7.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$330
Average Mileage:
54,550 miles
Total Complaints:
21 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. dealer replaced brakes and rotors (10 reports)
  2. not sure (5 reports)
  3. replaced brakes turned rotors (5 reports)
  4. replace calipers (1 reports)
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2008 Dodge Avenger:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #21

Jun 192015

Avenger 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,298 miles

This car has been giving me so many problems. It's not just with the brake, it's with my car stopping when driving. I will be driving on the highway or the street and my car will just cut off. I had a engine throttle body put on a water pump. Someone has hit me in the back twice this car is a piece of sh*t.

- Pamela F., East St Loui, IL, US

problem #20

Nov 132013

Avenger Break&rotor

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

DODGE AVENGER 08 & 2011 IT HAS BAD BRAKE AND ROTOR I'M A DEALER & I KNOW ABOUT MOST OF THE CARS PROBLEM

- midwest motors, Indianapolis, IN, US

problem #19

Sep 032012

Avenger R/T V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 122,000 miles

Bought this car new in 2008, have replaced brakes 4-5 times (lost count) rotors twice. First time I replaced brakes it had about 20K miles and has been nothing but a constant issue; along with several other problems this car has. Power window regulator going out. Headliner starting to fall down. Alternator. Runs like crap.

- dawnienic, Raleigh, NC, US

problem #18

Jun 042013

Avenger SXT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 93,600 miles

I bought my 2008 Dodge Avenger in September of 2010 with 43,000 miles on it. I've had to replace the brake pads twice and rotors turned once and completely replaced twice in 3 years. My Avenger now has $93,000 miles. So in 3 years and $50,000 miles, I've spent over $1,000 replacing the brake pads and rotors - RIDICULOUS! I've owned 5 other cars and NEVER had to replace the brakes this many times. Even my cheap little Hyundi Accent went 3 years without having to change the brake pads. My 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee went $85,000 miles before having to change the brake pads and that was a much heavier vehicle w/ a tow package that was used frequently. I called the dealer who advised that only Chryster parts should be used - however, none of my other vehicles had a problem with not using Chrysler parts!!! This car needs to be recalled for the brake system - completely unsafe vehicle! If Chrysler does not do anything about this - I will never purchase another Dodge, Chrysler, Fiat, etc.

- Carla M., Severna Park, MD, US

problem #17

Jul 262012

Avenger R/T 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,278 miles

I TOOK MY CAR IN TO HAVE IT INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ROTORS WERE RUSTED WHERE THE HUB CONNECTS TO THE ROTORS ON THE FRONT AXEL AND I HAD FELT GRINDING UNDER BRAKING THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS AT A COST OF 200 DOLLARS (AND THOSE WERE THE CHEAP ONES) AND AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND AS I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE GRINDING WAS SO BAD THAT MY SON COULD FEEL IT THROUGH THE FLOORBOARDS.

- Debra S., Chambersburg, PA, US

problem #16

Feb 012012

Avenger ES V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,850 miles

need help in other things that my car needs work on

- Pamela F., Saint Louis, MO, US

problem #15

Feb 012012

Avenger

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,122 miles

I purchased this car with 42,000 miles on it in November of 2010. Five (5) months later with a total of 67201 miles on car it suddenly started making a HORRIBLE grinding noise from the front brakes... Never had any squeal or other problems with the brakes it just suddenly was metal on metal even when foot not on brake pedal!!! I had car towed to repair shop and had to have 3 rotors replaced, 1 was turned. I had to replace all calipers and pads. this cost me over $600. At 70223 miles it was time for an oil change, i had brakes checked as part of the service and everything was fine but a little over 2000 miles later at 72246 miles I had the same all of a sudden grinding noise. Had it towed to the dodge dealer this time. I had to replace 2 rotors all pads and all calipers and it cost me out the a** again!!! and a little over 5000 more miles at 77325 i had the brakes checked because at this point i had become paranoid. Glad I did. I got away with just replacing the front brake pads but had to have something else done because the rear brakes were not even working this time. AND ONCE AGAIN.... I now have 81201 miles on my car. It has only been 4000 miles this time... All of a sudden I get loud grinding dragging noises... My car didnt even want to stop. I again am gonna have to have rotors, calipers and pads. I am a widowed mother of 2 children. My youngest child has Cerebral Palsy, Periventricular Leukomalacia and a severe seizure disorder. I am living on a fixed income (survivors benefits from my husbands death) because i am unable to work due to the severe disabilities of my youngest daughter. Having to have these VERY costly repairs every 4000-5000 miles is really hurting us. I bought this car to have reliable transportation to get my daughter to and from physical therapy twice a week, neurology appointments ect. At the amount i am spending on car repairs I would have been better off buying a new vehicle.I will NEVER own a dodge of any kind EVER again and I do NOT recommend anyone else waste their money!!!!!!

