2008 Dodge Avenger Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Nov 9, 2025 · 831 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Avenger years
Far more complaints than other years 1st of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 831 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Dodge Avenger. That is the most of any Avenger model year in the database (15 years). The most reported problem area is power train (236 complaints, 28%), typically at around 54,000 miles. Complaints mention 36 crashes, 26 fires, 34 injuries. There are 6 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Dodge Avenger
2008-2009 Dodge Avenger photographed in College Park, Maryland , USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2008 Dodge Avenger problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Power Train236 · ~54,000 mi
Electrical System219 · ~91,123 mi
Vehicle Speed Control138 · ~87,950 mi
Engine115 · ~101,850 mi
Air Bags96 · ~75,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling61 · ~54,700 mi
Unknown or Other46 · ~121,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System42 · ~80,552 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)31 · ~103,000 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline26 · ~57,300 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Power Train problems23628%54,000“gear shift” (19%)$530
Electrical System problems21926%91,123“electronic throttle control” (11%)—
Vehicle Speed Control problems13817%87,950“throttle control” (47%)—
Engine problems11514%101,850“throttle control” (14%)—
Air Bags problems9612%75,000“air bag” (55%)$1,400
Engine and Engine Cooling problems617%54,700“loud noise” (8%)—
Unknown or Other466%121,000——
Fuel/propulsion System425%80,552——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)314%103,000——
Fuel System, Gasoline263%57,300——
Structure243%105,000——
Latches/locks/linkages223%52,000——
Steering213%57,000——
Visibility/wiper192%116,000——
Suspension182%59,500——
Tires172%32,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic152%15,348——
Visibility152%74,000——
Service Brakes132%92,000——
Exterior Lighting121%85,000——
Equipment111%52,000——
Seat Belts101%100,000——
Wheels91%82,600——
Seats61%58,672——
Parking Brake51%35,105——
Service Brakes, Electric30%300,063——
Fuel System, Other20%27,650——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2010, with 164 complaints
2007: 5200752008: 30302009: 392009392010: 1641642011: 722011722012: 82822013: 902013902014: 80802015: 682015682016: 50502017: 392017392018: 33332019: 412019412020: 10102021: 6202162022: 10102023: 5202352024: 442025: 320253

n = 831 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2008 Dodge Avenger recalls (6)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Electrical system:wiringApr 2, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V152000 · 180,963 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: Engine stalling could cause a crash without warning.

Fix: 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.

Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assemblyOct 10, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V473000 · 102,042 vehicles

Problem: On certain vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines, the engine coolant may be drawn into the left radiator cooling fan motor connector.

Risk: This can cause an electrical short circuit and result in an engine compartment fire.

Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assemblySep 13, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V426000 · 1,158 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underbody fire.

Fix: 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.

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchSep 12, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V414000 · 72,333 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Air bags:frontalJun 13, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V240000 · 798 vehicles

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the front seat track position sensors utilized for the air bag system may not function properly.

Risk: This could increase the risk of injury to front seat occupants during certain crash conditions.

Fix: 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.

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchMar 15, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V104000 · 11,191 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: During certain crash conditions, the possibility of a door opening could cause an unbelted passenger to be ejected, increasing the risk of injuries.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit (AQ10001) — opened Nov 18, 2010, closed Dec 28, 2015.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

My 2008 Dodge Avenger airbag light has been on for a while, I believe that’s something that is defective and should be fixed by the manufacture. I’d called a dealership and was told it was not a recall and therefore not covered. When the wipers are turned on in the morning and then turned off…

Air Bags · received Nov 9, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11698451

Breaking system failed, it is available for inspection, I told the state trooper what happened along with several police officers, they agreed that the breaking system was not supposed to lock up which caused the car to skid several feet and the end results are that a very bad wreck happened which…

Service Brakes · received Oct 26, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11695684

The recalls associated to my vehicle are the same exact problems I am experiencing. My car is stalling and stalled on the highway. I couldn’t accelerate and had to drive with my hazards.

Electrical System · received Apr 7, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11653167

No accidents rears tires leaning inwards

Steering · received Nov 30, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11628094

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while turning to the right, the passenger’s side front wheel seemed to be rubbing against the rubber or plastic piece underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the front suspension cross…

Suspension · received Oct 30, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11622723

Other Dodge Avenger years

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge Avenger?

Owners most often report power train, electrical system, vehicle speed control problems. The top one, power train, accounts for 236 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Dodge Avenger?

Yes, 6 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2008 Dodge Avenger a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Avenger model years, the 2008 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.