Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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. …
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.
Hi my name is [redacted] 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
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.
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?
On 3-31-19 me and my 2 daughters were driving on expressway, I started smelling burning and seen smoke coming from hood on driver side of car, it appeared to be coming from the engine under hood and pulled to side of road. I turned car off and I told kids to get out and we walked down expressway. I told kids to stay there and went to walk back to open hood and check it, on my way back to it, it had started on fire. I went back to my kids and called police. Within ten minutes the whole car was engulfed in flames.
I was exiting out of a parking lot in town and traffic was back up and at a standstill. As I attempted to turn left a car tried passing the stopped traffic in a no passing zone. The vehicle hit the front of my car, totaling it. The bumper was on the ground , radiator sideways, hood crinkled, fenders destroyed. My airbags did not deploy. The car that hit me was going fast and caused major damage. Taylorville police department police report number 15-341
I purchased this vehicle from a used car lot a year and a half ago. From the very first day I purchased the car, I had problems which are recorded with the place of purchase. I was told I could not get my money back. The only remedy offered was for the actual car dealership who sold me the vehicle would fix the problem. The first problem iv'e had started with the head lights, it then went onto my entire electrical system that gives mileage, warnings ect went out. Soon after that the alarm system, horn ,and door locking system. There after "a pin" in which holds the gear in place went out and would not operate. The next thing that went out was the entire air conditioning and heating system. On or around April 12 there was a what looked like a spark near the air conditioning panel. …
Since we first purchased this vehicle we have had problems with it stalling. At first we thought it was when it got wet but then it happened any time. It stalled out several times while driving on the high way. We have had it to the dealer several times the past few years. They have replaced the pvc valve and the map sensor stating both times this was causing it to stall out even though the light indicates it is the electronic throttle control. The dealer says there are a lot of things that can effect the etc and it is a guessing game unless the light comes on when they have it which of course it didnt. The car is dangerous to drive at this point. It continues to stall and there is no indication as to when it will happen. We could be going 10 miles an hour or 50 miles an hour. …
Got home, put car in park & let go of the brake. Noticed I was rolling backwards so I quickly pushed on the brake. Looked on my dash & it indicated the car was in reverse, so I pushed on the gear shifter to make sure it was pushed all the way up, which it was. I then turned the car off & tried to turn it back on. The car then wouldn't start 7 the gears would not change. Looked online, seen there was a common issue with the pink plastic piece connected to the gear. Pushed the pink plastic piece in & it allowed me to switch gears when it was held in but I am still unable to crank my car & even when the gears are switched the dashboard says the car is still in reverse. Looked up recalls & sure enough there is a recall but of course when I entered my car information it doesn't apply to my car. I also have replaced the alternator 4 times in 3 years. …
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
On certain vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines, the engine coolant May be drawn into the left radiator cooling fan motor connector.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the connector for contamination or damage, install a wiring harness overlay, and replace the fan motor free or charge. The recall began on November 19, 2007.
Engine complaints in other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA has 177 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Dodge Avenger, 21% of the model year's 844 complaints. The component named most often is engine (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Dodge Avenger engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 07V-473 (radiator assembly, Oct 10, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Dodge Avenger engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 12 fires and 4 injuries to engine & cooling 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.