Most common 2009 Dodge Avenger problems
Share of the 67 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Avenger complaints by model year
Best Avenger years: 2007, 2000, 2009. Years to avoid: 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 1995. Compare all years →
2009 Dodge Avenger recalls (2)
Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system
Chrysler is recalling 91 my 2009 sebring and Dodge avenger equipped with 2.4l engine passenger vehicles. A compatibility issue between the instrument cluster software and fuel pump module can result in the fuel gauge overstating the actual fuel tank level.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during March 2009. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, Dodge caliber, avenger, journey, Jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2008. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What 2009 Dodge Avenger owners say
Engine & cooling
I was driving down the road and all of a sudden it was like the transmission shifted down to a lower gear, the engine reved up and then within a few mins stalled out. With no warning also all the warning lights were lit up. When I tried to restart the car it just clicked after jump start because of trying to start it ...restarted but still was "stuck" in the low gear and stalled out again. I then called a tow truck and had it towed home. I looked up recalls for the year of the model and found the recall #h33- TCM/PCM was recalled on 712 models by VIN it says mine isn't one of those but by description it did exactly as the recall describes. I was on a very busy interstate road during 4th of July traffic and almost caused an accident trying to pull off the road as my car suddenly slowed down and then stalled
Tl contact owns a 2009 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the engine stalled as the electronic throttle control light illuminated. As a result, the steering seized and failed the vehicle failed to accelerate over 30 MPH. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the front passenger's side of the vehicle as the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed however, there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and repaired. The repairs were unknown. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. In addition, the contact stated that one year later, the air bag warning light re-illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000 and the current mileage was 115,416.
It began with the air bag light going on and off as well as the air bag sound. It became more frequent and occurred mostly when taking a left hand turn. Concerned that the air bags might deploy, I pulled the fuse. When turning the steering wheel, there is a spring noise behind the steering wheel that pings in either direction.
Transmission & drivetrain
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH while driving without warning. The contact stated that the RPM revved to extremely high levels however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the transmission was also slipping due to the powertrain control module needing to be replaced. The contact was also concerned that the powertrain control module was defective. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08V528000 (power train). Daytona Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram & Fiat (1450 n tomoka farms rd, suite a, daytona beach, fl 32124 [phone]) was informed of the failure. The manufacturer was contacted on several occasions and confirmed that the vehicle was subjected to an extended warranty on the power train however, the dealer declined to provide the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. …
I was driving down the road and all of a sudden it was like the transmission shifted down to a lower gear, the engine reved up and then within a few mins stalled out. With no warning also all the warning lights were lit up. When I tried to restart the car it just clicked after jump start because of trying to start it ...restarted but still was "stuck" in the low gear and stalled out again. I then called a tow truck and had it towed home. I looked up recalls for the year of the model and found the recall #h33- TCM/PCM was recalled on 712 models by VIN it says mine isn't one of those but by description it did exactly as the recall describes. I was on a very busy interstate road during 4th of July traffic and almost caused an accident trying to pull off the road as my car suddenly slowed down and then stalled
2009 Dodge Avenger engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 30 / 24 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 27 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Dodge Avenger a good car?
Based on 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Avenger rates better than average: 66% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Avenger at the same age. It is one of the best Avenger years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Dodge Avenger?
The engine & cooling — 12 complaints, 18% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (11) and transmission & drivetrain (10).
How many recalls does the 2009 Dodge Avenger have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2009 Dodge Avenger, the most recent from February 4, 2009 (fuel gauge system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Avenger?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007, 2000 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 1995. See the full Dodge Avenger years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Dodge Avenger problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 31% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.