2008 Dodge Avenger

The 2012 Avenger shares the same TIPM failure pattern as other Chrysler products of this era. The fuel pump relay within the TIPM sticks in the closed position, causing the fuel pump to run continuously even with the key removed, or sticks open causing a no-start condition. Other TIPM symptoms include random horn honking, headlight flickering, and power accessory failures.

Replace the TIPM assembly. Install a fuel pump relay bypass kit as an interim fix for the fuel pump relay specifically. TSB 08-044-12 covers TIPM diagnosis for the JS-platform Avenger. Chrysler Customer Satisfaction Notification N47 provides extended warranty for certain TIPM fuel pump relay failures.

The 62TE 6-speed automatic transmission in the V6 Avenger and the 4-speed automatic in 4-cylinder models both develop harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and premature failure. The 62TE is prone to solenoid pack failure and torque converter shudder, while the 4-speed suffers from worn clutch packs causing slipping between gears.

Service the transmission with a fluid and filter change using ATF+4. For torque converter shudder, the torque converter must be replaced. TSB 21-005-12 addresses shift quality through TCM software updates. If the transmission has internal damage, a complete rebuild or remanufactured unit is required.

The 2.4L World engine in the 4-cylinder Avenger consumes excessive oil between changes and develops timing chain rattle noise on cold starts. Oil consumption of 1 quart per 2,000 miles is commonly reported. The timing chain tensioner and guides wear prematurely, allowing chain slack that produces a rattling or slapping noise during startup.

Monitor oil level between changes and use the manufacturer-recommended 5W-20 oil. Replace the timing chain, tensioner, and guides if rattle is present. TSB 09-008-12 addresses timing chain tensioner updates for the 2.4L engine. Check the PCV valve for proper function as a restricted PCV increases crankcase pressure and oil consumption.

The 2012 Avenger frequently experiences dead batteries caused by parasitic electrical drain from modules that fail to enter sleep mode. The radio, BCM, and trunk latch module are common culprits. Owners report finding a dead battery after the vehicle sits overnight, particularly in cold weather when the battery's capacity is already reduced.

Perform a parasitic draw test to identify the offending circuit. Common fixes include replacing the trunk latch module, updating the radio software, or replacing the BCM. TSB 08-050-12 covers parasitic draw diagnosis procedures. The draw should be under 50 milliamps with all modules in sleep mode; anything higher indicates a fault.

The AC compressor fails prematurely due to clutch bearing failure or internal component damage, resulting in no cooling output. The condenser is also prone to pinhole leaks from road debris impact due to its exposed position behind the grille. Slow refrigerant leaks from deteriorating O-ring connections are also common.

Replace the AC compressor, receiver dryer, and expansion valve as a complete system. Flush all AC lines to remove debris from compressor failure. Inspect the condenser for physical damage and replace if leaking. Recharge the system with the correct amount of R-134a refrigerant and PAG oil.

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 180,963 MY 2007-2008 SEBRING AND DODGE AVENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A STANDARD TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS). UNUSED ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR THE TPMS MAY BECOME CORRODED AND COULD SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN CAUSE A VARIETY OF CONDITIONS INCLUDING ENGINE NO-START, DEAD BATTERY, AN INOPERATIVE CRUISE CONTROL OR REMOTE START SYSTEM, AND/OR ENGINE STALLING.

ENGINE STALLING COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

DEALERS WILL SEAL THE WIRES FOR THE TPMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE ENGINE COOLANT MAY BE DRAWN INTO THE LEFT RADIATOR COOLING FAN MOTOR CONNECTOR.

THIS CAN CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT AND RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

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.

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND COULD SEPARATE. THIS CAN CAUSE THE FUEL TANK TO LOOSEN AND LEAK FUEL.

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERBODY FIRE.

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK RETENTION STRAPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE FRONT DOOR LATCH CABLE MAY BECOME PARTIALLY UNSEATED FROM THE INTERIOR RELEASE HANDLE HOUSING POSSIBLY CAUSING THE LATCH TO STICK IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION OR THE LOCK FUNCTION TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH AN UNLATCHED DOOR CAN RESULT IN AN UNBELTED FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT FALLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE OR BEING EJECTED IN A CRASH, CAUSING INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.

DEALERS WILL ADD A SECONDARY RETENTION FEATURE TO BOTH FRONT DOORS. THIS ACTION WILL SUPERSEDE AND EXPAND A PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL (PLEASE SEE 07V-104). THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSORS UTILIZED FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.

THIS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSORS AND REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALLBEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT DOOR LATCH CABLE MAY BECOME PARTIALLY UNSEATED FROM THE INTERIOR RELEASE HANDLE HOUSING CAUSING THE DOOR LATCH TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION AND NOT BE SECURED TO THE STRIKER.

DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS, THE POSSIBILITY OF A DOOR OPENING COULD CAUSE AN UNBELTED PASSENGER TO BE EJECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

THIS ACTION IS SUPERSEDED (PLEASE SEE 07-V414.) DEALERS WILL ADD FREE OF CHARGE A SECONDARY FEATURE TO BOTH FRONT DOORS TO PREVENT THE DOOR LATCH CABLE FERRULE FROM BECOMING UNSEATED AT THE INTERIOR FRONT DOOR RELEASE HANDLE HOUSING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.