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severe 177 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Of the 177 electrical complaints filed for the 2008 Dodge Avenger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Of the 7 model years of Dodge Avenger we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 177.
Electrical accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Engine stalling could cause a crash without warning.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2008 Dodge Avenger electrical system is riddled with failures that range from annoying to life-threatening. Engines stall without warning while driving—on highways at 65+ mph, in traffic, at idle—and owners lose all power steering, power brakes, and acceleration. The vehicle may restart after several tries or sitting idle, but there's no pattern and no permanent fix. Dealerships routinely run diagnostics, find nothing, and send owners home with the same problem.
The Electronic Throttle Control light is a constant complaint. It comes on, the car loses power, can't accelerate past 30 mph, jerks around, or stalls. Owners have had the ETC sensor cleaned, the software flashed, the throttle body replaced—even after factory repairs and backlog orders for parts—and it still comes back. Some owners report being told a throttle body replacement is the next step but won't be guaranteed to fix it.
Electrical shorts are widespread: wipers quit mid-sweep in rain, headlights won't turn off, turn signals fail, brake lights go dark, the horn sounds on its own at random, the radio cuts in and out, the dashboard lights flicker like a strobe, and multiple systems die at once. A lot of owners cite a failing TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) as the root cause, which can cost $800–$1000 to replace at a dealer. Battery drains rapidly despite recent replacement, and some owners have had to charge their car every night just to drive it the next day.
The shift lever locks in Park after the car shuts off, trapping owners. Starters burn out repeatedly within days of replacement because an electrical short keeps the starter engaged. Water pools in the trunk through the latch, and there's no warning light when the brake light dies.
Many owners report being excluded from recall coverage (particularly campaign 08V152000 for electrical wiring and 07V240000 for airbags) despite their VINs hitting the identical symptoms listed in the recall notices.
Same Dodge Avenger electrical reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011
Engine dies unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds, in traffic, or at idle. Loss of all electrical power including steering assist, power brakes, lights, and acceleration. Vehicle may restart after several attempts or sitting idle briefly. Occurs in wet weather or during normal driving with no warning.
When: Throughout ownership; frequent incidents reported from first few months to years later. Stalling triggered by acceleration, braking, turns, or random moments.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning; Loss of power steering; Loss of power brakes; Loss of acceleration; Vehicle coasts to side of road; Loss of all electrical power including lights and turn signals; Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated; Engine restarts after power cycle
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) Light, ABS warning light, Traction Control Light, Battery/Voltage warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report fuel pump replacement, battery replacement, computer reset/flash, electrical ground repair, alternator replacement ($650), fuel injection cleaning. Multiple repairs fail to resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 08V152000 (Electrical System/Wiring) issued for some vehicles; many owners report their VINs not included despite experiencing identical symptoms. Dealers claim unable to duplicate problem during diagnostics.
ETC light illuminates accompanied by loss of power, reduced acceleration, engine jerking, and limp mode (capped RPMs). Occurs at low and highway speeds. Can cause sudden unintended acceleration or complete power loss. Undiagnosed failures despite multiple repair attempts and sensor/software replacements.
When: Various mileage points; some reported within first month of purchase, others after 2+ years. Can recur even after initial repair attempts.
Symptoms owners cite: ETC light flashing or illuminated; Loss of acceleration at any speed; Engine jerking or chugging; Reduced RPM limit (unable to exceed 1000-2500 RPM); Speed capped at 5-30 MPH; Unintended acceleration when braking; Engine stalling while idling or driving; Rough idle; Vehicle enters limp mode
Codes mentioned: ETC Light, Check Engine Light, Throttle body fault codes (intermittent or absent)
Repairs/costs cited: ETC sensor cleaning, ETC software flash, throttle body replacement, speed sensor replacement, air intake cleaning, fuel delivery inspection. Owners report costs around $800 for throttle body replacement. Parts frequently unavailable or backordered. Many owners state replacements fail to permanently fix issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall issued for ETC failure. Dealers perform sensor/software fixes under warranty initially, but issue recurs. Owners report being told throttle body replacement is next step but 'not guaranteed' to fix problem.
Intermittent electrical shorts and power distribution failures causing cascading system malfunctions. Radio shorts out, instrument cluster fails, clock malfunctions, wipers stop mid-sweep, lights flicker or fail completely, horn sounds randomly. TPMS connectors corrode and cause internal shorts. Failures progress and become more widespread over time.
When: Scattered throughout ownership; often triggered by wet weather. Some appear early; others develop after years.
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard lights flashing on and off; Radio cutting in and out; Instrument cluster flickering or dead; Headlights or turn signals inoperable; Brake lights not functioning; Wipers stop mid-sweep or stutter; Wipers fail to turn on in rain; Horn sounds randomly without input; Clock runs fast or stops; Burning plastic smell; Vehicle lights come on automatically then cannot be turned off; No power to multiple systems simultaneously
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, Multiple warning lights simultaneously, No Bus code
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report electrical ground repair ($200-300), battery replacement, alternator replacement, TPMS connector inspection/repair, interior switch replacement. TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) replacement cited as cost $800-1000 at dealer; $260-460 through aftermarket.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 08V152000 covers some 2008 Avengers for electrical wiring defects, but many owners report their VINs excluded. Owners claim Dodge refuses to acknowledge TIPM failures despite widespread complaints.
Battery drains rapidly or dies unexpectedly despite recent replacement. Multiple battery replacements do not resolve issue. Charging system unable to maintain battery voltage. PCM voltage regulator or alternator faults prevent proper charging.
When: Can occur within days of battery replacement or years into ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies unexpectedly; Difficulty starting after parking 20 minutes; Battery warning light illuminated; Voltage warning light; Loss of power while driving; All dashboard lights flickering during operation
Codes mentioned: Battery/Voltage warning light, Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement (does not fix underlying issue). Load testing performed. PCM voltage regulator replacement (backordered, $100+ parts cost). Alternator replacement ($650+). Owners report having to charge battery nightly to continue driving.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers diagnose as bad battery initially; when multiple replacements fail, alternator or PCM regulator identified. No recall issued. One owner reported PCM regulator backordered over 100 units.
Shift lever stuck in Park position, preventing vehicle from being driven. Occurs when vehicle shuts off unexpectedly. Gear stick immovable despite multiple attempts. Requires emergency push or manual lever manipulation to escape. Requires computer reprogramming to reset.
When: Reported at various mileages; some incidents around 40,000-50,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter locked in Park; Shift lever will not move; Vehicle unable to move from Park position; Emergency lever manipulation required; Manual shifting out of position required
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light may precede
Repairs/costs cited: Computer reprogramming ($270 reported). Lever shift solenoid or transmission control module involved. Some instances resolved by manual lever manipulation after vehicle shut off.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall. Dealers know how to reprogram computer to reset.
AC fan speed switch contacts overheat and melt plastic housing due to insufficient current-carrying capacity. Switch gets hot to touch in high-speed position, produces burning smell. Multiple replacements of same part fail due to design defect, not component failure.
When: Scattered incidents throughout ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Burning plastic smell from dashboard; AC switch hot to touch; Switch stuck in high fan position; Plastic housing melted; Switch contacts degraded or failed
Repairs/costs cited: AC blower switch replacement. Owner reports replacing unit twice. Plastic contacts melt under high fan load due to contact design inadequacy.
Driver-side door lock/unlock controls stop working; only passenger-side controls functional. Turn signal, wiper, or headlight controls on steering column malfunction or become inoperative. Multiple electrical devices in steering column fail simultaneously.
When: Scattered throughout ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Door lock/unlock controls on driver side inoperative; Only passenger-side controls work; Turn signals inoperative; Wipers inoperative; Headlights stuck on or cannot be turned off; High beams not working; Multiple steering column functions fail simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: Combination switch or steering column electrical harness replacement. Costs cited: $600+ for switch replacement plus labor. Multiple controls failing simultaneously suggest wiring harness short.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers report switch or temperature sensor could be faulty; however, coincident failures of two separate systems unlikely to be component-based.
Starter motor burns up shortly after replacement, sometimes within days or hours of installation. Repeated replacements burn out due to underlying electrical short. Starter remains engaged in starting position after key removed, drawing continuous current until burnout.
