Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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. …
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.
On 1/12/12 at about 545 am I was driving to work on a rainy day. While traveling on 95 north bound at about 55mph my wiper blades stop working and so did my steering wheel. My steering column was not controling my wheels and I hydroplained while trying to stop my car. My car spun around numerous times before slamming into the median wall. I have had many malfunctions with this vehicle but this one topped them all. I have been out of work since this day with injuries caused by this accident, I could have been killed. I contacted the corporate office of Dodge and was basically told I was s. O. L. . Now I'm stuck with no vehicle and I'm out of work because of it. My waranty on my car has expired and my insurance company will only pay for the damage that was caused from the accident not the problem that caused the accident. So what am I to do?
The subframe / engine cradle of my 20008 Dodge Avenger is totally rusted out with big holes in it. It's so brittle you can easily put a screw driver through what's left. This was discovered by belle tire when I was getting my tires rotated. I am the original owner since it was new. This car was brought for an oil change and inspection every 3,000 miles since new at golling Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram bloomfield hills, mi. The car was also purchased from this same dealership.
Could not use cruise control then air bag light came on and would not go off then it was hard to turn the steering wheel took it to my mechanic he found it to be the clock spring he tells me he's not sure if I have a accident the air bags are going to work and I could end up not being able to turn left or right in my vehicle the estimate is for 1000.00 I don't have that. If its that serious there should be a recall or investigation into this problem.
Subframe on my wife's car has rusted through and the stabilizer bar has went through it and she drives everyday with out little kids in the car and I would like someone to get back to me about the recalls and how I would be able to fix this subframe if calling is better please feel free to give me a call on my cell it's [redacted] my name is [redacted]
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 slowing down to make a left hand turn on 9/18 when, in the middle of turning and while there were other vehicles driving towards me, my steering wheel locking in the position it was in, my brake locked so I couldn't slow down, my gas locked and all the dash lights went off. The car stalled. The only thing I was able to do, was put the car in park as fast as possible and turn the car off and back on. Luckily, the cars that were heading right towards me swerved as to not hit me and the car that I was heading straight for was able to move before we had a head on collision. I took the car to the dealership where I bought the vehicle and where I purchased the warranty, and they were unable to diagnose what the problem was. …
I was driving my 2008 Dodge Avenger to work on 01/12/12. It was raining that morning. I attempted to merge to my right when suddenly my windshield wipers stopped and my steering wheel began to turn 360 degrees however my tires were not moving. I banged in the median. My airbags did not deploy. I was unconscious and the next thing I remember is someone cutting my drivers door off to get me out. I contacted Dodge and they informed me that this was normal wear and tear of a vehicle. I do not understand how? I have not been able to return to work due to my injuries and Dodge could careless. I could have lost my life that day....thank god I didn't. I need to know what to do next?
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the power steering assist failed. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and the contact was told that there was a problem with the rack and pinion however, they were unable to identify exactly what in the rack and pinion was malfunctioning. The vehicle was then taken to the contact's personal mechanic and the steering pump was replaced but the failure was not corrected. The mechanic then installed the original steering pump back on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 58,000.
Steering complaints in other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Dodge Avenger, 2% of the model year's 844 complaints. The component named most often is column (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Dodge Avenger steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to steering 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.