Which Dodge Avenger years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2012 and 2013 as years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 80 and 100, the two highest among all Avenger model years covered.

What is the best Dodge Avenger year?

The 2011 Avenger is rated Best, with a complaint index of just 20 and 209 total complaints, the lowest complaint rate among covered years.

What problems are most common across Dodge Avenger years?

Across all years, Airbags (404 complaints, 24% share) and Engine (402 complaints, 24% share) are the top reported problem areas, followed by Electrical System issues (337 complaints, 20% share).

Does the 2013 Dodge Avenger have recalls?

Yes, the 2013 Avenger has 5 recall campaigns, more than any other Avenger year, including one for engine balance shaft debris and others covering airbag and restraint control systems.

Is the 2014 Dodge Avenger reliable?

The 2014 Avenger is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60 and 205 complaints, better than 2012 and 2013 but worse than 2010 and 2011.

Dodge Avenger Best and Worst Years (2010–2015)

Avoid the 2012 and 2013 Dodge Avenger, which show complaint indexes of 80 and 100 with 553 and 548 complaints, the highest of the six model years. The 2011 is the best year, with a complaint index of just 20 and 209 complaints.

Avoid 2012 Avoid 2013 Best 2011

Model years: 6; 2010–2015
NHTSA complaints: 1,679
Recall campaigns: 8
Crashes reported: 110
Fires reported: 30
Top problem area: Airbags

Avenger Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Dodge Avenger problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Good	40	163	16	8	3	Engine	22	—
2011	Best	20	209	14	2	3	Engine	23	—
2012	Avoid	80	553	34	7	3	Electrical System	23	4★
2013	Avoid	100	548	26	10	5	Airbags	23	4★
2014	Caution	60	205	20	3	1	Airbags	23	4★
2015	No verdict	0	1	0	0	0	Transmission & Powertrain	—	—

Avenger years to avoid: what went wrong

2013 Dodge Avenger Index 100 · 548 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2013 Avenger has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, with 548 total complaints and 5 recall campaigns, the most of any Avenger model year. Airbags were the top problem area, accounting for 154 complaints (28% share) at a median mileage of 64,000, followed by Engine issues (146 complaints, median mileage 88,000) and Electrical System reports (103 complaints, median mileage 69,000). One recall addressed abrasive debris in the engine balance shaft module on 2.4L engines. The year recorded 26 crashes, 10 fires, and 42 injuries, the highest injury count among all Avenger years.

2013 airbags problems →2013 engine problems →2013 electrical system problems →

2012 Dodge Avenger Index 80 · 553 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2012 Avenger carries a complaint index of 80 and 553 complaints, the second-highest of all model years. Owners most often reported Electrical System issues (114 complaints, 21% share, median mileage 70,521), followed closely by Airbags (109 complaints, median mileage 60,000) and Engine problems (103 complaints, median mileage 78,004). NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this year, including an occupant restraint controller replacement and a TIPM flash or restraint module replacement. Crash reports for the year total 34, with 7 fires and 35 injuries reported. Compared to other Avenger years, 2012 stands out for its high volume of electrical and airbag-related reports.

2012 electrical system problems →2012 airbags problems →2012 engine problems →

Most common Dodge Avenger problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Airbags404 (24%)
Engine402 (24%)
Other360 (21%)
Electrical System337 (20%)
Brakes179 (11%)
Visibility & Wipers175 (10%)
Seat Belts169 (10%)
Structure & Body153 (9%)
Transmission & Powertrain110 (7%)
Fuel System71 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Dodge Avenger years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2012 and 2013 as years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 80 and 100, the two highest among all Avenger model years covered.
What is the best Dodge Avenger year?: The 2011 Avenger is rated Best, with a complaint index of just 20 and 209 total complaints, the lowest complaint rate among covered years.
What problems are most common across Dodge Avenger years?: Across all years, Airbags (404 complaints, 24% share) and Engine (402 complaints, 24% share) are the top reported problem areas, followed by Electrical System issues (337 complaints, 20% share).
Does the 2013 Dodge Avenger have recalls?: Yes, the 2013 Avenger has 5 recall campaigns, more than any other Avenger year, including one for engine balance shaft debris and others covering airbag and restraint control systems.
Is the 2014 Dodge Avenger reliable?: The 2014 Avenger is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60 and 205 complaints, better than 2012 and 2013 but worse than 2010 and 2011.