8.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$360
Average Mileage:
53,550 miles
Total Complaints:
43 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (36 reports)
  2. dodge released a tsb today for this problem (1 reports)
  3. electric throttle needs to be recalled (1 reports)
  4. engine flush (1 reports)
  5. need a new engine (1 reports)
  6. replace control switch in steering column (1 reports)
2008 Dodge Avenger engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Dodge Avenger Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #43

Oct 232019

Avenger R/T 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 163,000 miles

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

My check engine light came on for 3 days in October. I got the oil changed and it went off. I would notice that when I was on the highway using cruise control, the car wouldn't run the same as if i was driving it normally. One morning on my way to work, which is mainly highway driving, I set the cruise and traveled the 13 miles to my exit with no problems. As I was taking my exit, I cut the cruise control off and drove about a block from the exit, when the car lost all engine power. The lights and radio stayed on, but the car would not start again. I tried excessively to restart it, to the point to where I drained the battery.

I've had 2 mechanics working on it, thinking it was a camshaft position sensor. (P0340) I paid to have the cam and crankshaft sensors replaced, the 2nd mechanic noticed the ETC light on the dash and assumed that was the issue, so I had replaced the gas pedal and the throttle body. The car still wouldn't start. The 2nd mechanic began to think it was something dealing with the wiring to the camshaft. So he bypassed the wiring unit with a new one directly to the computer. Still no start. He then told me I may need a new computer.

As I was looking for a new one to try out, I called an old family friend who happens to be a mechanic. He schooled me to the Avenger being an "interface" engine, and that if the timing goes on one, the damage it does to the engine is irreversible. Meaning I would need a whole new engine. He said that code P0340 with a new sensor points to a timing issue. So not only am I out a car, but I'm also out close to $500 trying to find a solution...

- Sean W., Brackenridge, PA, US

problem #42

Sep 012017

Avenger SXT 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 134,000 miles

A couple of months ago, the car started running hot. Had the radiator replaced.

- Sharla R., Belleville, US

problem #41

Jul 282017

Avenger ES 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 159,596 miles

I was driving in my 2008 avenger with my 5 year old. It started riding really rough and then stalled on the highway. This was the 3rd time I drove it that day. It was fine before that. I managed to get it off the road, waited 30 minutes and drove back home. It has been parked ever since. I dont know whats wrong with it. This is a horribly dangerous situation. If I wasnt at a red light, someone may have hit us. And who knows if I would be here to tell this story right now.

- Tamika M., Matawan, US

problem #40

Mar 192017

Avenger SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 163,000 miles

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

The throttle is unresponsive and the car stalls and dies. It seems to be less of a problem if the full level is above 1/4.

- Christine H., La Porte, TX, US

problem #39

May 022016

Avenger RT 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,120 miles

Driven by a little old lady, that's why the low mileage. I will not stand for this. It is very unsafe to have a vehicle slow on an interstate from the new 70 mph to a mere 30 mph. I have driven home on limp mode and did turn off and restart with no success. The last two weeks, I have let the vehicle sit for 4 or 20 hrs to find the problem gone, only to return at the most inopportune times. Unless Dodge recalls, I will purchase an aftermarket electronic throttle control assy. Maybe a discount from the dealer of this well known problem would help?

SAFE DRIVING TO ALL THAT HAVE THIS HAPPEN.

Update from May 21, 2016: May 18 i took apart the throttle assy,bathed it in copious amounts of carb cleaner,sprayed the sensors sprayed the male/female plug assy/s. dumped a pint of injector cleaner and the car then turned on the check engine light too! i drove the car for three different destinations in my neighborhood,each about 15 mins ... i parked over night and it all has gone away . no check engine light, no throttle body malfunction light...MAGIC? i dont get this,but ill accept it...

- Jay B., Ijamsville, MD, US

problem #38

Apr 012016

Avenger

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,031 miles

Car stalls slowing down to make turns, red lights. Also stalls on the highway going 100 km. Sometimes after stalling it can take up to 5 minutes to restart. The throttle body was changed, but it never helped...still stalling. So frustrated....just can't afford to be putting random parts and hoping that something works.No problems showed on a scan. Have read so much about this and the frustration people feel...I can identify!

- Corrine S., Antigonish, NS, Canada

problem #37

Sep 012015

Avenger

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

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

My 2008 Dodge Avenger stalls when I'm driving and making right turns. Been to several shops/dealership nothing, lol. No codes no nada!! It's been several months this has been going on. Today 12/30/15, I called the complaint line and spoke with "Debbie", she took the complaint and called the dealership I was at 12/29/15 to confirm that there was an issue and they couldn't find anything.

Sooo, now I'm waiting for "Stars" to contact me regarding the matter. Once initial complaints come in with the same I will get a call to bring the car in, WTF...... I have to have an accident /Sue their ass, smh!!! All the complaints and nothing. My anxiety is terrible due to this. I may need to seek legal/medical.

