Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Dodge Avenger electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2010 Dodge Avenger have filed 35 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 65,738 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Avenger | 177 |
| 2009 Avenger | 8 |
| 2010 Avenger (this page) | 35 |
| 2011 Avenger | 38 |
| 2012 Avenger | 96 |
| 2013 Avenger | 96 |
| 2014 Avenger | 28 |
6fires
When does it fail?
Of the 35 electrical complaints filed for the 2010 Dodge Avenger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 35 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Electrical accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 9 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a cascade of electrical gremlins in the 2010 Avenger, with the most dangerous being electronic throttle body failures that cut engine power mid-highway, dropping the car from 60+ mph to 20-30 mph with zero warning. One owner nearly got rear-ended when this happened while merging onto an interstate. The throttle control light comes on intermittently and often clears when the car is restarted—complicating diagnosis—but the problem recurs repeatedly. Even after dealership throttle replacement, owners report identical symptoms returning within months.
A separate thread involves catastrophic electrical meltdowns where the entire vehicle suffers simultaneous failures: gauges blank out, security locks jam shut (trapping occupants for over an hour in one case), doors won't unlock, windows die, and the engine stalls without warning lights. One owner reports the car caught fire while parked; another says engine wires were found melted and exposed. Multiple owners mention electrical fires originating underneath the dash or from the radio.
Owners also report PCM (computer) failures causing the engine to die while driving and refuse to restart. A 2017 complaint notes that Chrysler had over 700 PCM units on backorder nationwide, with one owner told a repair could take 10+ weeks through a specialty rebuilder.
Secondary issues include non-functional heaters and defrosters (passenger side only), turn signals triggering wipers, and hard-to-diagnose intermittent faults that appear for a day or two then vanish—making it nearly impossible for shops to capture the fault. Dodge reportedly denies warranty coverage on these electrical problems.
Same Dodge Avenger electrical reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Throttle Body Control Malfunction
Repeated failures of the electronic throttle body causing loss of engine power, unintended acceleration/deceleration, and stalling. Multiple owners report the problem recurring even after dealership throttle body replacement.
When: Various mileages; recurrence reported within months to years of repair
Symptoms owners cite: Car sputters and won't accelerate normally; Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) light comes on intermittently; Abrupt speed loss from highway speeds to 20-30 mph; Car will not exceed 20 mph when ETC light activates; RPM gauge erratic behavior (jumping between 1-3k in Park); Unintended revving at stoplights with foot on brake; Complete engine stalling while driving or at rest; Problem clears temporarily when codes are reset or car is restarted
Codes mentioned: ETC light illumination, Engine codes stored in PCM
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership performed full throttle body replacement (January 2013) on at least one vehicle. One mechanic recommended replacing the entire control console. Problem recurred within months despite replacement. Some owners note cleaning the throttle body provided only temporary relief.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge confirmed this was a known problem with the vehicle per one owner's mechanic contact with dealership. One owner reports dealer code 32502195 opened for investigation. Chrysler parts warehouses reported 700+ PCM units on nationwide backorder in 2017.
PCM (Powertrain Control Module) Failure
PCM failure causing complete loss of vehicle control, inability to start, gauges and warning lights malfunctioning, and vehicle stalling while driving. One dealer confirmed faulty PCM after ruling out battery and alternator.
When: After battery replacement attempt; multiple incidents reported across model years
Symptoms owners cite: Gauges and speedometer stop working or behave erratically; Warning lights flash or stop working; Vehicle dies while driving and won't restart immediately; Vehicle runs briefly after restart then fails again; Complete loss of electrical system function
Codes mentioned: Multiple diagnostic attempts with no codes found initially
Repairs/costs cited: Dodge dealer diagnosed PCM as faulty after one week of diagnostics. PCM replacement attempted but parts unavailable (over 700 units on backorder nationwide according to one owner in 2017). One owner found independent computer rebuilder willing to repair PCM with 10+ week turnaround.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge Customer Service acknowledged this as a potential nationwide warranty issue due to volume of backorders. Campaign #32502195 opened for investigation. One owner notes resemblance to 2008/09 Avenger PCM recall.
Intermittent Electrical System Failures
Sporadic, hard-to-diagnose electrical faults causing multiple system failures simultaneously or in succession. Described as intermittent 'fits' that come and go unpredictably, making diagnosis difficult.
When: Occurs over 30+ times per one owner; intermittent nature makes timing unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Odometer display flashes or goes blank; Radio and clock power drop out; Security system won't lock/unlock vehicle or won't shut off; Engine stalls while driving with no warning lights; Power windows stop working; Multiple failed engine start attempts before starting; Door locks fail to engage—owners trapped inside vehicle; Hazard lights and heated seat switch dead with no power; Instrument panel loses power
Codes mentioned: Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: One owner spent extensive time at dealership attempting diagnosis without resolution. Problem persists despite fuse and connection checks. One owner reported entire control console replacement for heater/AC control (which may address related electrical issue).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge denies warranty coverage on electrical issues per one owner. One owner notes 2008-2010 Avenger is known for electrical issues and fires online. No recalls noted for these electrical faults.
