NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Dodge Avenger. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
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.
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.
NO ACCIDENTS REARS TIRES LEANING INWARDS
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.
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 bag warning light and alarm on the dash board.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
The dash warning light for an airbag problem came on yesterday.
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?
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?
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
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.
Gas tank straps wore a hole in my gas tank because they move around
I bought the car pre-owned. I knew almost immediately that there was a electrical problem because the inside lights would come on when I would break. I've had non stop problems with the car and until now I didn't know it was a recall problem. My gear shift linkage has went out stuck in gear. My water pump has gone out . It's overheated on numberous occasions smells like a electrical fire happening. The car won't start it stalls out all the time at least two times a day. The website says that my car has already received the recalls but the exact problems they have listed are the exact problems I'm having and it's a safety hazard for real. They told me I was going to have to pay to get it fixed since my car already received the recalls. I don't think this is fair I think that if they "fixed" it then it shouldn't be a problem now but it is so it seems like the "fix" didn't work I need help being pointed in the right direction of who can look at this and really fix it please
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.
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the airbags warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
Engine stopped during a red light intersection, cranked up once and engine stopped again. After a dangerous intersection situation , car was towed by a pair of young boys to a safe spot. A serious accident may have resulted, if not for the quick help. Being an automotive teacher and passed shop owner inspected the situation and have come to a conclusion that the TPIM failed. No warning lights appeared during situation. Scanner will not pick up any codes when hooked up to try to correct problem. 2008 Avenger with 88000 miles, will take to dealership for repairs.
The contact owned a 2008 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving at an unknown speed, he lost control of the vehicle. The contact was informed by the police officer, that the vehicle flipped 4 times and the driver was not wearing his seat belt, which caused the driver to be ejected from his seat and was found half inside the cab and half outside the driver's side window. The contact stated all the other air bags deployed, except the front driver side airbag. The contact was informed the driver was deceased when the police and the front passenger sustained injuries on her left shoulder, chest pains, a laceration on her right leg, and scratches on her left leg. The contact stated the front passenger did seek medical attention at the hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The gear shift locked in park.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED SHE REMOVED THE GEAR ASSEMBLY AND MANUALLY SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 159,000.
Hi my name is [XXX] and I’m 28 years old and a full time single mom of 2 girls 24/7 and in February I bought a 2008 Dodge Avenger 2.7 and the day I drove it home the check engine light came on and well long story short there it took them a month to “fix” the issue and 3 days later after getting my car back after NOT having it for a month the check engine light came on again…needless to say here it is almost September 7 months later and there has many endless problems and the car dealership will not return my phone calls or texts or emails about my car and wanting to trade it in for another one on there lot !!! They are crooked people and shouldn’t be a business I have so much proof INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY GOT INTO LIMP MODE. INTO A COMPUTER PROTECTION TO PROTECT THE TRANSMISSION. THE COMPUTER IS ALSO FRESHLY BRAND NEW.
MY HAS STALLED TWICE AND MY CRUISE CONTROL IS NOT WORKING
I WAS DRIVING MY DODGER AVENGER AND THE AXIAL BROKE UNDERNEATH. IT WAS AN ORIGINAL PART AND I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET ANOTHER ORIGINAL PART TO REPLACE IT FROM MOPAR WITHOUT IT BEING ABLE TO FIT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED AND OVERHEATED. THE CHECK ENGINE AND ENGINE TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO ALLOW THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE TO DECREASE TO A SAFE VEHICLE OPERATING TEMPERATURE. AFTER COOLING OFF, THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED HOWEVER, WHILE DRIVING TO HER DESTINATION THE VEHICLE AGAIN OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE COOLANT RESERVOIR ONLY TO FIND THAT THERE WAS NO COOLANT IN THE RESERVOIR. THE CONTACT ADDED COOLANT TO THE RESERVOIR HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE AND THEN TOWED TO BUTITTA BROTHERS AUTOMOTIVE (3012 N MAIN ST, ROCKFORD, IL 61103 815-962-7914 TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
MY VEHICLE LOST POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF OPERATION , I ALSO LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKING DURING THIS EVENT. *TR
WATER LEAKING INTO TRUNK RUNNING RISK OF SHORTING OUT THE BRAKE LIGHT SYSTEM. HAVE A WARRANTY AND MOPAR REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM UNDER MY BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY. *TR
CARS HAS BEEN RANDOMLY STALLING AND STOPPING WHILE IM DRIVING. IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES ON THE DAY IT HAPPENED. MY HORN ALSO INTERMITTENTLY GOES OFF WITH NO WARNING AND SOMETIMES IT SOUND OF FOR MINUTES AT A TIME. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH THE ISSUE POINTS TO THE TIPM (TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE).
I PURCHASED MY 2008 DODGE AVENGER FROM A PRIVATE DEALER ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO, I FAILED TO REALIZE THAT THE ONLY WARNING LIGHT THAT WAS ILLUMINATED WAS THE AIR BAG. AFTER RESEARCHING THE ISSUE I DISCOVERED THAT THIS LIGHT MEANS THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG IS DEFECTIVE. MY VEHICLE HAS 172, 114 MILES ON IT. THIS IS A CORDING TO THIS WEBSITE IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YR MODEL AVENGER. WHAT CAN I DO TO GET THIS FIXED IS THERE A SAFETY RECALL? THIS CAR HAS HAD AIRBAGS REPLACED IN 2008 FROM A MINOR BUMP SO I AM REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND MY SAFETY..
CATALYTIC CONVERTER SHOWS AS AN ERROR MESSAGE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WILL NEED LIKELY REPLACEMENT. THE HEATER DOES NOT WORK ON THE CAR, LIKELY DUE TO THE HEATER CORE. I JUST PURCHASED THE CAR AND IT HAD A RECENTLY REPLACED O2 SENSOR THAT WAS UNPLUGGED AS ITS INITIAL REASON FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THERE MAY BE OTHER CARS WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS, AND I WANTED TO REPORT IT BECAUSE THESE ARE COSTLY REPAIRS.
WHEN FUELING THE VEHICLE THE GAS PUMP WILL SHUT OFF WHEN THE TANK IS FULL, BUT THE CAR'S FUEL TANK WILL BLOW GAS OUT OF THE FILLER TUBE AND DOWN THE SIDE OF THE CAR. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF YOU ARE FILLING THE CAR SLOW OR FAST. IT DOES THIS AT ALL GAS STATIONS SO IT IS NOT THE GAS STATION'S FUEL PUMPS.
SOMETIMES WHEN ITS RAINING OR SNOWING WHEN MY CAR IS ON AT LEAST ONCE DURING MY TRIP MY CAR WILL TURN OFF EITHER WHEN I'M AT A STOP LIGHT/SIGN OR WHEN I BRAKE TO MAKE A TURN. I CAN SOMETIMES TELL WHEN ITS GOING TO TURN OFF BECAUSE THE CAR SPUTTERS (I DONT KNOW HOW ELSE TO DESCRIBE IT). EX YESTERDAY ON MY WAY TO WORK IT TURNED OFF AS I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT SO I TURNED IT OFF AND BACK ON MORE MORE ISSUES ON MY 10 MILE TRIP. ON MY WAY BACK HOME (CAR SAT IN THE RAIN ALL DAY) MY CAR TURNED OFF AS I WAS LEAVING THE PARKING LOT OF MY JOB. WHEN I SAY MY CAR TURNED OFF I MEAN IT LOSES ALL POWER SO THAT WHEN I PRESS MY GAS CAR DOESNT GO ANYWHERE I HAVE TO TURN IT OFF AND BACK ON TO CONTINUE MY TRIP
THE SUBFRAME / ENGINE CRADLE OF MY 20008 DODGE AVENGER IS TOTALLY RUSTED OUT WITH BIG HOLES IN IT. IT'S SO BRITTLE YOU CAN EASILY PUT A SCREW DRIVER THROUGH WHAT'S LEFT. THIS WAS DISCOVERED BY BELLE TIRE WHEN I WAS GETTING MY TIRES ROTATED. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER SINCE IT WAS NEW. THIS CAR WAS BROUGHT FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND INSPECTION EVERY 3,000 MILES SINCE NEW AT GOLLING CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI. THE CAR WAS ALSO PURCHASED FROM THIS SAME DEALERSHIP.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR DID NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED RUSS DARROW CHRYSLER, JEEP, DODGE, RAM OF WEST BEND AT 262-808-2700 (LOCATED AT 3210 W WASHINGTON ST, WEST BEND, WI 53095) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. HONDRU CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM OF ELIZABETHTOWN (LOCATED AT 2005 S MARKET ST, ELIZABETHTOWN, PA 17022, (717) 367-6644) WAS CONTACTED VIA PHONE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V152000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE AIRBAG LIGHT APPEARD ON DASHBOARD. I TOOK THE CAR TO A DODGE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
EVERY TIME CAR IS STARTED AND DRIVEN IT STALLS AND/OR WILL COMPLETELY CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. THE FUEL TANK ALSO HAS THE GAS LIGHT ON AND SAYS THE CAR HAS AN EMPTY TANK WHEN IN FACT THE CAR HAS A FULL TANK. (ON GOING ISSUE)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,453.
