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severe 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,200 · see fuel system across all vehicles →
Of the 4 model years of Dodge Avenger we track for fuel system problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 24.
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in an underbody fire.
Owners of the 2008 Avenger describe two distinct fuel-system defect patterns. First, overfill spray at the pump: starting around 45,000 miles, fuel violently backsplashes or gushes out of the filler neck during refueling, regardless of fill speed or which gas station. Fuel soaks the vehicle exterior, ground, and the operator. Dealers blame a faulty fuel tank, rollover valve, or vent tubing, and quote $400–$900 to replace the tank. One owner tried replacing vent tubing and filler neck; it didn't stop the spray, so the tank replacement was then recommended. Most owners haven't done the repair due to cost.
Second, fuel pump wiring burns internally. At around 52,000 miles, the wire harness connector inside the fuel tank melts through, creating holes and fuel leakage. No protective fuse cuts the power, allowing continuous arcing and heat. The pump fails to engage, vehicle won't start, and check-engine lights stay on. Replacing the fuel pump doesn't fix the wiring issue. Owners also report fuel pump and injector failures causing stalling at highway speeds with no lasting repair after replacement. Several owners cite internet forums showing this is widespread, not isolated.
Fuel sprays or gushes back out of the filler neck during refueling, with no automatic shutoff or insufficient venting. Gas projects onto vehicle exterior, ground, operator clothing and footwear. Occurs regardless of fill speed or gas station pump.
When: Starting around 45,000–96,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent backsplash of gasoline during refueling; Fuel erupts or gushes from tank after pump shutoff clicks; Persistent spray across multiple fill-ups and stations; Air pockets audible in tank; Vehicle stalls in rainy weather (one owner noted coincident timing)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers advised replacement of fuel tank (estimated $400–$900), vent tubing, and filler neck. One owner reported vent tubing and neck replacement did not fix the issue; full tank replacement was then recommended. Most owners did not complete repairs due to cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported manufacturer offered no assistance. VINs on multiple complaints were either unavailable or not included in related recalls (07V426000).
Wire harness connector on fuel pump burns internally within the fuel tank, melting through insulation and creating holes. Fuel can leak from the burned area. No protective fuse blows to cut power, allowing continued current and heat generation.
When: At or around 52,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel pump fails to engage or cuts out intermittently; Vehicle will not start or starts erratically; Burned and melted wire harness visible at pump connector; Gasoline smell and visible fuel leakage at connector; Check engine and fuel pump warning lights illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: One owner removed and inspected fuel pump, found burned wire hole through harness. Owner rewired burned section and repaired hole in pump. Another owner replaced fuel pump but found it did not resolve the underlying electrical issue. Dealer confirmed no protective fuse exists for the fuel pump circuit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer noted absence of a fuel pump fuse despite the hazard. Owners found numerous internet accounts of the same failure pattern, suggesting a systemic design or manufacturing issue.
Fuel pump loses power or fails to deliver fuel, preventing engine start or causing stalling. Multiple replacement attempts do not resolve the root electrical cause.
When: 57,300–112,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls during driving, especially at highway speeds (70 mph reported); Vehicle will not start or has severe starting difficulty; Check engine light illuminates; Fuel pump does not engage or engages intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Technicians recommended fuel pump replacement, and in one case also battery replacement. Fuel pump replacement alone did not resolve the failure; one owner was advised computer reprogramming might be needed. Vehicle not repaired in at least two cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner noted recall 08V152000 (Electrical System) was reportedly already performed on the vehicle prior to the fuel pump failure, yet the problem persisted.
Fuel injector fails, causing engine stalls. Replacement of the injector does not fix the problem; underlying electrical or computer issue suspected.
When: 112,023 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls repeatedly while driving; Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Fuel injector fault (diagnostic performed by mechanic)
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic replaced fuel injector. Failure persisted. Mechanic suspected computer reprogramming was needed. Vehicle was not repaired.
Multiple electrical failures including battery and alternator, sometimes coincident with fuel system symptoms. Battery replacement and double alternator replacement did not resolve stalling and warning light issues.
When: 255,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving; Battery, check engine, and throttle body warning lights illuminate; Abnormal odor while parked; Smoke visible from under the hood
Repairs/costs cited: Owner's father replaced battery, alternator twice. Failures recurred. Vehicle not ultimately repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner noted recalls 08V152000 (Electrical System) and 07V426000 (Fuel System), but VIN was not included in either recall.
Intermittent loss of engine power during acceleration and under load. Throttle body sensor codes present. Stalling occurs during normal driving and traffic.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent loss of power on acceleration; Stalling when slowing down or accelerating; Engine stalls in traffic multiple times
Codes mentioned: Throttle Position Sensor code
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
It's a meaningful issue. 24 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,200.
Across the 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most fuel system failures cluster between 50,000 and 93,000 miles, with the median around 62,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 93,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $1,200 for fuel system 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 fuel system 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.