Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 42 | 20% | 52,000 miles |
| 2013 | 126 | 23% | 90,000 miles |
| 2012 | 91 | 16% | 78,000 miles |
| 2011 | 39 | 19% | 86,000 miles |
| 2010 | 28 | 17% | 76,000 miles |
| 2009 | 12 | 18% | 128,000 miles |
| 2008 | 177 | 21% | 83,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 100% | 61,000 miles |
| 1999 | 5 | 8% | 85,000 miles |
| 1998 | 4 | 7% | 86,000 miles |
| 1997 | 10 | 12% | 140,000 miles |
| 1996 | 24 | 15% | 78,000 miles |
| 1995 | 18 | 9% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine and electronic throttle warning lights remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the electronic throttle body and the computer wiring harness however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 30,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE HORN SOUNDED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. Vehicle has stalled several times and dealer was notified case number [redacted]. "
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the throttle body warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle later failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the throttle body had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the A/C system and defrost system were malfunctioning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the three actuator motors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and then stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted and was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced and a tune-up needed to be performed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who performed the tune-up and replaced the fuel pump; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V043000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 13V552000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,000.
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. …
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the cruise control, buttons on the steering wheel, and occupant restraint control were malfunctioning. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags) and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that the air bag and occupant restraint warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 171,998.
Vehicle will shut off while driving, has happened numerous time's, horn randomly honks by its self, it take numerous attempts to get the car started once it shut off, and now it's locked In limp mode and won't leave second gear
Related recalls (2)
Engine
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or…
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine balance shaft module, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
On certain vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines, the engine coolant May be drawn into the left radiator cooling fan motor connector.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the connector for contamination or damage, install a wiring harness overlay, and replace the fan motor free or charge. The recall began on November 19, 2007.
NHTSA investigations
Engine stall
During PE12-016, Chrysler identified a condition in model year (MY) 2011 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines that may result in engine stall when stopped or travelling at very low speeds.According to Chrysler, this condition occurs when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) initiates a purge monitor check while the engine is at idle which can result in an overly rich vapor condition and…
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Avenger years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (177), 2013 (126), 2012 (91), 2014 (42) and 2011 (39) model years. Engine complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Dodge Avenger engine problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 13V-552 (engine, Nov 6, 2013); 07V-473 (radiator assembly, Oct 10, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Avenger engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles; 24% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (32 mentions), followed by the engine (31).
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.