MY OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND ALL IT DOES IS DING AND THERE IS NO CODE SHOWING UP. THE TIRE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AMD OFF EVEN THOUGH ALL THE TIRES HAVE THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF AIR PRESSURE. THE AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED COMING ON IF I TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT DOES GO OFF BUT SOMETIMES IT WILL TURN BACK ON
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR JUST AUTOMATICALLY WENT INTO LIMP MODE. I CHANGE THE OIL I FLUSH EVERYTHING THEN WHEN I WENT ON TO THE KELLY BOOK BLUE BOOK TO TRY TO SELL IT AS SAYING THAT IT HAD A BUNCH OF RECALLS WELCOME TO FIND OUT CHRYSLER SAYING IT DOESN'T SO I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON WITH MY CAR AND NEITHER DO MECHANICS.
AS I WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH DOWN HWY 411 IN CENTRE, AL MY CAR (2008 DODGE AVENGER) COMPLETELY SHUTOFF. I COULD BARELY GET MY CAR OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DUE TO THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN. THANK GOD IT WAS 11 P.M ON A THURSDAY NIGHT BECAUSE IF IT WOULD'VE BEEN DURING THE DAY THIS HWY IS VERY BUSY AND I COULD'VE CAUSED A WRECK AND HARMED MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE. AFTER I GOT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD I TRIED TO START IT BACK UP A FEW TIMES AND IT FINALLY STARTED BACK UP BUT IT WOULDN'T STOP TURNING OVER UNTIL I CUT IT BACK OFF. THEN I TRIED TO START IT AGAIN AND IT STARTED BUT EVERY LIGHT ON MY DASH COME ON. I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND TRIED TO DRIVE IT HOME BUT IT WOULDNT GO OVER 15 MPH. I HAD SEVERAL VEHICLES RUN UP ON THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE AND I WAS ACTUALLY AFRAID FOR MY SAFETY. WHEN I GOT IT HOME I SHUT IT OFF AND IT WOULDNT START BACK UP. I THEN TRIED TO START IT BACK UP THE NEXT MORNING AND THE ELECTRICAL THROTTLE CONTROL LIGHT COME ON AND I STILL CANT GO OVER 15 MPH. THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL BECAUSE I COULDVE BEEN HURT BAD OR WORSE.
SUBFRAME, K FRAME, SUSPENSION CROSSFRAME IS SEVERLY RUSTED.
TAKATA RECALL.- I AM APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS OLD WITH THE LIGHT FROM THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG TURNED ON ALL THE TIME. I HAD IT REVIEWED AND I WAS INFORMED THAT IT IS A DEFECT IN THE BAG AND THAT IT WILL NOT BE OPENED IN THE EVENT OF AN INCIDENT. TWO YEARS HAVE PASSED AND NO REVISION IS CALLED FOR REPLACEMENT. WITH THE SHIFT LEVER I WAS SENT BY CHRYSLER A NOTICE TO CARRY OUT A REVISION, I DID IT AND TODAY AFTER 2 YEARS BEING IN A STREET STOPPED AND TRYING TO MAKE THE CHANGE TO DRIVE I COULD NEVER MOVE IT I JUST GOT STUCK AND COULD NOT DRIVE MORE. HOW MANY MORE TIMES WILL I HAVE TO CALL TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT? BECAUSE I HAD TO PAY MY COMPOSURE AND CHRYSLER REFUSED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THAT MONEY ARGUING THAT MY CAR IS NO LONGER GUARANTEED !!!!!
MY BABY SEAT BELT STARTED COMING ON FOR A ABOUT 30 SECONDS THEN IT GO OFF GOING FOR ABOUT A FEW DAYS.WHEN DRIVING THE CAR.66
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026