Air Suspension Components Star Parts Catalog has been updated to show individual service parts for the compressor assembly. This will allow service technicians to repair the root cause without over repairing the system. Replace only the part deemed failed by the diagnostics performed. Individual parts include: - Compressor - Valve block - Individual hoses - Temp sensor - Shield - Air line clips NOTE: in most situations when a new compressor is needed, the compressor as a separate part is the correct repair, and the assembly would not be required.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Dodge Avenger suspension problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Dodge Avenger have filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the suspension, typically surfacing around 36,000 miles at roughly $900 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See suspension across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
| Model year | suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Avenger | 14 |
| 2011 Avenger (this page) | 14 |
| 2012 Avenger | 6 |
| 2014 Avenger | 6 |
1crash
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Dodge Avenger we track for suspension problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 14.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension 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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report that the 2011 Dodge Avenger's rear suspension becomes unstable and sways side-to-side when crossing bumps, expansion joints, or uneven road surfaces. The rear end sometimes hops as if the tires have left the pavement. This instability worsens in wet, snowy, or icy conditions, forcing owners to drive well below normal speeds to maintain control. One owner reported the rear floating entirely during light snow with extra weight in the vehicle.
Mechanics and dealers have examined these vehicles multiple times—often 4 to 6 visits per owner—but cannot identify or replicate the fault. Owners have replaced new tires (some three times in two years), sway bars, control arms, and entire rear suspension assemblies without resolving the problem. Alignment checks come back normal. One dealer adjusted the rear alignment to its furthest inward position to compensate for rear tire bowing, but the owner remains unconvinced this will be a permanent fix.
A separate complaint reports three rear wheel bearing failures in nine to ten months apart, which a mechanic said should not happen. The rapid bearing wear may relate to the suspension instability issue.
Same Dodge Avenger suspension reports on nearby years: 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Rear suspension swaying and fishtailing
Rear end moves side-to-side or fishtails, especially over bumps, expansion joints, or uneven pavement. Occurs at various speeds but often worse above 55 mph. Vehicle feels unstable and uncontrolled, particularly in wet, snowy, or icy conditions. Owners report the rear end feeling like it's floating or not contacting the road.
When: Starting within first 2 years of ownership; reported failures at 20,000, 36,000, 41,000, and 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rear end fishtails over small bumps; Vehicle sways left and right, especially at highway speeds; Rear hopping as if tires left the ground; Loss of vehicle control in wet or snowy conditions; Rear bounces and sways sideways when traveling over bumps or expansion joints; Vibration near back seats; Vehicle feels unstable at any speed; Rear end floats or feels disconnected from road; Uncontrollable shaking over uneven pavement
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners replaced tires (several times in some cases), sway bar, alignment adjustments, control arms, and entire rear suspension components—none resolved the issue. One dealer adjusted rear alignment to furthest inward position to counteract rear tire bowing, but owner skeptical of permanent fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to diagnose or replicate the problem in multiple visits (4–6 times per owner). Manufacturer notified; no remedy provided.
Premature rear wheel bearing failure
Rear wheel bearings fail well before normal service life, requiring replacement within 9–10 months of each other. Owner replaced three bearings in rapid succession.
When: First failure 2019; subsequent failures 9/23/2020 and 10/20/2020
Symptoms owners cite: Wheel bearing failure requiring replacement; Rear end sliding or instability related to bearing wear
Repairs/costs cited: Three wheel bearing replacements required within short interval; mechanic stated this frequency was abnormal.
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had suspension 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 suspension problem on the 2011 Dodge Avenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $900.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most suspension failures cluster between 24,500 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 36,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 24,500; 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 $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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.