Warning to all Dodge Avenger owners please watch video!!! This may save your life!!!

Update the reason the subframe went bad the AC drips down the fire wall goes into the subframe the subframe has a dip and holds water and there is no drain hole in the middle of subframe. This makes the subframe rot from the inside out.

[@jerryjackson8921]

Hi, my name is Jerry. I have an 08 avenger r/t. Not long after I bought it, I noticed that it started to veer into other lanes. I started researching KZbin, and found your video. I examined it and saw that my subframe (engine cradle) was rusted thru, and nearly broken. It cost me $1000 to fix. I discovered this cuz of your video, thank you.

[@gureno19]

2008 on the outside.....1935 underneath 😂

[@ffourty-eight283]

gureno19 😂🤣

[@museanwilliams1460]

😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@yolandalee399]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Tyler-tp2fk]

Any car from the 1800s frame won’t last 200 yrs guy is comical

[@isaiahwoods4253]

Yea my 14 looks like this and now I’m worried bc it was sitting for over a year- just started moving it some

[@ItzSeagull]

I’m 25 and this car was passed down to me from my mom and to this date I’ve fixed: Spark plugs Coolant hose Coolant hose cap Thermostat housing Alternator Water pump Belt And Brake rotors/pads Exactly in that order. I fixed everything by myself. I’m no mechanic, I just watch KZbin videos.

[@SaharatOfficial]

Yah gonna have to link me those videos 😂 23 passed from my mom as well and shit this car breaks every month

[@R6Seagull]

@@andresrich3842Well I’m 27 rn and bought my own car. I drive a 2017 Honda Accord Sport SE

[@R6Seagull]

I’m 27 rn and got my first car. I now drive a 2017 Honda Accord Sport SE

[@xo.chris.G]

Props cuz 🫡

[@pappytinkers]

I've got a video of replacing the alternator. I need to do one of taking the CD changer out

[@jonathansprague6869]

If you live in a state that uses salt on the roads during the winter, you really need to wash that crap off your car. Please take your car to a carwash that has the ability to wash your undercarriage.

[@bman9469]

Depending on where you live, that can happen. It's called the rust belt.

[@whitemale2248]

That is nuts, my girlfriend has a 08 Avenger with 140 something thousand miles on it and the sub frame is in great shape. We live in upper Wisconsin and they salt like crazy up here.

[@rellikym]

Thanks my car just started making a noise like you said about 2 weeks ago. I will look at it this weekend and keep you updated if I call to file a complaint.

[@tonedriverss8629]

Thanks for the heads up ! Awesomely important and very well done video . This is very helpful as I was looking to buy my daughter her first car and this model was of interest . ( A local 2012 Avenger ) But after this ... it is buyer beware ! Luckily I'm a well experienced car buyer and an experienced (backyard) mechanic / technician for well over 40 years. I NEVER buy a car without a complete and detailed UNDER-CARRIAGE INSPECTION . I dont care how shinny and clean a car may be on top . Under is what matters to me . Thanks again ! Well done.

[@SkyRecruit18]

Driving a 2008 Avenger, 201k miles. Never seen this problem.

[@JM811Cars]

Internet User 201k miles on its 8th engine and 82nd transmission

[@SkyRecruit18]

JM811Cars Factory Engine and oem 41TE (Never seen a overhaul kit.

[@SkyRecruit18]

JM811Cars But I did end up getting a 2013 RT Avenger for 5k with 30k miles on it. Can really pass that up, the 3rd generation of these cars is definitely alot better.

[@chia6783]

how on earth did you get such a good deal wtf.

[@Chris-bb3ng]

JM811Cars I have a 07 Jeep Commander Hemi 164,000. I never had engine or transmission problems but I I've been stranded a couple of times due to electrical problems.

[@sarahpryor4638]

Thanks I drive a 2011 and recently had mine worked on. I will definitely get this looked at

[@peterrose1695]

And any sensible person who owns a car would have seen this coming a mile away.

[@irenezepedaaguilar842]

Thank you so much for sharing I have a 2013 dodge avenger I am going to check on that

[@walkingtrails7776]

We have exactly same car even the same color . Just fixed brakes yesterday, there is alot of rust underneath, it has always been garage kept in winter and well maintained...I will recheck for this issue today. Thank God your wife was ok!