When: Progressive failures; initial failure followed by repeated failures on replacement parts.
Symptoms owners cite: Starter burned/burnt up; New starter burns out within days; Starter stuck in engaged position; Starter winding sound with burning smell; Starter won't disengage after turning key off; Radio cutting on/off before starter failure; Multiple warning lights illuminated
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replacement (repeated). Electrical short source never fully isolated by independent shops. TIPM identified as cause in one update (shorts starter continuously). Ignition lock also replaced in same case due to sticking key.
Wipers stop working without warning or continue running without input. Wipers stutter and stick mid-sweep. Function may return after hours or days. Related to TIPM module failure; poorly grounded or failing motor draws excessive current on shared ground circuit.
When: Occurs in wet weather predominantly but also in dry conditions. Can last hours to days before resuming function.
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers stop mid-sweep; Wipers won't turn on in rain; Wipers stutter and hesitate; Wipers continue running without input; Intermittent operation
Repairs/costs cited: Wiper switch replacement, wiper motor replacement, wiper relay replacement. Multiple replacements of same parts fail to resolve. Owners cite TIPM as true cause and note that cleaning electrical grounds may help.
Airbag warning light illuminates intermittently, then turns off on its own. Light reappears randomly. Dealership appointments scheduled to diagnose issue, but light disappears before appointment date. No recalls include affected VINs despite owners experiencing identical symptoms to recalled vehicles.
When: Recurring intermittent events over years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminates; Airbag light flashes intermittently; Light turns off by itself; Light reappears without pattern; No crash deployment despite accident
Codes mentioned: Airbag warning light
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed. Owners report being told VIN not included in recall despite experiencing exact symptoms.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 07V240000 (Air Bags) issued for some vehicles; affected owners report their VINs excluded from recall coverage despite exhibiting listed defects.
Water leaks into trunk through latch assembly during rain, causing brake light failure and trunk damage. Moisture and debris accumulate in sealed trunk. No warning light indicates brake light outage.
When: Occurs during or after rain events.
Symptoms owners cite: Water pooling in trunk; Rear brake light inoperative; Carpet water damage; Mold smell; Leaves/debris in closed trunk; No warning light for brake light failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report lack of solution. Trunk seal replacement may be needed.
Cruise control activates but deactivates independently without driver input. Cruise control function sporadic or completely inoperative in some cases.
When: Reported at various speeds and situations.
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control turns off without input; Cruise control inoperative; Cruise control works intermittently
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light may precede
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs documented in narratives.
Synthesized from 177 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
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 still not operating correctly..I have zero faith that the car is safe. Researched this etc issue which seems to be…
Horn started blaring, lights where going on and off while sitting in parking lot, driveway and when driving. Car started stalling when this problem started. Took to dealer and was told it was the tipm. Saw where in 2008 Dodge/Chrysler had issue with the tipm but the 2008 avenger was left off. Have seen on Dodge talk and multiple other web sites that the 2008 Dodge avenger has had this issue…
A/c is blowing out hot air, I was told by the dealership that I needed to get a replacement computer component. I told them at the time that my car has only 70000+ plus miles and that should not be replaced plus I had older cars and people with older cars never once had to get the ac fix and they have over 150000 to 200000 miles on their car. Mean while back several years ago, my car caught on…
In motion at random times my electronic throttle control light will flash at the same time I lose all power at any speed.....from coming into my driveway to highway speed 40-50mph to interstate speeds 65mph I was with my very I'll mom who has to travel with medical supplies and equipment and when she is in an accident, and left unable to get to her set destination, would suffer and did…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge avenger. The contact stated the while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the turn signals failed to engage. The contact also discovered that the windshield and the headlights failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Was driving down the highway and noticed a delayed response when pushing down on the accelerator, moments later I was unable to accelerator and the car's electronic throttle control light appeared, the car was unable to go more then 15mph. Took the car to a service station where they ran a diagnostic test and no defaults were found. *tr
It's a meaningful issue. 177 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
Across the 146 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 70,000 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 94,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 70,000; a quarter make it past 130,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.