SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Dodge Avenger brakes problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
3crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 18 brakes complaints filed for the 2013 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
Of the 6 model years of Dodge Avenger we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 18.
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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 of the 2013 Dodge Avenger report multiple distinct brake failures across the fleet. The most serious complaints involve loss of braking force during emergency braking—owners describe requiring excessive pedal pressure to stop, with spongy pedal feel and extended travel even after replacement of master cylinders, boosters, and ABS modules. Three separate complaints detail brake failures resulting in collisions at speeds of 10, 30, and 55 mph. One crash caused serious injury to the driver (brain aneurysm and breathing difficulty). Another involved pressing the brake pedal to the floor at 20 mph to achieve any stopping effect, with the defect persisting after dealer repairs.
A widespread ABS module internal failure has affected at least one owner since January 2024, with Chrysler holding the defective modules under "Engineer Review" without timeline clarity. The owner reports being unable to drive the vehicle for months due to safety risk.
Brake warning lights illuminate intermittently or persistently in multiple vehicles, sometimes tied to water intrusion into the brake booster shield. Rear brake noise on reverse or at all times is common, with dealers acknowledging a factory-wide problem across 300, Dart, and Avenger models but offering no solution beyond wear inspections.
One owner reports ABS engaging independently at various speeds without warning. Early-mileage failures (as low as 3,000 miles) and systemic brake seizure after six months of ownership have been documented.
Failures occur between 3,000 and 100,000 miles.
Failure modes owners describe
ABS module internal failure
ABS control module fails internally, disabling ABS functionality and preventing normal brake operation. Chrysler placed defective modules under 'Engineer Review' indefinitely without providing replacement parts or timeline.
When: January 2024 onward; also at 100 miles (early failure); failure reported after months/years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light illuminates; Parking brake light illuminates intermittently; Traction control light illuminates; Vehicle unsafe to drive per dealer assessment
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed ABS internal module failure; replacement part listed as 'defective' and unavailable as of June 2024; owner unable to obtain repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler placed modules under 'Engineer Review' with promised completion in April 2024; timeline extended without notice; no recall or interim solution offered
Loss of braking force / spongy pedal
Brake pedal becomes spongy with excessive travel and requires abnormally high pressure to achieve stopping force, especially during emergency braking. Defect persists despite replacement of master cylinder, booster, and ABS module, suggesting possible design flaw.
When: Early ownership; one case at 14,000 miles; another occurring across multiple emergency stops
Symptoms owners cite: Spongy brake pedal feel; Excessive pedal travel; Insufficient braking force during emergency stops; ABS fails to engage during hard braking; Brake performance considerably less than other vehicles; Extra input required to stop vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replaced; brake booster replaced; ABS module replaced; front and rear brake pads and rotors replaced—defect persisted after all repairs
Complete brake failure
Brake pedal becomes unresponsive or loses stopping force entirely, resulting in collisions. Owners unable to stop vehicle even when pressing pedal to floor.
When: At 3,000 miles; at 10 mph; at 20 mph; at 30 mph; at 55 mph; at 86,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed but vehicle does not stop; Pedal must be pressed to floor with minimal effect; Failure to respond to brake input during emergency stops; Multiple occurrences of brake malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: One owner: Master cylinder replaced, ABS pump replaced, front brakes replaced—defect continued; mechanic unable to duplicate failure on test; vehicle totaled at 3,000 miles
Brake warning light intermittent illumination
Check brake or brake warning indicator light illuminates intermittently or persistently despite no driver-initiated parking brake engagement. Light cycles on and off or remains lit during driving and parking.
When: At 5,741 miles; at 24,000 miles; 41,941 miles; September 2023 onward
Symptoms owners cite: Brake warning light illuminates without cause; Parking brake light illuminates when brake not engaged; Light cycles intermittently while driving or at stops; Light persists after ORC (Occupant Restraint Controller) recall repair
Repairs/costs cited: Master brake cylinder replaced at cost of $782.10; defect attributed to 'brake booster water shield defect'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall offered for water shield defect; no financial assistance provided
Brake fluid leak from master cylinder
Brake fluid leaks and accumulates on frame and around master cylinder, indicating seal failure or manufacturing defect.
When: At 5,741 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake fluid smeared throughout frame; Brake fluid pooling at master cylinder; Brake pedal travels abnormally to floorboard; Brake warning light intermittently illuminates
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated vehicle 'functioned as designed' and refused repair
Rear brake noise on reverse / continuous squealing
Rear brakes squeal loudly when vehicle is in reverse or during all driving. Dealers acknowledge this as a factory defect affecting Avenger, Dart, and 300 models but offer no remedy.
When: From new (7,500 miles onward); persists through vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loud squealing noise when reversing; Loud squealing noise during forward driving; Noise present continuously or intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer cleaned brake pads; entire brake system replaced (rear first, then front) after multiple visits; noise continued; rotors inspected and found scored at 7,500 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged factory-wide problem in Avenger, Dart, and 300 models; Chrysler stated they cannot address the problem; no recall or design change offered
ABS independent engagement
ABS system engages spontaneously without driver input or warning, causing unintended braking and loss of vehicle control.
When: At 100 miles and 18,000 miles on the vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: ABS engages independently at various speeds; ABS engages without warning; Vehicle does not respond when brake pedal is applied after independent ABS engagement; Unintended deceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated vehicle 'performing to standards'
Brake seizure
All four brakes seize simultaneously, locking the wheels and immobilizing the vehicle.
When: Six months after purchase (approx. 2013–2014 timeframe)
Symptoms owners cite: All four brakes lock up; Vehicle immobilized
Brake drag and sticking
Brakes stick or drag, causing continuous friction and resistance even when brake pedal is not engaged.
When: After 18,000 miles; noise began at 7,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes stick after release; Continuous brake noise; Resistance during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Entire brake system replaced; rotors scored at 7,500 miles
Brake pedal spongy with noise after depression
Brake pedal travels downward and produces noise when depressed, indicating possible master cylinder degradation or seal failure.
When: Problem developing over 3 months, worsening; reported at 38,000–40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes down when pressed; Noise heard after pedal depression; Gradual worsening over months
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder suspected; owner planned DIY replacement
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Dodge avenger. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle began to decrease in speed and the brakes independently began to stop the vehicle. The brake warning indicator was illuminated. The failure was persistent. The dealer diagnosed that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure…
Had brakes trouble with your 2013 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 brakes problem on the 2013 Dodge Avenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 5,000 and 41,941 miles, with the median around 24,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 41,941. 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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/2013/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.