- Kaye K., Newport News, VA, US

problem #36

Jan 122015

Avenger RT 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

My wife was driving down the street going about 45 to 50 mph and the car just died. No lights came on. She coasted into a parking lot - started right up and drove home.

The next morning she was driving on the freeway going under 15 mph and the car just died. Again, no lights came on. She had to put the car in park and it did not start up right away. It took some time to get it started but was finally able to. She was lucky enough to get it off of the freeway to an emergency spot. She called AAA and had it towed to a shop, The mechanics could not find anything wrong with it. Since there was no engine light or code reading they could not figure it out. They pulled the ignition switch to see if the wires were burnt - they were not. The guy in charge called some of his buddies at a local Dodge dealership and they had 4 or 5 of the same cars (Dodge Avengers) in their shop with the same issue. They also could not figure out what was wrong with them. Needless to say, she is scared to drive it.

I have been driving it for 3 days now and have not had any problems. Something needs to be done about this problem. Dodge needs to figure out what is wrong and why these cars keep stalling so sporadically. This can be very dangerous and can cause an accident.

I have found many complaints online that talk about this same problem. Apparently Dodge doesn't think it's a big enough issue to do anything about it. I hope they do now.

- Scott T., Glendale, AZ, US

problem #35

Sep 222014

Avenger SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,000 miles

Well we have had this car for four years. Off and on it has lost power multiple times while driving. Mostly in the rain when making a turn or coming to a stop. We have had it to the dealer several times and they said they cant find anything wrong. They ran a hose over it and it didnt stall!!!!! Today while driving in the sunshine i began to loose power while driving on the high way. A light starting flashing that looked like a lightening bolt. It was the electronic throttle control signal. The car then lost all power and had to be towed. My son usually drives this car and i was happy it was me today. This car is only six years old. It only has 49,000miles on it. My mechanic is telling me the part it going to cost $1100 not including labor. I have read multiple complaints about this same thing happening to others. Was there ever a solution? I dont have the money to fix it. Not sure what we are going to do. Has anyone gotten any satisfaction from Dodge?

Update from Oct 4, 2014: the dealer said this was due to PVC Valve sticking so they replaced it. Cost $102.00. I asked several times if they were sure this was the problem and if this caused the electronic throttle light to flash and the care to loose power and they said yes. Hope they are right.!

Update from Feb 24, 2015: Replacing the PVC valve di not work. They then replaced the MAP sensor on November 18, 2014. They said this was also the problem. It worked for a couple of weeks then it started stalling out again. My son was driving on I 95 and it happened. Thank God he was able to get to the side of the high way to avoid getting hit. I have sent emails to Dodge a few times but they dont seem to care that these cars are a danger. We can't afford to get a new car but we will have to get rid of this car before someone gets killed.

- Christine M., Wilkes Barre, PA, US

problem #34

Jan 052010

Avenger

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,000 miles

Car stalls when coming to a stop either on a driveway or a stop light. It happens mostly when it rains without a warning, there is no sound or no sign that the car has shut off. I took it back to the dealer where I bought it and they couldn't "find" anything wrong with it, this was while the car still was under warranty. Don't really trust the dealer that where I bought this car so never went back. My mechanic tried to find the problem was without any luck. Not really sure what to do! I see that I am not the only one with this problem not sure why there hasn't been a recall on these cars.

- Maria P., Downey, CA, US

problem #33

Mar 262012

Avenger SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,650 miles

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

I have had my Dodge Avenger for two years (bought it with only 18,000 miles) and it has started shaking and turning off while at stop signs and red lights. Recently it completely shut off while I was driving about 40 mph. No check engine lights came on or anything. It powered down and the steering wheel became difficult to steer. I rolled until the car came to a complete stop. I turned the key to turn off the car, restarted it and it drove as if nothing happened.

I have had it put on the machine 3 times and each time they could not find the problem. I called the Dodge manufacturers and spoke with two representatives and they were both rude and sounded as if they were tired of receiving these types of calls. Any advice??? #TIRED&WORRIED

- dee c., Hattiesburg, MS, US

problem #32

Dec 182011

Avenger

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,757 miles

I was traveling with child and was over 600 miles away from home the first time this occurred. The electronic throttle control came on. What is that?!!! I bought the car in 2010 and this has happened at least six times; on the road and in town.

- Corrynn B., Wichita, KS, US

problem #31

Oct 282012

Avenger LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

Everyone seems to be aware of this issue since the car was released. No one does anything about it! As soon as I called the dealership they knew exactly what the problem was. This is the second malfunction on my car that should have been a recall. The first is the plastic piece under the gear switch. Evidently, replacing my electric throttle will get my car running again, but everyone says it does not fix! It can happen again. All of this deceit is making me want to let Dodge take it back and get another car from someone else.

