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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Dodge Avenger electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Dodge Avenger have filed 96 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 70,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
96
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Avenger | 177 |
| 2009 Avenger | 8 |
| 2010 Avenger | 35 |
| 2011 Avenger | 38 |
| 2012 Avenger (this page) | 96 |
| 2013 Avenger | 96 |
| 2014 Avenger | 28 |
5crashes
4fires
5injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 96 electrical complaints filed for the 2012 Dodge Avenger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 96 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 7 model years of Dodge Avenger in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, check it in the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website to confirm part number and applicability. There is an error with the wiring diagrams in Service Library that is causing the incorrect repair kit part number to populate. Please use the Mopar Connector Repair Kit Website until this issue is resolved.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Dodge Avenger electrical system and related components generate persistent complaints. The most serious is unannounced stalling while driving—vehicle shuts off with no warning, eliminating power steering, brakes, and hazard lights. Dealers confirm it's a "known problem" with Avengers but offer no repair, with one telling an owner to "get rid of the vehicle." Stalling often happens on cold mornings on hills, and no diagnostic codes appear.
Airbags fail catastrophically: multiple reports describe airbags deploying but not inflating, leaving occupants unprotected during head-on collisions. The airbag warning light stays on continuously even after recall service attempts.
The TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) is a chronic failure point—$1200–$1900 to replace, often with parts unavailable. When it fails, owners lose all electrical power, cannot start, or experience cascading light and horn failures. Owners also report a heating defect causing cold air on the passenger side while the driver side gets hot, making winter driving unsafe and winter defogging impossible.
Additional electrical gremlins include alternator failure (one owner replaced it three times in two years), starting problems requiring battery cable resets, and random light/wiper/gauge failures that perplex mechanics. A center console fire was documented with no determined cause.
Same Dodge Avenger electrical reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Airbag system malfunction / failure to deploy
Front airbags fail to inflate during collision or airbag warning light illuminates without deploying. Multiple complaints report airbags laying flat on steering column/dashboard instead of inflating, and no deployment during accidents causing injury. Some complaints state airbag light remains on despite recall service attempts.
When: At impact; light illuminates at various mileages (20k-126k+)
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags do not inflate during collision; Airbag warning light continuously on; Airbag light comes on without accident; Pungent odor at moment of collision
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement $1250 mentioned; dealers report parts unavailability; some owners cite heater core issues alongside airbag warning lights
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 13V282000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); Recall N38 reflash TIPM performed but failed to resolve airbag light; S61 Occupant Restraint Control Module recall (fix delayed); owners report mileage restrictions and extended warranty exclusions; recall repair remedy failed in some cases
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failure
TIPM malfunctions causing loss of power, inability to restart, unintended horn engagement, and lighting system failures. Module located under fuse box reportedly controls all vehicle electrical functions. Multiple owners cite TIPM replacement costs around $1250-$1900.
When: At various mileages (49k-115k+); intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving; Unable to start vehicle; Horn continuously goes off; Multiple lighting failures (headlights, turn signals, brake lights); Electrical system failures cascade
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement $1250-$1900 plus labor; parts often unavailable or on hold; TSB 18-023-12 PCM reprogramming attempted without resolving issue; dealers unable to replicate intermittent failures
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 18-023-12 PCM reprogramming; recall N38 reflash TIPM performed in some cases but caused new failures; Chrysler case numbers issued; some owners denied recall coverage
Stalling / loss of power while driving
Vehicle shuts off without warning while driving at various speeds. After stalling, vehicle may restart after sitting hours or restart immediately. No fault codes present. Dealerships report this is a known problem with multiple Avengers but cannot provide fix. One dealership advised owner to 'get rid of the vehicle.'
When: Intermittent; 58k-177k+ miles; often on cold mornings, hills, or with heater on
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while driving with no warning; Complete loss of power; Loss of power steering; Loss of power brakes; Vehicle stalls and won't restart immediately, requires 30 min to hours to restart; Lightning bolt warning light illuminates after stall; Engine cranks but won't turn over
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replaced in at least one case; battery and alternator tested as good; multiple parts replaced (battery, starter, catalytic converter) without resolving; mechanics unable to find root cause; one owner notes 'basically should have cut my losses'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships state 'known problem' with no fix available; owner advised to dispose of vehicle; no recall issued despite multiple reports; Chrysler has not provided remedy
Alternator failure / charging system malfunction
Alternator fails prematurely, often multiple times. Owner reports replacing alternator three times between 67k-80k miles, twice in last 2 years of ownership. Charging system fails to charge properly, draining battery. Related to power loss events; vehicle stalled on interstate.
When: 67k, 80k, and additional replacements; multiple failures within 2 years
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light alerts to charging system problem; Battery drains rapidly; Turning on lights or wipers worsens problem; Vehicle stalls on interstate; Power steering and ABS stop working
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replaced 3 times; battery replaced; labor charged under extended warranty; CarMax service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; owner notes similar 3.6L engine Chrysler vehicles are under recall for alternator failure with 160 amp alternator
Unintended horn engagement / horn control failure
Horn goes off repeatedly while vehicle is moving or stationary with no user input. Creates safety hazard. Dealership parts replacement (speed switch, horn switch, harness steer) totaled over $430, and TIPM replacement at $1900 was estimated but owner could not afford it.
