Dodge Avenger reliability: common problems by model year
Across 2 model years, the Dodge Avenger has 165 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and air bags. 2010 drew the most complaints (163), 2007 the fewest (2).
2
Model years tracked
165
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
163
Median per year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Dodge Avenger vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $5,500–$7,993.
Which Avenger years have the most problems?
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
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
Chronic electrical system failures: includes Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failures causing no-crank/no-start conditions, flickering/strobing headlights, and general electrical gremlins. Frequency: very frequent.
Cooling 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. Frequency: very frequent.
Suspension 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. Frequency: very frequent.
Persistent reliability and build quality: broadly described as poorly engineered, badly built, and prone to constant, varied failures ("one stupid thing after another"). Frequency: very frequent.
Underpowered and inefficient 4-cylinder engine (2.4L): described as sluggish, not fuel-efficient in real-world use, and sensitive to oil change intervals. Frequency: recurrent.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Avenger. Individual model years are broken down above.