Dodge Avenger Problems by Year

We compared every Dodge Avenger model year from 1995–2014 using 3,170 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 20 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 1995, which drew far more complaints than other Avenger years at the same age. The best years are 2007, 2000 and 2009.

14model years
3,170complaints
20recalls
2008, 2012worst years
2007, 2000best years

Complaints by model year

1995199619971998199920002007200820092010201120122013201419615783586222284467163209554548205
Owner complaints per model year, Dodge Avenger. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20142051.5×1AirbagCaution
20135483.8×5AirbagAvoid
20125543.9×3ElectricalAvoid
20112091.4×3ElectricalAverage
2010163−14%3ElectricalAverage
200967−66%2EngineGood
20088445.4×6TransmissionAvoid
20072−97%4EngineGood
200022−84%1TransmissionGood
199962−62%1BrakeGood
199858−65%2SuspensionGood
199783−46%2SuspensionGood
19961571.2×2SuspensionAverage
19951961.4×2SuspensionCaution

* Complaints compared with the median Avenger year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Dodge Avenger problems

Latest Dodge Avenger recalls

Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint

NHTSA recall 17V-640 · Oct 10, 2017 · 363,930 vehicles

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.

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.

Air bags

NHTSA recall 16V-668 · Sep 15, 2016 · 1,435,625 vehicles

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.

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.

Engine

NHTSA recall 13V-552 · Nov 6, 2013 · 521 vehicles

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…

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.

Air bags

NHTSA recall 13V-282 · Jul 2, 2013 · 442,320 vehicles

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…

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.

Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly

NHTSA recall 13V-043 · Feb 6, 2013 · 1,785 vehicles

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.

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 20 Dodge Avenger recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Dodge Avenger should you avoid?

2008, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 1995 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Avenger years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2008.

What is the best year for the Dodge Avenger?

2007 has the fewest complaints compared with other Avenger years at the same age, followed by 2000 and 2009. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Dodge Avenger problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (597), engine & cooling (578) and air bags (568). Electrical complaints peak in the 2008 model year.

How many recalls has the Dodge Avenger had?

20 recalls across 1995–2014. The model year with the most is 2008. See all Dodge Avenger recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.