Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Dodge Avenger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH and various other speeds, the passenger's side of the windshield defroster blower was only blowing cold air. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the HVAC system and blower needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,122.
Little to no heat coming from vent on passenger side of cabin. Good hot heat coming from vents on driver side of cabin. Over the last 3 yrs the heater core has been replace 3 times once each year. Hot air came from all vents when replaced but as another comes around, no heat again on passenger side. Good heat on drivers side. Charlies dodge doesn't want to work on it any longer even though there is a valid warranty on the latest heater core replacement. Charlies dodge is claiming something inside the engine is coming apart and clogging the heater core. This makes no sense.
There is no heat on the passenger side but there is heat on the driver's side. There seems to be a mechanical defect with this vehicle because the vehicle stalled on a hill in park and started to roll down the hill and the brake and everything stopped working at that moment in the car. I also had another incident with the car stalling while driving and due to this it caused another accident. The car is also well kept, but it seems to have a mechanical defect
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while the heating was activated, there was cool air blowing out of the front and rear passenger's side vents. The windows failed to defrost. The contact stated that visibility out the passenger's side front or rear window was greatly reduced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Button Chrysler Jeep Dodge (1220 e. Boulevard, kokomo, in 46902, [phone]) was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was notified that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle then was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed that the thermostat housing failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000. The VIN was not available.
The vehicle is producing heat/defrost on the drivers side but blows cold air on passenger side, causing the defrost not to work on passenger window. After the mechanic and extensive research I have found several others with this same issue on this make and model. It appears that in the manufacturing of the vehicle something was done incorrectly causing sludge to build in the radiator and the heat core. I have read casting was not done properly, also read problems with the radiator so adjustments were made. I cannot say what the problem is only there is a problem. Most cars I have researched have 20,000 to 30,000 miles and this vehicle very well could have had this problem at this mileage also. We knew the passenger side didn't defrost well but only found the heat blew cold this winter.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. While attempting to heat the vehicle and activate the windshield defroster, the contact realized that the features were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the heater core needed to be replaced also, mechanic diagnosed the problem as the actuator doors. Independent dealer cut and open the dash and found heater core was plugged with silicone and dust particals from when factory put engine together. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The dealer was notified. Manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the defrost system failed to operate on the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the defrost system failed to clear the window on the passenger side, which affected his vision while driving. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that sand entered the coolant system. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. While the contact was attempting to defrost the windows, the passenger side defroster failed to operate. Also, the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Dodge country at [phone] (1902 e central texas expy, killeen, tx 76541) where it was diagnosed that the heater core and the temperature gauge needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that there was no heat in the vehicle to clean the windshield, which made it difficult to drive in cold weather. The dealer diagnosed that the heater core needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. The VIN was not provided.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to emit heat on the front passenger side. The vehicle was taken to greenville Dodge Chrysler (5401 I-30 frontage rd, greenville, tx 75402) where it was diagnosed that the heater core needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 60,824.
AC & Heater complaints in other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are ac & heater problems on the 2012 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the a/c & heater of the 2012 Dodge Avenger, 4% of the model year's 554 complaints. The component named most often is defroster/defogger/hvac system (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Dodge Avenger ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for the 2012 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 2012 Dodge Avenger ac & heater problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to a/c & heater 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.