Dodge

Avenger (2nd)

2008-2014 · Midsize Sedan · 7 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.8)
2,576 NHTSA Complaints
16 Recalls
56 Fire Reports
151 Crash Reports
📋 Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
4/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
4/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
4/5
Rollover
4/5 (11.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (11.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
4/5 (11.8% risk)
ESC: Optional FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

ERB

3.6L 6-cyl
⚠️ Caution (2.8)
136 complaints 76.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
48
engine
26
electrical
23
safety systems
23
interior
15

Known Issues

Engine Issues (26 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (23 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (23 complaints)

3.5-V6-Gas

3.5L 6-cyl
⚠️ Caution (2.7)
74 complaints 24.7 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
13
electrical
13
transmission
13
fuel system
12
other
12

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (13 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (13 complaints)
Transmission Issues (13 complaints)

Same engine used in

+71 more
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Dodge Avenger Unidentified Engine

⚠️ Caution (2.3)
384 complaints 54.9 per year
5 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
90
other
79
transmission
77
engine
55
safety systems
45

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (90 complaints)
Transmission Issues (77 complaints)
Engine Issues (55 complaints)

3.6-V6-FlexFuel

3.6L 6-cyl / 283 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.2)
309 complaints 103.0 per year Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
3 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
114
safety systems
62
engine
60
electrical
55
interior
48

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (62 complaints)
Engine Issues (60 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (55 complaints)

2.4-I4-Gas

2.4L 4-cyl
Avoid (1.0)
1,552 complaints 221.7 per year Gasoline
41 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
407
safety systems
357
engine
337
other
248
transmission
213

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (407 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (357 complaints)
Engine Issues (337 complaints)
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Dodge Avenger regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (619 complaints)
electrical critical
Safety Systems Issues (517 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Engine Issues (513 complaints)
engine critical
Transmission Issues (346 complaints)
transmission critical
Interior Issues (259 complaints)
interior critical

Recalls (16)

17V640000Oct 9, 2017serious
Seats

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.

16V668000Sep 14, 2016serious
Seat Belts

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.

13V552000Jun 10, 2013serious
Engine

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or engine failure.

13V043000Jun 1, 2013serious
Fuel System

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured from October 30, 2012, through November 2, 2012. These vehicles may have a gas tank that has a broken control valve in the fuel tank assembly.

13V282000Feb 6, 2013serious
Electrical System

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.

11V315000Aug 5, 2011serious
Steering

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.

10V009000Oct 31, 2010serious
Service Brakes

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING; DODGE AVENGER AND NITRO; JEEP LIBERTY, COMMANDER AND GRAND CHEROKEE; AND MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 DODGE RAM TRUCK. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY FORMED OR MISSING BRAKE BOOSTER INPUT ROD RETAINING CLIP.

10V475000Jul 9, 2010serious
Steering

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING, 300, CHARGER (LX) AND DODGE CHALLENGER (LC), AVENGER (JS), AND JOURNEY (JC), AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2011 DODGE RAM LIGHT DUTY PICKUP (DS) VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SEPARATION AT THE CRIMPED END OF THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY.

09V047000Apr 1, 2009serious
Fuel System, Other

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 91 MY 2009 SEBRING AND DODGE AVENGER EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINE PASSENGER VEHICLES. A COMPATIBILITY ISSUE BETWEEN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SOFTWARE AND FUEL PUMP MODULE CAN RESULT IN THE FUEL GAUGE OVERSTATING THE ACTUAL FUEL TANK LEVEL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE MAY RUN OUT OF FUEL WHEN THE GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS STILL FUEL REMAINING IN THE TANK.

08V528000Sep 9, 2008serious
Powertrain

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 712 MY 2009 SEBRING, DODGE CALIBER, AVENGER, JOURNEY, JEEP PATRIOT, AND COMPASS VEHICLES. A NEW ADHESIVE USED IN THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) MANUFACTURING PROCESS CAN CAUSE THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO BREAK.

08V152000Feb 3, 2008serious
Electrical System

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 180,963 MY 2007-2008 SEBRING AND DODGE AVENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A STANDARD TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS). UNUSED ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS FOR THE TPMS MAY BECOME CORRODED AND COULD SHORT CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN CAUSE A VARIETY OF CONDITIONS INCLUDING ENGINE NO-START, DEAD BATTERY, AN INOPERATIVE CRUISE CONTROL OR REMOTE START SYSTEM, AND/OR ENGINE STALLING.

07V104000Mar 14, 2007serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT DOOR LATCH CABLE MAY BECOME PARTIALLY UNSEATED FROM THE INTERIOR RELEASE HANDLE HOUSING CAUSING THE DOOR LATCH TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION AND NOT BE SECURED TO THE STRIKER.

07V426000Sep 12, 2007serious
Fuel System

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE, THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WERE IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED AND COULD SEPARATE. THIS CAN CAUSE THE FUEL TANK TO LOOSEN AND LEAK FUEL.

07V240000Jun 12, 2007serious
Air Bags

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT SEAT TRACK POSITION SENSORS UTILIZED FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.

07V414000Dec 8, 2007serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE FRONT DOOR LATCH CABLE MAY BECOME PARTIALLY UNSEATED FROM THE INTERIOR RELEASE HANDLE HOUSING POSSIBLY CAUSING THE LATCH TO STICK IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION OR THE LOCK FUNCTION TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

07V473000Oct 9, 2007serious
Engine & Cooling

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.4 LITER ENGINES, THE ENGINE COOLANT MAY BE DRAWN INTO THE LEFT RADIATOR COOLING FAN MOTOR CONNECTOR.

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2008-2014 Dodge Avenger problems?

The 2008-2014 Dodge Avenger has accumulated 2,576 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Safety Systems, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Dodge Avenger engine is most reliable?

The 2008-2014 Dodge Avenger was offered with 9 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.6L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2008-2014 Dodge Avenger a good used car?

The 2008-2014 Dodge Avenger can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,576 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2014 Dodge Avenger have?

The 2008-2014 Dodge Avenger has 2,576 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2008-2014 Dodge Avenger?

There are 16 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2008-2014 Dodge Avenger vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Dodge Avenger?

Before buying a used Dodge Avenger, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Safety Systems, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Avenger?

The 2014 Dodge Avenger received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 4 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (11.8% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,576 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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