Dodge Avenger Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Dodge Avenger options? We analyzed 9 model years (2000–2014) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Dodge Avenger has 2,621 owner complaints and 32 safety recalls across model years 2000–2014. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2008 drew the most complaints; 2007 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Dodge
- Model
- Avenger
- Model years analyzed
- 2000–2014 (9 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 2,621
- Safety recall campaigns
- 32
- Crash-related complaints
- 151
- Fire-related complaints
- 57
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2008 (844 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2007 (2 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Dodge Avenger: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe DODGE AVENGER has 2,621 NHTSA complaints and 32 recalls on record. 151 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 2,621 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 32 federal recall campaigns
- 151 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
32 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
STEERING:COLUMN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2000–2014. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 2,621 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
2,621 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL SPORADICALLY. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE CONSTANTLY RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V473000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH MAKING A TURN, THE VEHICLE FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS RUNNING OUT OF GAS AND SECONDS LATER THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE CEASED. THE CONTACT TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY AN IMPROPER OIL CHANGE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
2000 DODGE AVENGER ES. AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR BLEW OUT. $1200 REPAIR BILL. MY MECHANIC SAID THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS HAPPENING. *JB
THE PAINT IS FLAKING OFF THE CAR. APPEARS THAT THE WIND FROM GOING DOWN THE ROAD IS KNOCKING THE PAINT OFF. OR MAYBE THE SUN HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT. THE ENTIRE TOP NEEDS RE-PAINTED. *JB
SENSOR IN TRANSMISSION QUIT WORKING. THE FIRST TIME I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND IT COMPLETELY LOST SPEED. I EXITED AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AFTER THAT, IT WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. IT WAS REPAIRED BY A DEALERSHIP UNDER WARRANTY. THAT WAS AT AROUND 20000 MILES. TODAY, AT AROUND 42000 MILES, I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND WAS GOING ABOUT 20 MILES AN HOUR AND COULD FEEL THE TRANSMISSION BEGINNING TO SLIP. I STARTED INCREASING SPEED, AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT THE RPM'S WERE JUST CONTINUING TO GO UP. I HAVE SENT THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED FOR THE SECOND TIME UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. *JB
I WAS GETTING ONTO THE INTERSTATE WHEN MY RPMS WOULD NOT DROP BELOW 5000 AND I REALIZED MY CAR LOCKED IN 2ND GEAR. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE A694/41TE TRANSMISSION THAT CHYSLER MADE.
Read 14 more owner reports
SERPENTINE BELT WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE BY THE DEALER, AND 10 DAYS LATER FLEW APART. THAT BELT WAS REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE BE ANOTHER DODGE DEALER, BUT THREE MONTHS LATER CAME OFF, BUT DID NOT BREAK. IT IS NOW THREE MONTHS LATER, AND THE BELT HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF FRAYING.
I LOVE MY CAR. I BOUGHT THE CAR WHEN IT HAD 40 THOUSAND MILES ON IT, IN SEPT 2002. IN THE MONTH OF AUG. 2003 I CAME BACK HOME FROM IRAQ AFTER 7 MONTHS AND FOUND THAT MOST OF THE CLEARCOAT ON MY BLACK AVENGER ON THE TOP PANELS (HOOD, TOP, TRUNK) OF MY CAR WAS GONE. WHEN I LEFT THERE WAS ONLY A FEW SURFACE SCRATCHES ON THE CAR, THAT USUALLY BUFFED OUT. NOW MY CAR LOOKS LIKE ?!@#$% AND THE DEALER WILL NOT HELP ME OR THE MANUFACTURE. THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL ON THE BLACK PAINT JOBS IN 2000, BUT MY CAR IS NOT THE ONLY ONE I'VE SEEN WITH THIS PROBLEM. I LOVE DODGE BUT THIS IS THE LAST ONE ME OR ANYBODY IN MY FAMILY WILL EVER PURCHASE IF I DON'T GET SOME KIND OF HELP WITH THIS DEFECT. THE CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND IT LOOKS LIKE ITS 25 YEARS OLD. THIS IS NOT RIGHT. I ONLY DROVE THE CAR FOR 5 MONTHS BEFORE I DEPLOYED. IF THIS IS NOT A DEFECT THEN THE DEALERSHIP SOLD ME A CAR THAT HAD BEEN IN A WRECK OR SOMETHING AND LIED TO ME. *AK
