The Lemon Index
200820102nd generation
Not enough data. Only 15 complaints in its first 3 years: too few to score.
15 owner complaints, first 3 years 20–24 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2009 Toyota Camry 1722009 Honda Accord 1342009 Nissan Altima 86
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2009 Dodge Avenger
- Engine stalling12 complaintsmostly at 72,000–170,000 miles (116,000–273,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 67 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Dodge Avenger (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Only 14 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 09V047000 (fuel system, other) and 08V528000 (transmission & drivetrain) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Is the airbag light off, and were any airbag recalls done?
- Dodge sent dealers 37 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Vehicle Exhibits Vibration From The Transmission During Vehicle Launch (X43 Warranty Extension 5”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Dodge's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 15 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 11K to 54K miles (18K to 87K km) on the car (14 of all 15 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Problems Dodge told dealers about
Dodge sent dealers 37 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Vehicle Exhibits Vibration From The Transmission During Vehicle Launch (X43 Warranty Extension 5
- STAR Center News No
- (Revision A) No Start No Crank ?
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- Fuel system, other · recall issued 2009 2.4L engines only
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 91 MY 2009 SEBRING AND DODGE AVENGER EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINE PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2008
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 712 MY 2009 SEBRING, DODGE CALIBER, AVENGER, JOURNEY, JEEP PATRIOT, AND COMPASS VEHICLES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,500–$3,000 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.7L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
Every Dodge Avenger year. 2009 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2009 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/dodge-avenger/?y=2009" title="Dodge Avenger reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="353" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/dodge-avenger/2009/">Lemon Index</a> (2009 Dodge Avenger reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2009 Dodge Avenger reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 15 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2009 Dodge Avenger problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (20%), wheels (20%) and airbags (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2009 Dodge Avenger have?
2 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, other). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Dodge Avenger get?
20 to 24 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2009 Dodge Avenger have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2009 Dodge Avenger cost in fuel a year?
About $2,500 to $3,000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2009 Dodge Avenger have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.7L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Dodge Avenger year is better than the 2009?
Nearby, the 2010 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (a bit over half as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works