Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2008 Dodge Avenger, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Power train236
- Electrical system219
- Vehicle speed control138
- Engine115
- Air bags96
- Engine and engine cooling61
- Unknown or other46
- Fuel/propulsion system42
- Electronic stability control (esc)31
- Fuel system, gasoline26
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 34 injuries and 1 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 64 2008 Avenger vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 37 people died inside them, and 10 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2008 Dodge Avenger failed the safety check 4.09% of the time — 65% more often than the average 2008 passenger car (2.48%). Median odometer at inspection: 132,528 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
In the Netherlands
32 first registered in 2008 are on Dutch roads; 13% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €27,624.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde32
- Band onvoldoende profiel20
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen14
- Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm11
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm10
- Stofhoes fuseekogel beschadigd en dicht niet af8
- Band beschadigd8
- Fusee(kogel) te veel speling7
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
94 cars built in 2008 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 99 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 163 of these cars first registered in 2008 took their annual MOT test. 55% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2008 the figure was 57%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 22.1% | 17.2% |
| Brakes | 17.8% | 11.3% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 16.6% | 19.8% |
| Steering | 11.7% | 3.2% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 8.0% | 6.2% |
| Tyres | 6.7% | 7.6% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
194 of these cars first registered in 2008 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 230,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
25 2008 cars are on the New Zealand register; 76% arrived as used imports, 24% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 4 variants: combined 9.6–14.8 L/100 km (about 16–25 mpg US), CO₂ 221–278 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avenger · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 11.1 | 7.9 | 9.6 |
| Avenger FFV · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 12.2 | 8.6 | 10.6 |
| Avenger · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 14.5 | 9.1 | 12.1 |
| Avenger FFV · Mid-size · E85 ethanol | 17.2 | 11.8 | 14.8 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
6 Transport Canada recalls for the 2008 Dodge Avenger.
| 2008117 4 Apr 2008 | Electrical On certain vehicles equipped with a standard Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), unused electrical connectors for a second type of TPMS may become corroded … |
| 2007319 4 Oct 2007 | Electrical On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine, the coolant overflow from the recovery bottle may be drawn into the left radiator cooling fan motor connector. … |
| 2007304 17 Sept 2007 | Fuel System On certain all-wheel drive vehicles, the fuel tank straps were improperly manufactured and could separate. This can cause the fuel tank to loosen and leak fuel… |
| 2007303 17 Sept 2007 | Structure On certain vehicles, the front door latch cable may become partially unseated from the interior release handle housing. This may cause the latch to stick in th… |
| 2007183 7 Jun 2007 | Airbag On certain vehicles, the front seat track position sensors utilized for the airbag system may not function properly. Sensor information is used to lessen infla… |
| 2007062 7 Mar 2007 | Other On certain vehicles, the front door latch cable may become partially unseated from the interior release handle housing, causing the latch to become stuck in the… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE ENGINE COOLANT MAY BE DRAWN INTO THE LEFT RADIATOR COOLING FAN MOTOR CONNECTOR.
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSORS UTILIZED FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Dodge told its dealers about the 2008 Dodge Avenger: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10248509 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10244348 | Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved. |
| 10229181 | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine. |
| 10223854 | Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make |
| 10223602 | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine. |
| 10223599 | Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years. |
| 10223512 | THROTTLE BODY For clarification, only use 68414676A$ on 2010 & earlier vehicles as supply is limited. |
| 10221831 | (Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns |
| 10221097 | Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repair |
| 10220101 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
| 10220099 | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
| 10220097 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10218307 | Flash: UConnect and Voice Recognition Inoperative This bulletin involves replacing the Hands Free Module (HFM). The customer may describe the following conditions: A complete loss of UConnect operation. A complete loss of Voice Recognition functionality |
| 10217736 | STAR Center News No. 78 - Jan/Feb 2013: Instead of limiting the use of the tether anchor to 48 pounds (child weight) the new guideline states that the tether anchor can be used with a seatbelt to install a child restraint up to the recommended weight limit of the child restraint. |
| 10216395 | Gasoline Engine Diagnostic Inspection Procedure This bulletin provides a procedure to determine repair versus replacement of a gasoline long block engine assembly. This procedure is to be used prior to conducting any engine related repairs or removal of engine components. |
| 10216329 | Vehicle Exhibits Vibration From The Transmission During Vehicle Launch (X43 Warranty Extension 5 Years\160,000 KMS) This bulletin involves replacing the clutch and damper assembly. The customer may experience a vibration feeling as they accelerate from a stop or accelerating while rolling at slow speeds. This condition could be caused by the damper and clutch. |
| 10191460 | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. |
| 10189200 | STAR Center News No. 78 - Jan/Feb 2013: Instead of limiting the use of the tether anchor to 48 pounds (child weight) the new guideline states that the tether anchor can be used with a seatbelt to install a child restraint up to the recommended weight limit of the child restraint. |
| 10180221 | (Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns |
| 10177457 | THROTTLE BODY For clarification, only use 68414676A$ on 2010 & earlier vehicles as supply is limited. |
| 10175743 | Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19 |
| 10175735 | Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary. |
| 10169249 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
| 10169247 | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
| 10169245 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation