“Purchased this car 3 yrs a go about 2 weeks ago the airbag light remains on constantly the car was parked but remains on constantly. The car has 107K I search for recall on this site and nothing even though there are over 485 complaints for the same issue. What does it take to get this NOTICED by MOPAR this is obviously a safety hazard.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 4, 2021
“When I start my car which is stationary the airbag light comes on & dings (like the seatbelt warning) it dings like 2 times. Then as I drive on city streets & highways, while the vehicle is in motion the light will come on & go off randomly. This doesn't happen every time the vehicle is stationary or in motion, however it does happen way more often than not.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 31, 2021 at 897,500 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2013 Avenger peaked in 2017, with 97 filed that year. Owners had filed 2 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 13V282000 in July 2013; 143 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 3 so far.
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.
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.
Defect. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or engine failure.
Risk. If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine balance shaft module, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N52.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly13V043000
Filed Feb 6, 20131,785 vehiclesChrysler Group LLC
Defect. Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured from October 30, 2012, through November 2, 2012. These vehicles may have a gas tank that has a broken control valve in the fuel tank assembly.
Risk. A broken control valve in the fuel tank assembly may lead to an engine stall or fuel leakage. An engine stall while driving may contribute to a vehicle crash. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
Remedy. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tank assembly and replace any affected control valves, free of charge. The recall began on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2013 Avenger.
Active Head Rest Inadvertent DeploymentPreliminary evaluation PE19014Closed
Opened Sep 9, 2019Closed Feb 25, 2026seats
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments …
Technical service bulletins
139 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2013 Avenger. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
equipment 20engine 19electrical system 19transmission 18body and frame 15seats 9steering 8fuel system 5
Active Head Restraint (AHR) Inadvertent Deployment - X84 Warranty Extension This bulletin involves inspecting the sled bracket striker pin and possibly replacing a front seat AHR that has inadvertently deployed. Customers may comment on the following:The AHR is deployed on one or both front seats and will not reset.
MIL Illumination: P0300, P0302, P0304 or P0306 (X56 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves checking for excessive cylinder leakage and replacing the cylinder head if necessary. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the Technician may find that any the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes have …
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version tested
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
2013 Dodge Avenger 4 DR FWD
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
11.8%
New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Seats
Filed Aug 6, 2026GA
Unknown, all i know is that i leave my car to go play basketball and 3 hours later i come back and its popped out randomly.
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 19, 2026TX
Was driving on hwy when vehicle loss power, was able to quickly pull over. Turned vehicle off and restarted vehicle. Got back onto the hwy ,vehicle loss power again, this time it wouldn't turn over. Replaced fuel pump,replaced valve timing sensor, crank sensor, replaced battery, replaced ignition switch and antitheft oem {replaced 5X}, reprogrammed vehicle 3X's, bought new key to program to vehicle. After $1500.00 still not fixed, dealership has had the vehicle for well over a month. The dealership contacted the manufactured company, manufactured company said it was a faulty orc part. The manufacture company was suppose to send the dealership the new orc part and still hasn't done so, dealership says its on back order and there isn't no eta for the part to arrive.
Seats
Filed Mar 6, 2026MS
Headrest deployed
Air Bags
Filed Dec 1, 2025FL
Both head rest which is attached to airbags or have airbags in them I don’t know but the exploded open. Headrest could have exploded while someone was in the seat and got head injuries. No problem has not been confirmed by anyone but myself,husband and self employed mechanic, I didn’t know what to do. No, no type of warning before it happen. Passenger one exploded January 2025, driver exploded about May 2025.
Engine
Filed Oct 31, 2025134,625 milesMI
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power and eventually stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,625.
Power Train
Filed Oct 20, 2025GA
Powertrain fail , airbag failed to deploy
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 19, 2025IN
The passenger side head rest popped out on it's own. Was parked when it happened.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 31, 2025117,829 milesSC
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the interior light turned on independently, the control panel started blinking, and the radio became inoperable. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was steered into a parking lot, where it was turned off but failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,829.
Engine
Filed May 15, 2025IA
2 days after purchasing my vehicle I was driving getting my speed up approximately 45 mph when the vehicle started to lunge forward and nothing was under the gas pedal and it stalled. I pulled it over to the side of the road. It started back up within 2 to 3 minutes. Drove fine for about another 20-25 minutes and then did it again. I put fuel treatment in it. It seemed to drive better the next day but then I did it again. I had it towed to a service department where they did a complete vehicle inspection- no codes were thrown $2500 later- picked up vehicle and later that evening it starts blowing smoke out from under the dash- Towed back to Service department- $300 later- pick car up and she breaks down within 10 minutes- TOWED AGAIN- ,$450 later ---- the vehicle loses all connection and stalls while going 45 to 70 mph- without warning - on the interstate- UNSAFE for EVERYONE on the road not just the dumb owner. WHY IS MY VIN NUMBER NOT ASSOCIATED TO ANY OF THE 5 RECALLS? 3 OF WHICH ARE DEALING WITH THE EXACT ISSUES I AM HAVING!!! I have spent every last penny I have on this and still ... Safety Hazard
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 14, 2025ME
The catalytic converter is making my engine run rough and can't get it inspected because of it. It's costing me more to run the vehicle and I can't afford to get into an accident when the engine stalls.
Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 11, 2025TX
Put gear shift into park position while parking car. Car did not register that it was supposed to be in park and stayed in drive. Gear was stuck and was unable to shift. Turned car off and car would not turn back on, as well as the shifter not being able to move
Electrical System
Filed Jan 9, 2025KS
Total electric glitching car will not turn over.
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 10, 2024VA
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.
Electrical System
Filed Nov 8, 2024123,000 milesTX
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the warning lights on the instrument panel flashed on and off. The contact stated that the horn was inadvertently honked while the vehicle was losing motive power. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V282000 (Electrical System, Air Bags); and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 15, 202460,000 milesNY
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the throttle body warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle later failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the throttle body had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the A/C system and defrost system were malfunctioning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the three actuator motors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Seats
Filed Oct 7, 2024PA
I was driving my car and the active headrests on the driver side and passenger side both deployed prematurely. I wasn't in any collisions and the headrests deployed. It was very unexpected when they went off as i was driving to school it put both my safety and my sisters safety at risk when they deployed. As stated previously i am unsure as to why they went off as i was never involved in any collisions. There were no warning lamps or any messages prior to them deploying.
Engine
Filed Sep 16, 2024162,000 milesNJ
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road by using physical strength. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start later the same day. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V552000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 6, 2024NY
The TIPM failed causing the car to shut off and not start again. The problem has been confirmed by Upstate Auto. There was a recall on the TIPM but it was not replaced instead some occupant restraints were replaced instead and now the manufacturer does not make the TIPM part anymore.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 23, 2024NY
I urgently need your assistance regarding a critical and unsafe situation concerning the PCM/ECU. Recently, while driving, my car began to shudder as if it was on the verge of stalling. To add to the alarming situation, every warning light on the dashboard illuminated. The speedometer and thermostat suddenly stopped functioning, leaving me without crucial information about the vehicle's speed and temperature. This not only compromised my safety but also made it impossible to gauge the car's performance. In response to this hazardous scenario, I immediately pulled over to a stop. Sadly, the car shut off, and despite my attempts, it has refused to restart ever since. The inability to restart presents a severe safety issue and has left me stranded without transportation. Compounding this ordeal, several auto shops have tried to address the PCM/ECU connectivity issues with no success. This recurring problem, combined with the recent dangerous episode on the road, underscores the urgency for resolution. I am deeply concerned about the potential risks posed by the malfunctioning PCM/ECU and the compromised safety of both myself and others on the road. The inability to accurately monitor speed and temperature could have dire consequences if left unaddressed.
