Dodge Avenger Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
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).
- 144engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 38%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
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.
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
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Avenger | 8 | 1% | 109,768 |
| 2012 Avenger | 5 | 1% | 47,000 |
| 2011 Avenger | 1 | 0% | 26,000 |
| 2010 Avenger | 6 | 4% | 25,887 |
| 2009 Avenger | 1 | 1% | 127,926 |
| 2008 Avenger | 61 | 7% | 54,700 |
| 2007 Avenger | 2 | 100% | 59,000 |
| 1999 Avenger | 4 | 6% | 75,000 |
| 1998 Avenger | 4 | 7% | 81,500 |
| 1997 Avenger | 10 | 12% | 105,500 |
| 1996 Avenger | 24 | 15% | 78,000 |
| 1995 Avenger | 18 | 9% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assembly
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…

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
- Electrical System problems (596)
- Air Bags problems (564)
- Engine problems (437)
- Power Train problems (417)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (268)
- Suspension problems (229)
- Seat Belts problems (206)
- Visibility/wiper problems (187)
See all Dodge Avenger problems.