Electrical Fire and Smoke Hazards
Multiple reports of vehicle fires and smoke originating from electrical sources, including dashboard area, radio, and melted engine wiring. One vehicle fire while parked and unoccupied.
When: Failure mileage range 34,200 to 54,000 miles; one occurred while vehicle was parked
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle engulfed in flames while parked; Smoke pouring from radio area; Smoke coming from underneath dashboard; Smoke emerging when heater/AC fan turned on; Engine wires melted together and exposed
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle completely destroyed and towed to salvage. Radio and heater/AC control console replacement performed in another case. One vehicle fire reported to fire department, which determined electrical origin.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in these narratives.
Heating and Defroster System Failures
Heating system and defroster failures causing safety hazard due to window fogging and inability to defrost. Affects passenger side and front defroster.
When: Various mileages; one reported at 105,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No heated air exits passenger side windshield defroster; No heated air from passenger window defrost or lower/center vents; Only driver-side heat works; Windows become foggy and difficult to see through; Cabin temperature drops to freezing, blowing cold air; A/C cycles on and off intermittently then fails
Repairs/costs cited: One mechanic diagnosed heater core replacement needed (not performed). One dealership replaced entire heater/AC control console.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer contacted but offered no assistance.
TIPM-Related Electrical Faults
Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) causing secondary electrical failures including windshield wipers and horn malfunction.
When: Intermittent; affects vehicle whether driving or parked
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers fail to operate; Horn blows sporadically whether car is driving or parked
Repairs/costs cited: Owner aware Dodge knows of TIPM issue and hopes for recall or fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response in narrative.
Turn Signal and Windshield Wiper Cross-Talk
Electrical cross-wiring causing unintended engagement of windshield wipers when turn signal activated.
When: Approximately 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Left turn signal activation causes windshield wipers to engage; Problem recurs on numerous occasions
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No notification made to manufacturer.
Starter Failure (No Start Condition)
Starter motor failure preventing engine start, requiring replacement. Multiple no-start incidents reported.
When: One incident at 140,000 miles; another occurred during shopping center visit
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; No start condition in parking lot and home driveway; Vehicle has failed to start over 15 occasions per one owner
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replacement performed. One vehicle had engine codes needing update along with starter replacement at 76,000 miles. Towing and diagnostics charged to owner ($78-$65 depending on warranty coverage).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty covered some starter replacements and towing.
Instrument Cluster and Gauge Failures
Loss of instrument panel power and gauge functionality while driving. Includes speedometer readability design flaw.
When: Various mileages from 40,000 to 82,000; one at 62,000
Symptoms owners cite: All gauges stop functioning correctly at highway speeds; Instrument panel loses power completely; Speedometer font design (square letters, crowded with all speed increments) makes reading nearly impossible; 50 and 60 mph markings appear identical at quick glance
Repairs/costs cited: One owner notes speedometer design issue is inherent (not a failure) but creates safety risk. Not repaired by dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response.
Power Window Regulator Failure
Front door power window regulator failure preventing window from raising.
When: Occurs shortly after normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang when window rolled down; Window will not roll back up
Repairs/costs cited: Repair shop diagnosis: window regulator failure (glass intact).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documentation.
Right Turn Signal Malfunction
Right turn signal works erratically. Motherboard replacement parts unavailable on aftermarket.
When: Prior repair by dealership; failure occurred within warranty period
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signal works intermittently/erratically
Repairs/costs cited: Previously replaced by Baxter. New motherboard for system unavailable in market.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty was 3 years/36,000 miles; complaint notes 3 years has passed but mileage under 36k.
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while attempting to make a left turn while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle started rattling at the front-end of the vehicle. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact shifted to park, turned off and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal operation. There was no warning light illuminated. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge avenger. While driving 45 MPH, the instrument panel lost power and remained powerless. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 82,000.
While driving my 2010 Dodge avenger, the electronic throttle body warning light will flash on and then go off, when it is on the car drops speed quickly and will not accelerate. This has happened to me numerous times over the last month. It has happened to me on major highways in heavy traffic and has almost had me get hit by other vehicles as my car drops speed with no warning. The light never…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge avenger. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving. The failure occurred shortly after the contact began driving on the road. In addition, the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle needed a new computer. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not…
I need some answers to this major safety issue. I have been experiencing issues with my 2010 Dodge avenger. These issues are while driving the vehicle on the roadway, highway vehicle just cuts of without any warning signs with cars going at least 45mph following. Vehicle has also not started on over 15 occasions. I have taken it to the dealership who intern has made repairs stating that the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge avenger. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the ESC warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,400.
Had electrical trouble with your 2010 Dodge Avenger?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2010 Dodge Avenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 35 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 43,013 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 65,738. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,013; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Dodge/Avenger.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.