CarComplaints.com Notes: Consumer Reports road tests has noted deficiencies in the 2012 Avenger with regard to engine noise, acceleration, braking, handling, transmission, fuel economy, driving position and rear visibility. But at least it has a cool marketing campaign ... right?

8.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,050
Average Mileage:
57,350 miles
Total Complaints:
57 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (26 reports)
  2. heater core and radiator replacement (13 reports)
  3. replace heater core and flush (7 reports)
  4. replace heater core (5 reports)
  5. plugged heater core and radiator (3 reports)
  6. replace heater core and heater boxes (2 reports)
2012 Dodge Avenger AC / heater problems

AC / heater problem

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2012 Dodge Avenger Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #37

Nov 022016

Avenger

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,401 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Well besides the AC fan making a loud noise. The hot air blows cold, at first it was only the passenger side

now its the driver side and also now this means that when there is frost on the windows I can NOT GET IT OFF!!!!!!!!!!. I was told that because they would have to remover the Whole FRONT DASHBOARD that it would cost ME over $2500.00 ! This is insane. This is a safety hazard not having the front or rear defrosters working!!!! So I actually have to pullover at night to the side of the road get out of my car and wipe the windows and most times I have to do this about 3 to 4xs every late afternoon, evening and night in the winter!!!!!!

I really don't understand why this is not on a recall especially since I just saw so so so many people with this problem. I guess once I die in a car accident because I can't see, let alone feel my fingers from NO HOT AIR!! My family may be able to SUE CHRYSLER DODGE . I WILL NEVER EVER BUY ANOTHER CHRYSLER OR DODGE CAR AGAIN !!! I WILL ALSO TELL EVERYONE I KNOW TO TELL EVERYONE THEY KNOW NEVER BUY A CHRYSLER DODGE CAR!!! BECAUSE THEY SUCK!!!!

- Luis B., Longs, SC, US

problem #36

Dec 042016

Avenger V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

I got this car used .. have only had it for a year and a half and now the heater is not working on the passenger side. I cannot afford an expensive fix so I am hoping this is a warranty issue.

- jmarcum, Cedar Grove, IN, US

problem #35

Oct 012016

Avenger

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

I purchased my 2012 Dodge Avenger in June 2012 brand new now here it is 4 years later my heat on the passengers side blows cold air so I have heat on the drivers side and cold air on the passenger's side. I am still paying a car note so not sure why Chrysler is not covering these charges it is annoying embarrassing and has my bones aching. It sounds like no one knows how to fix the problem! What is it?

One person advised he would take my whole dashboard out to get to the problem well I am reluctant to having this done it should be an easier way to fix this problem. How do we as buyers get Chrysler to have a recall for this problem there are probably millions of these cars being driven every day with the same problem and people don't know what to do or where to go. I am calling my news channel to broadcast this so people will rethink buying Avengers! I am so frustrated what do I do??????

- Vicki N., Memphis, TN, US

problem #34

Oct 312016

Avenger 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2012 Dodge avenger, I had the heater like everybody else go out now I'm freezing and my wife and little ones are TOO!!! I just hope car buyers will see this before buying an avenger or consider a Dodge due to the fact of them not address the problem. I have contacted dodge directly but they just logged the complaint and until more people do the same nothing will happen. I encourage anyone who is filling a complaint here to also make the complaint official with Dodge. I see the prices for the fix and it is outrageous 1500 up,I've owned the car for only a year buying from Carmax. I'm considered buying the parts and doing my self but there is a lot of labor to get to the heater core.

- Anthony A., Kernersville, NC, US

problem #33

Oct 152016

Avenger SXT 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

2012 Dodge Avenger SXT v6 bought new in mid 2012. It has actually been a great car until now. The passenger side heat has stopped working and just blows cold air. Researching online and this sounds like a very expensive known issue to resolve. I was hoping it was just a flap causing the warm air to not be diverted to both sides of the car. Shocked that this is such an expensive repair for most people. I really shouldn't have to replace the radiator and heater core with a newer car. I have not replaced the radiator fluid and don't normally have my cars flushed. There just isn't normally a need if the fluids are clean and to right specs.

Chrysler should stand behind their products and start fixing this issue. This is an unreasonable repair that damages their reputation which I've had to stand up for many times. I guess now I can understand why people rank Chrysler products low.

- Rex G., Clever, MO, US

problem #32

Sep 182015

Avenger SXT 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

Heater quit working on the passenger side of the car. Only blows cold air and we can't figure out the problem. I believe with all the others having this issue, it should be a manufacture flaw. Dodge needs to have a recall on this problem. I sure don't have $2000 plus to get it fixed myself!!! It fogs up during the winter too on that side. Very dangerous and hard to have someone sit on that side, they need a blanket to ride in the car on the passenger side, just ridiculous when it is a fairly new car!! Get it together Dodge! Will NEVER AGAIN have a Dodge car. Pickups were fine, but no cars!!

