Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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 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.
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). Manufacturer is aware but has yet to recall the issue even though reports are widespread for their vehicles in this model and dealership states it is a known issue.
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
Throttle Body changed 3 times still stalling and poor acceleration problems very unsafe stalls out of no where very frustrated also changed electronic pedal and battery Lighting signs still comes on and stalls very dangerous!
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.
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.
Dashboard lights up without warning; dealer failed to correct or report when first purchased vehicle in 2011. Now in 2019, dealer denies record despite having given us loaner Jeep and Chrysler 200 in separate occasions. In 2019, car lights up randomly, engine stops while driving on freeway or in regular street traffic or turning at an intersection, and dealer reports unable to correct. Extremely hazardous. Worth a lawsuit. Dash lights up, engine shuts off, steering wheel locks, car sometimes starts again but not always. We paid the dealer to fully replace the crank sensor but that isn't fixing it. Tpm sensor warning appeared and isn't going away despite dealer stating it should. Replacing psi sensor did not correct this system warning either. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Avenger. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power and the battery warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Updated 01/10/2017 consumer stated the engine RPM jumped to 1500 RPM and the vehicle began to slow down. The electronic throttle control light was blinking on the dash along with the automatic traction control light illiminating. The vehicle RPM would only vary from 1200-1500rpm with the max speed of 20mph. Turns out the little plastic gears inside the part wear, causing the ECM to "lose track" of where the throttle position is. Updated 6/28/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle windshield wipers and turning signal independently activated. In addition, the steering column and the gear shifter failed to function. The seat belt and air bags warning lights were illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 11V315000 (steering) and 16V668000 (seat belts, air bags). The vehicle was taken to (scott evans Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram located at 2280 bankhead hwy, carrollton, ga 30116) where they diagnosed that the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
Electrical complaints in other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2011 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Dodge Avenger, 20% of the model year's 209 complaints. The component named most often is starter assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Dodge Avenger electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2011 Dodge Avenger, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Dodge Avenger electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.