Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Dodge Avenger body problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Dodge Avenger have filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the body, typically surfacing around 58,000 miles at roughly $1,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
| Model year | body complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Avenger | 13 |
| 2010 Avenger | 4 |
| 2011 Avenger | 4 |
| 2012 Avenger (this page) | 10 |
| 2013 Avenger | 5 |
| 2014 Avenger | 4 |
1crash
1fire
2injuries
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Dodge Avenger in our records for body problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Approved Use of Weld Through Primers This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding the use of weld through primer when using Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes when welding steel body panels and structural components.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Remanufactured Transmission Assembly 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles: a) If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) 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
The 2012–2014 Dodge Avenger bodies in this cluster show a pattern of significant defects. Hood issues dominate: paint bubbles and corrodes at the seams, with one dealer confirming the defect as factory-related and quoting $2,000 for replacement. More critically, a hood buckled during a deer strike and the engine caught fire with no airbag deployment; separately, another owner reports the hood has flown open multiple times even after the latch was replaced. Water intrusion is widespread—trunks leak after rain, water drains into the interior during wet weather, and wet conditions have disabled trunk and brake lights. One owner's interior door handle separated, with sharp metal edges that cut their finger. Climate control malfunctions show cold air blowing from the passenger side while the driver side gets warm; mechanics attribute this to a plugged heater core, a problem the owner found repeated in online forums. Other reported issues include premature brake wear (three repairs in four months), engine stalling, door lock failure, and one rented vehicle that lost its undercarriage at highway speed. The manufacturer conducted an investigation into the fire incident but refused to disclose findings, citing public relations concerns.
Failure modes owners describe
Hood structural failure and fire hazard
Head-on collision with a deer caused the hood to buckle and the engine to 'implode in flames.' The vehicle burned completely with no airbag deployment. A separate complaint reports the hood has flown up multiple times even after replacement of the safety latch.
When: Impact event; second complaint timing unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Hood buckles on impact; Engine fire following impact; No airbag deployment; Hood flies up while driving at various speeds; Hood repeated failures after latch replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Hood latch replaced; hood replacement available but did not resolve flying hood issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer conducted investigation but declined to disclose findings, citing public relations concerns
Hood paint corrosion
Paint on front hood bubbles and exhibits corrosion. Dealer acknowledges factory defect and quotes hood replacement at $2,000. Chrysler has replaced hoods on some vehicles under extended warranty but declined replacement on one owner's vehicle, citing first-year claim deadline.
When: Unknown mileage; one failure documented around 41,000 miles context
Symptoms owners cite: Paint bubbling on hood; Corrosion on front hood; Paint failure
Repairs/costs cited: Hood replacement quoted at $2,000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Selective Chrysler warranty replacements; extended warranty coverage limited to first year of ownership
Water intrusion into cargo area
Water leaks into the trunk and cargo area after rain. Occurs in at least two separate vehicles. One complaint also notes water draining into the vehicle during inclement weather, causing trunk lights and third brake light to fail.
When: Documented at approximately 41,000–43,000 miles for one vehicle; other timing unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Water leaks into trunk after rain; Water drainage into interior during wet weather; Trunk lights fail due to water intrusion; Third brake light failure due to water intrusion
Repairs/costs cited: No solution provided by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer offered no assistance for water intrusion issue
Interior door handle separation
Driver's side interior door handle has metal separating, creating a sharp edge that injured the owner's finger.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Metal handle separating from base; Sharp edges on door handle; Handle cuts owner's finger upon use
Heater core plugging and climate control imbalance
Climate control blows cold air on passenger side and warm air on driver's side when heat is on while driving. Engine temperature does not reach normal operating temperature in cold weather. Mechanic diagnosed heater core plugged with debris. Owner reports seeing numerous similar complaints online for this model.
When: Unknown mileage; failure occurs during cold weather driving
Symptoms owners cite: Cold air from passenger side vents while heat is on; Warm air from driver side vents; Engine runs cold, fails to reach normal operating temperature; Clicking noise in passenger side dashboard (may be related)
Repairs/costs cited: Heater core diagnosed as plugged with debris; repair planned at dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler Group received complaint and issued case number
Undercarriage separation
While driving at 65 mph, the undercarriage became separated from the vehicle. This is an unverified rented-vehicle complaint; the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified.
When: Approximately 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Undercarriage separated from vehicle while driving at highway speed
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired
Brake and rotor premature wear
Owner reports continuous brake and rotor problems with three repairs completed within a 4-month period.
When: Unknown; pattern over 4-month service interval
Symptoms owners cite: Brake failure or poor performance; Rotor degradation
Repairs/costs cited: Brakes and rotors repaired three times in 4 months
Engine stalling while driving
Owner reports engine stalling while driving as part of broader mechanical issues.
When: Unknown mileage or frequency
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving
Driver's side door lock failure
Door lock on driver's side does not work properly.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Door lock malfunction
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had body trouble with your 2012 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 body problem on the 2012 Dodge Avenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 36,500 and 89,600 miles, with the median around 58,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,500; a quarter make it past 89,600. 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 $1,500 for body 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 body?
No active recalls currently cover body 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/2012/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.