Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Dodge Avenger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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?
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle accelerated independently to 100 MPH. When the brakes were engaged, the vehicle speed would only decrease to 60 MPH. Also, the contact turned off the vehicle but it continued to accelerate. The contact had to crash into in a ditch in order to stop the vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The contact experienced the failure on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 3,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the ABS sensor illuminated and the brakes failed shortly afterwards. The contact also stated that the brakes took longer than usual to stop the vehicle. Furthermore, there was a major fuel tank leak and the odor of fuel was noticed outside the vehicle. Lastly, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and planned to be repaired once the contact ordered the correct fuel tank straps. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The failure mileage was 68,000.
The first one was on August 7th 2010 the car slid and I hit an embankment the brakes did not work we were pretty shook up I messed up the right front tire with the crash the second incident happened on August 13 2010 the cars gear will not shift it is stuck we are trying to fix by looking at the internet it seems this is a common problem because Chrysler used a plastic part for the gear shift spring this is crazy I am still paying off my car please help!
While driving 35 to 40 the car in front of me suddenly stopped and when I braked, the car would not stop. The anti-lock brakes never activated and I slid right into the car in front me. I had plenty of room to stop, but could not. In addition, on impact, the back passenger seat flew forward. It did not stay in a locked position. I'm glad I did not have an infant or small child in the back seat.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. While driving 35 MPH, the engine stalled, the steering seized, and the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle drove up a hill and flipped over. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a salvage yard. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.
I was unable to start my car as the key would not turn in the ignition, and I could not release the break or turn my wheel. I tried for 25 minutes. I rocked the car while it was in park and the back and forward and then the key turn and I was able to drive.
I went to put my car in park and when I took my foot off the brake the car continued forward. I looked to see if I didn't put the car in park fully and the gear shift is in park however, the gear indicator says the car is still in drive.
Brakes : I need to replace brake pads every 3 months. (I run over 1600 miles monthly) A/C : the passenger side blows freezing cold air and the drivers side blows hot. Suspension : the rear knuckle bushings fails too much.
Brake complaints in other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Dodge Avenger, 4% of the model year's 844 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Dodge Avenger brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2008 Dodge Avenger, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Dodge Avenger brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles, and 41% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.