Dodge Avenger Reliability Problems

Avenger owners have made 892 complaints over 13 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 20th in overall reliability out of 29 Dodge models, with real transmission and engine concerns.

4 Common Dodge Avenger Problems

A list of some of the most common issues Avenger owners have to deal with.

  1. AHR Randomly Deploys

    The active head restraints in some Dodge vehicles are handing out free concussions. A mechanical breakdown inside the restraint means they could deploy randomly at any time.

    Continue reading article "AHR Randomly Deploys" A Dodge head restraint

  3. Stuck in Park

    Can't shift the car into reverse or drive! Now what? This is most commonly reported from Dodge Avenger owners, but there have also been similar complaints about other Dodge makes as well as other Chrysler and Jeep vehicles having a similar …

    Continue reading article "Stuck in Park" Red arrow points at a disassembled gear shifter

What Avenger Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

Avenger Generations

The Avenger has 2 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 2nd generation (2008–2014).

Avenger Key Numbers

  1. 892 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 195 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 24 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Avenger Class-Action Lawsuits

The Avenger has been named as a class vehicle in the following lawsuits.

  • Motion to dismiss

    Nuwer, et al., v. FCA US LLC, et al.

    1. Motion to dismiss

      Stellantis (Chrysler) filed a motion to dismiss the active headrest lawsuit by arguing the allegations don't hold up in a court of law.

    2. Case Filed

      A Chrysler headrest that deployed without a crash caused a 2014 Ram C/V owner and others to file a lawsuit that alleges the active headrests make driving dangerous.

    Problem
    AHR Randomly Deploys
    Class Vehicles
    • 2010-2014 Avenger
    • 2010-2012 Caliber
    • 2010-2018 Caravan
    • 2011-2018 Durango
    • 2010-2018 Journey
    • 2010-2011 Nitro
    • 2011-2018 Ram C/V
    Class Members
    All consumers in the U.S.,excluding California
    Location
    Florida
  • Dismissed

    Perez, et al., v. FCA US, LLC.

    1. Dismissed

      The lawsuit was dismissed after Chrysler's motion was granted by a judge. The judge said the plaintiffs waited too long to file warranty and FDUTPA claims, making the claims time-barred.

    2. Case Filed

      The lawsuit aleges the headrests suddenly deploy and injure occupants. The plaintiffs blame the problem on cheap plastic brackets and say the automaker refuses to recall the dangerous issue.

Recent Avenger News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) owners are worried that their vehicles may not pass the next state inspection. And for good reason.

    Last month, FCA announced that nearly 900,000 vehicles fail to meet emissions standards and will need new catalytic converters. That’s a lot of parts to come up with all at once, so FCA’s plan is to split the recall into stages with older vehicles getting repaired first. Some owners have filed a lawsuit because they will could fail their next state inspection before parts are available.…

    keep reading article "Dodge Vehicles May Not Pass Inspection As Owners Wait for Replacement Catalytic Converters"

  2. The EPA has announced Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) will recall over 863,000 vehicles for failing to meet U.S. emissions standards.

    The affected vehicles are from the 2011-2016 model years, with front-wheel-drive and gasoline engines. Each will need a new catalytic converter. Given the scope and complexity of the repair, FCA plans on splitting the recall into phases with the oldest models getting repaired first.

    keep reading article "Some Dodge Vehicles Will Need New Catalytic Converters After Failing to Meet Emissions Standards"

  3. A Florida lawsuit says Fiat-Chrysler's (FCA) active head restraint is a little too active for their liking.

    The safety system tries to reduce whiplash by springing the head restraint forward in the event of a crash. However, the plastic brackets keeping the restraint in place are defective and allowing the the restraint to deploy randomly instead.

    The allegedly defective piece of plastic holds a short metal rod that is latched into two metal hooks located on the back of the headrest……

    keep reading article "Lawsuit Says Dodge's Active Head Restraints Are Too Active"

  5. Three fatalities. Five injuries. One massive recall for Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) vehicles.

    The automaker says it opened an investigation in April 2015 after 10 crashes were reported, and after months of research, engineers determined the occupant restraint control modules may short-circuit and prevent the frontal airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and side air bags from deploying in a crash.…

    keep reading article "Three Fatalities. Five Injuries. One Massive Airbag Recall."

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