2011 Dodge Avenger problems, complaints & recalls

Updated Oct 10, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Dodge Avenger, most often about electrical system. There are 3 recalls for this model year.

Complaints: 32
Recalls: 3
Crashes: 2
Fires: 1
Injuries: 0
Median mileage: 142,000 mi

Key facts

Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 11 of 32 complaints (34%).
Visibility & Wipers (9) and engine (8) follow.
Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 142,000 mi.
Owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries.
The 2011 Dodge Avenger has 3 recalls on file.
NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations covering this vehicle.
It ranks 5th of 7 Dodge Avenger model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
That is 23% more complaints than the 2010 model year (26).

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)	Complaints
Unknown or other	14
Electrical system	11
Visibility/wiper	9
Engine	8
Air bags	6
Power train	2
Seat belts	2
Service brakes	2

When problems happen (mileage)

Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2011 Dodge Avenger complaints that list mileage.

2011 Dodge Avenger recalls (3)

Recall 16V668000Sep 15, 20161,435,625 vehicles
AIR BAGS · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
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.
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. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
Recall 13V282000Jul 2, 2013442,320 vehicles
AIR BAGS · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
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 November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.
Recall 11V315000Jun 8, 201111,096 vehicles
STEERING:COLUMN
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.
Remedy: 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

PE19014Opened Sep 9, 2019Closed Feb 25, 2026
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments in…
PE12016Opened Jun 18, 2012Closed Oct 15, 2012
Engine stall
During PE12-016, Chrysler identified a condition in model year (MY) 2011 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines that may result in engine stall when stopped or travelling at very low speeds.According to Chrysler, this condition occurs when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) initiates a purge monitor check while the engine is at idle which can result in an overly rich vapor condition and cause the engine to stall while stopped.Chrysler developed a software countermeasure to address the condition and has initiated a customer satisfaction campaign to reprogram the PCM…

Recent 2011 Dodge Avenger complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Filed Dec 16, 2025NCOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers
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 circulations. This safety issue affects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin…
NHTSA complaint #11705315 · source
Filed Jul 3, 2023205,000 miALAirbagsElectrical SystemSteering
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 (Electrical System, Air Bags) and 11V315000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was…
NHTSA complaint #11530149 · source
Filed May 31, 2023UTOther / Unknown
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!
NHTSA complaint #11524740 · source
Filed Feb 28, 2023NEVisibility & Wipers
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.
NHTSA complaint #11509591 · source
Filed Aug 22, 2022171,998 miNMAirbagsEngineSeats & Seat Belts
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, Air Bags) and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that the air bag and occupant restraint warning light…
NHTSA complaint #11480485 · source
Filed Mar 1, 2022PAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
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!
NHTSA complaint #11454755 · source
Filed Jan 6, 2022PAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
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
NHTSA complaint #11446464 · source
Filed Jan 3, 2022MNOther / Unknown
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 circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin…
NHTSA complaint #11445970 · source

Compare the 2011 Dodge Avenger with another vehicle →

Other 2011 Dodge models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology