Is the 2012 Dodge Avenger reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Dodge Avenger is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Avenger?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge Avenger have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 Dodge Avenger

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2012 Dodge Avenger
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 554
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2012: 554 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1995	196
1996	157
1997	83
1998	58
1999	62
2000	22
2007	2
2008	831
2009	67
2010	163
2011	209
2012	554
2013	548
2014	205
2015	1

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

20% · 110 reports

Most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle in total loss accident - struck by vehicle in accident on the driver's side near the door - dublin oh police dept incident # 18000499 - no air bags deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-22

Also filed under Structure

Electrical system

20% · 109 reports

Most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

When it rains I can not drive I bought the car a year ago in the car had the problem I didn kno at the time cause it was winter when I got it and I really feel in danger pleas…

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-16

My 2012 dodge avenger will shut off whenever it feels like and you lose control of power steering. It feels like itâs not getting gas. It will crank back up when it feels like.The horn honks randomly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-28

Also filed under Engine and steering

While driving for about 50miles, the electrical system failed, I lost power to the entire vehicle, steering was hard, brakes hard as well. as I pulled over, the car started back up. Next day car drove fine.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-30

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and service brakes

Visibility/wiper

17% · 95 reports

CRASH

Engine

16% · 87 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Seat belts

8% · 43 reports

Most commonly citing front.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2012Complaint volume 554 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2013-11-19Air bags, electrical system13V282000 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…

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-08-15Air bags, seat belts16V668000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-12-04Air bags, seats17V640000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012 Jeep Liberty and 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2019-09-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 2026-02-25 Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Dodge Avenger — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 110 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 109 reports on file for this year.
Visibility/wiper: 95 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V282000 · Air bags, electrical system
Recall 16V668000 · Air bags, seat belts
Recall 17V640000 · Air bags, seats

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Dodge Avenger reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Dodge Avenger is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Avenger?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge Avenger have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.