Most common 2011 Dodge Avenger problems
Share of the 209 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Avenger complaints by model year
Best Avenger years: 2007, 2000, 2009. Years to avoid: 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 1995. Compare all years →
2011 Dodge Avenger recalls (3)
Air bags
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.
Air bags
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.
Steering › Column
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, Jeep wrangler, Chrysler 200, Chrysler 200 convertible, Dodge avenger, Dodge nitro, Jeep liberty, Dodge caliber, Jeep compass, Jeep patriot, Dodge grand caravan and Chrysler town & country vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on July 4, 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2011 Dodge Avenger:
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
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…
Engine stall
During PE12-016, Chrysler identified a condition in model year (MY) 2011 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines that may result in engine stall when stopped or travelling at very low speeds.According to Chrysler, this condition occurs when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) initiates a purge monitor check while the engine is at idle which can result in an overly rich vapor condition and…
What 2011 Dodge Avenger owners say
Electrical system all 41 →
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the rear turn signals became inoperable. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V282000 (Electrical System, Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the passenger's side seat headrest exploded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V282000 (Electrical System, Air Bags) and 11V315000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.
Engine & cooling all 39 →
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the cruise control, buttons on the steering wheel, and occupant restraint control were malfunctioning. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags) and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that the air bag and occupant restraint warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 171,998.
Vehicle will shut off while driving, has happened numerous time's, horn randomly honks by its self, it take numerous attempts to get the car started once it shut off, and now it's locked In limp mode and won't leave second gear
Air bags all 35 →
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the cruise control, buttons on the steering wheel, and occupant restraint control were malfunctioning. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags) and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that the air bag and occupant restraint warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 171,998.
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the rear turn signals became inoperable. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V282000 (Electrical System, Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
2011 Dodge Avenger engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 30 / 23 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Dodge Avenger a good car?
Based on 209 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Avenger rates average: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Avenger at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Dodge Avenger?
The electrical system — 41 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about starter assembly. Next are the engine & cooling (39) and air bags (35).
How many recalls does the 2011 Dodge Avenger have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2011 Dodge Avenger, the most recent from September 15, 2016 (air bags). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Avenger?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007, 2000 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 1995. See the full Dodge Avenger years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Dodge Avenger problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 78,000 miles; 31% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.