Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. While the vehicle was stationary, the rpms increased rapidly without warning. While the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact used a significant amount of pressure to depress the brake pedal and was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred on more than one occasion. Rairdons jeep chrysler dodge in bellingham, washington was contacted about the failure and stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
2008 Dodge Avenger acceleration complaints
Page 2 of 6: complaints 11 to 40 of 138, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Etc failure ( electronic throttle control ) approx. 100,00o on vehicle, highway going steady 65mph and light came on near total power failure. Restarted vehicle seemed to clear itself. Took to dodge mechanic the computer says it did not happen.. Replaced the (etc) and car is still not operating correctly..I have zero faith that the car is safe. Researched this etc issue which seems to be widespread.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly failed to accelerate and the electronic throttle control sensor illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 178,000.
Gear shift got stuck in park and could not move vehicle. This was a customer chrysler customer satisfaction notification k16. I talked to dodge about this problem and they told me that in october 2010 before I bought the car the dealer checked the gearshift and determined it was safe and did not need to be reinforced. Obviously it did. The repair cost $342.54. As I've seen on the internet this happens to many dodge avengers and is a safety concern.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the intake manifold and the sensor switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,798.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. In addition, the cruise control failed to function. The electronic throttle control (etc) and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power train control module (PCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
The electronic throttle control light will flash while driving at any speed and the car loses power, to which I am forced to pull over and restart the car. Now I am having battery issues with the car as well. I have reported this once before and have had no offers to fix the problem. Now that my daughter is driving the car I am forced to report this again. I feel it is only right for dodge to recall and fix this. Other dodge owners have reported the same issue. It may have not caused an accident yet, but why wait until it does?????? I dont always have a safe spot to pull over to restart the car. It is very scary. It has happened several times in the last 6 months.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. The contact stated that the etc warning light illuminated intermittently. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle speed decreased. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on several occasions, but the failure was unable to be replicated. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
My son purchased his 2008 avenger used in 2014 from oklahoma. He is in the military and while deployed I am maintaining his vehicle at the local dealership in michigan with oil changes and service. While driving at 55mph on the freeway the TPMS light came on then the cruise control turned off. Then the engine light as I was exiting the freeway the engine stopped. I started the vehicle which stalled at every. Intersection and on turns would stall putting me in the opposite lane. When looking up recalls it showed the exact problem. I took the vehicle to the dealership. They stated no recall on this VIN# and the problem is his timing chain and of course the fee is 1500.00 dollars. It seems fiat chrysler is trying to do everything not to fix these older models.
Could not use cruise control then air bag light came on and would not go off then it was hard to turn the steering wheel took it to my mechanic he found it to be the clock spring he tells me he's not sure if I have a accident the air bags are going to work and I could end up not being able to turn left or right in my vehicle the estimate is for 1000.00 I don't have that. If its that serious there should be a recall or investigation into this problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. While driving at 50 MPH, the cruise control was activated but would independently turn off. In addition, the contact stated that while at a stop light and the brake pedal was depressed the rpms increased. The contact also stated that while at a stop, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. The tire pressure warning light and engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed but the parts that needed to be repaired were unknown. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was aware of the federal safety agency campaign number: 08v152000 (electrical system) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 47,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. While attempting to accelerate, the engine would rev but the vehicle would hesitate to respond before surging forward. The vehicle was taken to an independent transmission specialist who diagnosed that the electronic throttle control was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the brake pedal was depressed. The electronic throttle control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000. The VIN was not available.
Throttle position warning indicator (red lightning bolt) lit while at highway speed, sudden loss of power, could not drive vehicle over 35 MPH. Problem happened twice during a two week time frame, during cold/ snowy conditions.
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. The contact stated that while traveling 60 MPH, the vehicle lost all power. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to repair the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent, who diagnosed that the electronic throttle body control failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.
