RoadVitals

2008 Dodge Avenger Suspension Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the suspension system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Suspension reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
18
Latest Nov 30, 2024
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
2%
of 831 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2008 Dodge Avenger submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 18 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming suspension

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Other / unspecifiedSteeringSuspension
Filed Nov 30, 2024

NO ACCIDENTS REARS TIRES LEANING INWARDS

NHTSA ID
11628094
Incident
Nov 30, 2024
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Oct 30, 2024

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while turning to the right, the passenger’s side front wheel seemed to be rubbing against the rubber or plastic piece underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the front suspension cross member had failed due to excessive rust. The contact was informed that the front suspension cross member needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN related to the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ID
11622723
Incident
Jan 30, 2023
Mileage
120,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jul 17, 2022

2008 Dodge Avenger Suspension Steering Crossmember K Frame 04094C Front, Suspension has rusted apart and is causing steering issues. Tire is coming loose from drive terrain causing wheel to hit frame while turning.

NHTSA ID
11474397
Incident
Jul 14, 2022
SteeringSuspension
Filed Dec 1, 2019

THE SUBFRAME / ENGINE CRADLE OF MY 20008 DODGE AVENGER IS TOTALLY RUSTED OUT WITH BIG HOLES IN IT. IT'S SO BRITTLE YOU CAN EASILY PUT A SCREW DRIVER THROUGH WHAT'S LEFT. THIS WAS DISCOVERED BY BELLE TIRE WHEN I WAS GETTING MY TIRES ROTATED. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER SINCE IT WAS NEW. THIS CAR WAS BROUGHT FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND INSPECTION EVERY 3,000 MILES SINCE NEW AT GOLLING CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI. THE CAR WAS ALSO PURCHASED FROM THIS SAME DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ID
11283111
Incident
Nov 30, 2019
Mileage
111,132 mi
BrakesSuspension
Filed Nov 13, 2019

BRAKES : I NEED TO REPLACE BRAKE PADS EVERY 3 MONTHS. (I RUN OVER 1600 MILES MONTHLY) A/C : THE PASSENGER SIDE BLOWS FREEZING COLD AIR AND THE DRIVERS SIDE BLOWS HOT. SUSPENSION : THE REAR KNUCKLE BUSHINGS FAILS TOO MUCH.

NHTSA ID
11279727
Incident
Jan 1, 2017
Mileage
92,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jul 16, 2019

SUBFRAME, K FRAME, SUSPENSION CROSSFRAME IS SEVERLY RUSTED.

NHTSA ID
11232432
Incident
Jul 16, 2019
Mileage
130,000 mi
Body & structureSteeringSuspension
Filed May 13, 2019

SUBFRAME ON MY WIFE'S CAR HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND THE STABILIZER BAR HAS WENT THROUGH IT AND SHE DRIVES EVERYDAY WITH OUT LITTLE KIDS IN THE CAR AND I WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO GET BACK TO ME ABOUT THE RECALLS AND HOW I WOULD BE ABLE TO FIX THIS SUBFRAME IF CALLING IS BETTER PLEASE FEEL FREE TO GIVE ME A CALL ON MY CELL IT'S [XXX] MY NAME IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
11207149
Incident
May 13, 2019
Mileage
245,354 mi
Suspension
Filed Jun 6, 2018

TAKATA RECALL I BOUGHT A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY HOME I NOTICED THAT THE REAR OF THE CAR WAS SWAYING BACK AND FORTH IT WAS VERY HARD TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD TOOK IT TO THE MACHANIC THAT, BALANCED THE TIRES AND DID AN IN-LINEMENT DIDN'T HELP SO REPLACED THE STRUTS ON THE REAR AND THE FRONT DIDN'T HELP SO REPLACED THE SWAY BAR AND THE MACHANIC STILL COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH ANY OF THE PARTS REPLACED WHEEL BARRONS AND STILL DIDN'T HELP WERE HAVE SPENT SO MUCH MONEY AND NOTHING HELPS.. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR BUT I'M STUCK WITH IT, I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MACHANIC YESTERDAY AND 4 MEN THERE TOOK HOURS TRYING EVERYTHING TO FIND WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THE PROBLEM WITH NO LUCK, UNTIL ONE DECIDED TO LOOK ON LINE AND HE PRINTED OFF NUMEROUS OF COMPLAINTS OF OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUES THEY TRIED ALL THE THINGS I HAVE AND LIKE ME SPENT WAY TOO MUCH MONEY AND GOT NO RESULTS. I'M ASKING THAT YOUR COMPANY WILL FIND OUT WHAT'S CAUSING THE ISSUES AND REPAIR THIS BECAUSE I FEAR THAT THIS CAR ISN'T SAFE TO BE DRIVEN

NHTSA ID
11100113
Incident
Jun 5, 2018
ElectricalSuspension
Filed Sep 28, 2017

GOT AN ALIGNMENT AND NOW IT'S SHAKING AND PULLING TO THE RIGHT. BRAKE LIGHTS AND BLINKERS WON'T TURN ON. AND ALL FUSES HAVE BEEN REPLACED

NHTSA ID
11030334
Incident
Aug 1, 2017
Mileage
14,475 mi
Powertrain (other)Suspension
Filed May 28, 2013

I GOT INTO MY CAR TO LEAVE AND THE GEAR SHIFT WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK. I TRIED SEVERAL TIMES AND IT WAS JUST STUCK. MY DAUGHTER WENT ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THIS HAD BEEN A RECALL ISSUE AN I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY TYPE OF NOTIFICATION AT ALL. MY SON FOUND A WORK AROUND ON THE INTERNET THAT ALLOWED ME TO GET TO WORK, HOWEVER THIS IS A ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10513802
Incident
May 27, 2013
Mileage
123,000 mi
SteeringSuspensionTires & wheels
Filed Dec 8, 2011

WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED WITH 3 YEAR WARRANTY FROM DRIVE TIME. FROM FIRST TIME ON FREEWAY WE NOTICED AT 70 MPH STARTED DEATH WOBBLE. TOOK IT TO DEALERS MECHANIC AND HE SAID NOTHING WRONG .TO GET THE BALANCE DONE . WE HAVE HAD THE BALANCE DONE , ALL 4 TIRES REPLACED WITH MANUFACTURES SUGGESTED SIZE TIRE, AND STILL GET THE DEATH WOBBLE AT ABOUT 70-74 MPH. *TR

NHTSA ID
10438961
Incident
Apr 21, 2010
Suspension
Filed Dec 6, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER YET THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE A REALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SIX TIMES WHERE THE REAR TIRES WERE REPLACED TWICE AND OTHER SMALL, UNKNOWN REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO INSPECTED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE LEFT REAR CAMBER WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE DEALER CONFIRMED WITH HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND SHE WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 69,000. UPDATED 12/30/11 *CN

NHTSA ID
10369372
Incident
Mar 12, 2008
Mileage
27,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jul 3, 2009

2008 DODGE AVENGER BALL JOINTS WORN OUT AT ONLY A LITTLE OVER 31000 MILES. I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR REPAIR ON 07/01/09 BECAUSE I NOTICED THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE STEERING WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. ONCE IT WAS FOUND THAT THERE WAS A BALL JOINT PROBLEM WITH MY CAR, SOUTHERN CHRYSLER DODGE IN LUFKIN,TX 75901 TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD TO ORDER THE PARTS FOR THE CAR.KNOWING HOW MUCH OF A SAFETY ISSUE DAMAGED BALL JOINTS ARE, I REQUESTED THAT THEY GIVE ME A BAIL CAR, JUST UNTIL MY PARTS CAME IN FOR MY CAR. THEY REFUSED, CLAIMING THAT THEIR INSURANCE COMPANY NO LONGER ALLOWS THEM TO DO SO. I HAVE TRIED TO AVOID FILING A COMPLAINT BY TALKING TO THE HEAD OWNER, HOWEVER, THE EMPLOYEES AT DODGE ARE DOING WHATEVER THEY CAN TO STALL, OR PREVENT ME FROM SEEING THE HEAD OWNER. ONE EMPLOYEE HAD SAID THAT THEY WOULD GET US A RENTAL CAR IF ONE WAS AVAILABLE BUT I HAD TO PAY THE 75 DOLLAR DEPOSIT WHICH WOULD BE REFUNDED. HOWEVER THAT DEALER KNOWS THAT FINDING A RENTAL CAR IS NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE SINCE THIS IS THE 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND. ALL I WANT FROM THIS DODGE DEALERSHIP IS A LOANER CAR, THAT'S ALL. PLEASE TAKE ACTION, BEFORE I OR SOME OTHER NON SUSPECTING PERSON HAS AN ACCIDENT DUE TO WORN OUT BALL JOINTS. PS:THE PARTS TECH SAID THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE, BUT I KNEW BETTER. THIS WAS JUST TO GET ME OUT OF THEIR FACES IN A HURRY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10275697
Incident
Jul 2, 2009
ElectricalSuspensionTransmission
Filed Mar 12, 2009

