VehicleVerdict

2010 Dodge Avenger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2010 Dodge Avenger sits mid-pack among Avenger years: 248 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 234, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 25 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (47), airbags (37), and engine (29), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

248

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

24

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

25

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Avenger years?

Avenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted1,238 complaints1995: 254 complaints1996: 235 complaints1997: 109 complaints1998: 72 complaints1999: 96 complaints2000: 33 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 1,238 complaints2009: 99 complaints2010: 248 complaints2011: 311 complaints2012: 837 complaints2013: 871 complaints2014: 329 complaints2015: 1 complaints
Avenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Avenger years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Dodge Avenger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4719%
Airbags3715%
Engine2912%
Speed Control2711%
Transmission208%
Other177%
Seat Belts156%
Brakes146%
Steering94%
Fuel System83%
Tires & Wheels73%
Body & Structure62%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Lighting42%
Latches & Locks21%
Seats10%
Suspension10%

Does the 2010 Dodge Avenger have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V668000Seat BeltsSeptember 15, 2016 · 1,435,625 units

Defect

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. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.

Consequence

If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

10V475000SteeringOctober 7, 2010 · 23,237 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING, 300, CHARGER (LX) AND DODGE CHALLENGER (LC), AVENGER (JS), AND JOURNEY (JC), AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2011 DODGE RAM LIGHT DUTY PICKUP (DS) VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SEPARATION AT THE CRIMPED END OF THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY.

Consequence

LEAKED POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS COULD CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

10V009000BrakesJanuary 11, 2010 · 20,045 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING; DODGE AVENGER AND NITRO; JEEP LIBERTY, COMMANDER AND GRAND CHEROKEE; AND MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY FORMED OR MISSING BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN BRAKE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy

CHRYSLER WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT WAS PARKED AND SMELLED SMOKE. HE THEN NOTICED THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE RADIO. THE RADIO AND THE VEHICLE WERE BOTH QUICKLY TURNED OFF AND THE SMOKING CEASED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 8, 2012 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES SUSTAINED AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 27, 2015 · crash

“While I was driving my car began to smoke, there was no warning lights on my dashboard & my temperature gage was in the middle, indicating my car was not overheated. I pulled over put the vehicle in park & it became completely engulfed in flames. My car is a total loss!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 28, 2022 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND CRASHED INTO TWO NEARBY POLES. THERE WERE NO PERSONAL INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 27, 2011 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTED TO SWITCH FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE INSTEAD SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 2, 2020

2010 Dodge Avenger — common questions

Is the 2010 Dodge Avenger reliable?

It is close to typical for the Avenger: 248 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2010 Avenger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (47 complaints), airbags (37 complaints), engine (29 complaints).

Does the 2010 Dodge Avenger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 Dodge Avenger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Dodge Avenger years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Avenger years to avoid are 2008, 2013, 2012. The cleanest record among Avenger years belongs to 2015.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.