Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (buckles, retractors, anchors and pretensioners).
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).
On November 19, 2021 I was a passenger in the above vehicle, which was owned by my ex-husband. We were involved in a 3 car accident when another car cut us off while driving at the speed of 45 mph (posted), with cruise control set. Upon impact with the 2 other vehicles, my seat (the passenger side seat) broke and threw me forward into the front passenger side compartment. Even though the dash airbags deployed, I suffered a catastrophic injury to my leg/ankle that required immediate surgery---had I not had surgery, I would have never walked again. The above vehicle had to be towed due to being a total loss. When my ex-husband went to the salvage yard to retrieve his belongings out of the totaled car, he and his daughter noticed that the front passenger side seat was broke. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. While the contact's vehicle was stopped at a yield sign, it was rear ended by another vehicle traveling approximately 60 MPH. The contact's vehicle was pushed into oncoming traffic. The contact stated that the seat belts never engaged and the air bags did not deploy. The contact was knocked unconscious and sustained a head contusion, concussion, neck sprain, and back injuries. The contact's daughter sustained minor injuries that did not require medical attention. The contact was taken to the hospital for medical treatment and underwent several brain scans. She was also currently experiencing minor seizures. A police report was filed. The vehicle was initially towed to the contact's home. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V668000 (air bags, seat belts). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. While driving 10 MPH, another vehicle ran a stop sign and collided with the front passenger side of the contact's vehicle. The driver's side air bag did not deploy. The contact believed that the seat belt failed to restrain her. A police report was not filed. The contact experienced muscle stiffness, back pain, and bruises on her chest, which required medical attention. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. …
I was in accident the brakes failed during hard braking. I hit the brake pedal so hard I bent the pedal assembly. The seatbelt restraints didn't lockup and threw me forward so I hit my head on the roof line the point of impact was the sun visor. The airbags did not deploy and I hit the steering wheel with my chest. I hit the car in front of me when the brakes failed the car keep rolling to the point of impact with the Cadillac escalade my car went under his bumper so the car had to dive down just to roll under his car. The driver in the vehicle was not hurt. I would up with a small concussion and my right foot is still in pain.
1st complaint is the seatbelt will randomly lock and restrain you and and take several seconds to release. 2nd complaint is my driver side floor is constantly drenched with a fluid when it rains. 3rd complaint is the car shudders and vibrates when driving above 40mph. 4th complaint I was involved in a car accident and my air bags failed to deploy.
My son was in a head on collision and the driver side seat belt did not lock in place and it fully extended allowing my son's head to slam into the windshield. He has had a head ache, in that exact spot from the impact, for 7 days consecutively. - (recall related incidents) ts
I received a recall notice for the airbags and seat belts in my Avenger. They are saying that the restraints and protective equipment May or May not work properly in the event of an accident. I frequently carry my children and grandchildren in that vehicle. Chrysler is saying that there is no fix for this problem at this time. They are saying that the parts are not even designed - or available, and will not be until the second quarter of next year. I am in contact with Chrysler - and they have offered to pay for a rental vehicle using my credit card - and then reimburse me. However, this could go on for months and months. I do not think that they have properly notified the American public of the dangers of the failure of the safety equipment. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated while driving at various speeds. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V668000 (seat belts, air bags). The part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to lee Dodge dealer located in lewiston, me. The part was unavailable for the repair. Each time the vehicle was taken to the dealer, a diagnostic fee was charged. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine overheated and the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (frank fletcher Dodge in sherwood, ar: [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the radiator needed to be replaced. The technician also stated that there was no recall and that the warranty expired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V668000 (seat belts, air bags). The failure mileage was approximately 101,246. Parts distribution disconnect.
I was the passenger in our 2012 Dodge Avenger. Another car pulled across three lanes of traffic and we hit her with the whole front end of our car. The air bags did not deploy. All persons in car were wearing seat belts. But the passenger seat belt tensioner failed to tighten. I was thrown into the dashboard and floor. My injuries: both knees, neck and back.
Seat Belt complaints in other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat belt problems on the 2012 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the seat belts of the 2012 Dodge Avenger, 8% of the model year's 554 complaints. The component named most often is front (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Dodge Avenger seat belt problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seat belts 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 seat belt problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 10 injuries to seat belts 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.