2008 Dodge Avenger Electrical Problems

220 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2008 Dodge Avenger to NHTSA — 26% of all 844 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 91,000 miles. That ranks #1 of 13 Avenger model years for electrical complaints (a typical year has 19). One related recall has been issued.

220complaints
91ktypical miles
1related recalls
3crashes
13fires
1injuries

Which parts fail

  • Wiring
    2
  • Horn
    1

Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    179%
  • 25k–50k
    2312%
  • 50k–75k
    2513%
  • 75k–100k
    3921%
  • 100k–150k
    6133%
  • 150k+
    2212%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Dodge Avenger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

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. …

250,000 miles · Oct 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 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.

140,000 miles · Aug 2018

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.

Apr 2023 · fire

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. …

Jan 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 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.

Jan 2022

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.

Aug 2021

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.

Nov 2024

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?

Aug 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 pcm and i feel that dodge needs to do a recall

Jul 2022

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the headlamps illuminated independently and all the warning indicators illuminated intermittently on the instrument panel. The vehicle stalled and there was a burning odor inside. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred later that day. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic and was repaired under warranty. The failure recurred days later. The vehicle was towed to motor mile Dodge (2395 roanoke st, christiansburg, va 24073) where it was diagnosed that the TPMS needed to be repaired. The dealer also stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. …

189,000 miles · Nov 2017 · fire

Related recalls

Electrical system › Wiring

NHTSA recall 08V-152 · Apr 2, 2008 · 180,963 vehicles

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…

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.

Electrical complaints in other Avenger years

19951996199719981999200020072008200920102011201220132014191351712201040411099833
Electrical complaints per model year, Dodge Avenger.

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems on the 2008 Dodge Avenger?

NHTSA has 220 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Dodge Avenger, 26% of the model year's 844 complaints. The component named most often is wiring (2 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2008 Dodge Avenger electrical problems?

Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-152 (wiring, Apr 2, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

At what mileage do 2008 Dodge Avenger electrical problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 3 crashes, 13 fires and 1 injury to electrical system 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.