When: Recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Horn goes off unintentionally while driving or parked; Horn cannot be disabled while driving; Creates safety hazard (horn stuck on poses danger; horn stuck off leaves no warning)
Repairs/costs cited: Speed switch $50; horn switch $127.60; harness steer $158; diagnostic $195; TIPM replacement $1900 plus labor estimated as underlying cause; owner unable to afford full repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers blame TIPM control module; no recall issued
Heating / climate control malfunction (split-side heating)
Heater blows cold air on passenger side while driver side receives hot air. Problem affects defrosting capability and passenger comfort in cold weather. Multiple owners report this is a common defect on 2012 Avengers. Some trace to heater core sludge or failed actuator.
When: Starting as early as 2 years old; persists throughout winter; 20k-126k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger side vents blow cold air while driver side blows hot; Windshield defroster fails on passenger side; Cannot defrost/defog passenger windows; Cabin temperature remains cold on passenger side; Clicking noise from behind glove box when heat activated; Problem persists through all cabin modes and circulation settings
Repairs/costs cited: Heater core flushed multiple times without improvement; heater core replacement attempted; thermostat replaced; actuator/panel/knob replacement needed ($1200 quoted for casing sand clog); one case required engine replacement after heater core service failed to resolve
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; Dodge customer service unable or unwilling to help; no warranty coverage offered
Interior electrical malfunctions (lights, wipers, gauges, instruments)
Random electrical gremlins: headlights flicker and dim when windows roll up, windshield wipers activate unintentionally with turn signal, AC button fails intermittently, tachometer reads incorrectly, instrument cluster malfunction requiring replacement, lights dim and brighten randomly.
When: Intermittent; varies with driving; throughout vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights flicker and dim when windows open; Windshield wipers activate with turn signal; AC button unresponsive (requires rapid knob turns up to 5 min to work); Tachometer climbs to 70 mph when driving 40 mph; Safety gauges flash on/off; Instrument cluster malfunctions; Interior lights intermittent; Power window failures; Instrument panel flashing on/off with turn signal
Repairs/costs cited: Instrument cluster replacement; multiple service visits unable to resolve intermittent issues; mechanics unable to find root cause; problems persist after warranty coverage ends
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to diagnose or fix; customers advised 'electrical problem' but no solutions provided
Electrical system fire / overheating
Center console caught fire with no external cause while vehicle was parked. Vehicle destroyed. Additionally, starter overheated with abnormal burning odor present.
When: 49k miles; at time of parking
Symptoms owners cite: Center console melted from small fire; Abnormal burning odor; Starter overheating; Battery warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed (total loss); starter replaced; alternator replaced prior
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to determine cause; no recall issued
Starting failure / no-crank condition
Vehicle fails to start or cranks without turning over. Full battery charge confirmed. Gear selector indicator lights all gears. Requires battery cable disconnect/reconnect or extended wait time to resolve. Intermittent issue; dealership unable to verify.
When: Early in ownership (less 1 year old); recurring at 138k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start after short drive and sitting 45 minutes; Battery fully charged but won't crank; Gear selector indicator lights all gears on dashboard; Engine cranks but won't turn over; Starting problems recurring when stopping and restarting
Repairs/costs cited: Battery cable disconnect/reconnect temporarily resolves; PCM reprogrammed per TSB 18-023-12; new battery installed; starter replaced; extensive diagnostics with 'no issue found'; problem persists
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 18-023-12 PCM reprogramming; dealer claims 'no real issue' despite recurring failure
Throttle body / engine management failure
Throttle body failure at only 62k miles / 3 years old. Engine runs rough, insufficient fuel delivery, and complete engine shutdown while driving. Shop owners confirm this is a common failure on late-model Dodge vehicles.
When: 3 years old, 62k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine runs rough; Engine not getting enough fuel; Engine dies while driving; Check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement required; multiple shops confirm common failure on late-model Dodge vehicles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned; no warranty assistance documented
Synthesized from 96 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
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 issues with this car and to many people are experiencing the same thing. I am so afraid to drive my car because I don't…
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 intersection while other cars almost hitting me. Changed the fuel pump out because fuel pump would work at times. No one hurt,…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge avenger. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, a clicking noise was heard from the front end. While driving at any speed, the contact smelled burning wires from somewhere within the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 61,000.
Took car in for a coolant flush and only have heat on the drivers side. Passenger side blows cool air. Car is only 3 years old with 72,000 miles on it. Had heat before the dealership recommended the coolant flush. Took car into dealership to have it looked at and they tell me the heater core is partially plugged. Heat worked fine before flush, now it does not. *js
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge avenger. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to emit heat on the front passenger side. The vehicle was taken to greenville Dodge Chrysler (5401 I-30 frontage rd, greenville, tx 75402) where it was diagnosed that the heater core needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate…
The dashboard console lights keeps going out and flickering at inconsistent times. All other interior lights are working fine. Vehicle has less than 40k miles on it. This issue occurs often.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Dodge avenger. The contact stated that the air bag warning light continuously illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the occupant restraint control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the tipm was reset. The failure persisted. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13v282000 (air…
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2012 Dodge Avenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 96 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 68 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 57,000 and 94,000 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 57,000; a quarter make it past 94,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.