2011 Dodge Avenger problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Visibility/Wiper (23) · Engine (22) · Seat Belts (19)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Dodge Avenger model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
159 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (3)
Seat Belts:pretensioner 2016-09-15 · campaign 16V668000 · 1,435,625 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
Air Bags 2013-07-02 · campaign 13V282000 · 442,320 vehicles
Defect: 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 mo
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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 November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.
Steering:column 2011-06-08 · campaign 11V315000 · 11,096 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Service bulletins (88)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-06-18 · U67 Combo Rev11 · Warranty Program/Extension
emissions recall u67 - catalytic converter efficiency - dealer notification (revision 11)
Unknown Or Other 2025-04-02 · 103954 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
actuator - a/c and heater
Unknown Or Other 2025-04-02 · 104087 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
actuator - a/c and heater
Electrical System 2023-09-15 · 9100226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
connector kit before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957a$, check it in the mopar connector repair kit website to confirm part number and applicability. there is an error with the wiring diagrams in service library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. please use
Electrical System:wiring 2023-09-15 · 9100226 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
connector kit before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957a$, check it in the mopar connector repair kit website to confirm part number and applicability. there is an error with the wiring diagrams in service library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. please use
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2023-07-27 · 9100196 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
lubrication and maintenance fluids if mopar fluids and chemicals are not readily available, please review service library for specifications so a suitable alternative can be used
Showing the 6 most recent of 88 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2025-12-16 · Visibility/Wiper“window defrost and passenger heat /air. while either in motion or while driving, no heated air exits the passenger side of the windshield defroster, nor the passenger window defrost, lower and center console vents. heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. problem persists through all cabin air modes and circu…”
2023-07-03 · Steering · 205,000 mi“the contact owns a 2011 dodge avenger. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. additionally, the passenger’s side seat headrest exploded. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. the contact related the failure to nhtsa campaign numbers: 13v282000 (ele…”
2023-05-31 · Unknown Or Other“vehicle turns off while driving sometimes starts up sometimes not! doesn't give a warning replaced multiple things afraid of the car doing it in a turn everything shuts down power steering and everything!…”
2023-02-28 · Visibility/Wiper“heater on the passenger side of the vehicle blows out cold air while driver side blows out hot air like it's supposed to. by having cold air being blown out, this causes the windshield and windows on the passenger side of the vehicle to fog up causing visibility issues.…”
2022-08-22 · Seat Belts · 171,998 mi“the contact owns a 2011 dodge avenger. the contact stated that the check engine warning light and air bag warning light was illuminated. additionally, the cruise control, buttons on the steering wheel, and occupant restraint control were malfunctioning. the contact stated that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 16v668000 (seat belts…”
2022-03-01 · Unknown Or Other“throttle body changed 3 times still stalling and poor acceleration problems very unsafe stalls out of no where very frustrated also changed electronic pedal and battery lighting signs still comes on and stalls very dangerous! …”
2022-01-06 · Fuel/Propulsion System“vehicle will shut off while driving, has happened numerous time's, horn randomly honks by its self, it take numerous attempts to get the car started once it shut off, and now it's locked in limp mode and won't leave second gear…”
2022-01-03 · Unknown Or Other“window defrost and passenger heat /air. while either in motion or while driving, no heated air exits the passenger side of the windshield defroster, nor the passenger window defrost, lower and center console vents. heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. problem persists through all cabin air modes, and circ…”
2021-09-21 · Electrical System · 27,000 mi“the contact owns a 2011 dodge avenger. the contact stated while driving 5 mph, the rear turn signals became inoperable. the contact stated no warning light was illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with nhtsa campaign number: 13v282000 (electric…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.