2011 Dodge Avenger recalls and problems

The 2011 Dodge Avenger has 3 safety recalls and 209 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
209
Crashes / fires
14 / 2
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 Dodge Avenger vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 Dodge Avenger recalls

Recall 16V-668: Seat Belts, Air Bags

Reported Sep 15, 2016 · 1,435,625 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

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.

Recall 13V-282: Air Bags, Electrical System

Reported Jul 2, 2013 · 442,320 vehicles affected · Chrysler Group LLC

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.

Recall 11V-315: Steering

Reported Jun 8, 2011 · 11,096 vehicles affected · CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

2011 Dodge Avenger problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Unknown or Other57
Electrical System41
Engine38
Air Bags35
Visibility/Wiper23
Seat Belts20
Suspension16
Vehicle Speed Control14
Power Train14
Steering10
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)9
Structure8

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 5
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core — 2
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 1
  • Electrical System › Starter Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 78,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2011 Dodge Avenger complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Visibility/Wiper · reported Dec 16, 2025
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 affects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin temperatures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin).
Steering · at 205,000 miles · reported Jul 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the passenger’s side seat headrest exploded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V282000 (Electrical System, Air Bags) and 11V315000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.
Unknown or Other · reported May 31, 2023
Vehicle turns off while driving sometimes starts up sometimes not! Doesn't give a warning replaced multiple things afraid of the car doing it in a turn everything shuts down power steering and everything!
Visibility/Wiper · reported Feb 28, 2023
Heater on the passenger side of the vehicle blows out cold air while driver side blows out hot air like it's supposed to. By having cold air being blown out, this causes the windshield and windows on the passenger side of the vehicle to fog up causing visibility issues.
Engine · at 171,998 miles · reported Aug 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the cruise control, buttons on the steering wheel, and occupant restraint control were malfunctioning. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags) and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that the air bag and occupant restraint warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 171,998.

Other Dodge Avenger years

Compare all Dodge Avenger years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 Dodge Avenger: 16V-668 (seat belts, air bags), 13V-282 (air bags, electrical system), 11V-315 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Dodge Avenger?

Owners report unknown or other problems most often (57 reports), followed by electrical system (41). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 78,000 miles.

Are Dodge recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.