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?

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
58,969 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Dodge Avenger electrical problems

electrical problem

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2012 Dodge Avenger Owner Comments (Page 5 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #22

Mar 152015

Avenger

  • 47,000 miles

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

2012 Dodge Avenger. Upon using the vent controls for the heater or air conditioner, a knocking noise progressed near the area of the glove compartment. Heating core failed & had to be replaced, also problem with fuel line, dealer has replaced heating core and fuel line. Knocking noise appears to be a common problem among Dodge Avengers, appropriate recall to fix heating/air compressor should be done.

- Yankton , SD, USA

problem #21

Sep 052014

Avenger

  • 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. Upon using the vent controls for the heater or air conditioner, a knocking noise progressed near the area of the glove compartment. The contact also indicated that water poured in excess when the trunk was opened and that there may be a potential leak within a seal. Also, the front passenger side door handle was deteriorating without warning. The vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V282000 (air bags, electrical system). The dealer was unable to determine when the part would become available to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

- Cordele, GA, USA

problem #20

Mar 132014

Avenger 6-cyl

  • 30,000 miles
Hit a deer at 60 mph the car started on fire and completely burned up no air bags went off Dodge investigated but will not tell us why the car burned up.

- Amherst, WI, USA

problem #19

Jan 302015

Avenger

  • 84,546 miles

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

My 2012 Dodge Avenger had recall for electrical system, airbags. I took it to the dealer and they performed recall "N38 reflash tipm." Before this recall was done my vehicle had no problems. As soon as I drove away from the dealer, my airbag light on dash was on, the left rear turning light and left brake light not working, right headlight not working, right front turning signal not working. I let the dealer know what was going on and they said I had "to bring it back in because it probably has electrical problem". this is more than just electrical problem, it is a safety problem. After having the lighting diagnosed and inspected, I am having to pay $1250 for tipm to be replaced for a new one. I am very upset and in disbelief that I have to pay this for a defective or faulty tipm module. I feel this defect of the tipm module should be also a recall and covered by the manufacturer.

- Ceres, CA, USA

problem #18

Feb 052015

Avenger

  • 58,163 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled but would automatically restart. As a result, the ABS, the seat belt, and the traction warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V634000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,163.

- Stayton , OR, USA

problem #17

Jan 032015

Avenger 4-cyl

  • 68,000 miles
On January 3, 2015, complainant was driving a friend to work at approximately 9 a.M. when complainant lost total control of his 2012 Dodge Avenger due to ice covering the entirety of the streets causing complainant to slide two (2) blocks towards an overhanging cliff where plaintiff had a head on collision with a huge tree totaling his 2012 Dodge Avenger. At the instant of collision, there was a strange and pungent odor that permeated the interior of the automobile when both front airbags came out but failed to inflate and to offer any support. The airbags only stayed laying flat on the steering column and the passenger side dashboard. At the instant of collision, complainant struck his forehead against the steering column causing complaint severe neck trauma, severe spinal trauma, severe back trauma and severe hip trauma... complainant was wearing his seat belt at the time and so was the passenger. At the time of collision the passenger struck her entire face against the passenger side dashboard where the malfunctioning airbag.... at no time did the airbags inflate and there was so sort of electrical problem before the airbags came out that gave off a very disturbing odor... the wrecked car is presently at the progressive insurance auto auction and the telephone number there is 724 443 7881... I am requesting that an investigation be done to determine that both front airbags did not inflate and offer protection... both airbags appeared to be damaged... also there was a recall on that product in early 2014 and complainant believes that whatever Dodge of monroeville did during this recall was not appropriate and was in violation of federal safety and warranty laws....

- N. Braddock, PA, USA

problem #16

Dec 262014

Avenger

  • 60,000 miles

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

Without cause, the airbag light came on. After investigating the issue, I find that my car had a recall for the tipm, which was not done. I then had the tipm reset, however it did not turn the light out. Then I had a diagnostic test done that came up with a code of B2208, which of course warranty doesn't cover. This module should be replaced by Chrysler for the 2012 Avenger as well.

- Brooklyn Park, MN, USA

problem #15

Dec 302014

Avenger 6-cyl

  • 67,000 miles
While driving down the interstate this vehicle's power steering and anti lock brakes stopped working and the vehicles rpms were as high as could be measured by the vehicle. This issues made it very difficult to navigate the vehicle off the roadway safely. The vehicle had to be towed to the nearest dealership and the alternator was diagnosed as the primary issue. The concern with this vehicle is that it has the same size engine and amp alternator as the Chrysler vehicles that are already under recall for alternator failure 3.6L engine with a 160 amp alternator and the dealership repairing this vehicle states it is the same type of failure. I am concerned that this vehicles alternator should also be recalled as it poses a danger to the people driving it and any other vehicles on the road near this vehicle when this failure occurs.

