NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 845 owner complaints for the 2008 Dodge Avenger. Most complaints involve power train (240) and electrical system (220). The EPA rates it 18–24 mpg combined.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 180,963 MY 2007-2008 SEBRING AND DODGE AVENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A STANDARD TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS). 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.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE ENGINE COOLANT MAY BE DRAWN INTO THE LEFT RADIATOR COOLING FAN MOTOR CONNECTOR.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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.”
“My 2008 Dodge Avenger airbag light has been on for a while, I believe that’s something that is defective and should be fixed by the manufacture. I’d called a dealership and was told it was not a recall and therefore not covered. When the wipers are turned on in the morning and then turned off, they continue to wipe even turned off. When I use the right blinker, the light in the dashboard dims seems like an electrical problem. I believe other things might be wrong but I’m not a mechanic. I would like my car to get inspected for safety. Thank you.”
“The car runs perfect but all the sudden started dying while in reverse then a lightning bolt with lines on each side was flashing and the car died. So we changed the spark plugs and did a full service and it ran fine then started doing the same thing where it’s getting no power and won’t go at all. Let it sit for a minute then hen will drive fine for a little bit and start acting like it’s not getting any power i don’t understand what’s going on with it”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avenger Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,700 | 370 |
| Avenger Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L, GAS 370 · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Avenger Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Avenger Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 26 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Avenger AWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 845 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (240), electrical system (220), vehicle speed control (139). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2008 Dodge Avenger at 18–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).