← 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
98,879 miles · Nov 26, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, A LIGHTING BOLT ICON LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE CRUISE CONTROL INDEPENDENTLY DEACTIVATED. THE WARNING LIGHT STOPPED ILLUMINATING AFTER THE CONTACT SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. T…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, A LIGHTING BOLT ICON LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE CRUISE CONTROL INDEPENDENTLY DEACTIVATED. THE WARNING LIGHT STOPPED ILLUMINATING AFTER THE CONTACT SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY, THE RPM READING INCREASED AND THE VEHICLE WAS HESITANT UPON ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,879.

NHTSA ODI #10553821

61,845 miles · Nov 25, 2013
EngineVehicle 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…

Read full complaint

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 AM CURRENTLY IN THE PROGRESS OF REPLACING THE AVENGERS THROTTLE BODY. NORMALLY I WOULDN'T REPORT THIS, BUT WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER TO ORDER THE PART HE INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACING A LOT OF THESE LATELY DUE TO PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10553741

96,000 miles · Nov 23, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control

THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON AND MAKES THE CAR IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR ME FOR 10 MONTHS. I HAVE READ ABOUT MANY OTHERS HAVING THIS EXACT PROBLEM WITH NO LUCK OR HELP FROM DODGE. AFTER CLEANING AND REPLACING THE FEW AFFORDABLE THINGS, I STILL CAN NOT GO MORE THAN A FEW DAYS WITHOUT THE…

Read full complaint

THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON AND MAKES THE CAR IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR ME FOR 10 MONTHS. I HAVE READ ABOUT MANY OTHERS HAVING THIS EXACT PROBLEM WITH NO LUCK OR HELP FROM DODGE. AFTER CLEANING AND REPLACING THE FEW AFFORDABLE THINGS, I STILL CAN NOT GO MORE THAN A FEW DAYS WITHOUT THE LIGHT COMING BACK ON. IT USUALLY SITS IN THE DRIVEWAY AT LEAST UNTIL I CAN AFFORD THE RECOMMENDED $1100 REPAIR THAT DODGE REFUSES TO FIX. I WILL NEVER EVER BUY ANOTHER DODGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10553542

93,000 miles · Nov 14, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION POWER AS THE THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CO…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION POWER AS THE THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

NHTSA ODI #10552256

89,000 miles · Nov 11, 2013
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

WAS GOING DOWN INTERSTATE, WENT THROUGH TOLLBOOTH, AROUND 55MPH THE ETC LIGHT CAME ON AND THE GAS PEDAL NO LONGER ACCELERATED THE CAR. VEHICLE SPEED RAPIDLY DROPPED AND I HAD TO PULL OVER TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. TURNED VEHICLE OFF, RESTARTED IT AND DROVE ANOTHER 50 FEET BEFORE THE SAME THING HAPPENED. TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF A…

Read full complaint

WAS GOING DOWN INTERSTATE, WENT THROUGH TOLLBOOTH, AROUND 55MPH THE ETC LIGHT CAME ON AND THE GAS PEDAL NO LONGER ACCELERATED THE CAR. VEHICLE SPEED RAPIDLY DROPPED AND I HAD TO PULL OVER TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. TURNED VEHICLE OFF, RESTARTED IT AND DROVE ANOTHER 50 FEET BEFORE THE SAME THING HAPPENED. TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF A SECOND TIME AND RESTARTED. HAVEN'T HAD THE PROBLEM SINCE YESTERDAY. HOWEVER AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, THE ETC UNIT ON THE 2008 DODGE AVENGER IS AN EXTREMELY FAULTY UNIT AND THIS HAPPENS TO A LOT OF PEOPLE. TYPICAL REPAIR IS AROUND $800. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALLABLE ITEM. I HAD MY DAUGHTER IN THE CAR AND WE WERE NEARLY REAR ENDED DUE TO THE SPEED DROP ON A THREE LANE HIGHWAY. I WILL BE REPORTING THIS TO CHRYSLER AS WELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10551793

65,000 miles · Nov 7, 2013
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine

