2010 Dodge Avenger Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
40/100
#4 most-complained of 6 Avenger years
The 2010 Dodge Avenger has a complaint index of 40, ranking 4th-worst out of 6 model years, with a "Good" verdict relative to other Avenger years. NHTSA lists 163 complaints, 3 recalls, and no do-not-drive orders for this year.
- Complaints
- 163
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 16 / 8
- Injuries / deaths
- 13 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 27 hwy
Top 2010 Dodge Avenger problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine51 (31%)
- Electrical System42 (26%)
- Airbags37 (23%)
- Brakes21 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain20 (12%)
- Other17 (10%)
- Seat Belts15 (9%)
- Steering9 (6%)
- Fuel System8 (5%)
- Structure & Body8 (5%)
What owners report
- Owners report electrical fires starting underneath the dashboard while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied.
- Owners describe smoke coming from the radio or dash-mounted CD player after using the heater or air conditioner fan.
- One owner found engine wires melted together and exposed during an unrelated inspection.
- Owners report the steering wheel seizing and brakes failing to respond while trying to avoid an obstacle, leading to a crash.
- Owners report airbags failing to deploy during a frontal crash into a tree at highway speed.
- One owner reported the vehicle rolling down a driveway and crashing into a tree despite the parking brake being engaged.
2010 Dodge Avenger recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V668000Sep 15, 2016Airbags1,435,625 vehicles
Air bags
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 10V475000Oct 7, 2010Steering23,237 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 10V009000Jan 11, 2010Brakes20,045 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic
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.
Risk: 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.
2010 Dodge Avenger fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2010 compared with other Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 Dodge Avenger reliable?
- Compared with other Avenger model years, the 2010 has a complaint index of 40 and ranks 4th-worst out of 6 years tracked, earning a "Good" verdict relative to those other years.
- What are the main problem areas for the 2010 Dodge Avenger?
- NHTSA complaints show Engine issues lead at 51 complaints (31% share), followed by Electrical System at 42 complaints (26%) and Airbags at 37 complaints (23%).
- Does the 2010 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2010 Avenger covering Airbags, Steering, and Brakes, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2010 Avenger compare to the 2012 and 2013 model years?
- The 2010 Avenger's complaint index of 40 is much lower than the 2012 (80) and 2013 (100), both of which carry an "Avoid" verdict, making 2010 a comparatively better choice.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2010 Dodge Avenger?
- The 2010 Avenger is EPA-rated at 22 mpg combined (19 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950.