2008 Dodge Avenger diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Dodge Avenger diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Dodge Avenger diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Engine oil leaks2.8× usual
  Dodge Avenger

  31.5% All 2008 cars

  11.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Flexible brake hoses5.6× usual
  Dodge Avenger

  19.6% All 2008 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.5× usual
  Dodge Avenger

  26.2% All 2008 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 2.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 2008 Dodge Avenger diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Dodge Avenger diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  61% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  45% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  42% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  36% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  33% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Dodge Avenger diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2008 Dodge Avenger diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 5.6× as often on the 2008 Dodge Avenger diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2008 Dodge Avenger diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?