VehicleVerdict

2013 Dodge Avenger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 871 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.7 times the median Avenger year — the 2013 model ranks #2 of 15 Avenger years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 71 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (154), engine (128), and electrical system (127), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

871

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

48

Crash-involved

13

Fires reported

71

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Avenger years?

Avenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Avenger years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Dodge Avenger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags15418%
Engine12815%
Electrical System12715%
Other10412%
Seats607%
Visibility & Wipers556%
Seat Belts526%
Brakes384%
Speed Control344%
Transmission324%
Fuel System303%
Steering192%
Body & Structure111%
Tires & Wheels101%
Lighting71%
Suspension51%
Driver Assistance30%
Latches & Locks20%

Does the 2013 Dodge Avenger have recalls?

5 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.

13V552000EngineNovember 6, 2013 · 521 units

Defect

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 engine failure.

Consequence

If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.

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. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N52.

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.

13V043000Fuel SystemFebruary 6, 2013 · 1,785 units

Defect

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured from October 30, 2012, through November 2, 2012. These vehicles may have a gas tank that has a broken control valve in the fuel tank assembly.

Consequence

A broken control valve in the fuel tank assembly may lead to an engine stall or fuel leakage. An engine stall while driving may contribute to a vehicle crash. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tank assembly and replace any affected control valves, free of charge. The recall began on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“HIGH SPEED FRONT END CRASH. AVENGER STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND AND VEERED OFF TO LEFT AND HIT CEMENT JERSEY WALL HEAD ON. DRIVER WAS WEARING SEAT BELT. SIGNIFICANT FRONT-END DAMAGE ESPECIALLY TO DRIVER SIDE. DRIVER SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURY - C-1 FRACTURE; BOTTOM OF SKULL FRACTURE; LOWER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 20, 2013 · crash

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BACK ROAD COMING UP TO A SEVERE CURVE THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. THE GAS PEDAL WAS NOT PUSHED AL THE WAY DOWN BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO SPEED UP. AS I CAME UP TO THE CURVE I COULD NOT MAINTAIN THE CAR ON THE ROAD AND IT FLIPPED FOUR TIMES AND LANDED IN A SWAMP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 9, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A BURNING ODOR EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER DOOR LOCK WAS EMITTING SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 28, 2016 · fire

“WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, I DID HIT THE BREAKS, I FELT A JOLT HOWEVER THE CAR NEVER STOPPED. THE CAR DID SKID ACROSS A HIGHWAY, AND LAND IN A DITCH. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE, HOWEVER NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. BOTHE ME AND MY MINOR CHILD WERE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE BY EMERGENCY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 6, 2015 · crash

“The Contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving approximately 25-30 mph, the driver’s side head restraint was inadvertently deployed. There was no warning light illuminated before or after the deployment of the head restraint. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · July 26, 2021

2013 Dodge Avenger — common questions

Is the 2013 Dodge Avenger reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 871 complaints put the 2013 model at #2 of 15 Avenger years. It is one of the Avenger years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Avenger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (154 complaints), engine (128 complaints), electrical system (127 complaints).

Does the 2013 Dodge Avenger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Dodge Avenger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 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 2013 Dodge Avenger?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 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.