- Kari F., Oklahoma City, OK, US

problem #30

Feb 012012

Avenger ES V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,850 miles

the dodge avenger is a piece of sh*t. it's always something wrong with the car. please help us.

- Pamela F., Saint Louis, MO, US

problem #29

Nov 102011

Avenger SXT 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

The red lightening bolt comes on and the car loses power while I'm driving it....This is not safe..especially since I have children with me...it doesn't happen all the time...just every once in awhile...we have been lucky so far...cars have almost hit us and big tractor trailers....had problems with the car a week after I bought it...the tire light continually is on...took it to the dealership...the checked air in tires..If dodge doesn't recall something bad is going to happen...saw similar problems on this sight....lawsuit comes to mind if soemthing happens since Dodge is doing nothing to help with this issue!!!!!!!

- machiagirl, Horseheads, NY, US

problem #28

Dec 032011

Avenger SXT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,000 miles

As im looking at this page I see a lot of complaints about the EXACT same issue! While driving my car (and sometimes while stopped at a light or stop sign) it just randomly dies...someone please explain to me why when I call corporate to complain they say...there is no recall on your specific 2008 Dodge Avenger (there is however a recall on the 2008 Dodge Avenger) just not my specific Dodge Avenger? Seriously? A VIN number is like a cars SSN...if my car is having the same problem as other cars of the same make, model, year, then how can my car not be on recall???

Today was my second complaint to corporate, I not only called but emailed. I will be calling everyday, until THEY pay to have my car fixed. God forbid my 16 year old is driving the car when this happens again, she was the one that was driving it the first time it happened.

I told them in my email that I see multiple law suits heading their way, I will be contacting an attorney to see if there is any possible lawsuit action that can be started without there being any death, or injury. If this problem is not fixed there will be accidents....I have had multiple close calls, and from the looks of it so have others!!

Has anyone received any kind of help? I'm just told to take it to the dealer, by the looks of it on here, they are not going to find anything so why waste my money? There is an obvious problem, and many are experiencing it!

- Melissa C., Ashland, OH, US

problem #27

Oct 012010

Avenger 2.4L 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

I have a 2008 Dodge Avenger with 48,000. My call stalls when I am rounding a bend, at a stop and push on the gas. It has almost caused me to have several accidents due to it stalling and having to put it in park to start the engine again. I have had it at the Dodge Dealer and they can't find anything wrong. I do notice that it happens when it is wet and cold outside.

- Gwen F., Beaver, PA, US

problem #26

Jul 182011

Avenger SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

This problem started on July 12, 2011. Me family and I were on our way home. In the middle of the road while driving 45 MPH, the car lost almost all power. The check engine light came on and the electric bolt came on as well. We couldn't get the car to drive over 15 MPH and would not shift gears. When we pulled over on side the road and popped the hood, the engine was shaking badly and the engine was rattling. We got in our car and drove the nearest auto parts store to hook up the machine to see if the gave us a code. Dodge was getting ready to close. I called them anyways and like all other times when you call to see if they may give you some type of answer as to why, all he would say is bring the car in to us in the morning. Well, when we got to the auto parts store, the warning lights on the dash went off and the car drove fine, for the next week.

On July 18, 2011, I was on my way to drop my daughter off at daycare and go to work. The weather was so bad outside and the car done this again!! This time, my husband was not home and offshore. I was about 10 min from the dealership when this happened. I brought my daughter to daycare and drove the car to the dealership. Car would not go past 25 MPH!!! When I pulled up at the dealership, the service advisor came out and ask what is going on? I explained to him that this peice of crap almost got me killed this morning and they need to find out what the problem is. About 3 hours later, I got a call. The advisor says that the Throttle Body and 2 sensors in the body needs to be replaced. I have a lifetime powertrain warranty on the car and I am still the original owner. When I asked if it is covered under warranty,I was told no. This cost was extremely high ($520) and I still can not get over the throttle body "going out" at 71, 000 miles. Unbelieveable.

- Laura H., Waggaman, LA, US

problem #25

Nov 152010

Avenger 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

my car stalls when i am in the middle of heavy traffic and my 18yr old was getting ready to go onto the street from a stop and the car stoped on him and the front of the car was in traffic and they had to stop he called in a panic state for me thank God he was still on the street4 houses from where we lived at the stop sign. Do we have to be killed before they identifly all of these complaints

- texaslw, Rowlett, TX, US

problem #24

Mar 112011

Avenger SXT 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,302 miles

Since I've owned this car it has stalled 11 times in 3 years. It always happens when I am stopped at a red light. It starts right away and it might not happen for three months or might happen the next day. no way to predict or no pattern to it. The rev's dropped the previous day but did not stall so I thought it was coming soon and sure enough it did the next day.

- Dale S., Courtenay, B.C., canada

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