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severe 91 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Of the 91 engine complaints filed for the 2008 Dodge Avenger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 91.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
This can cause an electrical short circuit and result in an engine compartment fire.
Buyer takeaway: The 2008 Dodge Avenger has a documented pattern of critical engine and electrical failures that dealers struggle to diagnose, including unexplained stalling on highways, sudden engine fires, complete loss of power while driving, and overheating with coolant loss despite no visible leaks. Expect significant out-of-pocket repair costs for intake manifold replacement, thermostat housing, and heater cores, which often recur even after repair.
The 2008 Dodge Avenger exhibits a pattern of serious engine and powertrain failures that appear across this complaint cluster. Stalling without warning is the most frequent complaint, happening at idle, during rain, or while accelerating—often on highways at speeds up to 70 mph. Dealers have been unable to diagnose or replicate many stalling events. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) failures cause reduced power, jerking during deceleration, and illuminated warning lights; owners report replacing throttle bodies and sensors with mixed results. Overheating occurs repeatedly, sometimes with no visible coolant loss, and includes intake manifold runner failures (P2004, P2017 codes) requiring replacement at roughly $900–$1,000 out of pocket. Coolant system leaks appear at cracked thermostat housings and heater core failures; one owner had the heater core replaced four times in two years. Engine fires have occurred suddenly during normal driving, some linked to recent oil changes or fuel system issues. Complete loss of electrical and engine power while driving at highway speeds has been reported, sometimes traced to main computer components. Transmission-related issues include shifting at excessively high RPMs, hard shifts, and the gearshift becoming stuck in park—a problem one tow-truck driver said he saw repeatedly. Overall, many owners report that multiple dealership visits and diagnostic tests failed to identify root causes, leaving vehicles unsafe and unpredictable.
Same Dodge Avenger engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011
Vehicle stalls without warning at idle, during rain, or while accelerating at various speeds (10–70 mph). Occurs at traffic lights, complete stops, reversing, or on highways. Often restarts after turning off and restarting or after a delay of several minutes. Diagnostic tests frequently show no codes.
When: Starts early in ownership; occurs throughout vehicle lifespan; some owners report continuous issues for years
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls unexpectedly at idle or low speed; Engine stalls during acceleration; Engine stalls on highway at 40–70 mph; Stalling occurs more frequently in rain; RPM gauge fluctuates before stall; Vehicle shakes violently 3 seconds before stall; Engine restarts after brief pause or turning ignition off/on
Codes mentioned: P2004 (Intake Manifold Runner, Bank 1 Stuck Open), P2017 (Intake Manifold Runner, Bank 2 Stuck Open), No fault code stored (common)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite PVC valve replacement, MAP sensor replacement, throttle body replacement, O2 sensor replacement, and ETC motor replacement—with inconsistent success. One owner visited dealer 45 times without diagnosis or repair. Another had a local mechanic replace motor; others underwent electrical system wiring repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 08V152000 (Electrical System) referenced; multiple owners report awareness of online complaints but no recall issued. Dealers unable to duplicate problem.
Check Engine light or ETC warning light (lightning bolt symbol) illuminates sporadically. Vehicle loses power, jerks during deceleration, fails to accelerate beyond 15–25 mph, or has difficulty accelerating. Error becomes more difficult to trigger and difficult for mechanics to diagnose.
When: Can occur early in ownership; frequency increases over time; some owners report 3–4 episodes per week
Symptoms owners cite: ETC warning light illuminates; Check Engine light comes on; Reduced engine power/acceleration; Vehicle jerks when decelerating; Hard acceleration jerking; Loss of speedometer and RPM gauge display; All shifter indicator lights (P, N, D) illuminated simultaneously; Power locks and trunk release fail when ETC light on
Codes mentioned: P2004, P2017, Electronic Throttle Control codes
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement, ETC motor replacement cited. One owner reports dealership unable to replicate, later told 'guessing game' without live fault code. Another owner replaced throttle control, but stalling continued.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Intake manifold replacement with PCM reprogramming required for P2004/P2017; one owner quoted $940 for manifold replacement and reprogramming. Dodge indicated recall only applies to vehicles built through March 22, 2007; 2008 models denied warranty coverage.