[@MartyKorslund]

This is what happens if the car isn’t taken care off. I live in norway and during the winter I wash it almost every week, properly clean it underneath cuz of the salt. I’ve also sprayed it with oil undercoating. 175k miles and still going strong

[@youareworthy296]

what oil undercoating do you use.didnt know you need to clean underneath a car

[@bbdagawd9995]

@@youareworthy296I think cleaning underneath is based on where you live, like someone in Texas wouldn’t have to worry as much as someone in montana or some

[@johnapperson7495]

CHAD UP

[@angelicsoldier9894]

thank you. driving the highway everyday to work.... clicking ...checking tomorrow and I hope these numbers come in handy if necessary

[@rickyg4680]

Did they come in handy?👀

[@edenpagani1243]

Thank you so much! 2012 Dodge Avenger owner

[@markymark5281]

While they never issued a recall, they did do an "extended warranty" good for 10 years after the build date. Fuckers.

[@loganwolf228]

Thank you for the info!!!! God bless you#!!👍

[@PennWolfsSailingAdventures]

And this is why you clean the undercarriage and not just the paint, gotta love roadsalt

[@jasonleyva3885]

Thank you for this video, I noticed rust on my subframe today, I'll be making some calls tomorrow

[@danschool7969]

Thank you!!! Though we haven' t had this issue, this is great to know!!!

[@demetricawilliams43]

Wow thanks for putting the word out. I have 2010 Avenger

[@Inkjunkygaming24]

Me too 🤦🏾‍♂️ I see why they stop making them

[@ABN6565]

good bless you brother. God bless you and your wife. I have a 2012 avenger and on the right side a little sound like a bearing going bad. I'll probably fix it myself but interesting this happened. Dodge must pay!!!

[@mightymurph3949]

2013 avenger owner here. 91k miles. I just did a bunch of work on it this week (brakes, alternator, fuel pump detector) and didn’t notice it, but I’ll def pay more attention now that I’m approaching the winter season.

[@aikimike]

yeah i just bought 2013 and had to replace my blend door actuator, most annoying noise ever

[@theresapurnell3192]

Thanks so much for sharing.

[@patrickshaw5849]

That’s crazy!! Hope you got it resolved

[@billknight5578]

That's some scary shit there! I hope someone compensated you for this issue.

[@Theywaswrong]

Seriously? For a lack of maintenance?

[@charlespetersonii6989]

I love my avenger! 08 with 218K and counting. Only thing I've replaced is the alternator and battery besides wear items such as brakes and wheel bearings. Reliable car it has been for me.

[@Itsmirahh]

Charles Peterson II same here! I have a 2011 with 112K. Have had it since 2015 and have only had to replace the thermostat housing and alternator besides regular maintenance

[@DonovanBryant92]

Somewhat the same with mine an 08 with almost 200k miles factory engine it was bought used from a family who bought it at an auction and claimed to have fixed it, it has had some issues but 0 rust underneath and the only real issues i know of are a thermostat issue and a suspension issue but other than that its a good car

[@cavedude253]

Any updates?

[@charlespetersonii6989]

@@cavedude253 at 235K i currently am replacing the head gasket. The cams barely have any wear on them almost look brand new. Cylinder head is at shop getting deck surface checked and new valve seals. They came out with a updated better version headgasket so I got that and hopefully its good for another 100K + 👍

[@shannonstrode7967]

Same here

[@chriscruz8269]

Good thing to keep in mind I just bought one everything looks clean so far my mother and law had it for 8 years now

[@kevinmetcalf6371]

Great info sir greatly appreciate it

[@christopherconner618]

This is why I don't want to live in a Northern state, salt and chemicals in the winter kills a car

[@snappy452]

Rubberized undercoating. $20 for 2 cans and an hour of your life. Its not really that hard.

[@jcman240]

Kills a cheaply built car. Better built cars use galvanized steel and aluminum which basically makes them rust proof.

[@danlevesque5437]

@@snappy452 water and winter chemicals get in behind that rubber coating and it looks great untill it's too late leave your metal bare and fluid film it unstead you can monitor frame better this way

[@snappy452]

@@danlevesque5437 Well youre supposed to grind it down and inspect it first, then bathe as necessary in your selected metal treatment chemical before you spray. I just didnt think hed be up for all that. Already bitching about snow and ice.