- Heather W., Birmingham, AL, US

problem #14

Jan 112012

Avenger SXT 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,380 miles

the steering wheel started vibrating when i was driving at 80km , i need to replace struts, support of engine before they find the caliper brake was not working well.. sorry for bad english ...

- rubendarioma, Mexicali, BC, Mexico

problem #13

Sep 092011

Avenger

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Well I bought this car used not even a full year ago. 6 months of driving brake light comes on and goes off. So I say maybe it needs brakes well it did. two weeks later light is coming on again don't know the issue. 2 months later have to replace the breaks again I get the best ceramic and a month later!!!!! I need brakes and rotors I am so confused about this whole thing... They squeal something horrible even after the first replace. I had the little clips taken off the first time and they still squeal... What to do what to do. I should've looked into this car more before i bought it..... so over it.

- smaynard, Hopemills, NC, US

problem #12

Feb 222009

Avenger SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,000 miles

So here it, Ive always been sold on Dodges,,, Bought a 2008 Dodge avenger, and have replaced the brake pads once, and pads and rotors twice within 8-12 months of each other and currently needs relaced again and ive put less than 1000 miles on it since last repaired. Even after replacing the damn brakes still grind, squeal, and vibrate the whole front end of the car and steering wheel. Now we work hard for our money and hoping to buy a dependable car, I even bought a extended warranty and it is useless with this problem. I have always bought brand new cars and have never had this much problem with a vehichles brakes and never replaced anything so much. Now, I feel its time to recall this problem, and fix what ever is causing this. This is not normal car repair...Dodge lovers will thank you!!!!!

- Robin K., Patoka, IN, US

problem #11

Apr 152011

Avenger 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

This car is awful if you have read about this car its had the, transmission ,brakes and rotors and tie rod and alternator fixed. i had ceramic brake pads put on , i have had good luck so far, lifetime warranty cost more , the alternator was a big shock not covered under warranty . i cant believe the tie rod went out as well my tires are worn out they did not last , i have the lifetime warranty on drive train, powertrain and engine that dodge offers as long as you own this car . yeah well who in their right mind wants to own this car. i can only imagine what the next nightmare will be . the only soulition on this car is i have had to pay to get everything fixed. this car is just 3 years old and have put over 3,000 in this car.

if your dreaming of owning a car like this, please wake up your having a nightmare......

- smp13, Columbus, GA, US

problem #10

Feb 052009

Avenger R/T 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles

Bought this car new Oct of 08. In Feb of 09 had to replace had to replace pads and turn rotor. Car now has 39,000+ miles. Having to replace front brakes and 1 rotor(same one as before), and now have to replace the Rear brakes and one rotor. I was told that the braking system works like this. Front right and left rear, and Left front and right rear work in conjunction with one another. It just so happens that the left front rotor has to be replaced again, and the right rear also has to be replaced.

- solidpro1, Versailles, KY, US

problem #9

Feb 232011

Avenger SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,000 miles

5 months prior I had to replace the brakes on this car, now again in February I was having to not only replace the brakes but the rotors AGAIN as well.

Now the best part of all of this, is since these brakes and rotors were replaced this grinding and shaking problem on this car has yet to go away. I have been fighting with the mechanics ever since Feb 23rd, 2011 going on 3 full months now. In this three month time span they have replaced the rotors one more time and the pads twice. I no longer have any idea what to do with this. I had my uncle look at them last night and found that the clips on the pads were mis-alligned and doing nothing but grinding against the rotor and causing more damage and also making them create an excessive amount of heat to be thrown off of them (which would explain why the dealer stated that somehow the rotors had "heat cracked" AGAIN) he removed the clips and this solved the problem for about 20 hours. I am now back to the same grinding and wearing of the brakes.

