Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Window Defrost and Passenger Side Heat/Air. Either while in motion or while driving, no heated air exits the passenger side of the windshield defroster, nor the passenger window defrost, lower and center console vents. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. This results in the passenger side of the front windshield being fogged up and low visibility. Problem persists through all cabin air modes and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin tempuratures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin). I've looked online and there are many reports of this problem, including Dealer Star Case - S1207000008, and multiple dialogs on various forums (like https://www.avengerforumz.com/threads/passenger-side-no-heat-from-vents.60250/). …
Window Defrost and Passenger Heat /Air. While either in motion or while driving, no heated air exits the passenger side of the windshield defroster, nor the passenger window defrost, lower and center console vents. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. Problem persists through all cabin air modes, and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin tempuratures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin)."
Window Defrost and Passenger Heat /Air. While either in motion or while driving, no heated air exits the passenger side of the windshield defroster, nor the passenger window defrost, lower and center console vents. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. Problem persists through all cabin air modes, and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin tempuratures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin).
Window Defrost and Passenger Heat /Air. While either in motion or while driving, no heated air exits the passenger side of the windshield defroster, nor the passenger window defrost, lower and center console vents. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. Problem persists through all cabin air modes, and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin tempuratures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin).
It seems to be a common issue that I'm experiencing as well. When I turn the heat on it only blows hot on the driver side. So depending on the weather conditions, it may completely fog up the passenger side of my window. Making it dangerous for driving when you're trying to defrost a window with cold air.
I have a 2012 Dodge Avenger v6 with only the driver side heat working. Upon further investigation as to what caused it there is sand partials in the cooling system from the sand forging of the motor and where there was not proper flushing of the cooling system before the assembly of the motor. It is a closed system so there is no way that sand partials can enter the system and cause that issue. Dodge believes there is no safety issue with it and it is a "creature comfort", but when in face the heat defrosts the windows to enable visibility. With no heat on the passenger side of vehicle the passenger side and some of the driver side is unable to defog, defrost, or melt any ice obstructing the view of the driver. This is not a driver issue, this is a manufacturing issue that needs to be resolved.
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. …
In January-February 2018, my 2012 Avenger rt began to experience insufficient/non-existent airflow and lack of heat to the right-side window defrosters and all passenger vents (except the front-left driver vents), creating visibility hazards and an uncomfortable driving environment for both the driver and passengers. During the following 2018 summer, the air cooling effect and window-defogging was also diminished, especially from the inexplicable reduced airflow coming from passenger vents. The heater/defroster had major difficulty defrosting the windshield and right-side front window. In early 2019, I brought my Avenger to a repair shop recommended by several friends and associates, and the shop recommended a coolant system flush and inspected air blend door actuators, but those were fine. …
I have a 2012 Dodge Avenger with approximately 60K miles. The heat did not work on the passenger side. I have an extended warranty and took it to a Dodge dealer for repair. I was told it was the heater core. The only sign was no heat, no leaks or smells. The extended warranty company was contacted but was told it was not a covered repair, it was a maintenance issue. I only take my car to the same Dodge dealer for all repairs, maintenance services, recalls, etc.. I paid to have it flushed, but that didn't work, so I had to have it replaced and paid $1100. I've read the same complaints from other Dodge Avenger owners. I contacted Dodge several times and each time I'm placed on hold for hours and once I get through, they rushed me off the phone. How could over 100 other Dodge Avenger owners have the same complaint as myself regarding the heater core. …
2012 Dodge Avenger act plus. Stopped heating on passenger side and only defrosts and unfogs the window on the driver side. This is an apparent manufacturer defect that requires the heater core to be replaced as a remedy. I would urge Dodge to do a proper re all before somebody dies due to poor visibility. This, first, happened to my car while driving at night. The window was covered in steam or fog (whatever you call it) and the blower in the dash was not clearing it for proper visibility. I'm glad I did not crash or hurt someone because I could not see. After I pulled off the road and investigated, I realized that the heat was not working on passenger side, it only blew cold air, but driver side was warm air. Not ideal for cold pa winters and I should not have to foot the bill for an obvious manufacturer defect. …
Window & Wiper complaints in other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2012 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA has 100 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2012 Dodge Avenger, 18% of the model year's 554 complaints. The component named most often is glass, side/rear (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Dodge Avenger window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.