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Model year record

2012 Dodge Avenger recalls & problems

The 2012 Dodge Avenger has 3 safety recalls and 554 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is unknown or other (163 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints554filed by owners
Crashes · fires34 · 7reported in complaints
NHTSA overall4 ★crash-test stars
2012 Dodge Avenger in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

SeatsOct 10, 2017

Front assembly › Head restraint

Recall 17V640000363,930 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

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

Components: Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint; Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive

Seat beltsSep 15, 2016

Pretensioner

Recall 16V6680001,435,625 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.

Components: Seat belts › Pretensioner; Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive; Air bags

Air bagsJul 2, 2013

Air bags

Recall 13V282000442,320 vehicles

Problem
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 15, 2012. Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control module may lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
Fix
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 recall campaign number is N38.

Components: Air bags; Electrical system

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2012 Dodge Avenger 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk11.8%
2012 Dodge Avenger NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2012 Dodge Avenger NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Avenger

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Avenger

23mpg combined
City / highway20 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Avenger FFV

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 28 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.6 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Unknown or other16320275,575 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module1102202360,000 mi
Electrical systemAlternator/generator/regulator10955570,521 mi
Visibility/wiper9510073,500 mi
Engine8746379,000 mi
Seat beltsFront43801065,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)3121241,000 mi
VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system; Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core2710160,412 mi
Electronic stability control (esc)2500085,000 mi
Service brakes2152555,000 mi
Steering2010040,000 mi
StructureBody; Frame and members › Underbody shields2072541,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations