Dodge Avenger sudden acceleration problems

Filed May 15, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · IA

2 days after purchasing my vehicle I was driving getting my speed up approximately 45 mph when the vehicle started to lunge forward and nothing was under the gas pedal and it stalled. I pulled it over to the side of the road. It started back up within 2 to 3 minutes. Drove fine for about another 20-25 minutes and then did it again. I put fuel treatment in it. It seemed to drive better the next day but then I did it again. I had it towed to a service department where they did a complete vehicle inspection- no codes were thrown $2500 later- picked up vehicle and later that evening it starts blowing smoke out from under the dash- Towed back to Service department- $300 later- pick car up and she breaks down within 10 minutes- TOWED AGAIN- ,$450 later ---- the vehicle loses all connection and stalls while going 45 to 70 mph- without warning - on the interstate- UNSAFE for EVERYONE on the road not just the dumb owner. WHY IS MY VIN NUMBER NOT ASSOCIATED TO ANY OF THE 5 RECALLS? 3 OF WHICH ARE DEALING WITH THE EXACT ISSUES I AM HAVING!!! I have spent every last penny I have on this and still ... Safety Hazard

Filed Oct 11, 2018 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 189,000 miles · FL · crash · fire

Wednesday october 10th 2018 approximately 10:30 a.m. I was on my way to smoothie kind in cooper city located inside of a plaza. As I turned into the parking spot with my foot already on the brake to slow down into said parking spot the vehicle accelerated on its own. I pumped the brakes once nothing stopped the vehicle and it went over the medium between parking spots and hit a unoccupied vehicle on the left front. Then stopped just before hitting a tree. I'am not sure what happened but their seems to be an electrical malfunction because my mileage has disappeared since.

Filed Apr 28, 2017 · Acceleration, Engine · 61,485 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge avenger. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle jerked, shook, and accelerated without warning. The contact was able to gain control of the vehicle. On several occasions, while making left and right turns, the vehicle nosedived and the speed decreased. The traction control indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body failed to register and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dodge dealer. The failure mileage was 61,485.

Filed Sep 12, 2016 · Acceleration, Airbags · 80,512 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 dodge avenger. While the vehicle was stationary, the driver side air bag indicator remained illuminated. In addition, the vehicle accelerated on its own and stalled without warning on numerous occasions. The battery indicator illuminated without warning and the vehicle stalled on another occasion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 80,512.

Filed Jun 10, 2016 · Acceleration, Electrical · 100,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Nov 18, 2014 · Engine · 49,200 miles · NM

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 dodge avenger. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward, the engine seized, and the etc warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the etc needed to be replaced. The failure occurred once. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,200.

Filed Jul 22, 2014 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 40,000 miles · ME

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 dodge avenger. The contact stated that the traction control warning light illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that while at a stop, the vehicle surged forward and the engine rpms increased. The contact applied excessive force to the brake pedal in order for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

Filed Mar 2, 2014 · Acceleration, Transmission · 110,000 miles · WA

We have experienced a drop in RPM's in wet weather, mainly at lower speeds during a deceleration mode that felt like the vehicle would die. A slow response to a panicked foot was always what happened. This began at approx. 25,000-30,000 miles. Never while in the dealer repair shop. While driving our 2008 avenger, there was a rapid deceleration that occurred accompanied by the etc light coming on and flashing. I applied gas and nothing happened, then a split second later, the vehicle suddenly accelerated, etc light went out. I slowly accelerated to 55 MPH and noticed that the rpms were higher than usual (3200) for the speed and also felt a hiccup or cutting out feel. I thought that I had lost 4th gear? My husband and I are seasoned auto service advisors & are very much in tune with our vehicles. Along with the aforementioned issues, now at freeway speeds, RPM's will drop; while the engine feels as if it will cut off & etc light comes on, then goes out. I have done extensive research & found on this the federal safety agency website, approx. 90% of complaints for like vehicles to be exact or similar to what we are experiencing. I stopped looking after 5 pages.(95% of 1st 5 pages are filled with like concerns). I will be contacting the chrysler corporation as well. Why an official recall has not been announced, befuddles me. I hope this obvious safety issue does not get ignored any longer. 110,000 is on the vehicle odometer now. The mileage we have on our vehicle is a similar common denominator that is easily seen on the other etc related complaints for 2008 avengers. *note-stop light sw. & accelerator position sensor have been replaced per recommendation of chrysler technician. This made no difference. (except in our bank account).

Filed Nov 27, 2013 · Acceleration · 34,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. The contact stated that while sitting at a stop, the engine rpms increased to 5,000 as the engine roared abnormally. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was taken to an authorized mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 34,000 and the current mileage was 134,000. The consumer stated he experienced sudden acceleration issues, along with stalling. The acceleration issues have been ongoing and within the last few months, it seemed to be occurring more frequently. About 6 months ago, his wife was sitting in the passenger seat, with the vehicle in park, and when he returned, she explained how the vehicle revved up above 5 RPM's. After the incident, the consumer took his wife to an appointment and while stopped at a stop sign, behind another vehicle the vehicle revved extremely high and jumped forward almost causing him to hit the vehicle in front of him. The consumer had to apply extreme pressure to the brake, to stop the vehicle. The vehicle also stalled while at a stop light, in drive. Updated 01/09/14

Filed Apr 17, 2013 · Acceleration · 35,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge avenger. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the vehicle accelerated on its own while stopped with the brake pedal depressed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.