DecodedCars2008 Dodge Avenger
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- Rt, Se/Sxt
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.7L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 190.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,400 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Dodge Avenger is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 2.7L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,400 lb (Rt).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 14% better than the 2008 midsize car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 275 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rt | 190.9 in | 71.7 in | 58.7 in | 109.1 in | 61.8 / 61.4 in | 3,400 lb | 62/38 |
| Se/Sxt | 190.9 in | 71.7 in | 58.7 in | 109.1 in | 61.8 / 61.4 in | 3,400 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avenger | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | +14% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Avenger FFV | 2.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +4% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Avenger | 2.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +4% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Avenger | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 26 / 19 | -10% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Avenger AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | -15% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Dodge Avenger under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Dodge Avenger (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Dodge Charger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Dodge Challenger | 15 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Dodge Avenger.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Dodge Avenger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Dodge Avenger buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 102 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 73 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 51 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 115,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Dodge Avenger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Avenger years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Avenger | 24 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 193 |
| 2013 Avenger | 23 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 500 |
| 2012 Avenger | 24 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 491 |
| 2011 Avenger | 24 | 192.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 160 |
| 2010 Avenger | 24 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 112 |
| 2009 Avenger | 24 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 37 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →