2012 Dodge Avenger problems
The 2012 Dodge Avenger has 553 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. No active recalls — the patterns come from the complaint record.
The 2012 Dodge Avenger has 553 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 96 complaints, typically surfacing around 77,807 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 Avenger | 67 | 1 |
| 2010 Avenger | 163 | 1 |
| 2011 Avenger | 209 | 0 |
| 2012 Avenger (this page) | 553 | 0 |
| 2013 Avenger | 547 | 3 |
| 2014 Avenger | 204 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
- Electrical system: 96 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 57,000–94,000 mi
- Engine: 36 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 46,000–90,000 mi
- Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 4 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2012 Dodge Avenger 4 DR FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2012 Dodge Avenger? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- electrical — 96 owner reports · tends to show around 77,807 mi · ~$850 to fix
- airbags — 87 owner reports · tends to show around 70,260 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
- visibility — 84 owner reports · tends to show around 84,389 mi · ~$350 to fix
- engine — 36 owner reports · tends to show around 69,188 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 77,807 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2012 Dodge Avenger
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
Your road ahead on this 2012 Dodge Avenger
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
- ~45,000 misteering~$700
- ~58,000 mibody~$1,500
- ~60,000 miairbags~$1,100
- ~65,384 miengine~$3,100
- ~70,000 mielectrical~$850
- ~71,043 mipowertrain~$2,500
- ~80,000 mivisibility~$350
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Window Defrost and Passenger Heat /Air. While either in motion or while driving, no heated air exits the passenger side of the windshield defroster, nor the passenger window defrost, lower and center console vents. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's…
My Dodge avenger has started to cut off while I am driving down the highway or while sitting in a line waiting on food. I also experience the right side of my vehicle not heating at all. There is also a clicking noise in my car that has worsened over time. There are a lot off…
The vehicle blows hot air on the drivers side, but cold air on the passenger side. Since it is blowing only cold air on one half of the windshield the windows ice up, freeze up and fog up. This is a driving hazard, since this impairs visibilty.
While driving for about 50miles, the electrical system failed, I lost power to the entire vehicle, steering was hard, brakes hard as well. as I pulled over, the car started back up. Next day car drove fine. Few days later the car cut off at red light in the middle of the…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2012 Dodge Avenger reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 553 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Dodge Avenger is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2012 Dodge Avenger?
The 2012 Dodge Avenger is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 96 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 57,000–94,000 mi; Engine: 36 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 46,000–90,000 mi; Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2012 Dodge Avenger?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 96 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 77,807 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2012 Dodge Avenger a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 553 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 77,807 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 Dodge Avenger?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 96 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 77,807 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 77,807 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Dodge Avenger has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Dodge Avenger?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 553 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.