Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
6
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2008 Avenger?
Avoid — the electrical system
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
10 fire-related complaints and 3 crash-related complaints on the electrical system
Engine: 91 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 45,000–106,000 mi
Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average
6 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2008 Dodge Avenger? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 224 owner reports
· tends to show around 65,918 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 177 owner reports
· tends to show around 96,991 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 91 owner reports
· tends to show around 76,921 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
cruise control — 87 owner reports
· tends to show around 81,365 mi · ~$600 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 96,991 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 6 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Embed this reliability snapshot
Free to use on your site, post, or video — just keep the "Source" credit line below the chart. Preview the widget →
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2008 Avenger· cruise control
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge avenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the electronic throttle control warning light illuminated and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact mentioned that on some occasions, the vehicle had to be towed to his…
I've already had to replace the power control module (PCM) once just a year and a half ago, and now I have to replace it again and my car has been out of commission and sitting at a mechanic's repair shop for almost 2 months now after fixing other things first before finally…
Etc failure ( electronic throttle control ) approx. 100,00o on vehicle, highway going steady 65mph and light came on near total power failure. Restarted vehicle seemed to clear itself. Took to Dodge mechanic the computer says it did not happen.. Replaced the (etc) and car is…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge avenger. The contact's husband pulled the vehicle over and the driver's air bag deployed. There was no impact to the vehicle. The vehicle was declared inoperable to drive by the insurance company. The contact notified the manufacturer who stated…
Had a problem with your 2008 Dodge Avenger?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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
During certain crash conditions, the possibility of a door opening could cause an unbelted passenger to be ejected, increasing the risk of injuries.
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. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
On certain vehicles with all wheel drive, the fuel tank straps were improperly manufactured and could separate
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underbody fire.
Fix: 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.
On certain passenger vehicles, the front seat track position sensors utilized for the air bag system may not function properly
This could increase the risk of injury to front seat occupants during certain crash conditions.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the front seat track position sensors and replace them free of charge. The recallbegan on june 18, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.6 out of 10 based on 844 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Dodge Avenger has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2008 Dodge Avenger?
On the NHTSA data, the 2008 Dodge Avenger is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 10 fire-related complaints and 3 crash-related complaints on the electrical system; Engine: 91 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 45,000–106,000 mi; Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average; 6 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2008 Dodge Avenger?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 224 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 65,918 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2008 Dodge Avenger a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 844 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 65,918 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2008 Dodge Avenger?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 224 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 65,918 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 82,659 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Dodge Avenger has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Dodge Avenger?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 844 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Dodge/Avenger.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
We are not affiliated with Dodge. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we
may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
