VehicleVerdict

2011 Dodge Avenger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2011 Dodge Avenger sits mid-pack among Avenger years: 311 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 236, with 3 recalls and 2 closed investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (57), electrical system (51), and engine (39), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

311

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

22

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Avenger years?

Avenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 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, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Avenger years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Dodge Avenger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other5718%
Electrical System5116%
Engine3913%
Airbags3511%
Visibility & Wipers268%
Seat Belts206%
Suspension165%
Speed Control145%
Transmission145%
Steering103%
Body & Structure83%
Fuel System83%
Brakes72%
Lighting41%
Tires & Wheels21%

Does the 2011 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.

13V282000AirbagsJuly 2, 2013 · 442,320 units

Defect

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 model year 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through August 15, 2012. Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control module may lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.

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. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.

11V315000SteeringJune 8, 2011 · 11,096 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.

Consequence

A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. 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.

“FOR THE 3RD OR 4TH TIME MY CAR HAS SUDDENLY LURCHED/JERKED FORWARD FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. THE FIRST TWO TIMES I WAS AT A RED LIGHT INTERSECTION AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY JERKED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING OR EXPLANATION. I RESEARCHED IT ONLINE AND FOUND SIMILAR ISSUES WITH OTHER DODGE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 15, 2019 · crash

“TAKATA RECALL I WAS INVOLDED IN A ACCIDENT, MY VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND MY SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCKED OR AIRBAGS DID NOT EJECT. ALSO MY BREAK INDICATER ALWAYS POPS UP ON THE DASH BOARD. MY BACK WINDOW STOP ROLLING DOWN. THE AIR CONDITIONER MAKES A LOUD CLAKING SOUND EVERYTIME I TURN ON OR OFF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 9, 2017 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND LOST POWER. THE ENGINE AND TRACTION WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFTS ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 9, 2020 · fire

“TAKATA RECALL I WAS INVOLDED IN A ACCIDENT, MY VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND MY SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCKED OR AIRBAGS DID NOT EJECT. ALSO MY BREAK INDICATER ALWAYS POPS UP ON THE DASH BOARD. MY BACK WINDOW STOP ROLLING DOWN. THE AIR CONDITIONER MAKES A LOUD CLAKING SOUND EVERYTIME I TURN ON OR OFF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 9, 2017 · crash

“MY HEAT ON MY PASSENGER SIDE NEVER WORKS, IT WILL BLOW AT NOTHING CAUSING ISSUES WITH DEFROSTING PASSENGERS WINDOW AND ISSUE WITH DEFROST ON MY MAIN WINDOW ON PASSENGER SIDE. ALL OTHER VENTS BLOW OUT BUT THAT ONE MAKES A WHISTLE NOISE AND NOTING COMES OUT. IT'S LIKE IT'S BLOCKED, I ASSUMED IT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 20, 2018 · crash

2011 Dodge Avenger — common questions

Is the 2011 Dodge Avenger reliable?

It is close to typical for the Avenger: 311 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2011 Avenger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (57 complaints), electrical system (51 complaints), engine (39 complaints).

Does the 2011 Dodge Avenger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Dodge Avenger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2011 Dodge Avenger under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.