Owners filed 553 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the unknown or other. It has been recalled 3 times.
When it fails
07000070,000 milesMedian miles at failure
390 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Unknown or Other
112
0
0
1
Air Bags
102
21
0
22
Visibility/Wiper
84
1
0
0
Electrical System
67
1
3
0
Engine
55
2
1
1
Power Train
19
0
0
1
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
19
0
0
0
Service Brakes
14
3
2
3
Structure › Body
12
2
1
2
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
9
1
0
1
3 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint17V640000
Filed Oct 10, 2017363,930 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)
Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012 Jeep Liberty and 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles. A component within the occupant restraint controller (ORC) may fail and prevent the active headrests from deploying in the event of a rear-end crash.
Risk. If the active headrests do not deploy in certain rear-end crashes, the front seat occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2017. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is T56.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner16V668000
Filed Sep 15, 20161,435,625 vehiclesChrysler (fca Us Llc)
Defect. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Risk. If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
Air Bags13V282000
Filed Jul 2, 2013442,320 vehiclesChrysler Group Llc
Defect. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through December 15, 2011; and model year 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through August 15, 2012. Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control module may lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Engine
Filed May 25, 2026KS
My car dies while im driving down the street, making it difficult to steer and qhen you try to restart it, sometimes it starts and some times it don't. But this is not the first time its happened it was just the latest
Electrical System
Filed Nov 16, 2025MO
Window Defrost and Passenger Heat /Air. While either in motion or while driving, no heated air exits the passenger side of the windshield defroster, nor the passenger window defrost, lower and center console vents. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. Problem persists through all cabin air modes, and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin tempuratures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin).
Air Bags
Filed Aug 1, 2025IL
I was driving and I stopped at a stop sign. When I got ready to go, the car stalled and stopped and wouldn't start. After 30 minutes, it started but I ended up having it towed. My mechanic was able to replicate it after putting the car in the sun, running it for 10 minutes and then driving it. When the mechanic tried to look at it, he couldn't find anything to cause it to stop. I look it to the dealership. They were unable to replicate it or find the problem. It seems to happen when the car gets hot it stops without warning. Other people in the Dodge Avenger online group have experienced the same thing. The horn also keeps beeping without warning and the airbag sign is on. I think all of these items are connected. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint
Filed Apr 23, 2025CA
The contact called on behalf of her son who owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while her son was exiting a parking lot, upon driving over a speed bump, the passenger’s side head restraint unintendedly deployed. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint
Filed Feb 10, 2025125,900 milesTN
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact received notification of an undisclosed recall. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, the front passenger’s side headrest deployed inadvertently. The contact stated that a handheld diagnostic machine retrieved DTC: U0184. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,900.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 2, 2025IL
My car has no heat on the passenger side causing window fogging this is the 3 time I have had the car in at the dealers and they say it's a clogged heater core I have the extended warranty. The dealer said the warranty is no longer covering heater cores when it should a recall with so many complaints. Barkau Chrysler Dodge jeep Ram at 700 East South Street Freeport IL 61032 1-815-232-5141. Please help as I have [XXX] and I can get frost bite and lose my feet or hands Not only is it a safety issue but a health issue can't upload my dealership note. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint
Filed Jan 2, 2025FL
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's side headrest deployed inadvertently and struck the head of the front seat passenger. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under an undisclosed recall; however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and to Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Seminole County (750 Towne Center Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771), where a diagnostic testing fee was provided; however, the contact declined to pay the fee. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 30, 2024MN
Blank
Engine
Filed Oct 23, 2024137,000 milesOH
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,000.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 22, 2024227,000 milesMD
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto repair shop where it was diagnosed that there was an open circuit in the front driver’s side air bag squib. The contact was informed that the air bag squib needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 227,000.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 13, 2024CA
I have been unable to get the safety belt part for the recall. Additionally, it keeps saying I need to replace the gas cap and even the dealership cant help me.
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 13, 2024FL
The vehicle has intermittent (brake) (ABS) and (Traction control) lights. I took the vehicle to Airport dodge in Orlando Florida. They advised the ABS module and pump are faulty however there are no repairs available at this time. The most concerning was they advised to continue to drive the vehicle without ABS.
Seats
Filed May 8, 2024117,206 milesAL
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V640000 (Seats, Air Bags). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the contact entered the vehicle and observed that the headrest was uneven. The contact inspected the headrest from the rear of the vehicle where she observed that the headrest had separated but was still attached to the middle of the headrest. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,206.
Engine
Filed May 7, 2024FL
This is a HUGE SAFETY issue!!!!!! The engine randomly shuts off, which also causes the brakes to stop working and to have no power steering. Anything connected to the battery is fine (lights, radio, dashboard, etc.). myself, any passenger, and those around me are put at risk by the car shutting off in the middle of the road. Someone could hit me because I am not moving, or I am trying to get out of the way. or I might end up hitting someone else because the brakes don't work. this is a huge risk to life and limb. Noone other than myself has tried to see what is going on with my car, specifically. i have already put out a lot of money on parts that research says it COULD be. other people have had the same complaint about their Dodge vehicles. they have even taken them to many repair shops, with no one finding a real answer as to why this is happening. i would just like a car the safe to drive with my kids in it. as it is i fear for their safety if they were to ride in it. they are no warning lights or messages. I fear for my safety, the safety of my children, and the safety of others on the road around me. This car should really not be on the road without a definite answer to the problem.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 19, 2024NV
I was driving to the store and out of nowhere my car completely shut down the lights engine everything my steering wheel locked and I couldn't apply my breaks
Electrical System
Filed Dec 30, 2023AL
While driving for about 50miles, the electrical system failed, I lost power to the entire vehicle, steering was hard, brakes hard as well. as I pulled over, the car started back up. Next day car drove fine. Few days later the car cut off at red light in the middle of the intersection while other cars almost hitting me. Changed the fuel pump out because fuel pump would work at times. No one hurt, no incident report made. Car been intermittently cutting off after I think the car is running fine. No fault codes, no loose connections, no warning the car just cut off. I is becoming very dangerous and scary to drive but its the only vehicle i have and I have been spending money trying to figure this ghost out.
Air Bags1 injured
Filed Jul 27, 2023NC
My driver side Headrest suddenly deployed while sitting at a red light. It struck me in the back of my head, this caused me to lurch forward and almost being hit by oncoming traffic. Dodge denied me replacement saying it was out of any warranty. They did not even look at it and told me it would cost me $850 to replace. No warning lights or signs that this was going to happen before it deployed. I still need to call my Insurance company to see what can be done.
Air BagsCrash
Filed Mar 25, 2023CA
Was hit from the rear emd amd air bags did not deploy. Back bumper was totally destroyed amd brakes go out fast
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint
Filed Mar 7, 202397,000 milesNY
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the front driver’s side headrest air bag deployed inadvertently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Jan 3, 202366,122 milesCO
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH and various other speeds, the passenger’s side of the windshield defroster blower was only blowing cold air. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the HVAC system and blower needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,122.
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Oct 10, 2017. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.