How many airbag complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Dodge Avenger?

NHTSA lists 109 airbag complaints for the 2012 Dodge Avenger, which is 20% of the 553 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for airbags on the 2012 Dodge Avenger?

Yes. Two recalls apply: campaign 16V668000 covering the occupant restraint control unit, reported in 2016, and campaign 13V282000 covering the TIPM/occupant restraint controller, reported in 2013.

Did the 2012 Dodge Avenger airbag problems cause crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data tied to these complaints shows 22 crashes and 23 injuries, with a median mileage of 60,000 at the time of failure.

What exactly goes wrong with the airbags?

Owners most often report airbags failing to deploy at all during a crash, partial deployment, delayed deployment, or seat belt pretensioners not tightening alongside airbag failure.

2012 Dodge Avenger Airbags Problems

NHTSA lists 109 airbag complaints for the 2012 Dodge Avenger, 20% of all complaints for that year, tied to 22 crashes and 23 injuries. Two related recalls cover the occupant restraint control system, filed in 2013 and 2016, at a median 60,000 miles at failure.

Airbags complaints: 109; 20% of 553
Crashes reported: 22
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 23
Median mileage: 60,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

Airbags fail to deploy entirely during moderate-to-severe frontal or side-impact crashes, including deer strikes and multi-lane collisions.
Only some airbags deploy during a crash, such as rear curtain airbags firing while front airbags stay inactive.
Seat belt pretensioners fail to tighten at the same time airbags fail to deploy, increasing occupant contact with the steering wheel or dashboard.
Airbag deployment is delayed, firing after the occupant's head has already struck the steering wheel.
Owners report receiving recall notices only after a crash already occurred with non-deploying airbags.

When 2012 Dodge Avenger airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 12, 2013, latest Aug 1, 2025.

109 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q3 to 2025 Q3; peak 2017 Q1 (13).

Airbags recalls for the 2012 Dodge Avenger

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 13V282000Jul 2, 2013Airbags442,320 vehicles
Air bags
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.
Risk: 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.

Airbags complaints by Avenger model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201037 (23%)
201135 (17%)
2012109 (20%)
2013154 (28%)
201469 (34%)
20150 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many airbag complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Dodge Avenger?: NHTSA lists 109 airbag complaints for the 2012 Dodge Avenger, which is 20% of the 553 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for airbags on the 2012 Dodge Avenger?: Yes. Two recalls apply: campaign 16V668000 covering the occupant restraint control unit, reported in 2016, and campaign 13V282000 covering the TIPM/occupant restraint controller, reported in 2013.
Did the 2012 Dodge Avenger airbag problems cause crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data tied to these complaints shows 22 crashes and 23 injuries, with a median mileage of 60,000 at the time of failure.
What exactly goes wrong with the airbags?: Owners most often report airbags failing to deploy at all during a crash, partial deployment, delayed deployment, or seat belt pretensioners not tightening alongside airbag failure.