Dodge Avenger Engine and Engine Cooling Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 28, 2026 · 144 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 144 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the Dodge Avenger across 12 model years. The 2008 model year has the most (61). The words owners use most often: “head gasket” (11% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Head gasket: mentioned in 16 of 144 complaints (11%)

At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?

Based on 86 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles8 · 9%
10k–25k miles9 · 10%
25k–50k miles17 · 20%
50k–75k miles26 · 30%
75k–100k miles12 · 14%
100k–150k miles12 · 14%
150k+ miles2 · 2%

How serious are the reports?

Of 144 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 11 a fire, 2 an injury.

Dodge Avenger engine and engine cooling complaints by model year

Peak: 2008, with 61 complaints
1995: 181995181996: 241996241997: 101997101998: 4199841999: 4199942007: 2200722008: 612008612009: 1200912010: 6201062011: 1201112012: 5201252013: 820138

n = 144 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearEngine and Engine Cooling complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2013 Avenger81%109,768
2012 Avenger51%47,000
2011 Avenger10%26,000
2010 Avenger64%25,887
2009 Avenger11%127,926
2008 Avenger617%54,700
2007 Avenger2100%59,000
1999 Avenger46%75,000
1998 Avenger47%81,500
1997 Avenger1012%105,500
1996 Avenger2415%78,000
1995 Avenger189%—

When owners reported it

Peak: 2011, with 19 complaints
1995: 119951997: 31998: 101999: 1119992000: 92001: 92002: 820022003: 32004: 32005: 120052006: 12007: 12008: 920082009: 62010: 142011: 192011192012: 122013: 32014: 620142015: 32016: 12017: 120172018: 22019: 12020: 120202021: 12022: 12023: 120232024: 22025: 1

n = 144 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assemblyOct 10, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V473000 · 102,042 vehicles

Model years: 2007, 2008

Problem: On certain vehicles equipped with 2.4 liter engines, the engine coolant may be drawn into the left radiator cooling fan motor connector.

Risk: This can cause an electrical short circuit and result in an engine compartment fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the connector for contamination or damage, install a wiring harness overlay, and replace the fan motor free or charge. The recall began on november 19, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after releasing the…

Received Oct 31, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11696835

The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was…

Received Oct 23, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11621501

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after 5 minutes. The contact stated that the failure…

Received May 20, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11589699

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the exhaust system. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact referenced Emissions recall U67. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and had not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted…

Received Dec 27, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11562039

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 dodge avenger. The contact stated that while in his driveway the vehicle was stuck in a snow drift, he attempted to release the vehicle by revving the engine so the vehicle could rock back and forth. The contact stated the cabin filled with smoke but he was still able to…

Received Feb 18, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11309842
Dodge Avenger
2008-2009 Dodge Avenger photographed in College Park, Maryland , USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Dodge Avengers have engine and engine cooling problems?

No. NHTSA has 144 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the Dodge Avenger. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Dodge Avenger engine and engine cooling?

Yes: 1 safety recall list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the Dodge Avenger?

The most frequent phrase is “head gasket”, in 16 of 144 complaints.

Other Dodge Avenger problems

See all Dodge Avenger problems.