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Dodge Avenger won't start problems

60 of the 3,158 owner complaints about the Dodge Avenger describe won't start, most of them for the 2008 model year.

owner complaints
60
worst model year
2008
typical repair cost reported
$1,500
typical mileage
90,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Mar 19, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

Was driving on hwy when vehicle loss power, was able to quickly pull over. Turned vehicle off and restarted vehicle. Got back onto the hwy ,vehicle loss power again, this time it wouldn't turn over. Replaced fuel pump,replaced valve timing sensor, crank sensor, replaced battery, replaced ignition switch and antitheft oem {replaced 5X}, reprogrammed vehicle 3X's, bought new key to program to vehicle. After $1500.00 still not fixed, dealership has had the vehicle for well over a month. The dealership contacted the manufactured company, manufactured company said it was a faulty orc part. The manufacture company was suppose to send the dealership the new orc part and still hasn't done so, dealership says its on back order and there isn't no eta for the part to arrive.

Filed Aug 1, 2025 · Airbags, Electrical · IL

I was driving and I stopped at a stop sign. When I got ready to go, the car stalled and stopped and wouldn't start. After 30 minutes, it started but I ended up having it towed. My mechanic was able to replicate it after putting the car in the sun, running it for 10 minutes and then driving it. When the mechanic tried to look at it, he couldn't find anything to cause it to stop. I look it to the dealership. They were unable to replicate it or find the problem. It seems to happen when the car gets hot it stops without warning. Other people in the Dodge Avenger online group have experienced the same thing. The horn also keeps beeping without warning and the airbag sign is on. I think all of these items are connected. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 9, 2025 · Electrical · KS

Total electric glitching car will not turn over.

Filed Mar 20, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · NC

There are days the car will not start. The engine will try and turn over but never starts. (2) There have been several times while driving the car that the car will just turn off while driving. The car is very difficult to steer to pull it off the road for safety. The car will leave me stranded for at least an hour before it will start again. (3) The heat on the passenger side only blows out cold air. There is no heat on that side. (4) The car will start clicking in the dashboard for no apparent reason. This is baffling cause I have no idea what it is or what it is trying to do.

Filed Mar 23, 2022 · Electrical, Fuel system · NV

I bought the car pre-owned. I knew almost immediately that there was a electrical problem because the inside lights would come on when I would break. I've had non stop problems with the car and until now I didn't know it was a recall problem. My gear shift linkage has went out stuck in gear. My water pump has gone out . It's overheated on numberous occasions smells like a electrical fire happening. The car won't start it stalls out all the time at least two times a day. The website says that my car has already received the recalls but the exact problems they have listed are the exact problems I'm having and it's a safety hazard for real. They told me I was going to have to pay to get it fixed since my car already received the recalls. I don't think this is fair I think that if they "fixed" it then it shouldn't be a problem now but it is so it seems like the "fix" didn't work I need help being pointed in the right direction of who can look at this and really fix it please

Filed Jan 20, 2022 · Electrical, Fuel system · PA

The vehicle will shut off in the middle of driving and you lose complete power to the vehicle. Then after it sits for a few hours it will start back up with no issue. I had my vehicle at the dodge dealership 2 times for them to tell me they can't figure it out and that they get alot of avengers with the same issue. But since it's not throwing a code they aren't able to fix it. I also explained that when it shuts off when you are trying to start the car it sounds like it is going to start but it just keeps turning over but won't start and the lightening bolt light comes on at that time. The dealership said they checked everything to see if it was my battery or alternator but everything they checked was good. They said this is a known problem with these cars and the only thing they can advise is to get rid if the vehicle because there isn't a fix for it. Someone is going to get hurt from this issue I have almost been hit numerous times when the vehicle shuts off with no warning. This has been happening a few times a year the whole time I have had this vehicle

Filed Apr 12, 2021 · Engine · SC

My car doesn't start. I've been having the same problems since last year. I've been told 3 times that it was the alternative so I've bought 3. Then I was told it was the cords on my battery so I fixed that. Now I'm currently getting it looked at which I think it is the transmission or starter. I've also bought two batteries. Last week wen I went to the store a girl came up to me and asked do I have problems with my car I told her yes she said her mother has the same car as I do and told me that she her car keeps turning off and want crank. She said she put so much money into the car that she just had to get another one. So I know that it has to be something wrong because I'm also having those same type of problems and I keep my car up very well.

Filed Sep 25, 2020 · Airbags, Brakes · 139,812 miles · CA

Engine shut off while driving brakes locked steering locked vehicle no start

Filed Sep 24, 2020 · Airbags, Engine · 139,472 miles · CA

Passenger headrest airbag deployed while driving engine stalls while driving lost steering brake locks loss of power vehicle would not start

Filed Sep 24, 2020 · Airbags, Engine · 140,792 miles · CA

Deployed airbag loss of power engine shut off while driving brakes lock steering lock no start

Related recalls

EngineReported November 6, 2013 · 521 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or engine failure.
Risk
If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine balance shaft module, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑247‑9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N52.

Recall number 13V552000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assemblyReported October 10, 2007 · 102,042 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines, the engine coolant may be drawn into the left radiator cooling fan motor connector.
Risk
This can cause an electrical short circuit and result in an engine compartment fire.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 07V473000 · Recall details

Questions about the Dodge Avenger won't start

Which Dodge Avenger years have won't start problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2008 (17 complaints), 2013 (13 complaints) and 2012 (12 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix won't start on the Dodge Avenger?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,500 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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