[@danlevesque5437]

@@snappy452 I lost a car due to the remarks about simple rubber spraying underneath one crack as it dries out game over I never made that same mistake again

[@wesleycook6921]

Wow. I have never saw that bad of a rust issue on a newer car. Thanks for info I have a friend with a 2007 avenger

[@Theywaswrong]

"NEWER" car? Man, an almost decade old car, 110k miles driven on salted roads. What in the world would you call a ONE year old car?

[@johns4859]

That is terrible, I'm glad your wife is alright and had the common sense to pull over and have you check it out. Typically, automakers will not issue a factory recall on a vehicle until there are a certain number of fatalities caused by the same defect on the same frame model. I do not agree with this practice, but in their best interests, I can understand why they do it. It doesn't help you or your loved ones who are involved in an accident because of an issue, but I can understand that automakers can't repair everything that a single person states is a defect.

[@ericanderson85]

NEVER GET UNDER A CAR THAT IS ON BLOCKS!! They can crack and fall apart under the stress if there are any pressure points. I have seen it happen.

[@user-lx1nh7gg8o]

I've seen ramps crush too, I will never use them because of it.

[@notsocommonsense9100]

God bless you and thank you.

[@humbertogonzalez6040]

Thanks for the advice.

[@charliesgarageusa4986]

Any time!

[@67soyring]

I have the exact same year, color everything. Driven in northern MN Salt every winter and it has no rust on it. Somethings up with yours to have rotted so quickly.

[@francesmaldonado5220]

Oh my God! I have a 2008 but thank GodI don't have that problem. But after seen this. I will take a closer look..I thank you for share this video..wow unbelivable....

[@90foxnotch87]

Uiuiyi

[@anissagreen-mccall9482]

Thanks for sharing.

[@TheSuave101]

Thank you got dodge avenger 2012 and im starting to here poping noises. Saving your video.

[@michaelovers688]

Just take the car to a shop and get it checked out don't wait until the frame breaks

[@Theywaswrong]

Why not just go look at it rather than say you'll save this video. A popping noise is more likely a CV joint or hub assembly(wheel bearing) worn out from age.

[@nathanwickline4287]

Good lord!!!! I have a 08 avenger and I'll be checking for this defect for sure!!! Thanks for posting this and very glad noone was injured in this potentially catastrophic event. Dodge seriously should own up to this defect and consider the lives at risk. It doesn't surprise me they haven't though. I hate to say it but this corporation culture would rather let someone get hurt or killed than pay for their own mistakes.

[@jbilz420]

You sir just earned a new subscriber! Good video 👍🏻

[@RavemanSwe]

I have a 2007 driven on the salty winter roads in sweden but frame is fine. Though, the dealer had to change the hood after about a year since it started rusting under the paint. can also tell it wasn´t easy to make them do that, i had to contact Chrysler in USA to get it done. my quess is that the waterbased paint makes the parts rust if they weren´t clean (without rust) from the beginning.

[@zackthepirate4421]

my 2008 dodge avenger was my favorite car so far lol

[@badtolz2122]

Periodic checks on anything you own is a good thing.

[@mountainviewturning5319]

Great video 👍

[@rustytimetraveler]

About 9 years of salted roads in Ohio might contribute to the rust but...I don't know. Looks terrible tho! Thanks for the heads up... I have a cherry '12 with barely 23,000 miles. Love the Pentastar! Close to twice the horsepower of a '77 vette (at 170)...3.6 is rated 292. The torque steer is very strong... but fun. Surprised a few Mustangs...but at 117 that's it. Top speed could easily be 130 with the 6 speed :-P governor! Fortunately...I don't drive that fast so...No problem.

[@chrisandrews5770]

I hear a rumble still, have replaced everything but those nasty rusted cv axles! Looked like a time bomb when I pulled the front wheels off!

[@RobPGamerVaper]

WOW . I have a 2000 Chrysler 300M and it sat for like 3 years and I live in New England and my Sub Frame is still shiny and Black after 18 years . Definitely a Factory Defect

[@72RR446]

And this is why you do a once over on suspensions on vehicles during regular oil changes. This was either a bad stamping or it was damaged and accelerated the deterioration of the frame.

