Dodge Avenger Engine Problems
Owners have filed 437 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Dodge Avenger across 8 model years. The 2013 model year has the most (120). The words owners use most often: “heater core” (9% of reports).
- 437engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 13mention a crash
- 6mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $2,800typical repair cost reported by owners
- 44%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.
- Heater core: mentioned in 39 of 437 complaints (9%)
- Electronic throttle: mentioned in 32 of 437 complaints (7%)
- Cold air: mentioned in 30 of 437 complaints (7%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the Dodge Avenger at $2,800, and half of them between $1,650 and $3,750.
Based on 13 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2014–2020), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 363 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 437 complaints, 13 mention a crash, 16 a fire, 6 an injury.
Dodge Avenger engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Avenger | 42 | 20% | 51,100 |
| 2013 Avenger | 120 | 22% | 90,000 |
| 2012 Avenger | 87 | 16% | 79,000 |
| 2011 Avenger | 38 | 18% | 86,000 |
| 2010 Avenger | 23 | 14% | 82,000 |
| 2009 Avenger | 11 | 16% | 109,000 |
| 2008 Avenger | 115 | 14% | 101,850 |
| 1999 Avenger | 1 | 2% | 173,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Engine
Model years: 2013
Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or engine failure.
Risk: If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine balance shaft module, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N52.
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.
My 2012 dodge avenger will shut off whenever it feels like and you lose control of power steering. It feels like itâs not getting gas. It will crank back up when it feels like.The horn honks randomly.
My car dies while im driving down the street, making it difficult to steer and qhen you try to restart it, sometimes it starts and some times it don't. But this is not the first time its happened it was just the latest
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…
Powertrain fail , airbag failed to deploy
2 days after purchasing my vehicle I was driving getting my speed up approximately 45 mph when the vehicle started to lunge forward and nothing was under the gas pedal and it stalled. I pulled it over to the side of the road. It started back up within 2 to 3 minutes. Drove fine for about another…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge Avengers have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 437 owner complaints about engine 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?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the Dodge Avenger?
Owners report a typical cost of $2,800 (half paid between $1,650 and $3,750), from 13 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Dodge Avenger?
The most frequent phrase is “heater core”, in 39 of 437 complaints, followed by “electronic throttle” (32).
Other Dodge Avenger problems
- Electrical System problems (596)
- Air Bags problems (564)
- Power Train problems (417)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (268)
- Suspension problems (229)
- Seat Belts problems (206)
- Visibility/wiper problems (187)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (144)
See all Dodge Avenger problems.