YearToAvoid

2008 Dodge Avenger Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

100/100

#1 most-complained of 9 Avenger years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2008 Dodge Avenger has 831 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 100 out of 100 — the highest of 9 Avenger model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is engine (290 complaints, 35% of the total). Complaints report 36 crashes, 26 fires, 34 injuries, and 1 death.

Complaints
831
Recalls
6
Crashes / fires
36 / 26
Injuries / deaths
34 / 1
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
22
19 city / 27 hwy

Top 2008 Dodge Avenger problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine290 (35%)
  2. Transmission & Powertrain236 (28%)
  3. Electrical System223 (27%)
  4. Airbags96 (12%)
  5. Fuel System70 (8%)
  6. Brakes66 (8%)
  7. Other57 (7%)
  8. Structure & Body49 (6%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires41 (5%)
  10. Visibility & Wipers31 (4%)
2008 Dodge Avenger complaints: complaints filed per quarter1032007 Q22009 Q32011 Q42014 Q12016 Q22018 Q32020 Q42023 Q1
1193 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2007 Q2 to 2025 Q4; peak 2010 Q3 (103).

2008 Dodge Avenger recalls

6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 08V152000Apr 2, 2008Electrical System180,963 vehicles

    Electrical system:wiring

    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.

    Risk: Engine stalling could cause a crash without warning.

    Remedy: Dealers will seal the wires for the tpms free of charge. The recall began on april 15, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

  2. NHTSA 07V473000Oct 10, 2007Engine102,042 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assembly

    On certain vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines, the engine coolant may be drawn into the left radiator cooling fan motor connector.

    Risk: This can cause an electrical short circuit and result in an engine compartment fire.

    Remedy: 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. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

  3. NHTSA 07V426000Sep 13, 2007Fuel System1,158 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly

    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.

    Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underbody fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank retention straps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during october 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

See all 6 recalls for the 2008 Dodge Avenger →

2008 Dodge Avenger fuel economy and fuel cost

City
19 MPG
Highway
27 MPG
Combined
22 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,950
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2008 compared with other Avenger years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100200720082009201020112012201320142015
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2007No verdict1324—
2008Avoid100831622
2009Good2567222
2010Caution63163322

All Dodge Avenger years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Dodge Avenger a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Dodge Avenger ranks worst among Avenger model years (Complaint Index 100/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 831 complaints and 6 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge Avenger?
The most reported problem areas are engine (290 complaints), transmission & powertrain (236 complaints), and electrical system (223 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 70,325 miles.
Does the 2008 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2008 Dodge Avenger, most recently reported 2008, covering electrical system, engine, fuel system, and structure & body.
What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Dodge Avenger?
EPA rates the 2008 Dodge Avenger at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.