Model year guide

2008 Dodge Avenger

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Dodge Avenger is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 402 on record.

2008 Dodge Avenger — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Dodge Avenger at a glance

Safety recalls6
Owner complaints844
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$4,087

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Dodge Avenger recalls 6

Electrical System:wiring NHTSA Campaign #08V152000 · 02/04/2008

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 180,963 MY 2007-2008 SEBRING AND DODGE AVENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A STANDARD TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS). UNUSED ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR THE TPMS MAY BECOME CORRODED AND COULD SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN CAUSE A VARIETY OF CONDITIONS INCLUDING ENGINE NO-START, DEAD BATTERY, AN INOPERATIVE CRUISE CONTROL OR REMOTE START SYSTEM, AND/OR ENGINE STALLING.

Fix: DEALERS WILL SEAL THE WIRES FOR THE TPMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch NHTSA Campaign #07V104000 · 15/03/2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT DOOR LATCH CABLE MAY BECOME PARTIALLY UNSEATED FROM THE INTERIOR RELEASE HANDLE HOUSING CAUSING THE DOOR LATCH TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION AND NOT BE SECURED TO THE STRIKER.

Fix: THIS ACTION IS SUPERSEDED (PLEASE SEE 07-V414.) DEALERS WILL ADD FREE OF CHARGE A SECONDARY FEATURE TO BOTH FRONT DOORS TO PREVENT THE DOOR LATCH CABLE FERRULE FROM BECOMING UNSEATED AT THE INTERIOR FRONT DOOR RELEASE HANDLE HOUSING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLE…

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #07V426000 · 13/09/2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND COULD SEPARATE. THIS CAN CAUSE THE FUEL TANK TO LOOSEN AND LEAK FUEL.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK RETENTION STRAPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly NHTSA Campaign #07V473000 · 10/10/2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE ENGINE COOLANT MAY BE DRAWN INTO THE LEFT RADIATOR COOLING FAN MOTOR CONNECTOR.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CONNECTOR FOR CONTAMINATION OR DAMAGE, INSTALL A WIRING HARNESS OVERLAY, AND REPLACE THE FAN MOTOR FREE OR CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch NHTSA Campaign #07V414000 · 12/09/2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE FRONT DOOR LATCH CABLE MAY BECOME PARTIALLY UNSEATED FROM THE INTERIOR RELEASE HANDLE HOUSING POSSIBLY CAUSING THE LATCH TO STICK IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION OR THE LOCK FUNCTION TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL ADD A SECONDARY RETENTION FEATURE TO BOTH FRONT DOORS. THIS ACTION WILL SUPERSEDE AND EXPAND A PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL (PLEASE SEE 07V-104). THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #07V240000 · 13/06/2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSORS UTILIZED FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSORS AND REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALLBEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Dodge Avenger common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 844 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2008 Dodge Avenger safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2008 Dodge Avenger 4DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2008 Dodge Avenger MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,850

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Dodge Avenger worth?

Low
$2,200
Typical price
$4,087
High
$6,200

From 402 comparable 2008 Dodge Avenger listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Dodge Avenger costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,250
Fuel only$14,250
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Dodge Avenger trims & engines on record

Trims
SE · SXT · R/T
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 2.7L 6-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl

2008 Dodge Avenger vehicles on record

Other Dodge Avenger model years

2008 Dodge Avenger — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Dodge Avenger have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2008 Dodge Avenger. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Dodge Avenger?

Based on 844 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, air bags.

What is the 2008 Dodge Avenger safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2008 Dodge Avenger crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Dodge Avenger get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Dodge Avenger at about 22 mpg combined (19 city / 28 highway).

How much is a 2008 Dodge Avenger worth?

Comparable 2008 Dodge Avenger listings run roughly $2,200–$6,200, typically around $4,087 (from 402 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.