YearToAvoid

2013 Dodge Avenger Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 146 engine complaints for the 2013 Dodge Avenger, 27% of its 548 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 88,000 miles. A related recall (13V552000) covers the 2.4L engine balance shaft module.

Engine complaints
146
27% of 548
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
88,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe sudden engine stalling without warning while driving, in some cases leading to a crash into a pole or other vehicle.
  • Several reports describe smoke or spontaneous fire coming from under the hood, sometimes with flames spreading beyond the vehicle.
  • Some owners report the engine catching fire after the temperature gauge read hot and smoke filled the cabin shortly after.
  • One owner describes unintended acceleration on a curve that led to the car leaving the road and rolling over.
  • Another owner reports the engine losing power and sputtering at low speed, with chugging and spitting sounds before the car could barely move.

When 2013 Dodge Avenger engine complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 18, 2013, latest Oct 31, 2025.

2013 Dodge Avenger engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter102013 Q12015 Q12016 Q32018 Q12019 Q32021 Q12022 Q42024 Q4
146 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q1 to 2025 Q4; peak 2019 Q3 (10).

Engine recalls for the 2013 Dodge Avenger

  1. NHTSA 13V552000Nov 6, 2013Engine521 vehicles

    Engine

    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.

    Risk: 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.

Engine complaints by Avenger model year

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

  1. 201051 (31%)
  2. 201150 (24%)
  3. 2012103 (19%)
  4. 2013146 (27%)
  5. 201452 (25%)
  6. 20150 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine complaints for the 2013 Dodge Avenger?
NHTSA lists 146 engine complaints for this model year, which is 27% of the 548 total complaints filed for the 2013 Avenger.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Dodge Avenger engine?
Yes. Recall 13V552000, reported November 6, 2013, covers the 2.4L engine balance shaft module due to abrasive debris; dealers replace the module free of charge.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 88,000 miles at the time engine failures were reported.
Have engine problems on the 2013 Avenger caused fires or crashes?
NHTSA data tied to engine complaints for this year include 4 fires, 4 crashes, and 1 injury.
How does 2013 compare to other Avenger years for engine complaints?
The 2013 model year had 146 engine complaints (27% share), higher in raw count than 2010 (51), 2011 (50), 2012 (103), and 2014 (52).

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.