Engine overheats to 'H' on temperature gauge within 1 minute despite full antifreeze. No visible external leaks. Coolant loss can drain entire system in 30 minutes. Often accompanied by transmission light, ETC light, and loud diesel-like engine noise. Overheating may be accompanied by steering wheel lock and complete engine shutdown.
When: Can occur at any mileage; one owner reported it starting a few months after purchase; another at 51,000 miles; persists even after repair attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge reaches 'H' rapidly; Transmission light illuminates; ETC light illuminates; Loud diesel-engine-like noise; Cannot exceed 25 mph without noise increasing; Steering wheel locks up; Engine dies and will not restart for 30 minutes; Thick white smoke from engine compartment; Overflow reservoir swells as if about to burst; Vehicle loses power during acceleration uphill
Codes mentioned: Transmission warning code, Electronic Throttle Control code
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator cap replacement ($35) attempted without success. Thermostat housing replacement (plastic, prone to cracking); one owner had same failure recur 30,000 miles later (at 81,000 miles). Heater core replacements; one owner had four replacements in two years, with antifreeze leaking onto feet in cabin. Thermostat, water pump, timing chain, and coolant sensor replacement attempted on one vehicle without resolving issue. One mechanic replaced components later found 'no longer manufactured due to defect,' requiring entire remanufactured housing.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some owners report dealership stated 'bubble in the system needs to work itself out.' One owner cited recall but was told VIN not included. Dealer on one vehicle passed diagnostic after radiator cap replacement despite continued symptoms.
Plastic thermostat housing develops cracks, leaking antifreeze internally and externally. Heater core fails repeatedly, requiring multiple replacements. Antifreeze odor present inside vehicle. Heater coils or hoses need replacement; manufacturer advises components no longer made due to defects.
When: First heater core failure at 51,000 miles; second failure at 81,000 miles (30,000 miles later); one owner had four replacements between 15,000 and 81,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Antifreeze smell inside vehicle; Antifreeze dripping inside cabin (above gas pedal, on feet); Check Engine light illuminates; Electrical light indicator illuminates; Rough running engine; Vehicle runs hot; Engine loses power then shuts off; Engine will not restart for several hours; Mist coming from vents; Left two vents blow warm air while AC is on
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat housing replacement; cracked plastic housing replaced but failure recurred. Heater core replacement ($900) multiple times. Special filters installed upstream to prevent debris from reaching heater core—failed to prevent repeat failures. One owner required entire remanufactured chamber containing hoses and coils; vehicle was not repaired due to cost or availability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty on replaced thermostat housing: 12 months/12,000 miles. Second failure occurred at 30,000 miles, outside warranty. Manufacturer advised heater coil/hose components 'no longer manufactured due to them being defective.'
Engine compartment spontaneously catches fire during normal driving or immediately after parking. Fire is violent, sudden, with flames engulfing front of vehicle. Occurs at low speeds (25–50 mph) or at a standstill. In one case, fire occurred after recent oil change; mechanic ruled out collision damage and cited 'purely engine failure from mechanical reasons.'
When: One vehicle at 21,000 miles; another during rush hour at 25–30 mph; one owner reports knowing of three separate incidents with same model
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke appearing from beneath vehicle; Smoke coming from bottom of car then intensifying; Sparks shooting from under hood; Fire blazing from under hood; Entire front of car engulfed in flames; Loud explosion sound; Vehicle shaking violently; Smoke pouring from engine compartment; Oil spraying out during fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles towed; one owner awaits determination of cause. One vehicle had engine replaced by independent mechanic after fire damage. Another vehicle destroyed by fire.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner of vehicle at 21,000 miles found four recalls dating back to November 2007 related to fire, plus two recalls after November 2007, but was not notified. Another owner found recall on vehicle but told VIN not included in recall coverage.
