2012 Dodge Avenger: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Avenger years.
One of the Dodge Avenger years to avoid. All Avenger years
553 owner complaints, most about air bags. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Avenger?The 2012 Dodge Avenger has 553 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2012 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Dodge Avenger vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Avenger years only. How we score it
Is 2012 a good year for the Avenger?
Across the 13 Avenger model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2007) to 844 (2008). With 553 complaints, the 2012 Avenger sits above the model's median of 163.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2012 Avenger
seats:front assembly:head restraint
Campaign 17V640000Chrysler (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.
seat belts:pretensioner
Campaign 16V668000Chrysler (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.
electrical system
Campaign 13V282000Chrysler 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.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment, with a strong consensus that the vehicle is unreliable, poorly engineered, and offers little value even at low purchase prices.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Avenger. See the full Avenger owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Avenger listings typically run $5,990–$7,397 across 2008 to 2014 model years.
Other Avenger model years
Compare every Avenger year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Avenger against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy