Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Dodge Avenger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
I was in a recent accident that caused over $4,500 in damage to the front end of my 2011 Dodge Avenger. I hit the vehicle in front of me travelling at over 20mph and the airbags did not deploy and I braced myself against the steering wheel and thankfully was not injured. There are currently two open recalls for the airbag and seat belt restraint. The police officer on scene was bewildered that the airbags had not deployed, and I'm not certain they would work or not with the active recall due to the two main safey features of this vehicle. Currently the vehicle is being "tested" by Dodge/Chrysler group but they have yet to provide me with a loaner vehicle till they deem the car is in fact safe to drive and operate. I refuse to get behind the wheel of a car in the event I'm in another accident and the two safety devices I rely on do not work. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while parked, the horn actuated independently and the instrument cluster flickered on and off. The vehicle was driven to the residence and there was an abnormal smoke odor in the cabin in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to daytona Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram & Fiat located at 1450 n tomoka farms rd suite a, daytona beach, fl 32124, 1450 n tomoka farms rd suite a, daytona beach, fl 32124, to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the horn assembly, speed sensor, and the TIPM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,999.
On 7/24/2020 I was involved in an a front end accident. After taking it to a collision center they went directly through the insurance company. The insurance sompany agent indicated they totaled out the car due to an air bag issue. The clock spring in the steering wheel caused the air bag light to turn on, they also indicated the the air bag control module would need to be replaced and a seatbelt module. The agent said that would be thousands of dollars to replace and it's not safe for the roads so they totaled the car out.
Takata recall I was involded in a accident, my vehicle was rear ended and my seat belts did not locked or airbags did not eject. Also my break indicater always pops up on the dash board. My back window stop rolling down. The air conditioner makes a loud claking sound everytime I turn on or off the engine.and it wont revers. Theeres something new always going on with this car.
Vehicle air bag light has been on for months,recently took it in for the orc recall dealer advised that's not the reason for the recall, hes had multiple other Dodge avengers come in with the same issue. He sed me to contact Dodge and file a complaint. I did read today that 2012+ Dodge avengers have came up with another recall that has to do with air bag light being on so I don't know what else to do beside file a complaint. Ive also had multiple other issues with this car, the braking system will skip before stopping (its really hard to explain). Ive been to 4 different mechanics jensen tires, tires plus, brakes plus, and the Dodge dealership themselves. All of them have performed a full inspection on vehicle and said everything is perfect and nothing is wrong with the car. …
This is an update to a previous complaint. I received a recall back on November 2016 from FCA. I contacted FCA regarding the recall and they told me they didn't have the parts and would put me on a priority list and contact me when they had the parts. Still have not received any type of contact and its now April 24th 2017. I have emailed Dodge corporate office regarding the safety issue of my vehicle asking for a new vehicle with no safety recall issues or complete my recall. Have not received a response from them. I went to Dodge and asked when my car will be fixed, they told me they do not have the parts and could only do it now if it was safety related. "which it clearly is." I have received no information on when the parts will be available or offered an alternative to ensure I am driving a safe vehicle. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, she drove through a stop light and another vehicle crashed into the front passenger door. The air bags did not deploy during the crash. There was an occupant in the front passenger seat that suffered neck injuries and was taken to the hospital. The front passenger door received extensive damages. The police were notified and a report was available if needed. The vehicle was towed to an auto body shop where it was awaiting repair. The dealer was not notified. The manufacture was notified and stated that the parameters of the air bag sensors were not struck during the crash, therefore the air bags would not deploy. The failure and current mileages were 10,000.
Related recalls
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.
Airbag complaints in other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2011 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the air bags of the 2011 Dodge Avenger, 17% of the model year's 209 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Dodge Avenger airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-668 (air bags, Sep 15, 2016); NHTSA recall 13V-282 (air bags, Jul 2, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Dodge Avenger airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.