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 determining it was the PCM again. Car will not rev above 2.0 RPM and is in "limp mode" with the service engine light along…
2008 Dodge Avenger powertrain problems
moderate 224 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
224
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 224 powertrain complaints filed for the 2008 Dodge Avenger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
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.
What stands out
Of the 7 model years of Dodge Avenger we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 224.
Owners have filed 224 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2008 Dodge Avenger is a high-risk used purchase due to pervasive powertrain and electronic control defects. Expect shift-lock failures that can strand you ($200–$400 to fix), electronic throttle issues causing stalling in wet weather, transmission bucking and hard shifting, repeated alternator failures, and engine stalls—most without warranty coverage. Service records are essential to check repair history.
The 2008 Dodge Avenger powertrain cluster shows consistent, widespread defects across multiple systems. The most common complaint is shift-lock failure: a small pink plastic piece in the gear-shift assembly breaks suddenly, trapping the vehicle in Park with no warning. Owners report the shifter simply won't budge one day, forcing expensive towing and $200–$400 dealership repairs. Many discovered online forums full of thousands of owners with identical problems, yet Dodge has issued no recall.
Electronic throttle control failures cause engine stalling and power loss, especially in wet weather or at highway speeds. Owners describe the engine feeling like it will die, then suddenly surging; the ETC warning light flickers on and off. One owner had the throttle position sensor and accelerator pedal sensor replaced—twice—with no fix. Transmissions buck hard during shifting and lose power without explanation. Alternators fail prematurely and repeatedly; one owner replaced the alternator four times in three years. Engine stalls during driving with zero warning, forcing restart on busy roads. One owner had a starter replaced four times in 40 days because the real culprit—a faulty TIPM module—was never properly diagnosed. Wiring corrosion and incomplete recall remedies add to the chaos: a dealer taped over corroded TPMS wires instead of replacing them, leaving the vehicle in limp mode. Check-engine lights come on and won't stay off; dealerships run diagnostics, find nothing, and send owners home.
Service managers at Dodge dealerships reportedly confirm these are "common problems" and acknowledge seeing "a significant increase" in repairs for the exact same parts. Yet owners are routinely told problems are not warranty-covered and no recall exists—despite Chrysler referencing internal recalls and module replacement programs in some cases.
Same Dodge Avenger powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Shift Lock Mechanism Failure (Pink Plastic Component)
The shift lock assembly contains a small pink plastic piece that breaks or separates from its mounting, causing the shifter to lock in Park. Owners report sudden inability to move the gear lever without warning, often after normal driving the day before. The failure traps vehicles in park with no advance symptoms.
When: Variable; typically appears between 36,000–110,000 miles, though can occur with as little as 36,000 miles on the odometer. Many owners report it happening suddenly after parking overnight.
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter will not move out of Park; Shifter stuck in Park position; No warning lights or advance symptoms; Sudden failure while attempting to drive
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships typically replace the entire shift assembly ($200–$400 labor plus parts; part cost ~$40–$70). Owners report dealers acknowledge the problem is common but refuse to recall it. Temporary fix: manually pushing the pink plastic lever under the shifter module to release the lock; some owners use a butter knife or flat-head screwdriver to hold it in place.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread complaints. Dealers acknowledge the problem is common (multiple narratives cite service managers confirming they see 'a significant increase' in these repairs). Owners report dealers claim it is not a warranty-covered defect.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Malfunction
The electronic throttle control system fails, causing loss of engine power, erratic RPM behavior, and ETC warning light illumination. Failures occur during normal driving, particularly in wet weather or at lower speeds. Engine may feel like it will stall or cut out, then suddenly surge. Multiple owners report this is a widespread issue on the NHTSA website.
