VehicleVerdict

2012 Dodge Avenger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 837 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.6 times the median Avenger year — the 2012 model ranks #3 of 15 Avenger years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 58 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (163), electrical system (134), and visibility & wipers (122), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

837

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

61

Crash-involved

17

Fires reported

58

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Avenger years?

Avenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 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, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Avenger years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Dodge Avenger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other16319%
Electrical System13416%
Visibility & Wipers12215%
Airbags11013%
Engine9111%
Seat Belts435%
Transmission314%
Brakes233%
Body & Structure202%
Fuel System192%
Steering192%
Speed Control162%
Seats152%
Lighting132%
Suspension101%
Tires & Wheels61%
Driver Assistance20%

Does the 2012 Dodge Avenger have recalls?

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

17V640000SeatsOctober 10, 2017 · 363,930 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012 Jeep Liberty and 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles. A component within the occupant restraint controller (ORC) may fail and prevent the active headrests from deploying in the event of a rear-end crash.

Consequence

If the active headrests do not deploy in certain rear-end crashes, the front seat occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2017. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is T56.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“1ST COMPLAINT IS THE SEATBELT WILL RANDOMLY LOCK AND RESTRAIN YOU AND AND TAKE SEVERAL SECONDS TO RELEASE. 2ND COMPLAINT IS MY DRIVER SIDE FLOOR IS CONSTANTLY DRENCHED WITH A FLUID WHEN IT RAINS. 3RD COMPLAINT IS THE CAR SHUDDERS AND VIBRATES WHEN DRIVING ABOVE 40MPH. 4TH COMPLAINT I WAS INVOLVED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 2, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, A CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT END. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT SMELLED BURNING WIRES FROM SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 4, 2015 · fire

“THERE IS NO HEAT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BUT THERE IS HEAT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THERE SEEMS TO BE A MECHANICAL DEFECT WITH THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE STALLED ON A HILL IN PARK AND STARTED TO ROLL DOWN THE HILL AND THE BRAKE AND EVERYTHING STOPPED WORKING AT THAT MOMENT IN THE CAR. I ALSO HAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 15, 2019 · crash

“WE HIT A DEER AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS DEMOLISHED. UPON INSPECTION THE NEXT MORNING, I NOTICED THAT AN AIRBAG SENSOR WAS SHATTERED AND JUST HANGING BY THE WIRE HARNESS. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AND NEVER GOT A STRAIGHT ANSWER FROM ANYONE. NOW I GET A RECALL NOTICE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 20, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, A CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT END. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT SMELLED BURNING WIRES FROM SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 4, 2015 · fire

2012 Dodge Avenger — common questions

Is the 2012 Dodge Avenger reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 837 complaints put the 2012 model at #3 of 15 Avenger years. It is one of the Avenger years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Avenger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (163 complaints), electrical system (134 complaints), visibility & wipers (122 complaints).

Does the 2012 Dodge Avenger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Dodge Avenger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Dodge Avenger under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.

How safe is the 2012 Dodge Avenger?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Dodge Avenger earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.