YearToAvoid

2009 Dodge Avenger Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

25/100

#7 most-complained of 9 Avenger years

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

The 2009 Dodge Avenger has 67 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 25 out of 100 — #7 highest of 9 Avenger model years (verdict: Good). The most reported problem area is engine (17 complaints, 25% of the total). Complaints report 3 crashes and 6 injuries.

Complaints
67
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
3 / 0
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
22
19 city / 27 hwy

Top 2009 Dodge Avenger problems

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

  1. Engine17 (25%)
  2. Airbags11 (16%)
  3. Electrical System10 (15%)
  4. Fuel System10 (15%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain10 (15%)
  6. Other9 (13%)
  7. Brakes7 (10%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (10%)
  9. Visibility & Wipers7 (10%)
  10. Structure & Body3 (4%)
2009 Dodge Avenger complaints: complaints filed per quarter62009 Q42012 Q22013 Q32014 Q42016 Q22018 Q12019 Q42021 Q3
95 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2009 Q4 to 2026 Q1; peak 2012 Q3 (6).

2009 Dodge Avenger recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 09V047000Feb 4, 2009Fuel System91 vehicles

    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. As a result, the vehicle may run out of fuel when the gauge indicates that there is still fuel remaining in the tank.

    Risk: This could cause a crash without warning.

    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.

  2. NHTSA 08V528000Oct 9, 2008Transmission & Powertrain712 vehicles

    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.

    Risk: This can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning.

    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.

2009 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.

2009 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
2011Good38209323

All Dodge Avenger years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Dodge Avenger a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 Dodge Avenger ranks #7 of 9 among Avenger model years (Complaint Index 25/100, verdict: Good). It has 67 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Dodge Avenger?
The most reported problem areas are engine (17 complaints), airbags (11 complaints), and electrical system (10 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 79,500 miles.
Does the 2009 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2009 Dodge Avenger, most recently reported 2009, covering fuel system and transmission & powertrain.
What is the fuel economy of the 2009 Dodge Avenger?
EPA rates the 2009 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.