When: Begins around 25,000–30,000 miles; continues to occur at higher mileages (110,000+ miles reported). Failures triggered in wet conditions, during deceleration, and at freeway speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Drop in RPMs in wet weather at lower speeds; Vehicle feels like it will stall or die; ETC light comes on and flashes; Sudden rapid deceleration followed by sudden acceleration; Hiccup or cutting-out sensation; Engine runs at higher RPMs than normal for the speed; Possible loss of 4th gear at freeway speeds
Codes mentioned: ETC light (Electronic Throttle Control warning)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite replacements of throttle position sensor, throttle body, and accelerator pedal position sensor ($750 repair cost mentioned). Dealers have recommended these fixes, but replacements did not resolve the issue for at least one owner. One owner reports a PCM (Powertrain Control Module) on back order with over 200 orders waiting, 4-month wait times cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall acknowledged. Owners report dealership technicians confirm this is a known issue. One owner found ~90% of complaints on NHTSA website for similar vehicles match their exact symptoms.
Transmission Hard Shifting, Bucking, and Power Loss
Transmission exhibits hard, rough shifting and bucking during gear engagement. Vehicle loses power during acceleration and shifting. Owner took vehicle in three times within six months; dealers performed computer upgrade and torque converter service without resolving the issue. Transmission bucking is described as ongoing damage to internal components.
When: Begins early in vehicle life (within months of ownership); multiple service visits required over several months.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard shifting; Transmission bucking; Not shifting into gear correctly; Losing power while shifting; Bucking and losing power during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed computer reprogramming and torque converter operation changes. Repairs did not resolve the underlying issue. One owner incurred repeated service visits and additional damage (ding to rear door) during repairs, which the dealership refused to cover.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers performed computer upgrades and torque converter service under repair attempts. No recall or extended warranty coverage mentioned.
Engine Stall During Driving
Engine unexpectedly stalls while vehicle is in motion, without warning. Stalls occur on wet roads, at traffic lights, on interstates, and during turns. Restart is possible but leaves driver stranded. One owner reports starter replaced four times in 40 days due to repeated stalling events. Another owner reports TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) and PCM (Powertrain Control Module) issues referenced in recall documentation as the cause.
When: Variable; some complaints filed as early as July 2008, with aggressive increases in complaints over 2-year periods. One owner reports four starter replacements within 40 days; another reports ongoing issues over multiple years.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off while driving without warning; Stalling at traffic lights; Stalling while slowing down at tolls; Stalling while turning in intersections; Vehicle stalls on wet/damp roads; Starter burning out repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid ~$1,440 for four starter replacements in 40 days. Dealerships initially misdiagnosed the issue (blamed starter), but later acknowledged it was a TIPM or PCM module issue. One owner was told Chrysler would replace TIPM or OCCM free of charge under recall (reference to September 2008 recall for PCM adhesive defect); another owner was quoted $800+ for module replacement not covered under recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Reference to September 2008 recall (08V152000) for PCM adhesive defect causing circuit board breaks and engine stalling. Owners state Chrysler acknowledged the TIPM/PCM module problem but refused free replacement in some cases. One narrative references a recall for PCM replacement due to new adhesive causing printed circuit board breaks.
Alternator Failure (Repeated)
Alternator fails prematurely and repeatedly. Owners report alternator replacement multiple times within a few years (one owner replaced alternator four times in three years). Voltage indicator light illuminates. Vehicle loses power to accelerate and may stall. Dealers confirm this is a design defect causing premature wear and lock-up.
When: Can occur as early as 91,000–110,000 miles. One owner replaced alternator four times in three years.
Symptoms owners cite: Voltage indicator light illuminates; Vehicle will not accelerate when indicator comes on; Engine feels like it will cut off; Vehicle loses power to accelerate
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement required. One owner had mechanic replace alternator; failure recurred two weeks later, then again a week after that. Dealers acknowledge it is a poor design flaw causing premature wear.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. Dealerships acknowledge it is a design problem but do not offer warranty coverage or extended support.
Wiring/Electrical Harness Corrosion (TPMS)
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) wires corrode, and the dealer recall remedy (NHTSA Campaign 08V152000) was incomplete. Dealer taped over corroded wires instead of replacing the wiring harness. Vehicle entered limp mode, reducing acceleration capability and increasing crash risk. Wiring harness was discontinued by manufacturer, making proper repair difficult.
When: Issue persisted after recall remedy attempted. Recall performed but wiring continued to corrode.
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS wires corroded; Vehicle entering limp mode; Vehicle fails to accelerate; Cannot shift out of 1st gear
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer taped over corroded wires during recall remedy instead of replacing harness. Independent mechanic recommended wiring harness replacement; harness was discontinued. Owner had to replace transmission and solenoid pack as secondary consequence.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 08V152000 (Electrical System). Dealer performed incomplete remedy (taping over corrosion). Manufacturer discontinued the wiring harness, making proper repair unavailable. Dealer refused to service the vehicle further, stating recall remedy was provided.
Transmission Stuck in Gear (Not Shifting or Moving)
Vehicle remains stuck in one gear or fails to shift into the proper gear during driving. Car either will not move or moves slowly and will not respond to throttle input. One owner reports vehicle stuck in reverse and accelerating independently while in reverse, leading to crash into fence and tree.
When: Various stages of ownership; one crash occurred at 49,000 miles after vehicle had been repaired under a safety campaign for the same issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission remains stuck in reverse; Vehicle will not shift out of gear; Vehicle stuck in 1st gear; Vehicle will not move or moves very slowly; Loss of ability to accelerate above 40 MPH; Independent acceleration while in reverse
Codes mentioned: Automatic Transmission Control System malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: One owner crashed into fence and tree after vehicle remained stuck in reverse and accelerated independently. Vehicle was destroyed. Repair attempts under safety campaign (transmission stuck in gear campaign) did not prevent recurrence.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety campaign issued for transmission stuck in gear; however, failure recurred even after repair, resulting in crash and vehicle destruction. Manufacturer was not notified of subsequent failure in at least one case.
Intake Manifold Runner Flap Assembly Malfunction
Cheap plastic components in the intake manifold runner flap assembly stick open, causing unintended acceleration. Vehicle continues accelerating as if throttle is to the floor when driver only applies moderate pressure. Engine sounds like it will 'blow up.' Throws diagnostic codes P2008 and P2017. Chrysler fixed the problem in future model years by improving the component.
When: Early in vehicle's life (owner bought vehicle in 2008).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle continues to accelerate uncontrollably upon entering highway; Engine sound escalates as if at full throttle; Engine sounds like it will blow up; Unintended acceleration
Codes mentioned: P2008, P2017
Repairs/costs cited: Flap sticks open due to cheap plastic component design. Chrysler addressed the defect in future production vehicles by redesigning the intake components.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler knew about the problem and fixed it in future vehicles; no recall issued for affected 2008 models.
Check Engine Light / Dashboard Warning Lights (Recurring)
Check engine light comes on repeatedly and persists despite multiple dealership visits. Diagnostics run but no fault found. Light returns within days to weeks after being cleared. Other warning lights (tire pressure, brake light) also illuminate intermittently without corresponding actual problems.
When: Can occur within weeks of purchase (one owner purchased in December 2008, light appeared by early 2009). Recurs frequently over vehicle's life.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on; Light returns within days to weeks of being cleared; Tire pressure warning light on (tire pressure normal); Brake light illuminates then shuts off while driving; Airbag warning light on
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership runs diagnostics and finds nothing wrong. Owner paid for diagnostics repeatedly. One owner reports dealership claimed heads needed to be replaced ($2,900 cost) when check engine light was on, but no recall for this repair was found.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Dealerships unable to identify root cause in multiple cases.
Synthesized from 224 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2008 Dodge Avenger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 224 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 200 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 43,084 and 77,692 miles, with the median around 55,005. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,084; a quarter make it past 77,692. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Dodge/Avenger.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.