All electrical power and engine power lost suddenly while vehicle is traveling at highway speed (70 mph reported). No warning. Vehicle loses power steering, brake lights, engine power simultaneously. Air bags would not deploy. Vehicle can coast to shoulder but is extremely dangerous.
When: Early in ownership; one report on 'new' vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: All electrical power lost; All engine power lost; No power steering; No brake lights; Unable to brake normally; Vehicle coasts powerless to shoulder
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer indicated 'component in car's main computer' was responsible. Vehicle under warranty at time of repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer performed repair under warranty. No specific recall mentioned.
Transmission gearshift becomes stuck in Park position and cannot be moved out of Park. Vehicle immobilized. One tow-truck driver reported towing three Dodge Avengers in one week for same issue. Mechanic reported 12–15 Dodge vehicles repaired for stuck gearshift in one month.
When: Some vehicles stalled and stuck within six months of purchase; pattern suggests systemic issue
Symptoms owners cite: Gearshift stuck in Park; Gearshift will not move from Park; Vehicle immobilized in driveway or garage
Repairs/costs cited: Owner cited 'pin' holding gear in place went out. Repair made but details not provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner noted a recall was eventually issued for the gearshift stuck-in-park defect. Another owner indicated Dodge initially would not help, but after multiple complaints from owner and other Avengers presenting with same problem, dealership agreed to investigate.
Transmission shifts occur at very high RPMs (3,000 or higher) whether engine is warm or cold. Shifts are harsh and non-smooth. Vehicle consumes fuel rapidly in town driving. Vehicle RPMs remain abnormally high.
When: From early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts at 3,000 or higher RPM; Hard, non-smooth shifts; Poor fuel economy in city driving; Excessively high engine RPM
Repairs/costs cited: Owner took vehicle to dealership three times; dealership said it could not get vehicle to act up. Later, two other new Avengers came in with same problems; dealership then agreed to investigate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership initially unable or unwilling to investigate. Only after multiple vehicles with same complaint appeared did dealer agree to look into it.
Intake manifold runner valves stick in open position, causing rough running, loss of power during hill climbing, and illuminated Check Engine light. Diagnostic codes P2004 and P2017 indicate intake manifold defect. Replacement of entire intake manifold and PCM reprogramming required. Owner research indicates defect affects all 2008 Dodge Avengers, with many owners paying $900–$1,000 out of pocket.
When: Can occur between 15,000 and 110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light comes on; Vehicle sluggish when going uphill; Rough engine running
Codes mentioned: P2004 (Intake Manifold Runner Bank 1 Stuck Open), P2017 (Intake Manifold Runner Bank 2 Stuck Open)
Repairs/costs cited: Intake manifold replacement (Part Number 04884495AF for earlier models) and PCM reprogramming required. Owner quoted $940 at dealership; online research indicates most owners pay approximately $1,000 nationwide.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for 2008 Avengers built through March 22, 2007 (Part Number 04884495AF replacement). Vehicles built after March 22, 2007, denied warranty coverage despite same defect. Chrysler customer service told owner with June 2007 build date and under 80,000 miles that warranty did not apply.
Synthesized from 91 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Dodge avenger. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate over 50 MPH. The vehicle lost acceleration power intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was idled, it stalled as the check…
My 2008 avenger stalls when accelerating. It seems to happen when it is wet and cold out. It happens mostly when you are at a complete stop and push the gas or when you are slowing down and the accelerate. I have almost been in several accidents due to this happening. I have taken it to the Dodge dealership and they said they can't find anything wrong. There is definitely something wrong. *tr
It's a meaningful issue. 91 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
Across the 85 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 45,000 and 106,000 miles, with the median around 72,700. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 106,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine 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.