I took my car in on january 21, 2015 because my airbag light was flashing again but this time it's a clockspring and [xxx] at dodge told me that is not safe to drive the car like this because airbags wont work, my cruise control doesn't work and he said more things will fail. I think this should be on the recall list but it isn't. There is no way that I can have it fixed because I get $800 a month and to replace that part is $579.30. Is there anyway to put this part on the recall list because it's not safe to drive. Thank you
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate over 50 MPH. The vehicle lost acceleration power intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was idled, it stalled as the check oil and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Electric throttle- I was driving at 35 all of a sudden my car loses power and my etc lid up and my car slowed down, good thing I was able to merge to the side and stop my car. Radiator- ever since I had my etc problem my car has been heating up.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle accelerated independently to 100 MPH. When the brakes were engaged, the vehicle speed would only decrease to 60 MPH. Also, the contact turned off the vehicle but it continued to accelerate. The contact had to crash into in a ditch in order to stop the vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The contact experienced the failure on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 3,000.
Shortly after I purchased my '08 dodge avenger I started having trouble w/the etc. It felt like the vehicle was jolting on acceleration or if I was at a steady high rate of speed (75-80 MPH). The etc indicator came on. I contacted the dealer & informed them of the issue & my concern about the reliability of the vehicle. It was in & out of the shop 3 times in the 1st month of purchase for the etc. I was told it was a speed sensor yet my etc light was on after replacement. After having etc sensor cleaned & etc software flashed the problem appeared to go away. Almost 2 years later the problem is back & worse. My etc indicator came on, vehicle stalled while idling, started jolting while accelerating & while maintaining a steady speed. It began revving at a complete stop w/full pressure applied to the break (vehicle would jump forward; I feared it would run itself into another vehicle). While slowing down it would rev & accelerate (creating the possibility of hitting another vehicle) w/out pressure on the gas pedal. It died while driving & wouldn't start restart. When it did start the etc was on & it wouldn't get past 1000rpm or above 20mph & had a very rough idle. A tune-up was done, etc sensor cleaned, air-intake system cleaned, & load test done to see if the battery was going bad. This vehicle is incredible unsafe to drive, after researching it appears that I am not the first person w/this issue. Dodge needs to recall this throttle body, it's extremely dangerous. The repairs on this vehicle are extensive & the problem isn't fixed. Advised replacing throttle body is the next step. Told it wouldn't be a guaranteed fixed because the throttle body for this model appears a faulty & I would likely be dealing w/this problem for the length of ownership. Recorded vehicle during some of incidents since I was told 1st time I was told "unable to duplicate, flashed software."
This has happened several times but today was the worst. The car has lost power several times in the rain mostly when making a turn or slowing down. This time I was driving no rain and the electronic throttle control light starting flashing. I was on the high way and noticed I couldn't accelerate. I started to slow down and move to the side of the road where it just lost power. Thank god I was able to pull over because there was a lot of traffic and I would have been hit. Also my son usually drives this car. This has happened several times to him and when it stalls you loose all power steering and brakes. It is really dangerous. We have had it to the dealer twice and they cant duplicate the problem so according to them there is no problem. I have been reading others complaints and they all seem to be the same issue. Also the airbag light keeps coming on. Is there any resolution to this issue. It seems that people have to die before issues get resolved .I hope dodge will issue a recall before that happens.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power acceleration and failed to accelerate over 30 MPH. The contact mentioned that an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart and operated as normal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
I started the car and it drove normally for 1/4 mile. Car then began bucking and would not accelerate over 20mph. Electric throttle light came on. Shop said the electric throttle needed to be replaced. Got it replaced in june of 2013. In august of 2014, my battery light came on. Car drove normally. Stopped after an hour trip. Two hours later car wouldn't start. Received a jump, car started but would not accelerate over 25 MPH. Electric throttle light, check engine light, and battery light are on. To the shop I go again...almost two months after the warranty has expired...
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the electronic throttle control warning light illuminated power and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. The failure occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electronic throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle's speed decreased to 10 MPH and the power indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact turned off the vehicle for 10 minutes, but the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who stated that the electric throttle needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the electronic throttle control light illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle onto the emergency lane and restarted it. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Battery light warning came on, cruise control stopped working, car would no longer shift or was drivable. This occurred on the freeway and we were almost hit. Once stopped the car would not turn back on. This appears to be connected to either recall h07, which may be recurring, or to an item that should be recalled relating to the electronic throttle control. There are multiple incidents regarding this item. I've had several completed recalls that don't appear to have been completed or are recurring.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2008 Dodge Avenger?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history