NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 67 owner complaints for the 2009 Dodge Avenger. Most complaints involve engine (11) and air bags (11). The EPA rates it 20–24 mpg combined.
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. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE MAY RUN OUT OF FUEL WHEN THE GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS STILL FUEL REMAINING IN THE TANK.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“STARTED GETTING A OBD CODE 2017 AND 2004. AFTER REPLACING THE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROL VALVE THE LIGHT STAYED ON AND NOW CODE SAYS THAT THE CIRCUIT IS HIGH IN BANK ONE. I TOOK OFF THE RUNNER CONTROL AND TESTED IT SO IT IS A GOOD PART,”
“AIR BAG LIGHT CONSTANTLY COMING ON AND OFF, BEEPING, AND SOMETIMES JUST STAY ON. BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUALLY COME ON - EVERY FEW MONTHS FOR WEEKS AT AT A TIME. ALSO FEELS LIKE CAR WANTS TO GIVE OUT A LOT.”
“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 386-274-0571) 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. APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 191,336.”
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 · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Avenger Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 27 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| 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 |
2 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 67 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (11), air bags (11), power train (10). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Dodge Avenger at 20–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).