Electrical System
Filed Jun 28, 202442,000 milesTN
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the power window switch on the driver’s side door occasionally failed to respond while depressed. The contact stated that the A/C system would blow hot air through the vents. In addition, the A/C was recently charged, and the spread pan was repaired months prior. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the Total Integrated Power Module (TIPM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Seats
Filed Jun 20, 2024LA
Driver side head rest exploded.
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 10, 2024KY
Beginning in September 2023, my parking brake light would periodically light up even when the parking brake was not engaged. At the time, I didn't think much of it. This persisted until the middle of January 2024. Beginning in mid January 2024, my parking brake light, traction control light, and ABS light were all lit up on my dashboard. I took my vehicle into my mechanic on January 30, 2024 and they diagnosed it as an ABS internal module failure. They said they were unable to make the repair and said that I would need to take it into a Dodge dealership. I then took it to my local Dodge dealership on February 2, 2024 and they also diagnosed the problem as an ABS internal module failure. The dealership told me that the particular module needed was under "Engineer Review" at Chrysler. They said that any ABS module currently on the market for my vehicle were considered "defective" and that I would need to wait for the Engineer Review to be completed in order to receive a new, correctly working ABS module. I was told by both my regular mechanic, as well as the dealership, that my car was dangerous to drive in its current condition. I was told by both the dealership and a Dodge customer service representative that this Engineer Review would be completed in April 2024. It is now June 10, 2024 and the Review still has not been completed and I am still without a working ABS module for my vehicle. I am unwilling to put my safety, my child's safety, and the safety of other drivers at r
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 20, 2024202,000 milesAZ
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after 5 minutes. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the coolant temperature sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V552000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 202,000.
Seats
Filed May 15, 2024KS
On May 10, 2024 my passenger headrest deployed on its own. I went to work, came back to my car for lunch and heard a pop and saw my passenger headrest deployed. No accident, no one hit my car, just my car parked. I did some research and found a recall for my make and model. I contacted the dealership that I bought the car and was told there's no recall and my problem is mechanical. I contacted another dealership and they couldn't find the recall, but was willing to set up an appointment. I took my car to the dealership and was told, yes there was a recall, but the headrests were fixed. They also stated my car was out of warranty so the repair would be at my expense. The headrests are obviously a continuous problem. I am now concerned that my headrest could pop while I am driving and result in injury to my head and neck. I am concerned that I could end up getting into a accident or even die from an unexpected deployment that possibly cause a blackout or concussion. I zip tied my headrests since dealerships are refusing to fix the problem for free. They even told me to contact you. Please help me.
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint
Filed May 6, 202490,000 milesFL
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 40 MPH, the front driver's side headrest restraint deployed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The contact stated that the same failure had previously occurred on the front passenger’s side headrest restraint. The cause of the previous failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 30, 2024SC
Recently bought the car about two months ago and ever since I’ve had it, it was randomly cut off anywhere and anytime and when it cuts off the power steering goes out and it makes it hard to control but I had mechanics that I know personally look at it, and they cannot figure it out no one can figure it out And also the control valve for putting the gas in the car is messed up and I seen that there was a recall for that and as I’m riding down the road, the horn just blows out of nowhere consistently and it could also scare you while you’re driving and that’s dangerous and thank you
Engine
Filed Apr 26, 2024155,000 milesOH
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and the engine seized. The low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact checked all the vehicle fluids and stated that fluid levels were adequate. The contact was driving on the highway when the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
Engine
Filed Apr 15, 2024149,000 milesIL
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and then stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted and was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced and a tune-up needed to be performed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who performed the tune-up and replaced the fuel pump; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V043000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 13V552000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint
Filed Apr 15, 202437,600 milesAZ
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the passenger's side headrest deployed aggressively, striking the passenger in the head. The passenger did not receive medical attention. The contact stated that the plastic inside the headrest bent the bar, causing the headrest to deploy. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,600.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Dec 27, 2023104,000 milesMI
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the exhaust system. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact referenced Emissions recall U67. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and had not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
Seats
Filed Nov 28, 2023CO
The AHR in the drivers side headrest of my 2013 Dodge Avenger randomly deployed and will not reset. I believe it to have a common defect in that, under normal conditions, the AHR can deploy without any warning and strike the back of the occupant’s head. This condition is caused because the AHR contains a “cheap” plastic bracket that acts as a trigger mechanism and holds the spring loaded release in place, the drivers state. Chrysler used an inferior and inexpensive form of plastic which can crack and break down prematurely. There are hundreds of thousands of Chrysler vehicles equipped with the defective AHR and there is no way of knowing when the AHR in the headrest will spring forward. According to a the Chrysler class action, the following vehicles contain the AHR defect: 2010-2018 Dodge Journey; 2010-2011 Dodge Nitro; 2010-2012 Jeep Liberty; 2010-2017 Jeep Patriot or Compass; 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber; 2010-2018 Dodge Caravan; 2011-2018 Dodge Ram C/V 2011-2018 Dodge Durango; 2011-2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee; 2010-2014 Sebring/Avenger; 2011-2018 Chrysler Town & Country; 2011-2018 Chrysler 200; and 2011-2018 Chrysler 300. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation in September 2019 called “Active Headrest Inadvertent Deployment,” where the government organization reviews consumer reports of inadvertent deployment of the AHRs, according to the Chrysler class action lawsuit. I maintain that Chrysler has known about the defects since 2010
Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 22, 2023KS
The heater in my vehicle continues to not work. Blows out cold air constantly. Unable to defrost my windshield, difficult to see out of a frosted over windshield.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 8, 2023AZ
The headrest in front passenger side made a loud noise and opened. It's scared me, because I had no clue what the noise was from at the time. It was night time and all I can say is thank God no other cars were near me...I probably would have wrecked. I'm very thankful that my son was not sitting there when it happened. There were no lights or warnings and I never knew that could happen let alone know the headrests could pop open. The vehicle has not been looked at our inspected. I seen there was a recall on this but after entering my Vin, it says this car has no active recalls.
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint1 injured
Filed Jul 25, 2023OK
The contact's cousin owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while she was sitting in the front passenger’s side seat, the headrest air bag was deployed independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact sustained a concussion and a cervical sprain and sought medical attention the following day. No Police report was filed. The contact continued driving to the destination. 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 unknown.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 5, 2023AZ
The throttle body system keeps failing and causing my ETC light to come on. This causes the car to lose speed and almost stalling while driving. Thus happens out if no where and while driving the car will automatically slow down on it own and won't let me accelerate which is very dangerous when driving on the highway or trying to make a turn and your car stops accelerating. I have had the throttle body replaced multiple times and it never resolves the issue.
Engine
Filed Apr 3, 2023185,498 milesCT
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH the vehicle shut down completely and an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the gasket was leaking and that an unknown gasket (P2173). The vehicle was repaired but the failure continued. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer was contacted, and no assist was provided. The failure mileage was 185,489.
Engine
Filed Mar 20, 2023NC
There are days the car will not start. The engine will try and turn over but never starts. (2) There have been several times while driving the car that the car will just turn off while driving. The car is very difficult to steer to pull it off the road for safety. The car will leave me stranded for at least an hour before it will start again. (3) The heat on the passenger side only blows out cold air. There is no heat on that side. (4) The car will start clicking in the dashboard for no apparent reason. This is baffling cause I have no idea what it is or what it is trying to do.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 17, 2023MI
Engine stalls when driving without warning due to a faulty Totally integrated power module which also causes a host of other electrical failures such as headlights not turning off, passenger window not rowing down, heat only working on high setting, windshield wipers going haywire, radio volume disappearing off the display and not working then reappearing and a total power dim and then surge while driving. This is the most dangerous car I’ve ever been in, and I’m disgusted to see that NHTSA already knows about these faulty units and Chrysler has already had lawsuits and recalls on these TIPM units in the Cherokees and Durangos.
Engine
Filed Jan 24, 2023139,317 milesFL
The contact’s cousin owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who drained the fuel system; however, no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V043000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 13V552000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 139,317.
Seats
Filed Jan 10, 2023MD
While driving and the headrest airbag exploded.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 30, 2022FL
My husband a I were driving down the highway and all of a sudden a loud sound a bam the air bag in the passenger seat blew open and dang near gave my husband whiplash. Also I have had the thermostat replaced 3 times in 2 years and the car is still overheating. The ABS sensor will not go off and its like the emergency brake is stuck. I can be driving and when I try to stop it is like its locking up.
Engine
Filed Dec 1, 2022PA
Car shuts down in middle of driving has a knock or shaking under hood
Air Bags1 injured
Filed Oct 26, 2022133,000 milesNC
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the driver seat headrest restraint was erroneously deployed. The contact indicated that during the incident the vehicle had not crashed or abruptly stopped to cause the headrest restraint to deploy. During the incident, the contact sustained an injured neck. No medical treatment was required. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.
FirerelatedFire
Filed Sep 14, 2022157,000 milesNY
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while entering a friend's driveway at an undisclosed speed, there were flames coming from underneath the hood. The contact exited the vehicle and contacted the fire department. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle remained at the friend's residence and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and requested proof of ownership. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
Engine
Filed Jul 26, 2022FL
Car stalls while driving
Seats
Filed Jul 10, 2022OK
Back of the headrest on driver and passenger seats are broke. Back of headrest popped out away from the front of the headrest. Recalls on other dodge avengers for this same issue just not my particular car.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 11, 2022135,000 milesFL
The contact’s niece owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer; Phillips Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (3440 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34471; (352) 644-7795) but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 13V552000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Engine
Filed Mar 28, 2022FL
Sensor fail to indicate car was overheating. Car shut off in the middle of highway with no indication. No warning that the vehicle was going to shut down. Vehicle is brought into the dealership this is what they stated on the order.T. CHECK AND ADVISE found vehicle has no compression. further diagnosis found when adding water to coolant system, cylinders # 2 and 3 filled up with water and water poured out between cylinder head and block. head and block are warped beyond repair. needs engine Yes over 50 times No warning sign Vehicle just shut off in the middle of the highway. When I review this incident on line you have several complaints stating that it’s been an ongoing issues with this making model car.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 25, 2022WA
3/24/2022, Mileage 102742. Airbag light intermittently turns on and off.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 22, 2022GA
I am always having to buy a starter or battery because it is always saying that it is bad. Also the throttle light is on now and it is making the car act up and it will not go.
Complaints 1-50 of 548, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the Avenger years to avoid: owners filed 548 complaints, 3.1 times as many as a typical Avenger year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (26%). In NHTSA crash tests it scored 4 stars overall.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Dodge Avenger?
The airbags: 145 of the 548 complaints (26%) are about it. Owners most often say it shows an airbag warning light (26%), sets off warning lights on the dash (17%) and did not deploy its airbags in a crash (10%). The typical report comes at 64,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2013 Dodge Avenger have?
5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 10, 2017. The largest, 16V668000, covered 1,435,625 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2013 Dodge Avenger problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 71,000 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 64,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2013 Dodge Avenger?
Yes, once. PE19014 ("Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment") was opened Sep 9, 2019 and closed Feb 25, 2026.
Are there service bulletins for the 2013 Dodge Avenger?
The manufacturer filed 139 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (19), the electrical system (19) and the transmission (18). They include a warranty extension, U67 Combo Rev11, filed Jun 18, 2026. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
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.