Most common 2012 Dodge Avenger problems
Share of the 554 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 →
2012 Dodge Avenger recalls (3)
Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint
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
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2012 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…
What 2012 Dodge Avenger owners say
Electrical system all 109 →
The vehicle will shut off in the middle of driving and you lose complete power to the vehicle. Then after it sits for a few hours it will start back up with no issue. I had my vehicle at the dodge dealership 2 times for them to tell me they can't figure it out and that they get alot of avengers with the same issue. But since it's not throwing a code they aren't able to fix it. I also explained that when it shuts off when you are trying to start the car it sounds like it is going to start but it just keeps turning over but won't start and the lightening bolt light comes on at that time. The dealership said they checked everything to see if it was my battery or alternator but everything they checked was good. They said this is a known problem with these cars and the only thing they can advise is to get rid if the vehicle because there isn't a fix for it. …
I was driving and I stopped at a stop sign. When I got ready to go, the car stalled and stopped and wouldn't start. After 30 minutes, it started but I ended up having it towed. My mechanic was able to replicate it after putting the car in the sun, running it for 10 minutes and then driving it. When the mechanic tried to look at it, he couldn't find anything to cause it to stop. I look it to the dealership. They were unable to replicate it or find the problem. It seems to happen when the car gets hot it stops without warning. Other people in the Dodge Avenger online group have experienced the same thing. The horn also keeps beeping without warning and the airbag sign is on. I think all of these items are connected. [redacted]
Air bags all 109 →
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V640000 (Seats, Air Bags). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the contact entered the vehicle and observed that the headrest was uneven. The contact inspected the headrest from the rear of the vehicle where she observed that the headrest had separated but was still attached to the middle of the headrest. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,206.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto repair shop where it was diagnosed that there was an open circuit in the front driver's side air bag squib. The contact was informed that the air bag squib needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 227,000.
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 100 →
Window Defrost and Passenger Side Heat/Air. Either while 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. This results in the passenger side of the front windshield being fogged up and low visibility. 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 tempuratures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin). I've looked online and there are many reports of this problem, including Dealer Star Case - S1207000008, and multiple dialogs on various forums (like https://www.avengerforumz.com/threads/passenger-side-no-heat-from-vents.60250/). …
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 tempuratures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin)."
2012 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 2012 Dodge Avenger a good car?
Based on 554 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Avenger rates avoid: 3.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the Avenger at the same age. It is one of the Avenger years we suggest avoiding. 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 2012 Dodge Avenger?
The electrical system — 109 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about alternator/generator/regulator. Next are the air bags (109) and windows, wipers & sunroof (100).
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge Avenger have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2012 Dodge Avenger, the most recent from October 10, 2017 (head restraint). 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 2012 Dodge Avenger problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 28% 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.