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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Dodge Avenger powertrain problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) 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. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - Feb 28, 2019 VF. - Only use R8453637
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) must be replaced as they are one-time usage. b) Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. c) Vehicles built on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. Only use the reman 62TE specified in StarParts for each model year - Only use R8210327A$ for 2014 - 2018 VF. - Only use R8453637A$ for 2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report the 2011 Avenger's powertrain exhibits a troubling pattern of stalling and stumbling that dealers cannot locate or repair. Engine shuts off without warning while driving at any speed—highway, parking lot, traffic light, or during acceleration—with no check engine light illuminating. Multiple owners report taking their cars back to dealers five or six times; technicians find no fault codes and cannot identify the problem. One owner's vehicle started stalling just days after purchase at 37,000 miles; another's stalled repeatedly over a single week. Power steering quits when the engine dies, creating an immediate safety hazard.
Transmission issues include violent jerking during acceleration and braking, loud metal grinding noise, and slow pickup when pushing the pedal. One owner replaced three Avengers in succession, each exhibiting the same stalling complaint. Another reports transmission failure with metal noise at 3,614 miles; the dealer updated software without fixing it.
Additional powertrain complaints include erratic running and stuttering at highway speeds (described as "missing" but no misfire codes set), spontaneous speed limiting to 50 mph paired with overheating, and gearshift stuck in Park shortly after the warranty expires. One owner reports a $1,500 heater core repair linked to sand contamination from engine casting.
Same Dodge Avenger powertrain reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling and dying while driving
Engine shuts off suddenly while driving at various speeds, at idle, during acceleration, at traffic lights, or after shifting into reverse. Vehicle requires restart but will not always start immediately. No check engine light or fault codes present in most cases. Dealers unable to locate failure codes despite multiple diagnostics and test drives.
When: Between 3,614 and 80,000 miles; reported as early as 5 days of ownership and after 4 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall while driving at highway speeds; Stall at traffic lights; Stall while backing up; Stall during acceleration from stop; Stall after brake application; Loss of power steering when engine stalls; No warning lights or fault codes; Slow restart or delayed start after stall
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostics at Midas showed battery, starter, and charging system normal. Dealers unable to locate failure codes. One dealer estimated $200–$1,000 diagnostic cost and 3 days in shop. Vehicle not repaired in any reported case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported dealer stated manufacturer was aware of the failure and working on a solution but did not provide fix.
Transmission jerking, grinding, and metal noise
Transmission exhibits severe jerking and violent acceleration or deceleration, accompanied by loud metal grinding noise. Happens when coasting off throttle, during acceleration from stop, and when braking. Dealer performed diagnostics but found no failure codes. Software update attempted but did not resolve issue.
When: As early as 3,614 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Severe loud metal noise from transmission; Violent jerking during acceleration from complete stop; Violent jerking when braking to stop; Jerking and banging at low speeds; Jerking when coasting off throttle
Repairs/costs cited: No repair codes found despite diagnostics. Software update performed by dealer but failed to resolve issue. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure but vehicle not repaired.
Engine misfire and erratic running without fault codes
Engine runs erratically with stumbling, stuttering, and jerking, particularly around 60 mph on hills. Symptoms described as 'missing' (misfire condition) but no cylinder misfire diagnostic codes set. Symptoms may clear after shutdown and restart.
When: Mileage not specified; happens repeatedly during operation
Symptoms owners cite: Stuttering and jerking at 60 mph; Erratic running described as 'missing'; Symptoms worsen on hilly roads; Smooths out on acceleration then repeats; Symptoms clear after shutdown and restart; Symptoms expand to level roads over time
Reduced power and speed limiter activation
Vehicle experiences slow acceleration response and spontaneously limits maximum speed to approximately 50 mph without operator input. Car also overheats in conjunction with power loss. Symptoms resolve temporarily after shutdown and restart but recur unpredictably.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Slow acceleration when pedal pushed; Spontaneous speed limitation to 50 mph; Engine overheating with power loss; Symptoms resolve after shutdown and restart; Intermittent recurrence
Gearshift stuck in Park
Gearshift lever will not release from Park, preventing vehicle operation. Issue occurs shortly after 30,000 mile warranty expires. Occurs due to failure of brake cable mechanism to lift release piece.
When: Shortly after 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gearshift locked in Park; Unable to move lever to other gears
Repairs/costs cited: Part replacement ordered by dealer at high labor cost. Owner had repair performed by former Dodge dealer mechanic for less than $100.
Heater core failure with casting sand contamination
No heat on passenger side of climate control. Heater core flushing ineffective. Owner reports dealer indicated leftover sand from engine casting is responsible. Repair cost cited as $1,500.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: No heat on passenger side; Heater ineffective after flushing
Repairs/costs cited: Heater core flush performed with no improvement. Repair estimated at $1,500.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states Chrysler is well aware of sand contamination issue.
Transmission shift failure
Vehicle will not engage Reverse gear and cannot back up at 80,000 miles. No further details provided.
When: At 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not go into Reverse; Cannot back up
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2011 Dodge Avenger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 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 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 33,000 and 85,000 miles, with the median around 78,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 33,000; a quarter make it past 85,000. 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 $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/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.