PROBLEM 1) THE AIR BAG LIGHTS WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. PROBLEM 2) THE ENGINE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY, ESPECIALLY ON RAINY DAYS. PROBLEM 3) THE FRONT SPEAKERS SOUNDED CRACKED OR DAMAGED AND THEN OVER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME THE LEFT SPEAKER QUIT AND THE RIGHT SPEAKER IS MAJORLY DISTORTED. I MIGHT ADD THIS IS NOT DUE TO OVE…

Read full complaint

PROBLEM 1) THE AIR BAG LIGHTS WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. PROBLEM 2) THE ENGINE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY, ESPECIALLY ON RAINY DAYS. PROBLEM 3) THE FRONT SPEAKERS SOUNDED CRACKED OR DAMAGED AND THEN OVER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME THE LEFT SPEAKER QUIT AND THE RIGHT SPEAKER IS MAJORLY DISTORTED. I MIGHT ADD THIS IS NOT DUE TO OVER CRANKING THE STEREO. THIS IS DUE TO CHEAP/INADEQUATE QUALITY SPEAKERS USED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10551236

89,000 miles · Oct 31, 2013
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ENTIRE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ENTIRE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89000. ...UPDATED 03/07/14 *BF ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SHIFT PROPERLY.

NHTSA ODI #10550368

80,104 miles · Oct 14, 2013
EngineFuel/propulsion System

EVERY TIME IT RAINS AND I DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT STOP LIGHT OR A ANY COMPLETE STOP. ENGINE STARTS STALLING. THEN CUTS OFF. THIS ISSUE HAS GONE FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS ONLY WHEN IT RAINS. CHECK ENGINE COMES ON WITH CODE P2004( MANIFOLD RUNNER BANK 1 STUCK OPEN.) I HAVE REPLACED THE WHOLE MANIFOLD WITH NEW PARTS I BOUGHT FROM DODGE DEA…

Read full complaint

EVERY TIME IT RAINS AND I DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT STOP LIGHT OR A ANY COMPLETE STOP. ENGINE STARTS STALLING. THEN CUTS OFF. THIS ISSUE HAS GONE FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS ONLY WHEN IT RAINS. CHECK ENGINE COMES ON WITH CODE P2004( MANIFOLD RUNNER BANK 1 STUCK OPEN.) I HAVE REPLACED THE WHOLE MANIFOLD WITH NEW PARTS I BOUGHT FROM DODGE DEALER. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DOESN'T GO AWAY AFTER TRYING TO DELETE CODE. I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TO GO TO DODGE DEALER TO GET IT REPROGRAM WHICH WILL COST ME. SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO GET REPROGRAM IF I EXCHANGE PARTS ON THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10547815

112,023 miles · Sep 11, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AS THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED, WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FUEL INJECTOR. THE FUEL INJECTOR WAS REPLACED, HOWEVER T…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AS THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED, WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FUEL INJECTOR. THE FUEL INJECTOR WAS REPLACED, HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT MAIN COMPUTER MAY HAVE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,023.

NHTSA ODI #10543102

56,000 miles · Sep 11, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control

ON THE HIGHWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE, THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH AND THE CAR LOST POWER. I HAD TO GET ONTO THE SHOULDER AND PUT MY HAZARDS ON AND TRY AND DRIVE THE CAR WHILE NEVER GETTING OVER 20MPH. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR IT DROVE OK, HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO PASSING ACCELERATION WHEN THE PEDAL …

Read full complaint

ON THE HIGHWAY IN AN ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE, THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH AND THE CAR LOST POWER. I HAD TO GET ONTO THE SHOULDER AND PUT MY HAZARDS ON AND TRY AND DRIVE THE CAR WHILE NEVER GETTING OVER 20MPH. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR IT DROVE OK, HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO PASSING ACCELERATION WHEN THE PEDAL IS TO THE FLOOR. LEADING UP TO THIS EVENT, THE CAR HAS BEEN STUTTERING WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS. MY WIFE HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH HER CALIBER BEFORE SHE GOT RID OF IT. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10543020

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.