Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
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).
Driving home from work at 5:40 pm, 3 deer ran out and after slamming on brakes the last one was struck, head on. The hood buckled and the entire engine of the car imploded in flames. No airbags went off and the car immediately died. I was able to pull car over to the side of the road and get out of car however, the car burned completely. The car engulfed in flames and the engine, windows, entire inside, everything burned. There is no dash, no steering wheel, seats, front tires, etc are gone. There is very little left and the manufacturer had an investigation done and will not tell me why this happened. My husband has a 2014 Avenger and we want to know if it is safe. But were told my manufacturer representative they would not tell me because they would not want it out in the public.
Was hit from the rear emd amd air bags did not deploy. Back bumper was totally destroyed amd brakes go out fast
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. Upon using the vent controls for the heater or air conditioner, a knocking noise progressed near the area of the glove compartment. The contact also indicated that water poured in excess when the trunk was opened and that there May be a potential leak within a seal. Also, the front passenger side door handle was deteriorating without warning. The vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V282000 (air bags, electrical system). The dealer was unable to determine when the part would become available to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. While driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The engine was restarted and the contact drove the vehicle home. The vehicle was later taken to autonation Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram north fort worth (11200 n freeway, fort worth, tx 76177, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.
Climate control blows cold air on the passenger side and warm air on the drivers side when heat is on and driving. Engine temperature does not reach normal operating temperature when driving in cold weather. Took to my local trusted mechanic and he diagnosed the heater core is plugged with debris. Looked online and the Dodge Avenger have numerous complaints with that same issue. Called Chrysler group and made a complaint and got a case number. I have an appointment later this week to have it diagnosed by a Dodge dealership for the record.
I have continuosly been having problems with my brakes and rotors, engine stalling while driving, and the lock to my drivers side door isnt working properly. I have had my brakes and rotors repaired three times within a 4 month time frame. This is ridiculous. I dont know what kind of mechanical meltdown this vehicle is having. But some needs to provide some answers.
Front hood - paint has been bubbling now. Dealer notified, admits a problem with hood and needs to be replaced which costs 2,000.00. This a factory issue and I don't feel that consumer should pay for this. Rear trunk lid - water leaks in cargo area after every rain. This has been ongoing and dealer has also been notified. No solution given at this time.
We hit a deer and the front of the car was demolished. Upon inspection the next morning, I noticed that an airbag sensor was shattered and just hanging by the wire harness. Airbags did not deploy, I was concerned about this and never got a straight answer from anyone. Now I get a recall notice saying faulty restraint system, I'm not too happy...
The interior drivers side door handle sliced my finger when I opened the door.. It looks like the metal is separating and is sharp as a knife.... My other issue is .. There is a clicking noise in my passenger side dash board.. On the driver side the vents blow hot air and the passenger side vent blows cold air.
The front of the hood on the avengers has corrosion. Chrysler replaced some of them but not mine even though it was still under the extended warranty. They said it had to be claimed the first year. I think Chrysler should recall all of the hoods because they're all corroded.
Body complaints in other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2012 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the body & structure of the 2012 Dodge Avenger, 4% of the model year's 554 complaints. The component named most often is body (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Dodge Avenger body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure 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 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 2 fires and 5 injuries to body & structure 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.