[@michaellanman4440]

Thank you for the information I have one

[@enceladus2263]

This should also be a warning to anyone who lives in the north. Regular car washes during the winter will save your car. Don't let it rust like this.

[@kittybanks3474]

Thank u i appreciate it

[@warren3104]

THANK YOU !

[@amzngmo.e]

Thank you for this. I just bought this same year for my daughter. Jotting this phone number down.

[@majedbalawy]

Thank you so much good video we have 2013 model and we live in michigan

[@davidhingley3741]

Same thing happened to my parents caliber. Luckily their was a recall on they're car.

[@eufemioyantin24]

Thank you!

[@YamiGenesis]

I have that exact car. I'll keep this in mind thanks.

[@anonymousinc6330]

Hey, boss, just a thought. While it's obvious that the subframe was about to break in this car, the popping noise your wife described likely was coming from a weak ball joint about to break, which caused the weakened subframe /control arm to break when it gave out. Given the amount of rust, either one of these could have broken the other. Still a factory defect in and of itself, but be glad that it broke when it did, I had a ball joint fail at 45 miles an hour in a curve once. Luckily, the car simply kneeled down and bent the frame and I was able to get off the road safely.

[@zeek9697]

My 2011 driver side ball joint was just replaced!! It made that popping noise and that is gone now. But I replaced 4 >struts, brakes, rotors AND the ball joint thinking I needed it all. ($$$$) I have that braking issue mentioned earlier in the thread here where I brake and it feels like the antilock brakes overreact and put me on a washboard dirt road no matter where I am. I will get my mechanic to inspect this issue of rust though. As an UBER driver I am obviously pushing the durability of this car and must know what's up. THANK YOU for your advice about sanding and painting protective stuff . I'm in Denver and we get plenty of winter weather !

[@jorgealonzo3858]

yooo what the. i hear that noise in my car all the time

[@MizzBootyful891]

Same

[@kevinmetcalf6371]

Thank you bro

[@keatonchaplinfilms6264]

Hi, Charlie James. it's fairly decent video. thanks. :)

[@user-hv1ex3yg1b]

I like your jack stands !!!

[@charliesgarageusa4986]

Well thank you

[@AnthemBassMan]

Man, that sucks! I have the sister car to this, a 2010 Chrysler Sebring Touring. The entire undercarriage of my car is surprisingly clean. I live in Tuscarawas County, Ohio and it sits outside year round. I work part time at a lube shop, so what I change my oil, I’m always checking things out. I did just put in all new front and rear strut assemblies, lower ball joints, and inner/outer tie rods, but it also has 185k on it.

[@1messi1ful]

2009 Dodge Avenger 189k miles. Never seen this problem

[@realbeavermack1136]

I got a 2012 dodge avenger with 190,000 miles and have done the absolute minimum maintenance still runs like a champ

[@1messi1ful]

realbeavermack 11 I like your style lmaoo!!

[@TheGeno2001h]

Good man god bless you

[@howardhoffman2752]

It's not just the Avenger...This also happens on the 2007-2012 Dodge Calibers as well.

[@CheefWahoo22]

Bingo. That time period applies to Chrysler and even Jeep (Patriot) vehicles too. And it's not just the front subframe, the rear subframe rusts just as bad. Piss poor metal.

[@bambookilla128]

I just had to replace the subframe on my 08 Dodge Avenger SXT about three months ago for the same reason. Luckily I was changing pads and noticed it before it got as bad as yours.

[@obenyroseparis]

Mine has rotted and cracked in half . Where do you live ? I'm in Ontario, Canada.

[@purepurple96]

I got 2008 SXT as well, Living near the Sea, Got no rust at all.

[@anefyon]

The avenger is a definite hit or miss car lol

[@Theywaswrong]

Because you wash more than just the outside and call it "a clean car". I take showers but it ain't gonna do anything about my aging and I still have to check things other than the outside.

[@Static0Gaming]

I bought a 2008 avenger in 2017 with only 57,000 miles on it, had the same problem with it, luckily my mechanic noticed it before anything bad happened.

