Common Dodge Avenger Failures: Solutions, Breakdowns And More!

The Dodge Avenger is a very reliable and reasonably priced car. In fact, many owners love this model for its strong performance and fuel economy, its many engine and equipment options, and a host of other user-friendly features. But no car runs out of trouble, so it’s a good thing you know the common Dodge Avenger faults .

In terms of resale value and depreciation, like other Dodge vehicles, the Avenger has a medium depreciation rate. In fact, the Avenger’s depreciation rate is pretty average at 18%.

How good is the Dodge Avenger?

You can clearly see the reliability of the Dodge Avenger through its performance in the reliability rankings. Consumers give the model an above-average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 17th out of 36 compact cars in its lineup.

The average annual repair cost for the Avenger is $541 , which is below average compared to other compact cars ($526) and other vehicle models in general ($652).

If you plan to buy an Avenger, you can expect to take it to the shop for repairs an average of 0.3 times a year, which is pretty average. When it comes to the severity of the repairs, there is only an 11% chance that it is a major problem with your Dodge Avenger each time you take it to the shop.

The Dodge Avenger can last 200,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. But according to some owners, they have gotten their vehicles to last 300,000 miles or more.

Dodge Avenger Common Faults

Despite being a reliable car, the Avenger also has some problems. Below are some of the common Dodge Avenger faults:

1. Brake noise problems

One of the most prominent issues with the Dodge Avenger, specifically the 2014 model year, is brake squeal. While this issue is not as serious as some of the items on this list, it is an annoying issue for homeowners who have experienced it firsthand.

Some 2014 Dodge Avenger owners have said that they have gone to the mechanic/dealer hoping that the mechanics could resolve the issue. But in the end they were disappointed to find that there was nothing to be done about squealing brakes, as they are supposedly a feature of the vehicles themselves.

Some have replaced the brakes in the hope of solving the problem , but the noise keeps coming back. Dodge has not yet issued recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) to address this issue.

2. Engine heating problems

Shutdown is a serious problem that can endanger drivers and their passengers, especially if they are on the road. In fact, 2008-2014 Dodge Avengers have this particular problem . The reason behind the shutdown varies, from faulty Totally Integrated Power Modules (TIPMs) to throttle bodies that need to be replaced.

The repair costs for this problem depend on the root cause. It cost 2008 Avenger owners an average of $300 to fix/replace the faulty throttles on their vehicles. For 2012 model year owners, the TIPM cost at least $1,000 to replace.

Owners who have shared their experiences with this problem have reported that their vehicles suddenly became unresponsive and died in the middle of the road. Others have reported their vehicles shutting down when stopped or going over a certain speed. Those who had problems with their TIPM also reported flickering lights on their vehicles.

3. Engine failure

On some 2008-2014 Dodge Avengers, the anti-theft system may prevent the vehicle from starting properly. This problem is said to be caused by electrostatic discharge and may affect the wireless control module. Avenger owners found the problem around 99,317 miles. Diagnosing the problem also cost the owners between $80 and $110.

Avenger owners who have experienced this issue have reported that while their vehicle’s lights and alarms were working properly, their vehicle would refuse to start. Many of these drivers reported that there was no prior indication that a problem existed. Some have even resorted to battery replacement, but this proved ineffective in most cases.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US (FCA US LLC) has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB- 08-007-08) to address this issue. Aside from the 2007-2008 Dodge Avenger, this TSB also covers other models under the FCA umbrella, including the Jeep Wrangler and the Chrysler Sebring. The TSB details the diagnostic procedure and contains other important repair information.

4. Transmission and gear shift problems

Some Avengers that had automatic transmissions are said to have developed transmission problems such as rough/erratic shifting and inconsistent shift response. Although this problem was found on the 1995-2000 and 2008-2014 model years, it was a big problem on the 2008 Dodge Avenger. Avenger owners would notice the problem at an average of 93,000 miles.

According to some owners, the gear change seemed fine until the vehicle got stuck in first or second gear. Some have reported that their vehicles could not get into the correct gear , while others have reported that the vehicle suddenly stalled/stalled when accelerating.

Dodge has released a few TSBs to fix transmission issues, including TSB #21-015-08 and TSB #21-011-08, but at the time of writing, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration ( NHTSA) located in the United States, has not yet posted these documents online. You can request these documents at your local Dodge dealer.

5. Engine cooling problems

On some Dodge Avengers, wiring problems in the cooling fan motor can cause coolant to seep into the connector. This is a major problem with the 2008 Dodge Avenger because it can cause a short in the wires, which can lead to engine fires.

According to affected owners, their radiator fan suddenly stopped working, causing the engine to overheat in some cases . According to others, their air conditioning stopped working and they also noticed an unusual smell.

Dodge issued a recall on November 8, 2007, in order to inspect the connectors and assess any necessary repairs. Essential documents related to this recall have been compiled, including announcements, repair information, and alternate transportation options for affected vehicle owners.

To end

In addition to considering the look, features, and price of the vehicle you want to buy, it’s also important to consider potential problems you may encounter once you purchase it. When looking for Avengers, you should do your research on reliability and common issues for the model year you want to buy. Lastly, make sure the seller has resolved any issues before closing the deal.