- houshtx, Canyon, TX, US

problem #31

Nov 202016

Avenger SXT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I am having issues with my heater in my 2012 Dodge Avenger SXT. The air on the passenger side is cold when I set the heater on high heat. The vents in the middle of the car blow cool warm air and then on the driver side the air is completely hot. When I change the settings of the vent to defrost the rear window or windshield, the air is warm. The air is cool on all other settings. I haven't taken the vehicle in to be checked yet. The dealership wants $200 just to check the damn car. It's irritating because I have kept up to date on all maintenance and the car is only 4 years old. I would expect this on our vehicles that are 12 + years, but no it's the newer vehicle that has issues...simply frustrated. May seem like a small issue to some, but a heater is needed in the upcoming Colorado winter months.....ughhh

Anyone else having similar issues and can provide recommendations? I also don't want the dealership to rip me off because I have no clue what specific questions to ask if they begin to speak mechanic lingo to me.

- mkammerer, Colorado Springs, CO, US

problem #30

Sep 012015

Avenger SE 2.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

Bought this car used. First night i had it it was ok until i turned on the heater and the windows fogged up like no other while i was driving down the highway in the dark here in Spokane Washington where there are many animals and people and cars to crash into and run over. Scared the crap out of me!!!! i couldn't even pull off the side of the road without fearing the fact that i could run someone over. i guess i got lucky. Now here i am wondering if any one else had the same problem and after reading these reviews im about sick that i even bought the car because it seems everyone is having this problem. The heater only blows hot on the drivers side and cold on the passenger side and im not about to pay along the lines of 2500 dollars to fix dodges obvious manufacturing defect . Especially when most of these reviews report repeated problems after the first fix. Hey lets put the same crap back in that was broken before. What a great idea huh?

Hey dodge!! remember that all human lives are precious and people have kids like me. You might want to recall this mistake and come up with a solid solution to fix the problem you created for all of these people. I mean who wants to risk their life driving a car blind down the high way like i had to do to your mistake? no sense in anyone losing their life over this, its not safe. i know a lot of people and i mean a lot. 10,000 plus on my facebook and i wont be telling them to buy a dodge i can tell you that. i got a real nice post for my page this morning.

- jessywa, Chattaroy, WA, US

problem #29

Oct 202015

Avenger LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

Bought the car in the Fall, weather mild. Takes 25 minutes at most for car to defrost. No heat on passenger side. I found out that this was a defect and the quotes to repair this is up to $1500. I'm on fixed income. I keep regular maintenace on my vehicles. If this is a known problem with the fogged up windows and no heat on the passenger side, why hasn't there been a recall on this vehicle. I complained about this to the dealer when I bought it. They simply dismissed it.

I have friends who are mechanics and they are reluctant to deal with this. They are not sure if it's the heating coil or what. It is a royal pain in the butt. Suffice to say, I will not be buying another Dodge anything.

Just really ticked here.

- dotpassmore, Gary, IN, US

problem #28

Jun 022016

Avenger R/T 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,313 miles

I have a 2012 Avenger that I bought used in November 2014. Shortly after purchase I noticed the heat on the passenger side of the car stopped blowing hot air. I took the Avenger back where I bought it and they replaced the heater core. Now, 1.5 years later, same issue. I took it to a Dodge dealer and they want to replace the heater core, radiator, oil cooler and radiator cap. This will cost $2500.

I contacted Chrysler Dodge (1-800-334-9200) customer service and reported the issue. I made it very clear that this issue was due to a manufacturing issue and not lack of care on my end as the consumer. I have yet to hear back from them on this issue. My research indicates that even if I have this done, the problem will re-occur within a couple years. It is not reasonable to expect a consumer to pay $2500 every couple of years to continue repairing a manufacturers issue. Research shows that Dodge will blame the issue on you using the wrong anti-freeze and causing the problem. If so, then why does it re-occur after they replace it all with their brand? I have heard that it can be caused by excess flux used to make the heater core. If so, then Dodge is responsible for managing their vendors and executing a Corrective Action Preventative Action (CAPA) with them to resolve the issue, not blame the consumer. Bottom line is that Dodge is the ultimate responsible party for this issue. They should shoulder the cost of repair and seek compensation from THEIR vendor if that is the root cause.