I WAS GETTING ONTO THE INTERSTATE WHEN I NOTICED MY RPM WERE AROUND 5000 AND WOULD NOT GO DOWN. I REALIZED THE TRANSMISSION HAD LOCKED IN SECOND GEAR. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE JUNK A604/41TE TRANSMISSION THAT CHRYSLER MADE. *LA
WHEN THE CAR WAS PURCHASED 11/01. I WAS INFORMED BY A DODGE TECH THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS GOING TO GO "OUT" AROUND 50,000 MILES. I HAVE HEARD THIS FROM NUMEROUS DODGE OWNERS AND MECHANICS. AT 52,874 THE TRANSMISSION QUIT SHIFTING AND WE HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR ACCORDING TO THE EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT THAT I PURCHASED WITH THE CAR. THE CONTRACT WAS WITH AN OUTSIDE COMPANY. THE CONTRACT COMPANY WHEN CALLED ABOUT REPAIRS ALSO STATED THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH DODGE/CHRYSLER PRODUCTS. THE CAR WAS AT THE DEALER FOR 2 WEEKS AWAITING PARTS AND REPAIR.*AK
STRUTS, LATERAL ARM BALL JOINTS AND HUB ASSEMBLY FAILED AS A RESULT OF RECALL 00V421002 REPAIRS. MR *TT
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. FIRE LOCATED ON LEFT SIDE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT NEAR LEFT FRONT CORNER OF VEHICLE. POSSIBLE BATTERY POWER CABLE SHORT TO GROUND AT BATTERY MOUNT PLATE UNDER BATTERY. *NLM
LOWER BALL JOINTS,DUPLICATE LETTER RESPONDED TO BY MICHAEL JORDON ON 4-1-03 REFERENCE 10004221. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED, HOWEVER THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THE PROBLEMS HE WAS EXPERIENCING WERE NOT RELATED. *JB
I HAVE 2 DODGE CARS, BOTH 2000, AN INTREPID AND AN AVENGER. THE SPEED SENSOR HAS GONE OUT IN BOTH CARS IN THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR 2002. BOTH HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, CAUSING IMMEDIATE DECELERATION. I SENT A LETTER TO CHYRSLER IN JULY OF 2002, BUT GOT NO RESPONSE. I HAVE THE INVOICES FROM THE REPAIRS AND THE PART # IS THE SAME ON BOTH CARS. *JB
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE BALL JOINTS, THE DEALER RESEALED THE BALL JOINTS, HOWEVER 5 MONTHS LATER THE HUB BEARINGS, STRUTS, THE UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AND THE RIGHT SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT WAS REPLACED, CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER FAILED TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINTS WHICH CAUSED NUMEROUS REPAIR BILLS, THE DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT NONE OF THE PROBLEMS WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL.*JB
NO DESCRIPTION GIVIEN. NLM
VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS, THE DEALER FOUND THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING THROUGH A CRACK IN THE TRANSMISSION CASE, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT IT CAME FROM THE FACTORY WITH THE CRACK AND THAT IT WOULD TAKE SEVERAL DAYS TO ORDER AND RECEIVE THE PART FOR REPAIR.*JB
THE BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN DRIVING, AND THE BRAKES PULSATES, AND A THUMPING NOISE WHEN BRAKING, THE ROTORS AND SPEED SENSOR WERE REPLACED
THE DRIVERS WINDOW SEEMS TO COME OFF TRACK WHEN BEING ROLLED DOWN, THE DEALER REPLACED THE WINDOW REGULATOR.*JB
CONSUMER STATES THERE WAS BLACK SEALER AND GLUE DRIPPING/LEAKING ON DRIVERS SIDE STEP PLATE.*JB
Showing 20 of 2,621 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Dodge Avenger
These pages show model-year patterns across 9 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Dodge Avenger, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Dodge Avenger has 2,621 complaints on record across 9 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Dodge Avenger has 32 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 151 of the Dodge Avenger's 2,621 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Dodge Avenger vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Dodge Avenger vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Dodge Avenger has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Dodge Avenger stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Dodge Avenger by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Dodge Avenger.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Dodge Avenger reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Dodge Avenger reliable?
Poor. The Dodge Avenger has 2,621 NHTSA owner complaints and 32 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Dodge Avenger years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2008 (844 complaints), 2012 (553 complaints), 2013 (548 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Dodge Avenger problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (551 complaints); AIR BAGS (515 complaints); ENGINE (436 complaints).
Does the Dodge Avenger have recalls?
Yes — 32 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Dodge Avenger. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.