[@obenyroseparis]

Please report this to Dodge. We need more people holding them accountable. Mine rusted and completely broke in half and I could have been driving with my kids in the car. I'm learning this is a common issue and Dodge should be held accountable because they knew about it

[@itswhatever31]

@@obenyroseparis literally just called about it happening in my 08 they claim they have no other reports of major sub frame deterioration or them breaking

[@berniediapersanderslukso9204]

Notice that your unit body/chassis has no rust? That's because it is protected from rust by special paint. Anything under the car (any make/model) that is painted with thin black paint will rust quickly. Sub frames, control arms, etc. Inspect your vehicles and apply protective coating. Do this even on new cars. Don't wait a year. Rust is a killer of cars.

[@mfree80286]

Especially in *that spot*, if someone's ever spilled brake fluid while filling the reservoir. That black dip enamel comes off like wet paper once brake fluid hits it and cuts any road grime and oil off, AND then absorbs water and holds it to the steel until it evaporates. Test it yourself, a spot of brake fluid on non-galvanized sheet steel and you can rust a hole in it faster than you'd ever imagine possible.

[@tylerdoss4838]

Honestly it probably didn’t get any treatment from their supplier. I have a 2014 and the subframe looks brand new, it’s has been exposed to road salts as well

[@knowbodiesfull5768]

I thought about getting an Avenger once. Thank God I didn't! (5/8/2021)

[@DJKEYS-br1xh]

Oh. Wowww thank you sir my friend just picked up a 2010avenger I'm inspecting it this morning I hope and pray this is not the problem..are hopefully it's clean and if it is..I'm gone sand that subframe and hit it with rust protection and primer then two are three Cotes of bed liner spray...AND THEN PRAY...

[@blazefreeman1942]

I would say that's more owners neglect. if you live in a state that uses salt on roads you need to give your car a bath on a weekly basis during winter months. I use to live in Minnesota trust me I know a car won't last 10 years up there if you don't take care of it properly.

[@nekotimhweewa]

I just had this happen today to my 2008 Dodge Avenger. I was on a road with a 55 mph speed limit breaking for a stop sign so I could get onto another road with a 55 mph speed limit. One of my kids was in the car, a friend was in the car and so was her kids. We live in Michigan so the roads get salted. But we make sure the underside gets cleaned just for that. I'm glad I was slowing for a stop sign when it happened.

[@charliesgarageusa4986]

Thank God you all are alright 👍 these cars are dangerous thats why i made the video god bless and stay safe 🙏

[@gossamer1234]

they never did recalls on the heater cores for their 2012 avengers

[@galaxyprime6543]

Wow that's crazy I've never seen that before

[@edwardmark6657]

Dodge Avenger , Jeep Compass and Patriot common problem. The crossmember will be replaced for free if car is under 10 years old! Call dealer and check!

[@kcwkembm]

people commenting about salt on roads....wash your damn vehicle once in a while and you wont have to worry about it

[@bmaiceman]

Unfortunately it is not that simple! If you live in the rust belt especially! Road salt clings to metal very very well, and does not easily get removed by just taking a garden hose to it!! Is oftentimes takes a specific product to chemically bond with the salt I make it released from the metal more easily. If you don't live in the rust belt but you still have to cope with road salts oh, yes taking your vehicle out to the yard and hosing it down after the winter time thoroughly is a really good idea. Unfortunately if you do live in the rust belt, the average life expectancy of a car or truck or SUV is about 10 years if you don't go in every year for a specific type of undercoating! and absolutely do not get the type of undercoating that is a tar-like rubbery consistency! That trash will absolutely destroy your car!!

[@adrianwoodruff3699]

You bought a flood car buddy

[@charliesgarageusa4986]

We have had it since it was new never been in a flood its just cheap steel

[@marcadominguez]

They don't know how to accept fault same thing with my Dodge caliber 08 model the subframe was rotten out and I only had 94,000 miles on it. I took it to the dealership same thing. I ended up replacing it myself. While you're down there change out lower control arms upper control arms struts sway bar just the whole bottom I mean everything even the mounting bolts just do everything. Even my mortar Mount stabilizer was messed up with rust. Hope you got it taken care of brother

[@gregdolecki8530]

Factory "default"? Factory "defect" perhaps.

