2008 Dodge Avenger

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 831 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 6 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

715 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 70,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System157
181
Power Train104
201
Vehicle Speed Control91
000
Air Bags72
15018
Power Train › Automatic Transmission69
000
Engine68
110
Engine and Engine Cooling29
231
Fuel/Propulsion System25
010
Electronic Stability Control (esc)22
120
Unknown or Other20
216

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Wiring08V152000
Filed Apr 2, 2008180,963 vehiclesChrysler Llc

Defect. 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.

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly07V473000
Filed Oct 10, 2007102,042 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. 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.

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly07V426000
Filed Sep 13, 20071,158 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. 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.

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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch07V414000
Filed Sep 12, 200772,333 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. 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.

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.

Air Bags › Frontal07V240000
Filed Jun 13, 2007798 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. 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.

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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch07V104000
Filed Mar 15, 200711,191 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. 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.

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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Nov 9, 2025CA

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, they continue to wipe even turned off. When I use the right blinker, the light in the dashboard dims seems like an electrical problem. I believe other things might be wrong but I’m not a mechanic. I would like my car to get inspected for safety. Thank you.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Oct 26, 2025TN

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 left my car undrivable and locked up, the car front disk breaks , front wheel drive,there not suppose to lock up. The air bag did go off, there was no warning sign to let you know you were going to crash, the car picked up speed even while the breaks were fully pushed to the floor when the car did not slow down this caused a wreck and totaled the front of my car resulting in the frame being severely damaged , hood push in, windshield busted, driver hit with air bag, car had to be pulled whiteout being able to be put in neutral which caused more damage to car. There was no warning until the breaks locked up and plowing into another automobile. Two other vehicles involved, could only see one , both were not moving, saw no break lights, no turn signal, this Caused the driver to be injured, driver had cruse control set to speed limit 55, trooper suggested was speeding they were not and they are white not Chinese.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 7, 2025CT

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.

Steering
Filed Nov 30, 2024MI

NO ACCIDENTS REARS TIRES LEANING INWARDS

Suspension
Filed Oct 30, 2024120,000 milesPA

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 member had failed due to excessive rust. The contact was informed that the front suspension cross member needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN related to the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed May 29, 2024144,000 milesKY

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the front driver's side door failed to latch securely. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 07V104000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and 07V414000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 25, 2024CA

Air bag warning light and alarm on the dash board.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 1, 2023FL

When utilizing the front wipers during the rain the wipers will stop working at any giving time. also sometimes when you utilize the turn signals the wipers will come on and remain in the upward stuck position. after doing vigorous research about this known issue with dodge vehicle i came across a lot of information online with dodge owners of various models. the dodge avenger forum has tons of write ups of people complaining about the issue with their wipers intermitting operation function. many write up mention the tipm/fuse panel. my question is why hasnt dodge recall vehicle that are affected by this. my concern of this is a major safety issue i have priced the tipm and this would be a very expensive repair for an out of pocket expense especially if this is something that was created at the manufacturing level of this particular part this part definitely defective issues and dodge isn't doing nothing about this.

EngineFire
Filed Apr 12, 2023MI

I was idling at a stop light when I noticed my car began to smoke shortly after the check engine, check oil and the battery alert all simultaneously came on. I then pulled over to a near alleyway when a burst of flames arose from the hood of the car.

Engine
Filed Mar 27, 2023250,000 milesMN

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The battery, the check engine, and the throttle body warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed an abnormal odor while the vehicle was parked. The contact noticed there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact's father lifted the hood and removed the positive (+) charge cable from the battery. The contact's father replaced the battery and the alternator; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact's father replaced the alternator for the second time. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 08V152000 (Electrical System) and 07V426000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), however, the dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 255,000.

Vehicle Speed Control › Throttle
Filed Mar 8, 2023CA

The car runs perfect but all the sudden started dying while in reverse then a lightning bolt with lines on each side was flashing and the car died. So we changed the spark plugs and did a full service and it ran fine then started doing the same thing where it’s getting no power and won’t go at all. Let it sit for a minute then hen will drive fine for a little bit and start acting like it’s not getting any power i don’t understand what’s going on with it

Electrical System
Filed Jan 27, 2023MN

Car keeps have the battery light come on out of nowhere and already replaced battery alternator and the cables for battery last winter which then had to be clipped because it was extremely hot and melting my cables and other wires. I have had nothing but electrical issues since I bought it the beginning of last winter something needs to be done and I shouldn’t have to keep paying for parts on faulty electrical and parts the manufacturer should and I have no recalls on my 08 Dodge avenger how is that even possible?

Electrical System
Filed Dec 13, 2022TN

The voltage constantly reading low we have bought a new battery new alternator and still reading the same thing battery constantly coming back on and staying on than all the lights starts popping up on the dash than the car cuts off many dodge users said it turned off to be there pcm and i feel that dodge needs to do a recall

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 29, 2022146,000 milesWI

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while reversing out of a parking lot, an abnormal snapping sound was coming from the vehicle. The contact had her husband inspect the vehicle and he discovered that the subframe had fractured due to severe corrosion. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was given an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

Power Train
Filed Nov 7, 2022140,000 milesIA

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after multiple attempts. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was related to the key. The key was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 23, 2022DE

While driving my airbag light came on I checked for recalls it tells me there is no unrepaired recalls on my car but something’s not right

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 20, 2022WI

I saw there was a recall for the same car as mine but one year earlier. My car is leaking gas which was the effects of this recall. Could it possibly be affecting the 2008 also?

Air Bags
Filed Sep 21, 2022CA

The dash warning light for an airbag problem came on yesterday.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 25, 2022CO

I have been having issues since I bought the car about my battery dying even though it's been replaced twice. When jumping car it will drain whatever is charging it almost completely. Or it won't properly connect. Lights keep coming on on the dash even though it keeps being read and it always leads back to the battery or a wiring issue I looked into the recalls recently and noticed one of the recalls for wiring are causing the same issues I'm dealing with. I checked the Vin and it says 0 unprepared recalls. I don't know if there's ever been a repair of the issue or not. Whatever is going on is exactly the same as the recall. Hopefully we can get this sorted.

Suspension
Filed Jul 17, 2022WI

2008 Dodge Avenger Suspension Steering Crossmember K Frame 04094C Front, Suspension has rusted apart and is causing steering issues. Tire is coming loose from drive terrain causing wheel to hit frame while turning.

20 of 831 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2008
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20151000Routine
2014205130Above average
20135485100Above average
2012553370Above average
2011209320Above average
2010163380Routine
200967200Routine
2008 — this page8316261Fatalities reported
20072400Routine
200022510Routine
199962520Routine
199858610Routine
199783600Routine
1996157331Fatalities reported
1995196330Routine

Compare every Avenger year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 2, 2008. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.