2012 Dodge Avenger recalls and problems
The 2012 Dodge Avenger has 3 safety recalls and 554 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Dodge Avenger vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Dodge Avenger recalls
Recall 17V-640: Seats, Air Bags
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.
Recall 16V-668: Seat Belts, Air Bags
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
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.
2012 Dodge Avenger problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown or Other | 163 | |
| Air Bags | 110 | |
| Electrical System | 109 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 95 | |
| Engine | 87 | |
| Seat Belts | 43 | |
| Power Train | 31 | |
| Visibility | 27 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 25 | |
| Service Brakes | 21 | |
| Steering | 20 | |
| Structure | 20 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 17
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 14
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core — 8
- Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint — 7
- Air Bags › Frontal — 1
- Seat Belts › Front — 1
- Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 1
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 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 2012 Dodge Avenger complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Dodge Avenger years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Dodge Avenger: 17V-640 (seats, air bags), 16V-668 (seat belts, air bags), 13V-282 (air bags, electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Dodge Avenger?
Owners report unknown or other problems most often (163 reports), followed by air bags (110). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 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.