Update from Aug 12, 2016: So after weeks of talking to Dodge Customer Care(?), and being batted back and forth between Dodge and the dealer, I ended up having the car repaired at my expense. What a racket. They just wear you down until you just don't care anymore. Everybody says they feel bad for you, but nobody will help. So now I have a two year warranty on the repair. Lets see what happens. I know one thing, last Dodge that will ever grace my driveway, EVER.

Update from Jan 9, 2018: So it is now about 16 months later, the car now has about 75000 miles on it and the heater core is once again plugged up. No heat on the passenger side. So the "fix" from Dodge (FCA) does not work and the same procedure needs to be done again. What's the definition of insanity again? Oh yeah, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. At least this time I have a two year unlimited parts and labor warranty on the previous work that was done. Should be free this time.

Update from Jan 10, 2018: Dealer replaced the just the heater core this time and has given me a written 2 year unlimited mileage warranty that if the car comes back in within two years with a "no heat" complaint, they will execute the Star Case S1207000008 again at no cost to me. Can't argue with that.

- James B., Kendall, NY, US

problem #27

Dec 012015

Avenger SXT 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Had the same exact problem three years and 30,000 miles ago. They had to replace the heater core and radiator to fix it then. Dodge even had a case number s1207000008 in the system because so many of these vehicles have had the same problem but yet still no recall. I assume there hasn't been a recall because they don't want to fork over millions of dollars to fix their screw up. This is a safety issue as when the passenger side fogs up as you drive down the road because there isn't enough heat to defrost. Now my teenager daughter is driving this car Dodge and I both hope this doesn't cause her to wreck! It is beyond me why Dodge won't fix this safety issue and I sure don't have the money to replace all these parts every 2-3 years.

- Chad K., Wamego, KS, US

problem #26

Feb 102016

Avenger SE 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

About 2 week ago, the heater inside the car started to only blow hot air out of the driver side air vents. This has been causing the windshield to only be cleared off on the driver side and making it very dangerous to drive. It also will only blow hot air to the driver and the passenger will only get ice cold air.

In looking into how to fix, you get a repair bill for $2000.00. It just does not make any since why there are so many of these complaints and there has been effort by Dodge to get this fix. I had bought this car brand new from the dealer with only 12 miles on it, have keep all the service done to my car at the dealer from where I bought it, followed out all dealer recommendations, but now stuck with a repair bill that is ridiculous!!!!!!

Almost wish I bought an import, at least they take care of their customers. Not to mention that the car has a good power terrain warranty, but some how the coolant that is used to cool the engine has a problem in the flow system and it is not an issue with the power terrain. You would think that this is putting excessive pressure on the engine has the coolant is not flowing properly throughout the car.

Let me know if any one has had any resolution to this or knows where to go to start to get Dodge to realize that this is a manufacturing defect......

- Michael R., Myrtle Beach, SC, US

problem #25

Apr 222012

Avenger SXT 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,916 miles

Bought this car new and passenger side heat stopped working with only 16,916 miles. Dealer tested and driver side was blowing 150 degrees and passenger side only 90 degrees. Dealer looked it up in Dodge's star cases system and found star case s1207000008 that says to inspect coolant reservoir for gel/sludge. They confirmed coolant contamination and had to replace heater core, radiator, oil cooler, radiator cap and coolant reservoir. Also had to remove radiator hoses and heater hoses to clean them out. Dealer stated their should be a recall for this problem because they have seen it many of times.

Now three years later car has 50,000 miles on it and the same exact problem is happening again. This is ridiculous. Still no recall but obviously a serious problem that they don't know how to fix properly. This is the biggest complaint for the 2012 Dodge Avenger and Dodge needs to find a fix, create a recall and make things right with all the customers stuck with these vehicles. From what I am seeing this is around a $2,000 fix and if this happens every two to three years it would be cheaper to get rid of this car and buy something else.

- Chad K., Wamego, KS, US

problem #24

Jan 152016

Avenger SXT 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

So my wife told me that that she is not getting heat to the passengers side of her vehicle, so for sh*ts and giggles we take her car to a dr.s appointment so i can see what it going on and sure enough i noticed that not only was there no heat getting to the passengers side of the vehicle but there was steam coming from behind the instrument panel, and the vehicle started to over heat. The air was circulating but it was blowing cold air. so what that tells me is that the heater core is clogged and not letting the coolant cycle through the engine and the coolant system properly causing it to over heat. My only question is if there is only one heater core why is the left side heat working and not the right, unless there are two heater cores and the one that controls the right side of the vehicle is clogged that would make sense to me. any suggestions would be helpful. thanks!

