MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME MY CAR WAS UNDRIVABLE BECAUSE THIS WOULD RUIN MY TRANSMISSION. I NOW HAVE A COMPLETELY DEAD CAR DUE TO THE PART I NEED BEING NATIONALLY UNAVAILABLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10564303

94,000 miles · Feb 13, 2014
Power Train

ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AFTER THE CAR IS STARTED. IT WILL GO OFF IF THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON BUT THE CAR THEN DOES NOT RESTART SMOOTHLY, TURNS OVER FOR QUITE A WHILE BE STARTING. ALSO, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON AND DOES NOT GO OFF. NOTICE INTERMITTENT POWER LOSS WHEN ACCELERATING…

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ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AFTER THE CAR IS STARTED. IT WILL GO OFF IF THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON BUT THE CAR THEN DOES NOT RESTART SMOOTHLY, TURNS OVER FOR QUITE A WHILE BE STARTING. ALSO, THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON AND DOES NOT GO OFF. NOTICE INTERMITTENT POWER LOSS WHEN ACCELERATING AT LOW SPEEDS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10564161

25,000 miles · Feb 11, 2014
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND LOSE ACCELERATION POWER SPORADICALLY. IN ADDITION, THE GEAR SHIFTER HAD TO BE ENGAGED WITH ABNORMAL FORCE. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALER PERFORMED A D…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK AND LOSE ACCELERATION POWER SPORADICALLY. IN ADDITION, THE GEAR SHIFTER HAD TO BE ENGAGED WITH ABNORMAL FORCE. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND REPLACED AN UNKNOWN PART, HOWEVER THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 04/22/14*LJ *TR

NHTSA ODI #10563849

84,500 miles · Feb 6, 2014
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

WAS COMING TO A STOP OFF OF THE INTERSTATE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN LOST SPEED POWER. WAS UNABLE TO GO OVER 10 MPH FROM MY STOPPING POINT. THE ETC LIGHT WAS FLASHING. I HAVE NOT YET TAKEN IT TO A MECHANIC. I DID SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED AND IT SEEMS TO BE RUNNING FINE NOW .... BUT WILL THIS HAPPEN AGAIN? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10563239

45,000 miles · Feb 4, 2014
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGER AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGER AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 07V240000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT COMPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

NHTSA ODI #10562895

150,000 miles · Jan 28, 2014
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES OVER A PERIOD OF EIGHTEEN MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES OVER A PERIOD OF EIGHTEEN MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 03/31/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED ON 3/9/14, WHILE DRIVING, THE ETC LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. ALL POWER TO VEHICLE WAS LOST. THE CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS THEN ABLE TO CONTINUE HOME. UPDATED 04/01/2014 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10561787

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.