YearToAvoid

2014 Dodge Avenger Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Caution The 2014 Dodge Avenger has a complaint index of 50, ranking 5th worst out of 9 model years, and earns a Caution verdict. Airbags are the top problem area with 69 complaints (34% share) at a median 50,000 miles, backed by one recall.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
50/100
#5 of 9 Avenger years
Verdict
Caution
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
205
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
20
reported in complaints
Fires
3
Injuries
10
Top issue
Airbags
Best nearby year
2011
rated Good
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
23
20 city / 29 hwy
Injuries / deaths
10 / 0

Top 2014 Dodge Avenger problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Airbags69 (34%)
  2. Engine52 (25%)
  3. Seat Belts39 (19%)
  4. Electrical System34 (17%)
  5. Brakes30 (15%)
  6. Structure & Body30 (15%)
  7. Other19 (9%)
  8. Steering14 (7%)
  9. Transmission & Powertrain12 (6%)
  10. Suspension, Wheels & Tires10 (5%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Airbags failed to deploy in frontal and head-on crashes, even in hard hits that totaled the vehicle.
  • Seat belts and airbags reportedly did not restrain occupants properly, with drivers sliding forward into the steering wheel or dash on impact.
  • Some owners described the instrument cluster flickering, radio shorting out, and the vehicle jerking or stalling at low speeds alongside brake concerns.
  • One driver reported the rubber brake pedal cover detaching, making it hard to find the pedal and leading to a crash.
  • A battery warning light preceded a reported fire in a jump box connected to the battery terminal.
  • One owner reported the check engine light coming on with the engine revving and the car barely moving after a crash.
2014 Dodge Avenger complaints: complaints filed per quarter142014 Q12015 Q32017 Q12018 Q32020 Q12021 Q32023 Q12025 Q2
205 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2014 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2017 Q3 (14).

2014 Dodge Avenger recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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.

2014 Dodge Avenger fuel economy and fuel cost

City
20 MPG
Highway
29 MPG
Combined
23 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,800
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.

2014 compared with other Avenger years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100200720082009201020112012201320142015
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2012Avoid88553323
2013Avoid75548523
2014Caution50205123
2015No verdict010—

All Dodge Avenger years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2014 Dodge Avenger reliable?
NHTSA data shows the 2014 Avenger has a complaint index of 50, ranking 5th worst among 9 model years, with a Caution verdict. Airbags, engine, and seat belts are the top reported problem areas.
What is the main problem with the 2014 Dodge Avenger?
Airbags are the top complaint area, with 69 complaints (34% share) and 13 related crashes, at a median mileage of 50,000 miles.
Does the 2014 Dodge Avenger have a recall?
Yes, one recall (campaign 16V668000) covers the Occupant Restraint Control airbag system; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2014 Avenger compare to other Avenger years?
With a complaint index of 50, the 2014 model ranks better than 2008 (100), 2012 (88), and 2013 (75), all rated Avoid, but worse than 2009 and 2011, which are rated Good.
What is the fuel economy of the 2014 Dodge Avenger?
EPA rates the 2014 Avenger at 23 mpg combined (20 city / 29 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800.

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.