2010 Dodge Avenger Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2010 Dodge Avenger has 163 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 63, ranking 4th worst among the model's 9 model years. It carries a Caution verdict, driven mainly by engine (31%) and electrical system (26%) complaints and 3 recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 63/100
- #4 of 9 Avenger years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 163
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 16
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 8
- Injuries
- 13
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 13 / 0
Top 2010 Dodge Avenger problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Electrical wiring under the dashboard or near the radio has ignited or smoked, in some cases destroying the vehicle.
- The heater and air conditioning fan control has produced smoke from the dash near the radio/CD player.
- Engine wiring has been found melted together and exposed during inspection.
- Sudden unintended acceleration has occurred at low speed, with the brake pedal failing to slow the vehicle.
- Steering has seized and brakes have failed to respond during evasive maneuvers, leading to loss of control.
- Airbags have failed to deploy in frontal crashes, and in one case an airbag broke the windshield and caused facial cuts.
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, 2010 rates Caution. It has a complaint index of 63 and ranks 4th worst out of 9 model years, with engine and electrical problems as the top concerns.
- What problems does the 2010 Dodge Avenger have?
- NHTSA complaints point mainly to engine issues (31% of complaints), electrical system faults including fires and smoke (26%), and airbag deployment problems (23%). Median mileage at failure ranges from about 62,000 to 95,000 miles depending on the system.
- Does the 2010 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2010 Avenger, covering airbags (Occupant Restraint Control), power steering pressure hoses, and a brake booster input rod retaining clip.
- How does the 2010 Avenger compare to other years?
- The 2010 model's complaint index of 63 is lower than 2008 (100) and 2012 (88), both rated Avoid, but higher than 2009 and 2011, both rated Good.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2010 Dodge Avenger?
- EPA rates the 2010 Avenger at 22 mpg combined (19 city / 27 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950.