Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
Combined, EPA 2014
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment, with a strong consensus that the vehicle is unreliable, poorly engineered, and offers little value even at low purchase prices.
10 problems reported (4 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 4 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentChronic electrical system failures
Includes Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failures causing no-crank/no-start conditions, flickering/strobing headlights, and general electrical gremlins.
- Very frequentCooling system problems
Includes overheating (even when new), unreliable water pumps prone to leaking into the timing case, clogged heater cores, and erratic temperature gauge behavior.
- Very frequentSuspension component failures
Includes premature wear of lower front ball joints and sway bar bushings (causing loud clunking over bumps), and broken sway bar links contributing to poor handling.
+ 7 more issuesShow fewer
- Very frequentPersistent reliability and build quality
Broadly described as poorly engineered, badly built, and prone to constant, varied failures ("one stupid thing after another").
- RecurrentUnderpowered and inefficient 4-cylinder engine (2.4L)
Described as sluggish, not fuel-efficient in real-world use, and sensitive to oil change intervals.
- RecurrentInterior quality issues
Cheap, hard plastics; interior trim falling apart; poor overall material quality.
- IsolatedBrake system inadequacy
Described as having an "under powered brake system" that feels ineffective, even after complete brake system overhauls.
- IsolatedWindow regulator/motor failures
Driver's side window motor repeatedly shatters and requires replacement.
- IsolatedPersistent tire leaks
Specific to one side of the vehicle, recurring despite tire rotation and replacement.
- IsolatedBody rust
Noted as a common issue, especially in regions with road salt.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. While the V6 engine (3.6L Pentastar) is noted by some as providing adequate power and being "decent" compared to the underpowered 4-cylinder, no specific trim or model year is consistently recommended as superior. The prevailing advice is to avoid the model entirely.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Mazda 6, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Buick sedans with 3.8L engine and Ford Fusion.
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Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment, with a strong consensus that the vehicle is unreliable, poorly engineered, and offers little value even at low purchase prices. The model is frequently described as a "piece of shit," "unreliable garbage," and a vehicle with a "bad rep." A small minority of owners report acceptable experiences with well-maintained, low-cost examples used as basic transportation, acknowledging its simplicity and depreciation as potential advantages for knowledgeable buyers. However, the dominant narrative centers on persistent mechanical failures, particularly with electrical systems, cooling, and suspension components, leading to frustration and financial strain. The vehicle is not considered competitive in any area: reliability, driving dynamics, interior quality, or fuel economy: resulting in its characterization as a car to be actively avoided.
Positioning vs competitors
Universally positioned as inferior to mainstream midsize and compact sedan competitors. Compared directly to the Mazda 6, the Avenger is described as having a much more dated interior, poorer build quality, less refinement, worse fuel efficiency, and significant rust issues. It is consistently noted that a Mazda with higher mileage is worth the same as a lower-mileage Avenger, highlighting its poor depreciation and perceived lack of value. Against reliable staples like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, it is deemed non-competitive due to chronic unreliability. It is sometimes mentioned alongside other brands with poor reputations (Kia, Nissan, Chrysler group) as vehicles to "steer clear of" for reliability reasons.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. No specific configurations are recommended. Isolated advice suggests using higher-grade fuel and regular fuel injector cleaner (e.g., Sea Foam) for the 4-cylinder engine to mitigate clogging issues, and ensuring timely oil changes.
General recommendations
NOT recommended for purchase by the vast majority of feedback. Considered suitable only under extremely specific, high-risk circumstances: as a very cheap, short-term "beater" for a knowledgeable owner who can perform their own repairs and has other reliable transportation available. It is explicitly not recommended as a primary commuter, a first car, or for anyone seeking reliable, trouble-free transportation. If considering despite warnings, a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic is deemed essential. Owners strongly advise looking for well-documented service history. The consensus is to spend a similar amount on a higher-mileage Toyota, Honda, or Mazda for vastly superior long-term reliability and ownership experience.
Remarks
The vehicle's notorious reputation is a significant factor in its steep depreciation, which is occasionally cited as a potential "value" for a cheap beater. However, this is heavily caveated with warnings about inevitable repair costs. The electrical issues, particularly TIPM failure, are highlighted as a known, expensive, and complex fault characteristic of FCA/Stellantis vehicles of this era. Much of the criticism is directed at the 2008-2010 models, but significant problems are reported across the entire 2008-2014 generation. The data suggests a stark divide between the overwhelming negative consensus and the rare, conditional acceptance by owners who purchased pristine, well-maintained examples at rock-bottom prices for limited, low-expectation use. Analysis based on approximately 58 substantive owner discussions and experiences.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2008. Years to avoid: 2013, 2012, 2008Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Dodge Avenger years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 205 | 1 | air bags |
| 2013 | 548 | 5 | air bags |
| 2012 | 553 | 3 | unknown or other |
| 2011 | 209 | 3 | unknown or other |
| 2010 | 163 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2009 | 67 | 2 | engine |
| 2008 | 844 | 6 | power train |
| 2007 | 2 | 4 | engine and engine cooling |
| 2000 | 31 | 5 | power train |
| 1999 | 65 | 5 | service brakes |
| 1998 | 60 | 6 | suspension |
| 1997 | 94 | 6 | suspension |
| 1996 | 197 | 3 | suspension |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices52 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2014 · seat belts:pretensionercampaign 16V668000
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.
2013 · seats:front assembly:head restraintcampaign 17V640000
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.
2013 · seat belts:pretensionercampaign 16V668000
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.
2013 · electrical systemcampaign 13V282000
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.
2013 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 13V043000
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.
2013 · enginecampaign 13V552000
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.
2012 · seats:front assembly:head restraintcampaign 17V640000
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.
2012 · seat belts:pretensionercampaign 16V668000
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.
2012 · electrical systemcampaign 13V282000
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.
2011 · seat belts:pretensionercampaign 16V668000
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.
2011 · steering:columncampaign 11V315000
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.
2011 · electrical systemcampaign 13V282000
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.
2010 · seat belts:pretensionercampaign 16V668000
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.
2010 · steering:electric power assist systemcampaign 10V475000
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.
2010 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 10V009000
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.
37 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
3.6 V6 Autostick
3.6L 6-cylinder · 283 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 2010–2014