MY CAR STALLS IN INTERSECTION ,IT DOESN,T SHIFT UP SOME TIMES, THERE HAS BEEN A CLUNKING NOISE IN FRONT STRUTS SINS I BOUGHT IT ,THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO BANG INTO GEAR SOME TIMES WHEN IT SHIFTS TOOK TO DEALER AND GOT BUMS RUSS THEY CLAIMED THAT IT WASN'T ACTING UP WHEN I TOOK IT TO THEM. I AM AFRAID THAT ITS GOING TO LEAVE MY WIFE STRANDED IN TRAFFIC. *TR

NHTSA ID
10261688
Incident
Apr 2, 2008
Mileage
18,000 mi
AirbagsBrakesEngine+1 more
Filed Jul 8, 2008

2008 DODGE AVENGER. MY ENGINE HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES AT SPEEDS UNDER 15 MPH WHILE COMING TO A STOP. MY CARS BRAKE LIGHT AND AIR BAG LIGHT COME ON INTERMITTENTLY THEY CLEARED THE CODE AND RELEASED THE CAR TO ME. THEY ARE TELLING ME THE SAME THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. THERE IS A KNOCKING UNDER FRONT END WHICH I AM TAKING IT IN FOR TOMORROW. THEY HAVE FIXED 2 LEAKS IN THE TRUNK, 1 IN THE DOOR SOAKING THE FLOOR AND THE STEREO THAT WAS LOOSING TIME. *TR

NHTSA ID
10233585
Incident
Dec 8, 2007
Mileage
12,000 mi
Suspension
Filed May 17, 2008

REAR SUSPENSION OUT OF CAMBER. NOTHING DONE TO THE CAR TO CAUSE THE CAMBER TO BE OUTSIDE MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS. DEALERSHIP WANTS TO TAKE VEHICLE TO BODY SHOP TO REPAIR CAMBER BY BENDING FRAME OF VEHICLE. WILL NOT COVER TIRES SINCE THEY ARE OUTSIDE THE 6000 MILE WARRANTY & HAVE NOT BEEN ROTATED. SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF IMPACT MARKS, ETC TO CAUSE THE ISSUE. ALSO STATED THE REAR CAMBER WAS UNADJUSTED ON THIS VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10228068
Incident
May 16, 2008
Mileage
10,450 mi
ElectricalSuspensionVisibility
Filed Mar 6, 2008

2008 DODGE AVENGER WITH BAD SHOCKS AND WINDSHIELD. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SHOCKS RIDE ROUGH, AND THE WINDSHIELD HAS A CRACK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND IT IS SPREADING AND NOT INDICATION OF A ROCK HITTING THE WINDOW, AND MORE. *KB THE SPEAKERS WERE REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10220606
Incident
Mar 3, 2008
EngineSuspensionTransmission
Filed Jul 20, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE AVENGER R/T. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR OVER A MONTH FOR REPAIRS. HE STATED THAT THE ENGINE HAS NOISY LIFTERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES AND THEY ONLY REPLACED THE LIFTERS ONCE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THIS IS HOW THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE MANUFACTURED DUE TO THE THERMAL EXPANDER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGES IN AN AUTOMATIC NEUTRAL DROP. THE ENGINE RACES ABOVE 5,000 RPMS, WHICH IS NOT RECOMMENDED. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED TWICE. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO JUMPED INTO REVERSE WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOUR TIMES FOR THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER CALLED THE CONTACT AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION, HOWEVER, THEY DO ACKNOWLEDGE THE FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE BEGAN IN APRIL OF 2007 AND HAS CONTINUED EVER SINCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 2,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THERE WERE BROKEN BOLTS AND STUDS. THE SHIFTER WOULD NOT RETURN TO PARK. THE ROCKER ARMS, VALVE COVER, LIFTERS AND HEADS WERE REPLACED IN THE ENGINE. UPDATED 08/08/07. *JB

NHTSA ID
10197028
Incident
Mar 15, 2007
Mileage
7 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .