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:
4 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
68,773 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Dodge Avenger Owner Comments (Page 3 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #44

Oct 292018

Avenger

  • 116,000 miles

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

When heat or ac is turned on either in motion or not there is a clicking noise coming from the passenger dashboard about five clicks and the clicks will stop and the heat will come out of driver side, but cool air on passenger side. If turned off and back on it will repeat the five clicking noise and the heat will kick on. Also this "heat" is lukewarm at best.

- Augusta, ME, USA

problem #43

Jan 052018

Avenger

  • 45,000 miles
Passenger side heater blowing cold air during all operation phases. Dealer stated due to sand casting from the aluminum block plugging the heater core. The vehicle has close ton 50K miles.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #42

Jul 212018

Avenger

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the check engine indicator illuminated after the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to jacksonville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram arlington (9600 atlantic blvd, jacksonville, fl 32225, (877) 677-5782), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #41

Aug 072018

Avenger

  • 133,000 miles

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

My Dodge Avenger recently started stalling/shutting down while in motion. It has happened 4 times in the last 3 months. I loose all power to the steering wheel and brakes, I cannot control the car. Thankfully this has only happened on local roads. I am terrified if it happens while I am on the highway which I travel everyday on my way to work and back.

- Folcroft, PA, USA

problem #40

May 022018

Avenger

  • 97,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. While driving 25 mph, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The engine was restarted and the contact drove the vehicle home. The vehicle was later taken to autonation Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram North fort worth (11200 N freeway, fort worth, tx 76177, (817) 642-7894) where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.

- Keller, TX, USA

problem #39

Apr 182018

Avenger

  • 78,004 miles
I own a Dodge 2012 Avenger and had some issues here and there but this is the first time the vehicle just died for no reason. I was stopped in heavy traffic on a hill, ready to merge onto the freeway. The light turned green and I stepped on the gas peddle and nothing happened. I wasn't sure what was going on so I put on my hazard lights which thankfully worked. I could tell straight away that the car wasn't even on so I put it in park and turned the key and it started up. This is an issue that needs to be addressed by Dodge as it poses a major safety hazard especially if I'm in the middle of heavy traffic on a freeway.

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

problem #38

Apr 052018

Avenger

  • 103,280 miles

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

Driving at 50-55 mph and check engine and other dashboard lights flashed and started losing power. Pulled off to side street a few feet away. I was lucky to be able to get in center turn lane where the car died completely. Power steering also was lost. We pushed car off road where it restarted about 1/2 hour later. Driving home less then 5 miles it died but started again.

- Perrysburg, OH, USA

problem #37

Feb 212018

Avenger

  • 66,438 miles
Climate control blows cold air on the passenger side and warm air on the drivers side when heat is on and driving. Engine temperature does not reach normal operating temperature when driving in cold weather. Took to my local trusted mechanic and he diagnosed the heater core is plugged with debris. Looked online and the Dodge Avenger have numerous complaints with that same issue. Called Chrysler group and made a complaint and got a case number. I have an appointment later this week to have it diagnosed by a Dodge dealership for the record.

- Bushnell, IL, USA

problem #36

Feb 162018

Avenger

  • miles
I took my car to ntb they stated there was a recall on my car for the transmission and I got online to check for recalls and it sais 0 detected but I believe this needs to be reassured. There was a recall back in 2015 and I would like for it to happen again.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #35

Jan 312018

Avenger

  • 47,700 miles
Having to replace heater core and odometer at 47700 miles. Lights are flickering behind odometer. Told sand from casing clogging heater core. This was no fault of my own and needs to be recalled to fix this very big and common expensive problem.

- Lillington, NC, USA

problem #34

Jan 312018

Avenger

  • 47,700 miles

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

Passenger side blows cold air when heat is on.

