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Dodge Avenger 2012 — Reported problems

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote. 🇺🇸 Local data

40 owners reported problems with the 2012 Dodge Avenger to NHTSA, most often about unknown or other.

All reports

40
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 2026-09-28 · NHTSA 11767606

My 2012 dodge avenger will shut off whenever it feels like and you lose control of power steering. It feels like it’s not getting gas. It will crank back up when it feels like.The horn honks randomly.

ENGINE 2026-05-25 · NHTSA 11739856

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,VISIBILITY/WIPER 2025-11-16 · NHTSA 11699661

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,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2025-08-01 · NHTSA 11677692

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 2025-04-23 · NHTSA 11656367

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 2025-02-10 · NHTSA 11641713

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.

SEATS 2025-01-02 · NHTSA 11633744

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 2025-01-02 · NHTSA 11633629

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 Renard's andi can get frost bite and loose my feet or hands Not only is it a safety issue but a health issue can't upload my dealership note

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2024-11-30 · NHTSA 11628015

Blank

ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 2024-10-23 · NHTSA 11621501

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 2024-10-22 · NHTSA 11621230

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS 2024-08-13 · NHTSA 11608207

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 2024-06-13 · NHTSA 11594107

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.

AIR BAGS,SEATS 2024-05-08 · NHTSA 11587588

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.

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE 2024-05-07 · NHTSA 11587560

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,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE 2024-03-19 · NHTSA 11578375

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,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2023-12-30 · NHTSA 11562756

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 BAGS 1 injured 2023-07-27 · NHTSA 11534927

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 BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER Crash 2023-03-25 · NHTSA 11513774

Was hit from the rear emd amd air bags did not deploy. Back bumper was totally destroyed amd brakes go out fast

SEATS 2023-03-07 · NHTSA 11510543

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 2023-01-03 · NHTSA 11499920

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY 2022-12-14 · NHTSA 11497500

Little to no heat coming from vent on passenger side of cabin. Good hot heat coming from vents on driver side of cabin. Over the last 3 yrs the heater core has been replace 3 times once each year. Hot air came from all vents when replaced but as another comes around, no heat again on passenger side. Good heat on drivers side. Charlies dodge doesn't want to work on it any longer even though there is a valid warranty on the latest heater core replacement. Charlies dodge is claiming something inside the engine is coming apart and clogging the heater core. This makes no sense.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 2022-12-07 · NHTSA 11496356

Window Defrost and Passenger Side Heat/Air. Either while 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. This results in the passenger side of the front windshield being fogged up and low visibility. 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). I've looked online and there are many reports of this problem, including Dealer Star Case - S1207000008, and multiple dialogs on various forums (like https://www.avengerforumz.com/threads/passenger-side-no-heat-from-vents.60250/). There's a picture showing the sludge within the heater core - I'll copy and include that picture below. This is completely a manufacturing defect, and it affects the safety and drivability of the vehicle. Please feel free to contact me, if you need additional information. Thank you.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 2022-11-19 · NHTSA 11494208

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).

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2022-10-18 · NHTSA 11489722

Just got this car from the dealers used with only 97000 miles and first time I used the heat and I have no heat on right side of car just drivers side vent. Not even the center vents blow hot air. Please help

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2022-10-17 · NHTSA 11489502

The right side of my cars heating does not work. There is only 1 vent (the driver left vent closest to the window) that actually blows luke warm air, but all the other vents blow ice cold air. This happens with the heater turn all the way up.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2022-09-24 · NHTSA 11486206

Was driving and horn just start going off

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2022-06-04 · NHTSA 11467513

Drivers side head rest deployed. We were in no accident. Head rest popped out coming home from work.

SEAT BELTS,SEATS Crash 1 injured 2022-03-28 · NHTSA 11458662

On November 19, 2021 I was a passenger in the above vehicle, which was owned by my ex-husband. We were involved in a 3 car accident when another car cut us off while driving at the speed of 45 mph (posted), with cruise control set. Upon impact with the 2 other vehicles, my seat (the passenger side seat) broke and threw me forward into the front passenger side compartment. Even though the dash airbags deployed, I suffered a catastrophic injury to my leg/ankle that required immediate surgery---had I not had surgery, I would have never walked again. The above vehicle had to be towed due to being a total loss. When my ex-husband went to the salvage yard to retrieve his belongings out of the totaled car, he and his daughter noticed that the front passenger side seat was broke. The vehicle, I believe is no longer available for inspection, since my significant other gave the title to the salvage yard. There has been a recall affecting the seat restraint pretensioners, however, since I did not own said vehicle, I do not know if this one was included in that recall. According to my ex-husband, there was no warning, messages, or other symptoms of a problem before this accident occured. My whole life was changed that evening. I am facing huge medical costs for my recovery---my hospital bill alone was $186,500.00! This does not include follow up visits, physical therapy, and all the pain and suffering I have experienced!

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2022-03-11 · NHTSA 11456350

Heater/Defrost, Yes it is available upon request. The defrost and passenger side heat only blows cold air I have changed everything possible and still the problem remains. I cannot see out of the windshield passenger side because it does not defrost. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance Etc. No warning I bought the car used it has always had this issue among many many others. I have read up on it and it seems like a significant amount of people that own this car have the same issue.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2022-02-21 · NHTSA 11453238

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 temperatures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin).

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2022-01-20 · NHTSA 11448278

The vehicle will shut off in the middle of driving and you lose complete power to the vehicle. Then after it sits for a few hours it will start back up with no issue. I had my vehicle at the dodge dealership 2 times for them to tell me they can't figure it out and that they get alot of avengers with the same issue. But since it's not throwing a code they aren't able to fix it. I also explained that when it shuts off when you are trying to start the car it sounds like it is going to start but it just keeps turning over but won't start and the lightening bolt light comes on at that time. The dealership said they checked everything to see if it was my battery or alternator but everything they checked was good. They said this is a known problem with these cars and the only thing they can advise is to get rid if the vehicle because there isn't a fix for it. Someone is going to get hurt from this issue I have almost been hit numerous times when the vehicle shuts off with no warning. This has been happening a few times a year the whole time I have had this vehicle

VISIBILITY/WIPER 2021-12-31 · NHTSA 11445708

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 Crash 1 injured 2021-12-19 · NHTSA 11444286

Air Bags from Steering Wheel did not deploy in a at fault rear end accident. Driver suffered from neck and back injuries. Problem has not been inspected. No warning lamps.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2021-12-09 · NHTSA 11443206

The heater core went again this is the 2nd one, it's a very scary thing when you can't get your windows passenger side defrosted. I live in Michigan and I have to have heat. Thank you Tom smith

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2021-12-04 · NHTSA 11442655

My TIPM is failing. Due to this, my vehicle stalls randomly with no repair codes being shown after stalling. Everything from the battery to the catalytic converter has been replaced to no avail. I even almost was killed on the freeway coming home from work one morning because the vehicle stalled after running fine for a couple of weeks. This has been going on for almost a year and I have replaced so many things on this car I basically should have just cut my losses and purchased a new one.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 2021-11-23 · NHTSA 11441534

It seems to be a common issue that I'm experiencing as well. When I turn the heat on it only blows hot on the driver side. So depending on the weather conditions, it may completely fog up the passenger side of my window. Making it dangerous for driving when you're trying to defrost a window with cold air.

STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2021-11-22 · NHTSA 11441375

Power steering pressure line keeps breaking or coming off

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2021-11-19 · NHTSA 11441078

Passenger side blows cold air. Looks like a known issue that needs recalled

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER 2021-09-30 · NHTSA 11435070

My wipers stop in the middle of the windshield when it’s pouring outside. Now my horn won’t turn off! I was told that it’s the TIPM and it’s a known issue with my car.

Specifications, safety and listings for this car

Questions

What do owners report most on the 2012 Dodge Avenger?
Problems with unknown or other: 14 reports of 40 on record at NHTSA.
How many owner reports mention a crash or a fire?
Out of 40 reports: a crash is mentioned in 3 and a fire in 0. These are what owners wrote, not confirmed findings.