- tazar20016, West Warwick, RI, US

problem #23

Dec 172015

Avenger SXT+ 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,000 miles

Having a very mild winter as far as Ohio goes and then the first cold spell hits. I use my auto start, go outside after 10 minutes and the driver side is defrosted and the passenger side is still frosted over. This goes on for a week, driver side warm, passenger sound icy cold air. I take my 2012 Avenger SXT+ to a dealership and get told it is a $1900 fix. Flush and replace the heater core and radiator. The service manager tells me to sit down before he gives me the estimate, he then tells me this is the 4th Avenger in the year he has been there with the same issue. He gives me the Chrysler corporate number to call and issue a complaint, he said maybe they will eat the cost since I am not too far over the warranty for that old of a car. I call Chrysler and they tell me there are no recalls for the vehicle but if I want to file a complaint to do so with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, he said this is how you would go about getting a recall issued. I call them and they tell me they only deal with issues that could cause harm and tell me to call the Federal Trade Commission at

877-382-4357. I have not been able to get through as of yet but they said if enough people call that we could get a recall on this issue and for anyone who has paid to have this repaired that they would be reimbursed their cost. This is ridiculous the first google search I do I find this site with this many complaints!

- rmck43040, Marysville, OH, US

problem #22

Oct 302015

Avenger LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

Dodge should fix their mistakes. I really will not recommend Dodge to anyone who asks. It's really bad business and I would not buy their stock.

- Dennis M., Meridian, MS, US

problem #21

Jan 052014

Avenger 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

I got an estimate for over $1,600 to fix this problem which is lukewarm heat on driver's side and ice cold on passenger side. AND A VERY ANNOYING TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE DASH. I've done the research and found it's a very common problem with most Dodge Avengers and is the manufacturer's fault. But they won't do anything until a recall is put out. I am going on two years without heat in my car. I have kids, this is crazy because who really has $1,600 to fork over to fix this knowing it's Chrysler/Dodge fault! I even purchased a lifetime warranty but it's useless.

- Kathleen F., MARION, US

problem #20

Nov 182015

Avenger LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,380 miles

Same problem as others - no heat on passenger side. Dealer charged $120 to tell me I had no heat because heater core ( right side) was filled with sludge - cost to repair $2500. Dodge accepts no responsibility (as others have pointed out) even though they know they should.

Could anyone help me here to get some justice/? Any suggestions? Any government agencies to go to? Any newspapers willing to take up the cause?

I hate to see Dodge get away with this. Losing customers doesn't seem to bother them. I think I'll go march up and down outside the dealership ( It's on a busy road here in Brampton ON )

Never buy a Dodge. They don't want repeat customers. Art

Update from Mar 21, 2019: I put up with this situation for about 6 months ( in the winter no less).I finally went to another Dodge dealer in the spring. This dealer fixed the problem for $800.00. I asked them re the discrepancy on prices; this shop had found a better way to get to the heater ( instead of removing the whole dash). The cost was still too much - and should have been a recall issue - but better than $2500. The heater was replaced; so far (March 2019) it is still working- (knock on wood) Art

Update from Mar 21, 2019: This is an update to my recent update. After buying 5 Dodges in a row I switched to another company. I will never buy another Dodge and neither will my three kids. I hope Dodge loses customers year after year until they stand behind their products. If they don't, I hope they go out of business Art Brampton ON

- Art L., Brampton, ON, Canada

problem #19

Nov 042013

Avenger SE 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,000 miles

Bought this car thinking I would have good transportation back and forth to work (27 miles one way) good on gas, ride smooth, no major headaches until winter came. This is when I found out the passenger side only blew out cold.

As a result my passenger got sick, we thought the air would eventually get warm on the passenger side but then I realized it was only blowing warm air on the driver's side. So now I am trying to find out WHAT IS THE SOLUTION!! I love this car but I am highly contemplating on NOT purchasing anything else from Chrysler ever again.

- raynaphill, Aurora, CO, US

problem #18

Jan 012013

Avenger

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,000 miles

I bought a NEW car so I wouldn't have to rely on someone for repairs. I intended to keep up regular maintenance in order to stave of the repair stage as long as possible. Little did I know I was buying a lemon. The heat stopped working on the passengers side and blows plenty hot on the driver's side. When I inquired about it I was told there was no recall. Then recently I was explaining the issue to a friend who promptly researched the problem and learned it was a manufacturing defect!!! Why is this not recalled???

If bad flux is used then the manufacturer should come clean and do right by the customers. I was advised to get rid of the car as quickly as possible if I can't have it repaired at a low cost. I keep thinking they will issue a recall for the problem and it never happens. The last thing I want to do is start OVER with car payments. I assure you I will NOT buy another Dodge if this isn't fixed this year.

Sincerely,

Tired of waiting.

- Stacie Y., Huntsville, AL, US

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