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 2,623 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
- 2,623
- 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 2,623 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.
- 2,623 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: Oct 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 2,623 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
2,623 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.
The anti lock brake system malfunctioned, the ABS, ESP/BAS and traction control lights are on. It kicked a code C2116 which reads ABS pump motor supply low voltage. I took it to a brake shop and they said the pump motor needs replaces but I would have to find one since they don’t stock it. I call several Dodge dealers and was told the part is discontinued and no longer available. I searched on line for one and the only one available is a used one on eBay. Also if you research this it is a common malfunction on this year and other Dodge/ Chrysler vehicles. Anti lock brakes will not work until this is fixed and no parts available . Thank you
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in the rain and snow, the windshield wipers shuddered and stopped working. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was corrosion detected and that the wiper motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving, the windshield wipers stopped in an upward position. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
I GOT THIS CAR MAY 13 2019 EVERY SINCE I HAD THIS CAR THE WIPER STOP WORKING WHEN IAM DRIVEING IN RAIN AND SNOW. I TOOK THIS CAR BACK TO DEALERSHIP IN 2019 2020 AND 2021 AND THEY SEND ME HOME AND SAY THERE NOTHING WRONG WITH THE WIPER. NOW IT 7/2022 IT RAIN AND THE WIPER STOP AGAIN WE COULD GOTTEN KILL ON HIGHWAY FROM COLUMBUS GOING BACK TO SPITZER MOTER TOMORROW FOR THE 4TH TIME
Two recalls on my part my car Power train: automatic transmission: control module (tcm, pcm) Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system
Read 14 more owner reports
Warning light airbags
THE PCMCIA LIGHT COMES ON THEN GOES OFF.CAR WILL SOME TIMES CHUGS AND WANTS TO SHUT OFF IN MOTION
THE DRIVER SEATBELT GETS REALLY LOOSE AND THERE IS NO WAY TO GET IT TIGHTENED. I HAVE HAD TO SIT ON IT TO MAKE IT TIGHT ENOUGH AROUND MY WAIST.
INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROL WAS NOT OPENING AND CLOSING PROPERLY SO I HAD TO REPLACE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO EXCEED 30 MPH WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPM REVVED TO EXTREMELY HIGH LEVELS HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS ALSO SLIPPING DUE TO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO CONCERNED THAT THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V528000 (POWER TRAIN). DAYTONA DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM & FIAT (1450 N TOMOKA FARMS RD, SUITE A, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32124 386-274-0571) WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SUBJECTED TO AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE POWER TRAIN HOWEVER, THE DEALER DECLINED TO PROVIDE THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 191,336.
PAINT FADE TOP CAR.YOU CAN SEE CLEAR COAT IN SPOTS
STARTED GETTING A OBD CODE 2017 AND 2004. AFTER REPLACING THE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROL VALVE THE LIGHT STAYED ON AND NOW CODE SAYS THAT THE CIRCUIT IS HIGH IN BANK ONE. I TOOK OFF THE RUNNER CONTROL AND TESTED IT SO IT IS A GOOD PART,
GOING HOME FROM WORK, APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR AND 15 MINUTES FROM MY JOB, AND TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40-42 MPH MY ENGINE JUST STOPPED....NO SOUNDS, NO WARNING LIGHTS, NOTHING. JUST TRIED TO UP MY SPEED TO GO UP A VERY SMALL INCLINE, AND NOTHING...HEADLIGHTS STILL WORKED, NO POWER STEERING, NO BRAKES.......MANAGED TO PULL OVER.........SHAKING LIKE A LEAF ON A TREE, BECAUSE I AM 65 YEARS OLD, ALONE, NO FAMILY TO CALL, NO ONE.....AND THIS WAS A LITTLE AFTER 9PM AT NIGHT ON NOV 2ND. CALLED MY MOBILE MECHANIC THE NEXT DAY AND HE GAVE ME THIS INFO TO FILE A COMPLAINT. HE SAID THIS IS VERY SERIOUS. I WAS ON BUFORD HWY <FOUR LANE ROAD> SPEED LIMIT 45 MPH GOING STRAIGHT AND APPROACHING A RED LIGHT ON A VERY SMALL INCLINE.
VEHICLE IN MOTION MOST ON HIGHWAY AND SOMETIMES CITY STREETS. SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL BOG DOWN USUALLY BETWEEN 40--65 MPH WHEN ACCELERATING AND ALSO WHILE NOT. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP THEY KEYED IT (TEST) AND SAID MANIFOLD SENSOR OR SENSOR ABOUT $1500.00 REPAIR. GOT THIS FIXED AND CAR STILL DOING IT. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR AT LEAST 5 YEARS THAT I KNOW OF. I DON'T DRIVE VEHICLE ALL THE TIME BUT WHEN IT GETS DROVE IT HAPPENS. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS 2 WEEKS AGO. ITS WAS GOING ON AT ABOUT 50000 MILES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V528000 (POWER TRAIN). THE CONTACT WAS AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,500. *TR*JB
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WAS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED DOWN TO A LOWER GEAR, THE ENGINE REVED UP AND THEN WITHIN A FEW MINS STALLED OUT. WITH NO WARNING ALSO ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE LIT UP. WHEN I TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR IT JUST CLICKED AFTER JUMP START BECAUSE OF TRYING TO START IT ...RESTARTED BUT STILL WAS "STUCK" IN THE LOW GEAR AND STALLED OUT AGAIN. I THEN CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD IT TOWED HOME. I LOOKED UP RECALLS FOR THE YEAR OF THE MODEL AND FOUND THE RECALL #H33- TCM/PCM WAS RECALLED ON 712 MODELS BY VIN IT SAYS MINE ISN'T ONE OF THOSE BUT BY DESCRIPTION IT DID EXACTLY AS THE RECALL DESCRIBES. I WAS ON A VERY BUSY INTERSTATE ROAD DURING 4TH OF JULY TRAFFIC AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT TRYING TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AS MY CAR SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN AND THEN STALLED
WHEN I'M DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY,RESIDENTIAL AREAS, ON A FREEWAY IT WILL STALL ON ME AND TURN OFF. WHEN I'M TURNING THE 2009 DODGE AVENGER TURNS OFF AS WELL THIS IS A REALLY BAD SAFETY HAZARD MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE CAN GET SERIOUSLY HURT. IT ALSO TURNS OFF WHILE I'M AT A STOP LIGHT.
AIR BAG LIGHT CONSTANTLY COMING ON AND OFF, BEEPING, AND SOMETIMES JUST STAY ON. BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUALLY COME ON - EVERY FEW MONTHS FOR WEEKS AT AT A TIME. ALSO FEELS LIKE CAR WANTS TO GIVE OUT A LOT.
THERE IS A RECALL ON THE PCV ON THE YEAR MAKE AND MODEL AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS READING THAT IT IS BAD BUT THEY SAY THAT MY VIN DOES NOT MATCH FOR RECALL BUT YET MY YEAR MAKE AND MODEL DOES
Showing 20 of 2,623 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 2,623 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 2,623 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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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 2,623 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 (554 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 (552 complaints); AIR BAGS (515 complaints); ENGINE (437 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.