Dodge›Avenger›2008›2.4L L4/dodge/avenger/2008/2-4l-l4/

JS platform

2008 Dodge Avenger — 2.4L L4

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2008 Avenger 2.4L L4. Covers both the standard and High Output 2.4L L4.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 2.4L L4Transmission Automatic 4-spd

The 2008 Dodge Avenger is a passenger‑car built on the JS platform and powered by a 2.4‑liter inline‑four mated to a four‑speed automatic transmission, using 4.5 qt of 5W‑20 or 5W‑30 oil with filter. Its EPA fuel‑economy ratings of 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined reflect the modest efficiency of the modest‑displacement engine, while the power‑train was also the most frequent source of owner complaints, prompting six recalls during its production. With 844 documented complaints—the highest count recorded for the Avenger between 1995 and 2015—this model year marks the peak of the line’s reliability challenges, indicating that researchers should treat 2008 as the most problematic year in the model’s overall history.

Model year2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.5 qt w/ filterOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-20 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque85-115 ft-lbsOEM · verified

EPA fuel economy21/30/24 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 86 · 525 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04884899AC. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 86 · 525 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP215-60R17OEM · verified

Wheel / rim6.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	04884899AC alt 05281090AB
Engine air filter	04891713AB alt 04891926AB
Spark plug	SP0ZFR5F11 alt SP00ZFR5AP
Battery	BB34A901AA alt BB86F101AA
Front wiper blades	WBF00022AB alt WBF00024AB
Serpentine belt	04891935AC alt 04891721AB
Thermostat	68237102AA alt 55111016AC
Cabin air filter	05058693AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic 4-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	190.9 in
Overall width	71.7 in
Overall height	58.7 in
Wheelbase	109.1 in
Curb weight	3400 lb
Track (front / rear)	61.8 / 61.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	62/38

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	21 / 30 / 24 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume	94 cu ft
Cargo volume	16 cu ft
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.5 qt w/ filter of 5W-20 / 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 85-115 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 18.0-21.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF+4
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	5
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API · 5W-30 · MS-6395
Engine Oil Capacity	4.5 qt w/ filter
Engine Oil	5W-20 · API · 5W-30 · MS-6395
Engine Oil Capacity	4.5 qt w/ filter

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	M6 Bolts: 9 ft-lbs, M8 Bolts: 22 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	70 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	18 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	25 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	18.0-21.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	85-115 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	26.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	26.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	118 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub	181 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	118 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Champion
Spark Plug Gap	Without PZEV: 0.043, With PZEV: 0.031 in
Spark Plug Torque	20.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.00 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	3.40 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	86
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	525 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test	15 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	Primary: 179, Secondary: 203 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	58.0 + or - 5.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance	12 approx. @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression	170
Engine Oil Pressure	25-80 psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM	3000 rpm

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	32 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	52 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket	32 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	80 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.040; Rear: 0.040 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0006 in / 0.0002 in
Rotor Runout Limit	0.0024 in / 0.0016 in / 0.002 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From	0.386 in / 1.02 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

15 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Lubricate bolts with clean engine oil · If your bolt has the short head, use the following torque specifications:

1	25 ft. lbs.	25 ft. lbs
2	50 ft. lbs.	50 ft. lbs
3	50 ft. lbs.	50 ft. lbs
4	90 degreesCAUTION:Do not use a torque wrench for the Fourth step.; If your bolt has the long head, use the following torque specifications:	90 degrees
1	25 ft. lbs.	25 ft. lbs
2	54 ft. lbs.	54 ft. lbs
3	54 ft. lbs.	54 ft. lbs
4	90 degreesCAUTION:Do not use a torque wrench for the Fourth step.	90 degrees

Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

22 ft. lbs., Step 2: 51

22 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

Prep Bolts stamped with the letter B or the number 6 use the following torque procedure.

1	11 ft. lbs., Step 2: 20 ft. lbs., Step 3: 45 degrees; Bolts that are not stamped with the letter B or the number 6 use the following torque procedure.	11 ft. lbs
1	11 ft. lbs., Step 2: 33 ft. lbs., Step 3: 45 degrees	11 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,000 mi; coolant every 100,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 100,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,000 mi	Brake Line (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
At 12,000 mi	CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect)
Every 12,000 mi	Brake Linings (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 24,000 mi	CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 90,000 mi	PCV Valve (inspect)
Every 100,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 120,000 mi	Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified

Tool required	DRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
Why	Transmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module

Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified

When needed	After Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool required	DRBIII scan tool
Also required	The vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2008 Dodge Avenger stands out as a severe outlier in the model's federal record, with 844 complaints—more than four times the next-highest year (2012 at 553) and a staggering increase from just 2 complaints in 2007. This spike is concentrated in the powertrain (166 complaints), electrical system (81), and vehicle speed control (71), alongside 38 crash-related and 26 fire-related complaints, all of which are the highest or among the highest for any year in the dataset. While the generation launched in 2007 with minimal issues, the 2008 model year triggered a complaint surge that far exceeds the gradual rise seen in later years (2009–2013), and it also carries the most recalls (6) of any year in this generation. The data does not specify root causes, but the sheer volume and severity of complaints—coupled with an active investigation—make the 2008 Avenger a clear risk. For a used-car buyer, this year should be avoided given its disproportionate reliability red flags compared to other model years.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

844

Owner complaints

38 involved a crash · 26 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’07’08’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 844 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train166

Electrical System81

Vehicle Speed Control71

Air Bags55

Engine37

Engine & Engine Cooling28

Fuel/Propulsion System22

Unknown Or Other21

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 6 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

08V152000Electrical System:WiringReported 02/04/2008

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… Remedy: 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.

07V104000Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:LatchReported 15/03/2007

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. Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 59 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
103954	2025-04-02	Unknown Or Other	ACTUATOR - A/C AND HEATER
104087	2025-04-02	Unknown Or Other	ACTUATOR - A/C AND HEATER
9100226	2023-09-15	Electrical System	Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
9100226	2023-09-15	Electrical System	Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar…
9004009	2021-04-07	Power Train	Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Avenger. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 86 battery Vehicles taking 4.5 qt w/ filter JS-platform vehicles Engine oil filter 04884899AC Engine air filter 04891713AB Spark plug SP0ZFR5F11 Battery BB34A901AA

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2008 Avenger 2.4L L4 take?

4.5 qt w/ filter of 5W-20 API OR 5W-30 API MEETING CHRYSLER SPECIFICATION MS-6395, per the factory manual.

Does the 2008 Avenger have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 2.4L L4 get?

EPA figures are 21 city / 30 highway / 24 combined mpg.