- Lillington, NC, USA

problem #33

Dec 152017

Avenger

  • 135,000 miles
Engine keeps stalling

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #32

Dec 032017

Avenger

  • miles
1 year ago passenger side began blowing cool air, now only blows cold air. Drivers side used to blow hot air, now only blows warm air. Defrost is only warm on drivers side. Actuator doors have been replaced, still doesn't work. Estimated price to repair >$1200 due to the heater core needing to be replaced.

- Brethren, MI, USA

problem #31

Nov 162017

Avenger

  • 69,000 miles
Brake recall: The brakes grab or slow to stop causing it to not stop in a straight line or jump, flutter or hesitate to brake. Engine recall: Got car 6/2017 clinging noise, after 70,000 miles, all oil changes 1000 miles before its due, started after the 2 oil change. Small of burning wire smell. (oil change 4 days go now engine light on) fuel propusion system recall: Car seems to shift funny when pushing gas, struggling for gas to flow when pushing the gas.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #30

Aug 162017

Avenger

  • 101,246 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. While driving approximately 35 mph, the engine overheated and the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (frank fletcher Dodge in sherwood, ar: 501-834-7700) where it was diagnosed that the radiator needed to be replaced. The technician also stated that there was no recall and that the warranty expired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V668000 (seat belts, air bags). The failure mileage was approximately 101,246. Parts distribution disconnect.

- North Little Rock, AR, USA

problem #29

Apr 282017

Avenger

  • 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. While driving 50 mph, the contact observed smoke coming from the engine and the vehicle shook violently. The contact pulled the vehicle off the road and the check engine and electronic throttle control warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the radiator and coolant system failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the alternator failed and had to be replaced a month prior. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

- Ft Worth, TX, USA

problem #28

Dec 242013

Avenger

  • 110,025 miles
We have 2 of the exact same 2012 Dodge Avengers on our lot, we are needing a recall extension and possible refund on our expenses for the VIN I provided due to the fact that we have already had to replace this part on the other Avenger that we have. It is my understanding that campaign: 13V552000 and mfr campaign: N52 are on all Dodge Avengers, so to prevent our company for paying for a part that has a recall we are wanting to extend the recall so it covers the Avengers made for the year of 2013. Not just the ones made after the recall that was made half way during that year.

- Hot Springs, AR, USA

problem #27

Sep 012016

Avenger

  • 106,013 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. While driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled behind a commercial vehicle. When attempting to restart the vehicle, the truck in front suddenly moved and allowed the contact to notice another vehicle heading towards them at high speeds. The contact shifted into neutral, restarted the vehicle, but was unable to gain control. As a result, the vehicle landed in a ditch on the side of the road. The vehicle's front fender was damaged. The vehicle was not towed. A police report was filed. The contact did not receive any injuries. Approximately six months prior to this failure, the vehicle suddenly stalled while driving various speeds. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the tipm, PCM, and orc failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle received a new PCM, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 106,013.

- Tillar, AR, USA

problem #26

Nov 182016

Avenger

  • 84,000 miles
Heater only blows cold air on passenger side. I have been told this is casing sand clogging the radiator, heater core and the oil cooler. This happens as a result of the heater core being the wrong size and Chrysler fixing the issue by casting it in place. This is a safety issue for those of us who live in states where the winter gets bad. While driving in inclement weather the snow, ice, or sleet will begin to accumulate on the windshield and passenger window. The sad part is that this is the second Dodge Avenger I have had with this issue and on both occasions I have been told it is not covered under the powertrain warranty. The bumper to bumper warranty has expired both times before this has become an issue. Chrysler needs to take ownership of this defect and fix it before it causes a death. To have this repair done costs $2500 with no guarantee that it will last.

- Jefferson City, MO, USA

problem #25

Jan 102017

Avenger

  • miles
The heat does not blow hot air on the passengers side of the car. This includes the windshield, causing a safety issue as it only clears the fog on one side. Dodge service shop said the issue is a known Chrysler issue, requiring a new radiator, heater core, and coolant bottle. At an estimate of $2235. However Chrysler is refusing to do anything about it claiming it is not a known issue.

- Springfield, PA, USA

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