10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 13
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
89,809 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Dodge Avenger electrical problems

electrical problem

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2008 Dodge Avenger Owner Comments (Page 4 of 11)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #155

Aug 012016

Avenger

  • 128,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. While driving approximately 60 mph in a rain storm, the windshield wipers failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the tipm was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.

- Manassas, VA, USA

problem #154

Jul 072016

Avenger

  • miles
The widows won't work it takes forever to put gas in the tank this car has a lot of problems

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #153

Jul 032016

Avenger

  • 180,000 miles
Got home, put car in park & let go of the brake. Noticed I was rolling backwards so I quickly pushed on the brake. Looked on my dash & it indicated the car was in reverse, so I pushed on the gear shifter to make sure it was pushed all the way up, which it was. I then turned the car off & tried to turn it back on. The car then wouldn't start 7 the gears would not change. Looked online, seen there was a common issue with the pink plastic piece connected to the gear. Pushed the pink plastic piece in & it allowed me to switch gears when it was held in but I am still unable to crank my car & even when the gears are switched the dashboard says the car is still in reverse. Looked up recalls & sure enough there is a recall but of course when I entered my car information it doesn't apply to my car. I also have replaced the alternator 4 times in 3 years. I was told that it is a poor design that causes the alternator to wear down & lock up so quickly. I will ever buy another chrystler Dodge vehicle in my life. This car has by far been the worst investment of my life. I really hope something happens to get these cars off of the road forever before they end up killing someone due to the highly poor design of everything in them!

- Savanna, GA, USA

problem #152

May 032016

Avenger

  • 105,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. While the vehicle was parked, the remote start system failed to operate and the anti-theft alarm system activated independently. In addition, the tire pressure warning light illuminated and the key fob failed to shut off the alarm. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure recurred independently. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08V152000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

- Woodbury, MN, USA

problem #151

Mar 122016

Avenger

  • 100,000 miles
My Avenger is very dangerous and I'm trying to get rid of it because I fear for mine and my children's safety. On several occasions the vehicle has stalled while at idle and even once while I was accelerating on a highway- doing over 60 mph. It also continuously has accelerated on its own, either when slowing down or speeding up it will jump rpms and take off on its own. While going through a school zone the car accelerated on its own and I came very close to hitting two 5 yr olds crossing the road. I've had electrical problems, as the check engine light will come on and off on its own and just recently the combination switch stopped working completely, almost causing me to be rear ended. I've called Dodge and they want $100 just to look at the car, which I cannot afford after dumping many dollars into trying to fix these life threatening issues. I've had it seen there before and they said nothing was wrong when I paid over $500 for repair work. I'm fearful for my life while driving and its caused me much stress and anxiety. I've spoke to several other Avenger owners that experience the same problems in which their only option was to trade it in because they couldn't afford to buy a new vehicle. I personally would junk it myself because I would never want to jeopardize another person or their children's life, however like everyone else I can't afford it and will probably have to trade the "problem" down to some unknowing of the risks and dangers of the vehicle. After spending thousands of dollars for what I thought was a reliable car I am left driving a lemon, taking prescribed ativan for anxiety because I am constantly in fear of driving the thing, and unable to sell because nobody wants it. This car had wrecked my life, and I only want Dodge to take responsiblity. It's a shame to know that I am putting everyone's lives in danger & it's taking a toll on my health.

- Lower Burrell, PA, USA

problem #150

May 242016

Avenger

  • 180,000 miles
My car is having all of the same problems that the vehicles form the TPMS recall had. My car isnt covered under the recall though. The cruise control wont work, the battery just goes dead, the remote start sysyem wont work, sometimes the engine wont start, the radio stays on all the time if you dont manually shut it off, the air bag light is on even though there is nothing wrong with it. I feel as though since my car has all the same problems and I have seen many more complaints from others on this site and other websites that the recall should be reevaluated and expanded to cover more of the same year of vehicles. Please do something about this for all of the owners having problems.

- Chenoa, IL, USA

problem #149

Mar 222016

Avenger

  • 131,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. While driving 58 mph, the air bag warning light illuminated on the driver side. The contact also stated that the front passenger side window button no longer worked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #148

Mar 012016

Avenger

  • miles
Initially thought a brake light bulb was out. Took to a repair shop which they told me there was nothing wrong. Then the windows wouldn't roll up. Found out a major problem occurred that put my safety (and others) in jeopardy. Turns out I needed a costly total integrated power module. Which I found out it controlled a lot of safety features!! my dashboard didn't even signify a problem!

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #147

Mar 012016

Avenger

  • 120,000 miles
The tipm suddenly went out, creating hazardous driving conditions for my brake lights, windshield wipers, turn signal lights, are all not working.

- Mesquite, TX, USA

problem #146

Jan 282016

Avenger

  • 151,900 miles
I have a 2008 Dodge Avenger 2.4 cylinder. My starter has been replacing four times in less than forty day time frame, yes that is what I said. The car cut off on me while driving without any warning while I was on the interstate. I have now paid around 1,440. So far now. This is a major safety issue whether or not my VIN number fits the bill, it has happened and has grossly endangered my family to include grandchild and myself not to mention increase the risk of multiple crash. The following are information I have found reason for stalled engines of 2008 doge Avengers. All work done at Dodge service dept. I have receipts from dealership with my complaints about engine stall issues. Please help me. Sincere, thanks major safety issue: Resulting in an engine stall or engine failure. The engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash. Chrysler dealers should replace the tipm module, free of charge. Flash the totally integrated power module (tipm) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. September 2008 -- Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, Dodge caliber, Avenger, journey, Jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break. This can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning. Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during November 2008.

- Irmo, SC, USA

problem #145

Dec 172015

Avenger

  • 127,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On Dec. 17 2015 battery indicator came on while driving on fredrick in St joseph mo then shortly after voltage light and air bag light came car lost steering control and power driving had to coast car into parking lot. Towed car to Firestone changed battery left Firestone lights came on again took it to Dodge dealer they diagnosed and said it was the PCM regulator that charges the battery was bad. PCM is back ordered over a hundred units. I've been charging car at night for the last 30 days so I could still use car due to dealer not able to give loaner because they have no when the part will be in to fix car issue. I fear that this is a safety risk because at anytime while driving the car may loose voltage and I will loose control of the car. This is the only car I have.

- St Joseph, MO, USA

problem #144

Dec 012015

Avenger

  • 108,000 miles
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 and Dodge/Chrysler is aware of it. It is a safety issue and they should have to repair the vehicles. Car currently at venice Dodge chyrsler dealership. 941-493-7986.

- Venice, FL, USA

problem #143

Dec 172015

Avenger

  • 111,000 miles
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.

- Belleville, IL, USA

problem #142

Dec 142015

Avenger

  • 95,000 miles
Vehicle stalls at traffic lights or in stopped traffic in wet weather. Mostly wet weather, but has occurred at least tree times in dry weather. Local good year ran a "wet test" on it, could not reproduce the stall. When this happens I put it in park, turn off the ignition, put on my hazards, and it starts back up with no problem. Mechanic cannot find the source. This is scary at the least and makes me nervous even thinking about having to drive when it is wet outside. I read a mention of a wiper motor.. that it may either be poorly grounded or is failing and drawing excessive current., he relates the stalling in wet weather to this as the wipers would either be on or in the delay setting. Any other circuits sharing the same ground circuit will get a reverse polarity voltage burst every time the wipers sweep, it seems that when it is on delay the sudden high resistance of the ground path knocks off voltage sensitive modules and things stop working for a moment, if you are off the gas, the engine just may stall out. He suggests checking the grounds, clean and tighten them. I have no idea if this could be the situation or not. I can give this information to my mechanic, but I do not want to go in with a guessing a game and hit or miss, that could get expensive. This has been happening on and off for about 6 months now, approx.. 95K miles.

- Romeoville, IL, USA

problem #141

Aug 182015

Avenger

  • 40,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while at a stand still or traffic light, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08V152000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

- Birdsboro, PA, USA

problem #140

Nov 142015

Avenger

  • 164,000 miles
Tire pressure monitoring system short circuits leading to faulty readings on gauge, cruise control won't operate at speeds over 40 mph, radio constantly skips from one station to another, etc. Contacted Chrysler about the recall on this (recall #: 08V152000) asking to have it repaired free of charge, but they refused. These issues occur when the vehicle is both stationary and mobile.

- Marshfield, WI, USA

problem #139

Oct 012015

Avenger

  • 98,880 miles
Brake lights out due to wiring problem per mechanic. Brakes lock up and skid. Dash lights flicker and dim while driving. Turning signals not working and all fuses replaced. All problems while vehicle moving or stationary.

- Van Nuys, CA, USA

problem #138

Aug 242015

Avenger

  • 20,000 miles
The tipm went out, causing the vehicle no to start. Some research I have done, tells me that Dodge new about the problem. Its just annoying that it money out of my pocket, and a vehicle I can't drive.

- Ottawa, KS, USA

problem #137

Sep 112012

Avenger 4-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
My daughter was driving home from work at 60mph and all of sudden the radio was cutting off and on and then the car started hesitating and then just cut off.after having it towed home found that the starter was burt up.replaced starter with new and car fired up and ran for about an hour when the new started that was just replaced also burt...this happened two more times...the car has been broke for two years now.I have it at an independent mechanic shop with another starter....they cannot find the short in the electrical system thats causing this starter to fry! the car starts fine...idles fine...until you drive it for about 3or 4 miles and then the starter starts burning....I can stop the car when I hear the starter winding and burning and take the key completely out and the starter stays stuck in starting position till it burns completely up....there definitely is an electrical issue that no one has heard of, and very hard to fix....updated 10/20/15 the consumer stated the tipm was shorting out and causint the starter to burn. The vehicle was repaired. The ignition lock was also replaced because the key would stick upon starting the vehicle. Updated 2/24/2016

- Aransas Pass, TX, USA

problem #136

Jul 082015

Avenger

  • 34,924 miles
While driving into the city I notice the smell again of burning plastic, the air conditioner switch was hot and stuck in the high position. I had to break away the knob to the lower position of the fan speed to stop the burning smell and then off. This is the second switch ive had to replace since I've has this car ive also found other people also having the high position of this switch fail due to the contact getting hot due to its inability to carry the current required for the fan at high speed. This current caused the old switch contacts to over heat and melt the plastic. I told landers Dodge about this the first time it failed and they said it was just a bad switch, ,and now a second one? no theres something wrong with the design of the switch contacts that it keeps burning these out! ive also had the lighter short out, the center contact moved and shorted against the negative of the housing, it got hot enough to melt the ceramic isolator before wire fuse went. Ive saved ll the parts.

- Benton, AR, USA

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