- Mayview, MO, USA

problem #14

Dec 162014

Avenger

  • 78,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the air bag warning light continuously illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the occupant restraint control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the tipm was reset. The failure persisted. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V282000 (air bags, electrical system). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

- Lake, MS, USA

problem #13

Nov 012014

Avenger 4-cyl

  • 62,000 miles
The throttle body on my car has to be replaced. My son has had numerous incidents of the car running rough, seemingly not getting enough gas, and the final straw before taking to the shop was when it the engine died as he was driving. This car is only three years old with approximately 62,000 miles on it. It is not at all acceptable for this part to go bad given the age / miles of the car. After speaking with several shop owners and technicians, I've found that this has been a common failure on late model Dodge vehicles. In addition the throttle failure, he has no heat coming in the passenger side of the car. Only cold air as if something is stuck open. This began the later part of last winter when the car was just two years old. He just dealt with it at the time due to lack of money. With winter coming, this will need to be addressed right away as well. Then we have the power mirror not working on one side. Which also began last year. And last but not least, the airbag light is on. I did see that there is a recall having to do with one of the airbags. I will schedule that right away, but it remains to be seen if that is why the airbag light is on.

- Elkhart, IN, USA

problem #12

Oct 042014

Avenger

  • 28,000 miles

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

[xxx] was driving down the 294 expressway and the car just turned off all electric items went dead. I called for a tow and was at the dealership 3 to 4 days. Dealer mechanic took car home same thing happened to him needed a tow to the shop. Then on 10/13 the car wouldn't start again. The alternator was replaced from first visit and Dodge says no codes are coming up and are not fixing anything. My guess it will continue happening until further investigated by Dodge. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Buffalo Grove, IL, USA

problem #11

Apr 292012

Avenger 4-cyl

  • 42,000 miles
Will not shift into drive until speed reaches 45 - 50 mph. Can not accelerate over 4000 RPM at any time. Unable to pass other slow moving vehicles at a reasonable speed. Have taken the vehicle into the Dodge service center, explained what was happening, and was told "nothing is wrong with it because there is no sensor light on".

- Victoria, TX, USA

problem #10

Aug 242014

Avenger

  • 16,574 miles
While driving on a two lane highway driving in the left lane doing 60 miles the vehicle suddenly turned off creating the following to stop working. No brakes, gas pedal would not work, steering wheel locked up, unable to turn on hazard lights. I was able to turn the steering wheel to the right enough to move into the right hand lane and to the side of a very busy freeway, (very scary ) the chp came and had me wait for about 30 minutes the chp officer then got into the vehicle restarted the car, put in gear to make sure the brake would hold out and then escorted me off the freeway at the speed of 30 miles. Then had it towed to the nearest dealership for repairs.

- Davis, CA, USA

problem #9

Feb 012014

Avenger

  • 51,500 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled numerous times while driving various speeds. The instrument panel indicators flashed intermittently during the failure. Additionally, the front passenger side window was inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 51,500.

- Spring , TX, USA

problem #8

Jul 232014

Avenger

  • 48,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the air bag indicator was illuminated. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V282000 (air bag, electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.

- Roxdoro, NC, USA

problem #7

Jun 182014

Avenger

  • 49,424 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and returning approximately eight hours later, the center console was melted from a small fire. The contact stated that the vehicle was destroyed and there were no injuries. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,424.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #6

Jan 072014

Avenger

  • 41,920 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the front passenger's side vent was only emitting cold air. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the heating core needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The vehicle was scheduled to be inspected and diagnosed by an authorized dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41920.

- Saint Charles, MO, USA

problem #5

Mar 312014

Avenger 4-cyl

  • 49,000 miles
I got a recall notice stating that my car would be fixed and the labor and parts would be free. I have spoken with the dealership and they say I will need to pay $300 in parts to get it replaced. If the recall notice says it would be free then why do I need to pay? the recall should be covered by Chrysler. The airbag light is on. I have not been in any accidents so I do not see why I must pay for a faulty part.

- Saco, ME, USA

problem #4

Dec 062013

Avenger

  • 36,332 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number 13V282000 (air bags, electrical system) and was taken to the dealer for repairs. The dealer stated that the vehicle had surpassed the mileage restriction for the recall and refused to service the vehicle. In addition, an extended warranty was offered by the manufacturer pertaining to the air bags. The contact's vehicle was also excluded from the extended warranty program. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 36,332.

- Olando, FL, USA

problem #3

Dec 122012

Avenger 4-cyl

  • 1,000 miles
The only problem I have is that the engine sounds like a pea thrasher when its started on cold morning. (it sounds like a lifter that has lost its prime). Also, the transmission shifts hard, surges (over revs) when coming to S atop, and at times when its down shifting while going down a hill, it slams into lower gear.. there are additional body sounds that I haven't addressed yet. I was told by mechanics and service tech's that this was a common sound from my size engine. The have ran updates, yet the noises are still there. I mentioned that at idle with the headlights on, if I was to power any of the windows, the headlights dim and then engine drops from approximately 950 RPM to below 500 and stalled the engine.... updated 04/11/13

- Herber Springs, AR, USA

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