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).
I took my car to the Dodge dealership to be diagnose because of windshield wiper not working properly. When wipers are turn on they would randomly stop out of no where then take several seconds sometimes minutes before coming back on, the diagnostic came back internal short in TIPM. I've noticed in many research online there has been many recalls and problem regarding TIPM from Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler. Also I've had shortage in my power window not wanting to work but will eventually start again and air bag light is on all those could be related to the bad TIPM. …
Hello, the above mentioned vehicle, was at glendale Dodge Chrysler Jeep, in glendale, ca, for a total of seven full days. They were trying to find out why the (horn), continues to go off either, moving or standing still. They put in the following parts: (switch speed) for $50.00 (switch horn) for $127.60 (harness steer) for $158.00 plus the cost of diagnosis $195.00 after all of this I was finally told that the vehicle needs a (tipmcgw) , which I was given an estimate of $1,900, plus labor. I was told this part is located under the fuse box, and controls all the functions in the vehicle. This does not seem to be a wear and tear part, especially where it is located, not sure why it would go out unless faulty. This is a recurring problem with the horn. It's a safety issue to have the horn connected, because it keeps going off. …
Takata recall" I have experienced problems with the alternator 3 times, this vehicle is a 2012 Dodge Avenger, the mileage that I started receiving problems were probaly 67,000 and 80,000. I have replaced the alternator 3 times, 2 times in the last 2 years. The problem started when the egine light alerted me there was a problem I then took the car to get it checked and they said that the charging system was not charging the alternator properly, then it resulted in battery issues draining the battery, if I turned my lights or wipers on or anything electrical the problem was worse. Then the car stalled on the interstate, from there I was towed to a car max. There they charged me for the labor on the alternator because I had an exttended warranty at the time of this particular failure. …
On my 2012 Dodge Avenger, I have had problems with my alternator and had to replace it 3 times, 2 times in the last 2 yrs. I have gotten it checked and the warning was detected that it was the charging system, and wiring system. The first time I experienced this, my engine light came on and the car stalled immediately with almost no warning except the light pops on deceleration and stalled on the interstate. The next time I experienced it was when I was driving home from work battery light then check engine light then the next day I needed a battery but I was told at the Dodge dealership that the code was for the charging system not charging properly my VIN number is not one of the vins that is a recall for my car, how is this possible when I am having the same problems time after time. I see where several customers have reported for the same problems with the same make and model. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle downshifted to 10 MPH and lost power. Additionally, the vehicle jerked, skid, the steering wheel seized, and the traction control and throttle warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the brakes, sway bar, and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to luther brookdale Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (8188 brooklyn blvd, brooklyn park, mn 55445, [phone]), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a voice message was left, but they failed to respond. The contact stated that she was terrified to drive the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Since 2016, my car has been out of heat on the passenger side and is now starting to lose heat on the driver side. I have had great up-keep on my car and get it fixed on a regular bases. During the winter my car is freezing cold. It is only letting heat out on the far left driver side vent and this is starting to blow cold air too. It takes forever to warm the inside of my car or never warms up at all. I'm unsure what the underlying problem is that I see is very common for this type of car. Being in the military I don't have thousands of dollars to get this fix. It is totally a manufactures defect and need to fixed immediately.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. While operating the vehicle, the heater would not operate and the windows could not be defrosted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who flushed the heater core, but the failure continued. In addition, while driving various speeds, the vehicle shut off. During the failure, the electronic throttle and ESP activation malfunction indicators illuminated. The failures were not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified. The failure mileage was 107,000. Consumer stated manufacturer was notified on the same day.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. After fueling the vehicle and driving approximately 3 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to jim cogdill Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (8544 kingston pike, knoxville, tn 37919) where it was initially diagnosed that the fuel pump failed and needed replacement. After replacing the fuel pump, the dealer stated that the totally integrated power module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The throttle control and electronic stability control warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,629.
While driving down the interstate with the cruise control on, the cruise shut off, the brake light, ABS light and traction control light came on and the car experienced a sudden lose of power and was braking itself. The sudden lose of speed and braking out of the driver's control on the interstate during rush hour created a safety hazard.
Traction Control complaints in other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2012 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2012 Dodge Avenger, 5% of the model year's 554 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Dodge Avenger traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control 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 traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 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.