2012 DODGE AVENGER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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4/5

★★★★

Safety Rating

836

Owner Complaints

61 Crashes 17 Fires

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

9

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2012 DODGE AVENGER

The 2012 DODGE AVENGER has received a total of 836 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE, SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER. 9 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Unknown Or Other (163 complaints), Air Bags (108 complaints), and Electrical System (107 complaints).

Recalls for the 2012 DODGE AVENGER

NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2012 DODGE AVENGER, potentially affecting up to 5,919,375 vehicles.

Recall 17V640000 — SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

| 363,930 vehicles affected

Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012 Jeep Liberty and 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles. A component within the occupant restraint controller (ORC) may fail and prevent the active headrests from deploying in the event of a rear-end crash.

Consequence: If the active headrests do not deploy in certain rear-end crashes, the front seat occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2017. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is T56.

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Recall 17V640000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

| 363,930 vehicles affected

Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012 Jeep Liberty and 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles. A component within the occupant restraint controller (ORC) may fail and prevent the active headrests from deploying in the event of a rear-end crash.

Consequence: If the active headrests do not deploy in certain rear-end crashes, the front seat occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2017. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is T56.

View full details →

Recall 16V668000 — SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

| 1,435,625 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 16V668000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

| 1,435,625 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 16V668000 — AIR BAGS

| 1,435,625 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 13V282000 — AIR BAGS

| 442,320 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 13V282000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

| 442,320 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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...

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2012 DODGE AVENGER

836 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 DODGE AVENGER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 163 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Air Bags
Complaints: 108 21 Crashes 22 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 107 5 Crashes 5 Fires 5 Injuries
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 95 1 Crash
Engine
Complaints: 85 4 Crashes 6 Fires 3 Injuries
Seat Belts
Complaints: 42 7 Crashes 9 Injuries
Power Train
Complaints: 30 1 Crash 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 25
Service Brakes
Complaints: 21 5 Crashes 2 Fires 5 Injuries
Steering
Complaints: 19 1 Crash
Structurebody
Complaints: 17 7 Crashes 2 Fires 5 Injuries
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 16
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 16 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 14 1 Crash 1 Injury
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 13 1 Crash
Suspension
Complaints: 10
Seats
Complaints: 8 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 8
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 7
Wheels
Complaints: 5
Visibility
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 3
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 2
Structure
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
Complaints: 1
Lane Departure Assist
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 1
Tires
Complaints: 1
Traction Control System
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11699661 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
Window Defrost and Passenger Heat /Air. While either in motion or while driving, no heated air exits the passenger side of the windshield defroster, nor the passenger window defrost, lower and center console vents. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. Problem persists through all cabin air modes, and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin tempuratures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin).
#11699661 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | | N/A miles
Window Defrost and Passenger Heat /Air. While either in motion or while driving, no heated air exits the passenger side of the windshield defroster, nor the passenger window defrost, lower and center console vents. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. Problem persists through all cabin air modes, and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin tempuratures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin).
#11677692 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
I was driving and I stopped at a stop sign. When I got ready to go, the car stalled and stopped and wouldn't start. After 30 minutes, it started but I ended up having it towed. My mechanic was able to replicate it after putting the car in the sun, running it for 10 minutes and then driving it. When the mechanic tried to look at it, he couldn't find anything to cause it to stop. I look it to the dealership. They were unable to replicate it or find the problem. It seems to happen when the car gets hot it stops without warning. Other people in the Dodge Avenger online group have experienced the same thing. The horn also keeps beeping without warning and the airbag sign is on. I think all of these items are connected. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11677692 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
I was driving and I stopped at a stop sign. When I got ready to go, the car stalled and stopped and wouldn't start. After 30 minutes, it started but I ended up having it towed. My mechanic was able to replicate it after putting the car in the sun, running it for 10 minutes and then driving it. When the mechanic tried to look at it, he couldn't find anything to cause it to stop. I look it to the dealership. They were unable to replicate it or find the problem. It seems to happen when the car gets hot it stops without warning. Other people in the Dodge Avenger online group have experienced the same thing. The horn also keeps beeping without warning and the airbag sign is on. I think all of these items are connected. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11677692 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
I was driving and I stopped at a stop sign. When I got ready to go, the car stalled and stopped and wouldn't start. After 30 minutes, it started but I ended up having it towed. My mechanic was able to replicate it after putting the car in the sun, running it for 10 minutes and then driving it. When the mechanic tried to look at it, he couldn't find anything to cause it to stop. I look it to the dealership. They were unable to replicate it or find the problem. It seems to happen when the car gets hot it stops without warning. Other people in the Dodge Avenger online group have experienced the same thing. The horn also keeps beeping without warning and the airbag sign is on. I think all of these items are connected. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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Safety Rating for the 2012 DODGE AVENGER

The 2012 DODGE AVENGER received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Test Category Rating
Overall Rating ★★★★ (4/5)
Frontal Crash ★★★★ (4/5)
Side Crash ★★★★ (4/5)
Rollover ★★★★ (4/5)

Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 DODGE AVENGER

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 9 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 DODGE AVENGER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

18-058-19 REV. B — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

No Start After Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Replacement and/or Reprogramming

1805819 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

No Start After Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Replacement and/or Reprogramming

1810216 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Flash: Powertrain Diagnostic And System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that the following DTCs have been set: U0140 - Lost Communication With Body Control...

08-038-15 — EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

RBZ Or RHB Radio Software Enhancements This bulletin involves upgrading the software on the RBZ or RHB Radio. The customer may experience one or more of the following. ? When changing the language on the radio, the navigation may still display English. ? Help prevent navigation lockup. ? Ghost image...

SB-19-001-14REVA — STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

DODGE: WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES AND WOULD TURN STEERING WHEEL, A CLICKING/POPPING NOISE OCCURS AND CAN BE HEARD AT 25MPH OR WHILE STOPPED. MODEL 2012-2013 AVENGER/200. *PE

1900114 — BACK OVER PREVENTION

Clicking/Popping Noise While Turning Wheel

19-001-14 — STEERING

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

08-070-13REV.C — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

21-013-12 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 DODGE AVENGER

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the DODGE AVENGER

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Other DODGE Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report