I have become insanely upset and angry and feel like mechanics do not clearly know what they are doing on these vehicles.

They are continually telling me there is no safety issues with this but can you please explain to me how this can NOT be a safety concern? When my brakes are wearing out on this car every other month. Not to mentio I have a 2500 mile across the country trip to take to kids to see their mother?? How am I supposed to feel fine about taking them through the mountains not knowing if this is the time that my brakes are going to decide YET AGAIN for the 3rd time in three months!

WHAT DO I DO !?!?!?!?!?!

- Sheena M., Sheboygan, WI, US

problem #8

Sep 182010

Avenger SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

I purchased this car in 2009 with 19500 miles on it. At about 42,000 - 46000 miles on it the brakes and rotors had to be replaced on this car again. It was an easy enough job that I was able to do it myself. Complete pain in the butt however considering I am not hard on them and there was no reason that they should have been needing to be replaced on this car.

- Sheena M., Sheboygan, WI, US

problem #7

Jun 172010

Avenger SXT 2.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

brakes should not wear out so quickly rotors and brakes seems like inferior parts were used in assembly of this vehicle. not the first person that I have heard that has had this particular problem.

- Jeff E., Momence, IL, US

problem #6

May 062009

Avenger 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,000 miles

Only had 19000 kms on the car and the brakes were pulsing when going down hills. Had it in to Dodge and they said the rotors and brake pads needed replacing and that they don't cover it. We are not heavy brakers but that is basically what they said. This just should happen to a new car. Then another approximately 20 kms they started doing it again. ANd sure enough we had to change the brake pads and they machined the rotors. About 4 months later - it all started again and took it in and the brake pads and rotors needed replace (another 500) - on top of that the mechanic said the driver side caliper may be sticking so I may have to bring it in in s few weeks if the problem persists. This car is a money pit. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

- caustin, Halifax, NS, canada

problem #5

Jan 012010

Avenger R/T 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles

Same problems as the one listed for the 3.5 Avenger including the left turn grinding noise.

- Steve L., Georetown, DE, US

problem #4

Sep 172009

Avenger

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,369 miles

My car was just over 2 years old and only had 36000 KM's on it. The front Caliper had seized on the drivers side. New Caliper, rotors and pads cost over $700.00 to fix. Totally unacceptable for a relatively new car.

I bought this car brand new and have taken exceptionally good care of it. I am not a hard braker, this was just a failure of a brake caliper and a terrible response from Chrysler service that it is a friction part and not covered under warranty

- Michael L., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

problem #3

Jul 232010

Avenger SE 2.0L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles

Bought vehicle used from a DFW area dealership with 31000 miles for my son who was going off to college. It has been to Sears twice for rough braking (moderate shake felt in the steering wheel and pedal). the pads were replaced and the rotors turned the first time. Two weeks later my son calls me and tells me the "shake has returned" The car then goes back and the service manager says the rotors are "warped" and would have to be replaced. After complaining that the vehicle had just been there two weeks prior and the now "warped" rotors must have been improperly turned I was informed that wear depended on driving habits. They took my money and replaced the rotors. Now three months later the car is back in the shop (Dodge dealer this time - Sears wasn't getting my business again) getting warped rotors replaced. That was last weekend, now six days later the shake is back.

Dodge had serious problems with the brakes before they discontinued the previous version 1995

- Stephen D., Arlington, TX, US

problem #2

Mar 192010

Avenger SE 2.0L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,000 miles

I bought this car in March 2010 at 24,000 miles and have had it in the shop about every 2 weeks since then because of the steering wheel shaking while touching the brakes! (not to mention the fact that I had to have it towed and the gear shifter replaced) I bought this at a Nissan dealership and they keep having the rotors and drums resurfaced and the problem goes away for about 2 weeks then starts back up again. This is ridiculous!

I bought this car because I was pregnant and needed something reliable, now I'm too scared to take my newborn in the car because of the fact that the brakes could go out since nobody seems to know the problem. Nissan told me to take it to Dodge and Dodge said I have to reproduce the problem yet it doesn't do it every single time I touch the brakes it's just alot of the time...except, of course, when I have a service tech in the car. I'm gonna try to go to a different dealership to get out of this piece of crap and into something more RELIABLE!!!

- wirelessamber, Shawnee, KS, US

Read the next 1 complaints »