2008 Dodge Avenger Problems

Severe Issues

Used DODGE AVENGER shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 500 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Electrical Faults the most reported area.

20079 years2009

Before you buy

This 2008 Dodge Avenger has 500 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Electrical Faults.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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500
Complaints
23
Crashes
14
Fires
27
Injuries
1
Fatalities
6
Recalls

2008 Dodge Avenger Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2008 Dodge Avenger trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

19
MPG City
15–21 range
27
MPG Hwy
24–30 range
22
MPG Combined
18–24 range
404
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $3,250 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.

2008 Dodge Avenger Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

11.8% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

4/5

11.8% probability

β—‹Stability Control: Optionalβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2008 Dodge Avenger has 500 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2008 Dodge Avenger β€” key reliability facts
Make
Dodge
Model
Avenger
Model year
2008
NHTSA owner complaints
500
Crash-related complaints
23
Safety recall campaigns
6
Top reported component
Electrical Faults
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
22
EPA MPG city / highway
19 / 27
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Optional

Common problems

Most common 2008 Dodge Avenger problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
176
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:2
Fires:10
Injuries:1
#2
128
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:2
Fires:3
Injuries:3
#3
112
complaints

Unintended Acceleration

Crash-related:1

Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Unintended Acceleration. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2008 Dodge Avenger?

This DODGE AVENGER year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.

Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.

May Suit

This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2008 Dodge Avenger

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
  • Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
  • Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN

Before You Close the Deal

  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2008 Dodge Avenger, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

The DODGE AVENGER has 500 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. 23 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Recall context: 6 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.

Key Findings
  • 500 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 6 federal recall campaigns
  • 23 crash-related complaints on record
Top Concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume β€” popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Full breakdown

All 2008 Dodge Avenger complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Dodge Avenger. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Electrical Faults176210β€”
Engine Problems12823β€”
Unintended Acceleration1121β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions7316β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain721β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System44β€”2β€”
Uncategorized Issues4342β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)2721β€”
Visibility/Wiper19β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems1611β€”
Brake System133β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures12β€”1β€”
Steering Defects101β€”β€”
Suspension Failures10β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues105β€”β€”
Wheel Issues81β€”β€”
Visibility7β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues6β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System6β€”1β€”
Gasoline6β€”1β€”
Seat-Related Issues42β€”β€”
Tire Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Equipment2β€”1β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Dodge Avenger. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 400 most recent complaints of 500 total. View all on NHTSA

Electrical FaultsNov 9, 2025

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 th…

Wheel Issues CrashOct 26, 2025

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 wr…

Electrical FaultsApr 7, 2025

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 DefectsNov 30, 2024

NO ACCIDENTS REARS TIRES LEANING INWARDS

Suspension FailuresOct 30, 2024

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 …

Door Lock IssuesMay 29, 2024

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…

Airbag MalfunctionsJan 25, 2024

Air bag warning light and alarm on the dash board.

Visibility/WiperJun 1, 2023

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 vehic…

Electrical Faults FireApr 12, 2023

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.

Fuel SystemMar 27, 2023

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 wa…

Unintended AccelerationMar 8, 2023

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 a…

Electrical FaultsJan 27, 2023

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 …

Electrical FaultsDec 13, 2022

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…

Structural ProblemsNov 29, 2022

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. …

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 7, 2022

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 i…

Transmission / DrivetrainOct 23, 2022

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 SystemOct 20, 2022

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?

Airbag MalfunctionsSep 21, 2022

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

Electrical FaultsAug 25, 2022

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 …

Suspension FailuresJul 17, 2022

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.

Page 1 of 20

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2008 Dodge Avenger.

Safety recalls

2008 Dodge Avenger recalls

6 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2008 Dodge Avenger. 6 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

#08V152000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRINGFeb 4, 2008
Safety recall

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

#07V104000LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH15/03/2007
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

#07V426000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY13/09/2007
Safety recall

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

#07V473000ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLYOct 10, 2007
Safety recall

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

#07V414000LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCHDec 9, 2007
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

#07V240000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL13/06/2007

Across model years

Compare Dodge Avenger model years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2008 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2008 Dodge Avenger buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2008 Dodge Avenger reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 500 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. This DODGE AVENGER year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge Avenger?β–Ύ

#1: Electrical Faults (176 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (128 complaints). #3: Unintended Acceleration (112 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Dodge Avenger?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2008 Dodge Avenger?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2008 Dodge Avenger, NHTSA complaints include 23 crash-related reports and 14 fire reports out of 500 total complaints. 27 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2008 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2008 Dodge Avenger. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. 6 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2008 Dodge Avenger?β–Ύ

This DODGE AVENGER year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Dodge Avenger reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2008 Dodge Avenger based on your ownership experience.

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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.