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).
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.
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 affects 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).
Hot air from drivers side and cold air from passenger side. I live in maine. I had a couple rough winters because we couldn't find out what it was. I found out what it is but I can't find a garage to put it in. This is a server visibly concern. The trunk and inside the car leaks above the windshield causing the car to smell musty and cause mold. Above the windowsheid where it leaks is causing Moisture inside and making the visibility almost impossible at times. This car has had two owners with less then 100,000 miles. Family owned
Heater on the passenger side of the vehicle blows out cold air while driver side blows out hot air like it's supposed to. By having cold air being blown out, this causes the windshield and windows on the passenger side of the vehicle to fog up causing visibility issues.
My heat on my passenger side never works, it will blow at nothing causing issues with defrosting passengers window and issue with defrost on my main window on passenger side. All other vents blow out but that one makes a whistle noise and noting comes out. It's like it's blocked, I assumed it was just the car, after going over in a lane on my passenger side and hitting another vehicle because I could barely see out my window to view my mirror, I looked more into it and have since realized I'm not the only one, in fact multiple other complaints have been filed and Dodge has done nothing to fix this. Get it together!
Heater only blows hot air on drivers side vent. Middle two vents are cool air and passenger vent is very cold air. It is causing the same effect on my windshield, which is causing serious visibility issues across half of my windshield due to nothing defrosting the entire passenger side. This does not change even after my car has been running for 45 minutes and more. This is a serious issue seeing as I cannot see to drive safely for myself and any passing by vehicles. We also have children and the temperature has been in the single digits this past week, ive had to pack blankets on top of them in the car (since they cannot wear thick coats while in a carseat) just to attempt to keep them warm and even then they are complaining that they are cold. For a vehicle that I still make payments on, I expected to atleast stay warm and be able to see where im driving during cold temperatures. …
Defroster vent is not putting out hot air on the passenger side of vehicle. This causes the passenger side windows and approx. 1/4 of the front passenger side window to fog and or frost over causing serious visibility issues! Vehicle can be stationary, in motion, on the road, it happens at anytime. Vehicle repair shop said it is a Chrysler manufacturing defect with the heater core on the Dodge avengers. Repair shop flushed the heater core but stated this is a temporary fix as the issue will continue to reappear until Chrysler admits there is a safety issue and issues a recall to rectify the defect. Due to the windows fogging and or frosting over in cold weather, this is a very serious issue that Chrysler needs to take care of asap. This defect could cause accidents due to visibility resulting in serious injury or death!
The car blows warm to hot air out of the driver's side and cold air out the passenger's side when you have the controls set to heat. I have had the heater core and coolant system flushed as well as had thermostats, water pump replaced but the issue still persists. When set to defrost only the driver's side defrosts. The passwnger's side gets worse. This issue is current and always happening no matter the state of the vehicle. If it is moving or still it does not blow heat out the pasenger's side. This is a safety issue because the car windshield reduces visibility because it will not defrost and because of the heightened hypothermia risk. Yes
Car has no heat on passenger side and a little on the drivers side. In my investigation the heater core from the factory has some bad spots on the inside that cause metal to build up inside heater core causing this issue. In the winter makes it sometimes impossible to see out the front windshield because it will not defrost the winshield. I think this is a safety issue that should be covered under a recall by Dodge. It happens when the car is driving on any road. This is an issue known by Dodge and they dont want to do anything about it.
Right side defrost doesn't work causing little to no visibility and poses a safety concern. Dealership said blend door actuator was bad. Replaced and still nothing. After researching found manufacture defect, the heater core clogs, warranty will not cover due to manufacturer defect and dealership denies any defect and wants full price to fix (over half the value of vehicle) I refuse to let my children ride in this vehicle during winter or cold weather!
Window & Wiper complaints in other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2011 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2011 Dodge Avenger, 11% of the model year's 209 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Dodge Avenger window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.