Problems with new Dodge!!!! (rental, red light, idle, van)

[Nashcash23]

My wife purchased a 2008 Dodge Avenger just a few months ago and is already having issues with it. We have taken it to Dodge many times and everytime they fix something, something else tends to go wrong. The main problem we have with this car is that sometimes it will suddenly switch into high idle at a stop sign or red light and then take off like a rocket. Other problem is the engine and break lights keep coming on. When we took the car to Dodge, they could not explain the problem. Yesterday, my wife and I switched cars because she could not take another day in this car. I drove the Avenger all day yesterday during Christmas shopping and I was frightened to take off from a red light because the car rocketed off several times and almost made me rear end about two or three people. I also noticed how uncomfortable the car was to drive. The seats are horrible. No lumbar or neck support at all. I have only driven this car for two days and want to get rid of it. My wife deserves better. The thing is, I also drive a dodge. A 2008 Grand Caravan. I have not had similar problems with my car. Can anyone explain this? Anyone else drive a Dodge Avenger on here that has had similar problems?

[ryanek9freak]

Sounds like you may have some issues with the Body control module or PCM. I'd drop it off at the dealership and tell them you're not picking it up until the problem is fixed. And don't take no for an answer.

At my dealership, you'd be amazed at what the customers will get handed to them if they complain enough. I've seen people get rental cars for a month straight while we tried to duplicate a problem with their vehicle.

[ThAdam]

my first thought was a bad computer, like mentioned above.

[X-Greensboro Resident]

Originally Posted by Nashcash23

My wife purchased a 2008 Dodge Avenger just a few months ago and is already having issues with it. We have taken it to Dodge many times and everytime they fix something, something else tends to go wrong. The main problem we have with this car is that sometimes it will suddenly switch into high idle at a stop sign or red light and then take off like a rocket. Other problem is the engine and break lights keep coming on. When we took the car to Dodge, they could not explain the problem. Yesterday, my wife and I switched cars because she could not take another day in this car. I drove the Avenger all day yesterday during Christmas shopping and I was frightened to take off from a red light because the car rocketed off several times and almost made me rear end about two or three people. I also noticed how uncomfortable the car was to drive. The seats are horrible. No lumbar or neck support at all. I have only driven this car for two days and want to get rid of it. My wife deserves better. The thing is, I also drive a dodge. A 2008 Grand Caravan. I have not had similar problems with my car. Can anyone explain this? Anyone else drive a Dodge Avenger on here that has had similar problems?

You may have a "lemon" on your hands which could be any brand of car. I'd look into lemon laws in your state and take action to get rid of the car. Any brand of car could be a lemon, so there are laws to protect consumers. You may be able to get rid of the car. It may even be a good idea to consult with a Lemon Law attorney. Good luck!

[texdav]

Chrysler products from reports have the most recalls for problems., I would look into0 teh leamon laws in your state. Some of those problems shpould be eaasy to diagnose;change dealers. Also they shoud have checked it for computer codes that are stored when something like the idle problem happens.Sounds like a lemon and a crummy dealer.

[Tek_Freek]

I have no solution, but after from hearing friends and neighbors complain I won't buy Chrysler products.

[drjones96]

Our Town & Country van had some issues a few weeks after we got it. The battery suddenly went South on us and had to be replaced. A few weeks later it overheated spontaneously. We weren't doing anything crazy with it....just suddenly overheated. Then it started doing lots of weird stuff. Well we took it in and they were unable to duplicate the problems. They had it for a couple of days and couldn't seem to get it to do anything like what happened to us. So I went to pick it up...drove it a little way down the interstate toward home and it went bizzirk. All the lights came on and engine stuttered.

OK so I turned around and took it right back and showed them what it was doing while it was still running.

What happened was when they changed the battery from before it was leaking acid all over a major harness to the computer. Shorted some wires and whammo....problems.

[usafracer]

The lemon lwas are your friend. Make sure that you keep all documentation form the dealer. Just stand your ground and dont let them push you around. It also helps to take it to another dealer even if you have to drive a bit to get there.

[DDevil]

It should be under warranty, and they are obliged to fix it at no cost, and also give you a rental car till they fix it.
You can go to any dealer for warranty related work.
Also call Dodge customer care, they can help in making the dealer take care of you.

After you get it fixed, please let us know what was wrong with the car.

[Nashcash23]

Originally Posted by DDevil

It should be under warranty, and they are obliged to fix it at no cost, and also give you a rental car till they fix it.
You can go to any dealer for warranty related work.
Also call Dodge customer care, they can help in making the dealer take care of you.

After you get it fixed, please let us know what was wrong with the car.

I just got back from the Dodge dealer. I dropped the car off there earlier today and they are looking into the problems further this time. I am looking into the lemon laws. Hopefully, Dodge can get this problem resolved. We took the car to the Dodge dealer that we bought it from this time, so hopefully they can work out the problem. The dealer has even let us test drive a new Dodge Nitro for the days it's in the shop. Nothing I mind about that.