2012 Dodge Avenger electrical system problems

Related recalls

• 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.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 28, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngineSteering

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

   NHTSA complaint #11767606 · source
2. Filed Nov 16, 2025MOElectrical SystemVisibility & 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 effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin…

   NHTSA complaint #11699661 · source
3. Filed Aug 1, 2025ILAirbagsElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   I was driving and I stopped at a stop sign. When I got ready to go, the car stalled and stopped and wouldn't start. After 30 minutes, it started but I ended up having it towed. My mechanic was able to replicate it after putting the car in the sun, running it for 10 minutes and then driving it. When the mechanic tried to look at it, he couldn't find anything to cause it to stop. I look it to the dealership. They were unable to replicate it or find the problem. It seems to…

   NHTSA complaint #11677692 · source
4. Filed Aug 13, 2024CAAirbagsElectrical System

   I have been unable to get the safety belt part for the recall. Additionally, it keeps saying I need to replace the gas cap and even the dealership cant help me.

   NHTSA complaint #11608207 · source
5. Filed Mar 19, 2024NVElectrical SystemEngineLighting

   I was driving to the store and out of nowhere my car completely shut down the lights engine everything my steering wheel locked and I couldn't apply my breaks

   NHTSA complaint #11578375 · source
6. Filed Dec 30, 2023ALBrakesElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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. Few days later the car cut off at red light in the middle of the intersection while other cars almost hitting me. Changed the fuel pump out because fuel pump would work at times. No one hurt, no incident report made. Car been intermittently cutting off after I think the…

   NHTSA complaint #11562756 · source
7. Filed Jan 20, 2022PAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The vehicle will shut off in the middle of driving and you lose complete power to the vehicle. Then after it sits for a few hours it will start back up with no issue. I had my vehicle at the dodge dealership 2 times for them to tell me they can't figure it out and that they get alot of avengers with the same issue. But since it's not throwing a code they aren't able to fix it. I also explained that when it shuts off when you are trying to start the car it sounds like it is…

   NHTSA complaint #11448278 · source
8. Filed Dec 4, 2021TXElectrical System

   My TIPM is failing. Due to this, my vehicle stalls randomly with no repair codes being shown after stalling. Everything from the battery to the catalytic converter has been replaced to no avail. I even almost was killed on the freeway coming home from work one morning because the vehicle stalled after running fine for a couple of weeks. This has been going on for almost a year and I have replaced so many things on this car I basically should have just cut my losses and…

   NHTSA complaint #11442655 · source
9. Filed Sep 30, 2021WAElectrical SystemLightingVisibility & Wipers

   My wipers stop in the middle of the windshield when it’s pouring outside. Now my horn won’t turn off! I was told that it’s the TIPM and it’s a known issue with my car.

   NHTSA complaint #11435070 · source
10. Filed Mar 1, 202179,000 miOHElectrical SystemEngine

    Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge avenger. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the heater failed to distribute air and the driver was unable to see out the front windshield. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the actuator, panel, and knob needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to wally armour chrysler dodge jeep ram (1950 w state st, alliance, oh 44601,…

    NHTSA complaint #11398413 · source
11. Filed Jan 25, 2021122,630 miMEElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    Vehicle in limp mode and won't shift gears property. Started after a purchase of the vehicle had no idea that this was going to be a issue until i had it for about a week and engine light came on and then started the limp mode and then driving it is very dangerous. Because it won't change gear and going up a hill is impossible when it won't change gears. Or speed up.. It slows down instead.

    NHTSA complaint #11389904 · source
12. Filed Jan 21, 2021COElectrical System

    My 2012 dodge avenger has continued electrical problems, the first is the front driver and passenger windows. They won't roll down or once down won't roll up. Second my interior lights will all of a sudden turn on by themselves and flicker, third, flickering. I have tried replacing these possible broken parts but it hasn't fixed the problems.

    NHTSA complaint #11389200 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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