2008 Dodge Avenger: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Dodge Avenger: 6 recalls, 831 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #07V104000 · 2007 · 11,191 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the front door latch cable May become partially unseated from the interior release handle housing causing the door latch to stick in the open position and not be secured to the striker.
Why it matters: During certain crash conditions, the possibility of a door opening could cause an unbelted passenger to be ejected, increasing the risk of injuries.
The fix: This action is superseded (please see 07-v414.) dealers will add free of charge a secondary feature to both front doors to prevent the door latch cable ferrule from becoming unseated at the interior front door release handle housing. The recall began on April 30, 2007.
Airbags Vehicle recall #07V240000 · 2007 · 798 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the front seat track position sensors utilized for the air bag system May not function properly.
Why it matters: This could increase the risk of injury to front seat occupants during certain crash conditions.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the front seat track position sensors and replace them free of charge. The recallbegan on June 18, 2007.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #07V414000 · 2007 · 72,333 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain vehicles, the front door latch cable May become partially unseated from the interior release handle housing possibly causing the latch to stick in the unlatched position or the lock function to become inoperative.
Why it matters: Driving a vehicle with an unlatched door can result in an unbelted front seat occupant falling out of the vehicle or being ejected in a crash, causing increased risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will add a secondary retention feature to both front doors. This action will supersede and expand a previous safety recall (please see 07v-104). The recall began on October 29, 2007.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #07V426000 · 2007 · 1,158 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain vehicles with all wheel drive, the fuel tank straps were improperly manufactured and could separate. This can cause the fuel tank to loosen and leak fuel.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underbody fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank retention straps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during October 2007.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #07V473000 · 2007 · 102,042 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines, the engine coolant May be drawn into the left radiator cooling fan motor connector.
Why it matters: This can cause an electrical short circuit and result in an engine compartment fire.
The fix: 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #08V152000 · 2008 · 180,963 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 cruise control or remote start system, and/or engine stalling.
Why it matters: Engine stalling could cause a crash without warning.
The fix: Dealers will seal the wires for the TPMS free of charge. The recall began on April 15, 2008.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 26 mention a fire, 34 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (236): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (153), stalls / loses power (29).
- Electrical (219): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (87), electrical failure (83), warning light on (53).
- Speed control / throttle (138): the most common themes are warning light on (77), stalls / loses power (43).
- Engine (115): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (48), warning light on (48), electrical failure (24).
The 2008 Dodge Avenger has 831 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 15 Avenger model years for complaints (3.9× the average Avenger year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (164 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 70,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (2 complaints, 4 recalls), 2009 (67 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 2.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 26 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Dodge Avenger.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Dodge Avenger. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 Dodge Avenger problems?
Owners have filed 831 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (236), electrical (219), speed control / throttle (138).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Dodge Avenger get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Dodge Avenger repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.