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).
This is a HUGE SAFETY issue!!!!!! The engine randomly shuts off, which also causes the brakes to stop working and to have no power steering. Anything connected to the battery is fine (lights, radio, dashboard, etc.). myself, any passenger, and those around me are put at risk by the car shutting off in the middle of the road. Someone could hit me because I am not moving, or I am trying to get out of the way. or I might end up hitting someone else because the brakes don't work. this is a huge risk to life and limb. Noone other than myself has tried to see what is going on with my car, specifically. i have already put out a lot of money on parts that research says it COULD be. other people have had the same complaint about their Dodge vehicles. they have even taken them to many repair shops, with no one finding a real answer as to why this is happening. …
My 2012 dodge avenger will shut off whenever it feels like and you lose control of power steering. It feels like it's not getting gas. It will crank back up when it feels like.The horn honks randomly.
While driving on the interstate doing about 65mph at 5 am, I disengaged the cruise control on my vehicle, my car all the sudden turned off and lost complete power, including steering, brakes, and acceleration. The key was still in the on position. This is a major safety hazard! Had I not been able to coast and engage the emergency break, I would have crashed and most likely suffered serious bodily injuries or death. This is the third time this has happened to me and I have read this has happened to others already as well. The entire electrical system failed because my engine turned off as well as the dashboard completely went dark to include headlights, turn signals, and the hazard lights. My vehicle has stopped in motion all the sudden for no apparent reason two times in one week. …
Car has only 50,000 miles and have had to replace rack and pinion seven months ago. Now the clock spring is bad in steering resulting in borrowed time for air bag. So, if we do not replace this for the cost of $500, my air bag will not deploy in the event of an accident, resulting in possible death. This issue needs to be looked at as soon as possible with Dodge avengers (2012). There should be no reason my steering wheel should have this many issues starting at 35,000 miles and still continuing. If an air bag does not deploy upon impact and myself, or my child, or someone dies as a result of the faulty clock spring and air bags, it will not be a very good situation. This issue needs to be looked at immediately. …
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.
The horn has a electrical shortage, which continues to honk, while driving, or standing still. Your Dodge Jeep Chrysler dealer in glendale, now tells me, that there is a short, and he knows that the switch is bad, as it continues to honk when the horn is connected. Now this dealer is charging me another $900., but not sure it will fix problems. This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned, it is a death trap, waiting to happen.
My case# [redacted], shop was not able to fix the problem and there appears to be a short some where in the column of the steering wheel. My horn had to be disconnected just so it doesn't continue to blow while I am driving. My nerves have gotten very bad, listen to this horn continually blowing, car can be parked, or moving.
Driving at 50-55 MPH and check engine and other dashboard lights flashed and started losing power. Pulled off to side street a few feet away. I was lucky to be able to get in center turn lane where the car died completely. Power steering also was lost. We pushed car off road where it restarted about 1/2 hour later. Driving home less then 5 miles it died but started again.
The dash board lights started flashing. My engine light came on and the car turned off the steering was not working and the brakes were pressed to the floorboard . I almost hit a mailbox . Thank goodness there was no child near the school zone this has happened several times now . The mechanic says it could be the ABS
Steering complaints in other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2012 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Dodge Avenger, 4% of the model year's 554 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Dodge Avenger steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering 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.