[@johnchalleen3278]

Of course...we'll baffle them with BS. Damn insurance companies, they want to keep your money. Take flood insurance, you have to still have your house standing when the waters recede. If it get washed away...that's structure failure, not included with flood insurance. Now they tried to sell me mandatory flood insurance but I live so high off the floodplain that if the water does reach me it'll be an act of God. Home get broken into? Damage less than the deductible they pay nothing but they'll still add fifteen hundred dollars a year for five years cos now you're on risk insurance. So...essentially you're robbed twice. Now my property value goes up and down...but insurance continues to only go up???? My former agent told me to quit cussing in his office, wanna know what I said then?😄

[@GSOAguitarplayer]

Factory defect. That model, Jeep Patriot Compass Dodge magnum Dodge Caliber have issues w that as well as the cross members and lower control arms.

[@agrwave]

Omw! I hope you get a new one.

[@DRake-jt2zs]

Dodge Caliber too. There are actually several dodge/chrysler products that use that same subframe assembly. I have a 40 year old Mercedes Benz (play car) that has absolutely no rust on the frame at all.

[@60viking]

Funny those MBs often lose the strut tower to rust.

[@DRake-jt2zs]

@@60viking Rusted Strut towers for MB is 1990 and newer. That would be about 30 years old. Right around the time Daimler started using Chrysler products. Just before the merger, making Daimler Chrysler. They ended up going seperate ways due to "cultural" differences. Meaning that MB did not want to be associated with Chrysler (Dodge, Jeep). Kinda like RAM trying to distance itself.

[@CountofSerenno]

My 2011 Avenger has rusted suspension and steering linkage components but my entire subframe is in mint perfect condition and I live on Ottawa, Ontario.

[@davidh5056]

Hi here is your answer : Yes in theses years Chrysler had issues with frames ( craddle ) on similar thing that was over looked was routing of vent to discharge water ( moisture ) from AC system.I looked in frame and caused rot.Check your dealer extended warranty you cover issue. It's that simple !!

[@joevignolor4u949]

Anyone with a problem like this should file an incident report with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). If NHTSA gets enough reports on a particular vehicle having a specific problem then they can force the manufacturer to recall and fix the them.

[@latoriaking5702]

Same happened to my brother but his just popped in half no rust thanks god he’s ok but the car did hit a ditch

[@yeshuagreen00]

Your god dang right too this is what I noticed somehow dodge got away with it but honestly look at this price of sht the shocks go bad the lower ball join arms rust apart as well I have a dodge caliber I just had to redo most of the front end parts on mine my subframe has rust is not crack but in a year will definitely need both front and rear subframes and then I'm coating the shit out of those things

[@charliesgarageusa4986]

Dodge have droped the ball on these cars.cheap steel cheap parts.

[@AJFresh69]

Checking out videos on 2008 Dodge Avenger alternators and ran across this. I'll let the owner know thanks!

[@charliesgarageusa4986]

AJFresh 👍😊

[@garys9718]

Just a word of advice, when you get your oil changed or other services underneath the car, check it out for leaks, suspension problems and or rust damage, most shops that I've been to will let you inspect your car

[@securityguardcommand9792]

This is most likely a result of the environment the car is in. Coastal area or where it snows and the road is salted...

[@bobjakubowski949]

Happened to mine a couple years ago and it was washed non stop al winter since it was new.

[@natasha4851]

Hi.. I just brought a avenger 2012 home. I live in Canada. It is my first car and I had no idea issues like this could also arise. I am really getting worried now. I bought it from Chrysler. It is making a sound while driving. Told the dealer he said bring it back next week and would get it fixed. I thought it's not that big an issue and I brought the avenger home since I needed a car this weekend. Now after watching this video I am having a real panel attack. Will get it checked in morning and will update you. Fingers crossed

[@charliesgarageusa4986]

Good luck and be careful

[@paulmaldonado1969]

I've only seen that when cars come from out of town were it snows alot . Salt and metal don't mix well . The salt they use to melt the ice also is to blame . . .

[@charliesgarageusa4986]

Got 3 other cars older had the from new to now and there subframe is fine this is because of dodge cheap steel they buy not salt....

[@CorMorse]

Got an 08 Avenger and the bracket that connects the sway bar to the frame rotted out last summer.

[@compu85]

Wow! You can see form the wheel well that this isn’t a rust bucket.