Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Dodge Avenger powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2010 Dodge Avenger have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 108,272 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Avenger | 224 |
| 2009 Avenger | 9 |
| 2010 Avenger (this page) | 17 |
| 2011 Avenger | 12 |
| 2012 Avenger | 27 |
| 2013 Avenger | 32 |
| 2014 Avenger | 11 |
When does it fail?
Of the 17 powertrain complaints filed for the 2010 Dodge Avenger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2010 Avenger powertrain problems cluster heavily around throttle body and electronic throttle control failures. Owners report the ETC light coming on and the vehicle maxing out at 15 mph, with many needing throttle body replacement—sometimes twice within months. One owner found 1,200 throttle bodies on dealer backorder, suggesting the issue is widespread. Dodge dealerships confirm the need for repairs but don't cover the throttle body under the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Automatic transmission issues include unexpected shifts into neutral while driving, especially in rain, and vehicles stuck unable to shift out of first gear after extended driving. Some owners describe feeling like the transmission is slipping, though transmission fluid checks come back normal. Gear shifter problems surface too—shift cables loosen, leaving vehicles stuck in Park with the dashboard showing conflicting gear positions.
Less common but critical failures include engine stalling without warning and crankshaft position sensor dropout in traffic. One owner had a PCM replaced with an aftermarket unit, but the stalling persisted; Dodge no longer makes the original PCM. Steering and suspension issues also appear: rack and pinion failure with front clunking, plus steering shimmy and braking problems—none covered under warranty despite being powertrain-related components.
Same Dodge Avenger powertrain reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle body failure and electronic throttle control malfunction
The throttle body or its components fail intermittently or completely, preventing normal acceleration and triggering the electronic throttle control (ETC) warning light. Some owners report the throttle body was replaced once, only to fail again within months. One owner noted 1,200 throttle bodies on backorder, suggesting widespread failure. The throttle position sensor is cited as a likely culprit in the 2008–2010 model range.
When: Failures reported across a wide mileage range, from 35,000 miles to 150,000 miles; often after 30–45 minutes of driving or during rain.
Symptoms owners cite: ETC warning light illuminates; Vehicle will not accelerate above 15 mph; Loss of engine power while driving; Engine stalls without warning; Rough idle before stalling; Check engine light comes on; Intermittent starting and stalling (starts, runs 3 seconds, stalls)
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement; one owner paid $257 for throttle body alone (on backorder). Another owner had new spark plugs, new air filter, and throttle body cleaning performed without resolving the issue. Throttle body was replaced twice on one vehicle within 6 months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge dealerships acknowledge the problem and perform repairs, but throttle body is not covered under the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Owner noted this should be a recall given the widespread backorder situation.
Transmission slipping and neutral engagement failures
The automatic transmission shifts into neutral unexpectedly while driving or during gear selection. Owners describe the sensation as similar to a manual transmission about to stall. One owner reports the transmission will not shift out of first gear after extended driving. Another reports the transmission repeatedly shifts to neutral on its own, especially during parking maneuvers.
When: Reported from 108,000 to 214,000 miles; can occur in rain, during turns, or at traffic lights.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shifts into neutral without driver input; Transmission will not shift out of first gear; RPMs stay constant while vehicle speed fluctuates (feels like manual transmission slipping); Vehicle must be stopped and placed in Park, then Drive, to restore normal operation; Transmission fluid level normal despite symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs detailed in narratives; transmission fluid checks showed normal levels.
Gear shifter cable disconnection and stuck-in-park condition
The shift cable becomes loose or disconnects, leaving the vehicle unable to shift gears or stuck in Park. Dashboard display may also show conflicting gear status (e.g., shifter in Park but dash reads Neutral). In at least one case, the owner had to physically reconnect the cable while the vehicle was stuck in traffic.
When: Reported around 110,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter becomes stuck in Park; Unable to shift to other gears; Dashboard shows gear position that does not match shifter position; Vehicle stranded in traffic, unable to move; Using manual shift release (described as 'pink thing in console') does not resolve the issue
Repairs/costs cited: One owner manually reconnected the loose cable while stranded in traffic. Another owner's dealership did not diagnose or repair the problem.
Crankshaft position sensor failure
The crankshaft position sensor fails without warning, causing the engine to shut off while driving. Owner notes the same issue has been reported in Dodge Journey models as well.
When: Typically occurs while in motion or at traffic lights.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off during driving; Loss of power in traffic or at lights; No warning before shutdown
Engine loss of power and stalling (PCM suspected)
The engine loses motive power and stalls without warning. In one case, a mechanic diagnosed a faulty powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM was replaced with an aftermarket unit, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer's original PCM was reported as discontinued and no longer available for purchase. On another occasion, the vehicle stalls while driving at 40 mph and will not immediately restart; ABS and power steering become inoperative, creating a dangerous condition.
When: Reported at 142,086 miles; also occurring at 40 mph on separate occasions.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses motive power without warning; Engine stalls while driving; Vehicle does not restart immediately (may take multiple attempts); ABS and power steering become inoperative during stall; Difficult to steer and stop after stall event
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replaced with aftermarket part; failure persisted. Manufacturer's original PCM is discontinued and unavailable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer PCM part discontinued; no longer available for purchase.
Poor acceleration and inadequate power delivery
The vehicle fails to accelerate normally even with the accelerator pedal fully depressed. This occurs intermittently and is distinct from throttle body failures in that it occurs without illuminating warning lights on some occasions.
When: Reported from 94,000 to 150,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not accelerate normally when pedal is depressed; Vehicle speed caps at 15 mph despite pedal input; Intermittent acceleration failures
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (on some occasions)
Rack and pinion steering failure with associated braking shimmy
The steering rack and pinion begins to fail, producing a clunking noise from the left front that intensifies with extended driving. The vehicle also exhibits shimmy and shift during braking. This is listed as a known dealer issue but is not covered under the powertrain warranty. Failure occurred despite primarily highway driving (90–95% highway use).
When: Observed after 30–45 minutes of driving; one mechanic described it as a common problem.
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking noise from left front suspension; Noise worsens the longer the vehicle is driven; Problem resets after vehicle cools; Shimmying and shifting during braking
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement required. Not covered under powertrain warranty.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge avenger. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was transmission failure and referred the contact to a transmission specialist. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate…
Vehicle is stuck in park on the gear shift used troubleshooting with the pink thing in the console to shift gears however the dashboard is reporting that the car is in neutral the car will not drive anywhere from research we have found that this is an ongoing Dodge problem not necessarily with the 2010 but with all the other dodges. Stuck on the side of the road not able to go anywhere as car is…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2010 Dodge Avenger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 68,000 and 137,900 miles, with the median around 108,272. A quarter of owners report trouble before 68,000; a quarter make it past 137,900. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.