2011 Dodge Avenger airbags problems

Airbags not deploying during impact events ranging from 20 to 55 mph. In one case, a vehicle struck another at over 20 mph with over $4,500 in front-end damage and airbags did not deploy. In another, a vehicle hit by another car at 35 mph on the passenger door—the passenger suffered neck injuries and was hospitalized. At 55 mph into a pole, neither airbags nor seat belts restrained the driver, who suffered a concussion. In a 50 mph collision, airbags did not deploy and the vehicle was totaled. At 20+ mph rear-end collision, airbags and seat belt tensioner both failed. One officer on scene was bewildered the airbags had not deployed.

When: Crashes occurring at 20–55 mph; mileage ranges from 9,000 to 40,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Airbags do not deploy on frontal or side impact; Seat belt pretensioners fail to engage during crash; Vehicle sustains significant damage without restraint deployment

Codes mentioned: Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) failure, Front impact sensor malfunction, Negative voltage transient via front impact sensor wires

Repairs/costs cited: One insurance company totaled a vehicle citing airbag control module replacement and seat belt module replacement would cost thousands of dollars. Another owner reported diagnostic code indicating 'Circuit 1 is open' on the airbag light.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags). Manufacturer stated in one case that airbag sensors were not struck during crash, therefore would not deploy. In another crash case, manufacturer is testing the vehicle but has not provided loaner or declared it safe.

Airbag warning lights remaining on for extended periods—one owner reported the light on for about 2 years, another for months. After one owner had recall repair completed at the dealership, the airbag and occupant restraint warning lights remained illuminated. Diagnostic codes show open circuits in the airbag system.

When: Reported from low mileage (10,000) through high mileage (171,798); timing not always specified

Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light on continuously; Warning light persists after recall repair attempted; Occupant restraint control malfunction indicator; Check engine warning light also illuminated in one case

Codes mentioned: Circuit 1 open code, Occupant restraint control circuit fault

Repairs/costs cited: One owner had to have recall repair performed; light remained on after service. Diagnostic codes indicate open circuit conditions but no repair parts available in many cases.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V668000 applies. Dealerships claim the light is unrelated to the ORC recall. One owner was told by a dealer that other 2011 Dodge Avengers come in with the same issue and that a separate recall for 2012+ models addresses airbag light illumination.

Seat belt pretensioners not engaging during crashes and also jamming in normal operation. One owner reported the passenger seat belt pretensioner jammed with the end stuck buckled. Owners in multiple crashes reported seat belts did not tighten or restrain occupants—one driver's head went to the steering wheel during a 20+ mph rear-end collision because the seat belt did not hold tight. Another crash at 55 mph had seat belts that did not restrain. One vehicle involved in a front passenger door impact noted the pretensioner did not deploy.

When: Jamming reported at unspecified mileage; failures during crashes ranging from 20 to 55 mph; one mileage noted at 58,000

Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt pretensioner jammed and unable to unlatch; Pretensioner does not engage during impact; Seat belts fail to tighten or hold occupant in place during crash; Seat belt buckle stuck in buckled position

Codes mentioned: Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) malfunction, Seat belt pretensioner circuit fault

Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair costs cited. One owner reported the pretensioner was jammed and dealership said there was no one available to check the seat belt at the time.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags) addresses this issue. Parts were not available for extended periods—some owners told parts would arrive in June, later changed to August, or that no remedy was available yet.

Widespread and prolonged unavailability of replacement parts for NHTSA recall 16V668000. Owners received recall notices in November 2016 but were repeatedly told parts were not in stock. Timeline delays: manufacturer told owners parts would arrive in June 2017, then changed the date to August. As of April 2017, one owner had heard nothing in five months. Another owner in 2017 was told 'no remedy available yet.' One owner purchased the vehicle in January 2017 and still could not get repair weeks later. Another noted the recall was issued in November and by June (six months later) still no repair. Some owners were told dealerships could only perform the work if it was safety-related, then were told by dealers the recall was 'not safety-related.' Owners expressed frustration with lack of contact, no loaner vehicles offered, and refusal to provide alternative transportation or replacement vehicles.

When: Recall issued November 2016; delays reported through 2017 and beyond; one owner as of July 2020 still had not had it completed

Symptoms owners cite: Repeated communication from owners requesting repair status; Manufacturer and dealers claim parts not in stock; No loaner vehicle provided during extended wait; No alternative remedy offered (e.g., replacement vehicle or buyback)

Repairs/costs cited: No parts available to perform repair. One owner stated dealership could 'only do it now if it was safety related' but then claimed the recall was 'not safety-related'—contradiction that frustrated owner.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V668000 issued November 2016. Manufacturer told owners parts would be available in June 2017, later pushed to August 2017. One owner emailed Dodge corporate office requesting a replacement vehicle or recall completion; received no response. Manufacturer stated in one case that airbag sensors were not struck, so deployment would not occur. No buyback, replacement vehicle, or rental assistance offered in any reported case.

One owner reported that while stopped at a red light (light turned green and vehicle began moving), the airbag in the steering column suddenly exploded without any collision or impact. The owner's right forearm was burned and right ear sustained damage with hearing loss. Owner had a five-year-old child in the vehicle at the time. Owner contacted Dodge on five separate dates (5/31/18, 6/1/18, 6/4/18, 6/5/18, 6/6/18) and did not receive a response until 6/8/18. Owner feels Dodge is not taking the matter seriously.

When: Occurred during normal driving; no impact involved

Symptoms owners cite: Airbag deployed spontaneously with no crash or collision; Burns to occupant's right forearm; Hearing damage to right ear; Deployment occurred while stopped at red light with vehicle just starting to move

Repairs/costs cited: Owner has pictures of the injury but no repair information provided.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer delayed response; first contact on 6/8/18 after owner contacted on multiple dates starting 5/31/18. No documented resolution or explanation provided in complaint.