Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 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.
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
I have a 2008 Dodge Avenger 2.4 cylinder. My starter has been replacing four times in less than forty day time frame, yes that is what I said. The car cut off on me while driving without any warning while I was on the interstate, fortunate for me and another account grandchild didn't get killed. Dodge-Land of columbia, sc miss diagnosed and endangered me and on one account my then three year old grand baby, now four as of feb 2nd. I voiced my concerns asked if they checked wiring or see if something electrical; I said it doesn't make since, something is shorting or causing the starter to burn out, did you'll check. Dodge-Land said it's fixed now you don't have to worry, getting me to entrusted in what they say and believe, I did. Bill reassured me it was fixed said we checked it, it's not wiring, or nothing else, it's not electrical, pmc it's your starter, we checked it everything. …
I have a 2008 Dodge Avenger 2.4 cylinder. My starter has been replacing four times in less than forty day time frame, yes that is what I said. The car cut off on me while driving without any warning while I was on the interstate. I have now paid around 1,440. So far now. This is a major safety issue whether or not my VIN number fits the bill, it has happened and has grossly endangered my family to include grandchild and myself not to mention increase the risk of multiple crash. The following are information I have found reason for stalled engines of 2008 doge avengers . All work done at Dodge service dept. I have receipts from dealership with my complaints about engine stall issues. Please help me. Sincere, thanks major safety issue: resulting in an engine stall or engine failure. The engine stalls while driving it May increase the risk of a crash. …
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that riverdale Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (5869 broadway, the bronx, ny 10463, [phone]) failed to successfully repair the vehicle per NHTSA campaign number: 08V152000 (electrical system). The contact stated that the seal for the TPMS wires was not remedied and were corroded. Also, the vehicle was inadvertently going into limp mode, which increased the risk of a potential crash as the vehicle failed to accelerate. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle. Afterwards, the same dealer was contacted and stated that they were not required to service the vehicle because the recall remedy was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced by an independent mechanic as well as the corroded wires. The manufacturer was notified that the remedy failed for the recall. …
We have been having a lot of problems with our car lately. First problem we had was with our alarm system. The alarm has gone off on us both when the car is off and when the car is on. The horn starts and won't go off until after about 5 minutes no matter what we do. We have try turning it of with our key alarm, turning the car on and off, unlocking the doors but nothing seems to work. Yesterday we were driving our car and the car stall and we were lucking to be able to pull to the side safetly since we were coming to a stop. After a couple attempts, we got the car back on and running. I have search this problem and I found that it could be the TPMS. As to what we have experience with the car lately, we are almost sure it is this. …
When I bought the vehicle the check engine light was on. I asked the dealer and he said he was just sitting for awhile when I drove away it was off then 2 weeks later came back on. When I took it to eurozone they told me it was the heads need replaced that's 2900.00. I looked to see if this part was recalled and if it had been replaced on my vehicle I am unable to see where if at all this has been addressed by the Dodge makers??? I love my vehicle I just want it to run like its suppose to also my tire light is on and have replaced all tires and still will not go off even after being reset. Also my car has an antifreeze smell like the car is hot but never shows that in the temp gauge it's getting hot at all. Please someone give me some info on what I can do to fix these problems???? Now the new light is my brake light illuminates when I am driving then shuts itself off.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. While driving 30 MPH, the engine seized. On other occasions, the vehicle spontaneously accelerated and then dragged. Also, the driver's seat belt detached without warning and the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the thermostat, clockspring, ECM manifold, throttle body, starter, battery, air fan, integrated power module, air conditioner, compressor, intake runner, steering wheel, and engine needed to be repaired. The vehicle was taken to brockton Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (241020 belmont st, brockton, ma 02301, [phone]), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 36,000. The VIN was invalid.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle jerked without warning and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the diagnostic code reader indicated that the vehicle had an automatic transmission control system malfunction, loose fuel cap, and the battery input voltage was low. The mechanic was unable to diagnose the cause of the transmission malfunction and the low battery voltage. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact spoke to jenkins Chrysler Dodge Jeep (2561 us-27, lafayette, ga 30728) who stated that labor would cost $85 per hour. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Transmission complaints in other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA has 240 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Dodge Avenger, 28% of the model year's 844 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (80 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Dodge Avenger transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.