Emissions Recall U67 - Catalytic Converter Efficiency - Dealer Notification (Revision 11)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Dodge Avenger engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Dodge Avenger have filed 20 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 76,400 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Avenger | 91 |
| 2009 Avenger | 5 |
| 2010 Avenger | 15 |
| 2011 Avenger (this page) | 20 |
| 2012 Avenger | 36 |
| 2013 Avenger | 54 |
| 2014 Avenger | 20 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY review and follow instructions from the latest STAR Online S1809000007 available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) For all 2014MY replace the Oil Filter Adapter (OFA). For any other MY (with mileage above 30,000) review and follow instructions from STAR Online S1809000007 REV. C available on Dealer Connect. Also, consider the following: 1) Remove OFA 2) Replace only the oil inlet O-ring and gaskets (seals kit in SOL above). 3) Re-install the OFA. For 2023MY and beyond use black O-ring. For 2022MY and prior use red O-ring. Note: When replacing OFA, it may be necessary to transfer the Oil Temp/Pressure Sensor from the old OFA to the new OFA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some of the above-involved vehicles may exceed NOx (Oxides of Nitrogen) emission level standards due to loss of catalytic converter efficiency
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If a Mopar oil filter is not available, use a filter that meets or exceeds USCAR36 specification and is compatible with semi and full synthetic oils.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two distinct engine-related failures on 2011 Dodge Avengers. The first is unwanted stalling, occurring across low speeds, idle at traffic lights, and highway driving—sometimes repeatedly on a single trip, sometimes intermittently over years of ownership. Several stalls happened while accelerating from stops or in low-speed maneuvers, creating hazards when the engine cuts power and steering becomes difficult (power steering depends on engine vacuum). Dealers have reset onboard computers and flashed software with no lasting fix; diagnostic shops found camshaft sensor codes but replacing the sensor did not resolve the issue in at least one case. Owners describe a slight surge at idle when the AC runs before stalls occur. No manufacturer recalls have been applied.
The second failure is engine oil cooler cracking, with coolant and oil leaking from a failed gasket or seal. Owners report belts smoking from oil saturation and mixed fluid leakage observable as large puddles under the hood, sometimes discovered days after a highway drive. The 3.6L V6 with variable valve timing (VVT) is identified as the affected engine.
A third pattern involves heater core clogging from casting sand and metal shavings left in the engine block during manufacturing. By 50,000 miles or sooner, the debris blocks the heater core and radiator, causing cold air on the passenger side while the driver side blows heat, and preventing windshield defrosting. Replacement cores have clogged again within weeks. Dealers quote $1,200–$3,000 for heater core and radiator replacement and have refused warranty coverage, claiming the coolant—not manufacturing residue—is at fault.
Same Dodge Avenger engine reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Stalling / Unwanted Shutdown
Engine cuts power while driving or stopped at traffic lights, occurring intermittently or repeatedly on single trips. Power loss causes steering to become difficult. Stalls happen at idle, low speed, highway speed, and during acceleration from stops.
When: Reported at 11 miles, 1,000 miles, 9,700 miles, 72,000 miles; some occurring within days of purchase, others after years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning while driving or at traffic stop; Multiple stalls on same trip, sometimes only 3 feet apart before restarting; Tachometer drops to zero (RPM loss); Steering becomes extremely difficult due to loss of power assist; Check engine light illuminated in at least one case; Slight surge at idle when AC is running, preceding stalls; Electronic throttle control light flashing and power loss (one case)
Codes mentioned: Camshaft sensor code (reported in one case but replacement did not fix stalling)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer computer resets and software flashes performed without lasting effect. One dealer recommended full engine replacement ($8,000) after camshaft sensor replacement failed. Most stalls went unrepaired because dealers could not diagnose the cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner mentioned a fuel pump recall for Jeep Cherokee 3.6L V6 from the same era; dealership stated Dodge Avenger was not included despite identical engine and build date.
Oil Cooler Cracking
Engine oil cooler develops cracks or seal failure, spraying engine oil and coolant throughout engine bay. Fluid leaks onto belts, causing smoking. Occurs on 3.6L V6 VVT engines and is described by owner as a common issue across these motors.
When: Mid-trip on freeway at highway speed (70 mph reported); discovered post-failure upon inspection or next morning as large puddles under vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil and antifreeze leaking from oil cooler; Belts smoking from oil saturation; Large oil puddles under hood and on ground below vehicle; Fluid visible all over engine bay
Repairs/costs cited: Owner describes teardown required to locate source; replacement oil cooler needed. No repair costs cited in narratives.
Heater Core Clogging from Casting Sand
Manufacturing residue—casting sand and metal shavings—remains in engine block after production and migrates into heater core and radiator by 50,000 miles. Debris clogs the heater core, blocking coolant flow to passenger side of heating system.
When: Typically by 50,000 miles; some reports indicate onset within first few years of ownership; recurring clogging occurs within weeks of replacement core installation.
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger side heats blows only cold air (dash, floor vents, and defroster); Driver side blows hot air normally; Windshield does not defrost, creating winter safety hazard; Weak airflow on passenger side; New heater core clogs again within days to weeks of replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Heater core replacement quoted at $1,200–$3,000 including radiator replacement. One owner had core replaced 01/18, re-clogged by 11/18. Mechanic flushed engine and cooling system for most of a day; sand still flushing at end of day. Dealers refuse warranty coverage on replacement cores, citing coolant as cause rather than manufacturing defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner states Dodge has been aware of the problem for 10–15 years and failed to recall. No formal recalls mentioned; owner requests recall action.
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2011 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 engine problem on the 2011 Dodge Avenger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 32,000 and 93,000 miles, with the median around 76,400. A quarter of owners report trouble before 32,000; a quarter make it past 93,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2011/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.