Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Dodge Avenger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the warning lights on the instrument panel flashed on and off. The contact stated that the horn was inadvertently honked while the vehicle was losing motive power. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V282000 (Electrical System, Air Bags); and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the driver seat headrest restraint was erroneously deployed. The contact indicated that during the incident the vehicle had not crashed or abruptly stopped to cause the headrest restraint to deploy. During the incident, the contact sustained an injured neck. No medical treatment was required. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.
Purchased this car 3 yrs a go about 2 weeks ago the airbag light remains on constantly the car was parked but remains on constantly. The car has 107K I search for recall on this site and nothing even though there are over 485 complaints for the same issue. What does it take to get this NOTICED by MOPAR this is obviously a safety hazard. I bet if one of MOPAR's dependents was driving a 2013 Dodge Avenger they would get it fixed TODAY for free via a recall are you listening MOPAR??? I am sure you read these complaints. I will contact a Chrysler dealer in the area and see if they will do the right thing and fix this safety issue for free but after reading all these complaints looks like a losing battle. MOPAR is you want to have customers buy your cars do the right thing a get a recall out on this airbag issue.
The headrest in front passenger side made a loud noise and opened. It's scared me, because I had no clue what the noise was from at the time. It was night time and all I can say is thank God no other cars were near me...I probably would have wrecked. I'm very thankful that my son was not sitting there when it happened. There were no lights or warnings and I never knew that could happen let alone know the headrests could pop open. The vehicle has not been looked at our inspected. I seen there was a recall on this but after entering my Vin, it says this car has no active recalls.
I was driving my car and the active headrests on the driver side and passenger side both deployed prematurely. I wasn't in any collisions and the headrests deployed. It was very unexpected when they went off as i was driving to school it put both my safety and my sisters safety at risk when they deployed. As stated previously i am unsure as to why they went off as i was never involved in any collisions. There were no warning lamps or any messages prior to them deploying.
Both head rest which is attached to airbags or have airbags in them I don't know but the exploded open. Headrest could have exploded while someone was in the seat and got head injuries. No problem has not been confirmed by anyone but myself,husband and self employed mechanic, I didn't know what to do. No, no type of warning before it happen. Passenger one exploded January 2025, driver exploded about May 2025.
My husband a I were driving down the highway and all of a sudden a loud sound a bam the air bag in the passenger seat blew open and dang near gave my husband whiplash. Also I have had the thermostat replaced 3 times in 2 years and the car is still overheating. The ABS sensor will not go off and its like the emergency brake is stuck. I can be driving and when I try to stop it is like its locking up.
The TIPM failed causing the car to shut off and not start again. The problem has been confirmed by Upstate Auto. There was a recall on the TIPM but it was not replaced instead some occupant restraints were replaced instead and now the manufacturer does not make the TIPM part anymore.
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that upon approaching a stop light at 10 MPH, the driver behind her was on a cell phone and rear ended her vehicle. The contact stated that the driver seat belt failed to restrain her and the contact hit her head on the driver side window. The air bags also failed to deploy upon impact. The contact did not receive medical attention; however, she stated that she did have pain to her lower spine, neck, and left side of her head. The other driver did not sustain injuries. The police were called to the scene; however, they never showed. The contact stated that she gave her information to the dispatcher; but was uncertain if a police report was filed. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was later destroyed. …
Hello I guess my car has a recall I didnt no I went to the dealership got some parts my in there system I work out of town I travel alot drove the out of state I got in a accident police came wrote a report said it was my fault in the impact the airbags never open and the seat bet became loss it takes longer to return in its rolled up position I thought maybe the airbags didnt open cause the impact wasnt hard enough will I just left it like that I ended up fixing the car on my own didnt wont more problems with the insurance didnt make it a bigger deal around christmas time all this coronavirus happens this was in texas my job ended I came back home to nevada time passed went to the dealer to get more parts nothing a few days later yesterday I get a text from the dealer my car has a recall they won't to fix it and Chrysler is going to pay for my rental cause they need the car a few days …
Related recalls
Air bags
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017.
Air bags
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through December 15, 2011; and…
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013.
Airbag complaints in other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2013 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA has 154 complaints about the air bags of the 2013 Dodge Avenger, 28% of the model year's 548 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Dodge Avenger airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-668 (air bags, Sep 15, 2016); NHTSA recall 13V-282 (air bags, Jul 2, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Dodge Avenger airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 19 crashes, 3 fires and 28 injuries to air bags 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.