The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the exhaust system. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact referenced Emissions recall U67. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and had not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
2013 Dodge Avenger engine problems
severe 54 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
54
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 54 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Dodge Avenger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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 54 engine 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 engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2013 Dodge Avengers report a range of engine-related failures that include complete seizure, catastrophic damage, loss of power while driving, and fires. Low oil pressure, sludge buildup, bearing failure, and piston misfiring are cited as root causes. Several owners describe sudden stalling without warning lights or with only delayed warning illumination—some stalls occur on highways at 35–75 mph, creating hazard situations where steering or braking may lock up. A few owners experienced engine fires that destroyed the vehicle or spread to nearby property. Oil leaks at the filter and cooler assembly are common, with owners noting worn rocker arms from insufficient lubrication. Throttle body assembly failures (including internal plastic gear tooth breakage) cause stalling and loss of power at highway speeds. Coolant system issues—failed thermostats, overheating without sensor indication, cracked radiator caps, broken plastic thermostat housings—result in complete shutdowns. Heating and cooling distribution problems are frequent, with uneven hot/cold air between driver and passenger sides reported across multiple units, some recurring after dealer repair. A few owners note fuel system leaks, emissions monitor faults, and persistent check-engine lights that mechanics struggle to diagnose. NHTSA Campaign 13V552000 (Engine) is referenced multiple times, though several owners report their VINs were excluded despite experiencing identical failures. Manufacturers have offered limited assistance beyond recall referrals, often citing warranty expiration or VIN exclusion.
Same Dodge Avenger engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Engine seizure and catastrophic failure
Engine seized or failed completely, requiring full engine replacement. Some instances involved sudden stalling on highways without prior warning, others occurred at lower mileage with no apparent cause despite regular maintenance.
When: 48k–202k miles; several at highway speed (35–75 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of motive power; Engine unable to restart; Low oil pressure warning light (some cases); No warning lights or indication (other cases); Loud knocking from engine compartment
Codes mentioned: P2173 (unknown gasket leak, one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required in diagnosed cases; one owner paid out of pocket for towing after engine 'blew up' on highway; repair costs not specified in most narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 13V552000 (Engine) referenced by multiple owners; many VINs reported excluded from recall despite matching failure symptoms; manufacturer advised reporting to NHTSA Hotline; limited assistance provided beyond recall referral
Sludge buildup blocking oil flow
Sludge accumulated in engine preventing oil from reaching critical components, causing rattling noise, stalling, and engine damage requiring replacement.
When: 100k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminated; Vehicle stalled after restarting; Rattling noise from engine compartment that worsened
Codes mentioned: Check engine code (not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: New engine required; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; VIN reported as invalid
Engine bearing failure
Shaft bearings and balance shaft bearings failed, producing loud knocking noise and requiring engine replacement.
When: 88k–106k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking sound from engine compartment; Engine failure
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; abrasive debris found in balance shaft bearing in one case; one vehicle not yet repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 13V552000 referenced; VIN excluded from recall in both cases despite matching failure
Oil cooler/filter assembly leak
Oil pooling beneath oil filter and cooler assembly due to failed seals, causing low oil levels and secondary internal engine damage including worn rocker arms.
When: Starting March 2020 (reported); unknown total mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pooling under oil filter/cooler; Rocker arm tapping/clacking/tipping noise in left V6 bank; Vibrations felt through vehicle
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; owner notes this is a known common problem reported by other Pentastar 3.6L V6 owners online; second oil change did not resolve tapping
Piston and cylinder misfiring
Multiple pistons misfired, with owner reporting second piston firing failure and recommendation to replace pistons two, four, and six.
When: 125k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal tapping sound from engine; Intermittent hesitation during acceleration; Intermittent stalling; Check engine light illumination (intermittent)
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Pistons needed replacement; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified
Throttle body assembly failure
Throttle body malfunctioned, causing stalling and loss of power. One owner disassembled failed unit and found internal plastic gear tooth fracture. Non-serviceable part failed prematurely.
When: Less than 80k miles; failures also at 128k and 130k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalling at highway speed (70 mph); Check engine warning light; Intermittent dashboard warning light; Vehicle hesitation at traffic light; Loss of power at 65 mph with all warning indicators flashing
Codes mentioned: Fault codes indicating throttle body issue (not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body assembly replaced; one owner reported internal plastic gear tooth failure and requested FCA reimbursement, which was declined; repairs performed at dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failures; declined reimbursement request for premature gear failure
Coolant temperature sensor failure
Coolant temperature sensor failed to detect overheating, resulting in no warning before stalling and complete engine shutdown.
When: 202k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalled without warning light; Vehicle shut off in middle of highway; No compression after shutdown
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 13V552000 referenced
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant temperature sensor required replacement; cylinders 2 and 3 filled with water, cylinder head and block warped beyond repair; full engine replacement needed; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VIN not included in recall despite matching failure
Radiator and cooling system failures
Multiple cooling system components failed including cracked radiator caps, broken plastic thermostat housings, restricted heater cores, and failed hoses, causing overheating and stalling.
When: 63k–160k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle overheating without sensor indication; Thermostat hose falling off; Plastic filler neck crumbling apart; Check engine light illumination; Stalling due to overheating
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator cap replacement (69k miles, repaired); radiator flushing multiple times, oil heater replacement (64k miles, not repaired); radiator operator hose and heater core replacement with coolant flush and EVAC recharge (63k miles, not repaired); heater core replacement (97k miles, repaired); plastic thermostat filler neck and hoses replaced but overheating continued
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin issued per one dealer; stated vehicle exceeded three-year warranty mark so no coverage; manufacturer stated no recall (97k miles case)
Heater/defroster climate control malfunction
Front and rear heater/defroster failed to function or produced uneven heat distribution (warm air driver side only, cold air passenger side), causing defrosting and visibility problems. Issue reported as recurring even after repair.
When: 63k–160k miles
Symptoms owners cite: No heat on passenger side vents; Cold air blowing on passenger side while driver side receives heat; Defrosting failure (passenger side); Reduced visibility due to fogging on passenger side; Complete failure of heater and defroster
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Heater core replaced in some cases; radiator flush required in others; climate control unit replacement needed in one case; issue recurred after repair in at least two cases; one owner paid $1500 for TIPM repair (horn honking issue, separate from heater); repairs range from $1500+ based on owner statements
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin issued for failure (one case); manufacturer stated no recall; stated issue fell outside warranty (beyond three years); limited assistance provided
Engine fires
Engine compartment caught fire spontaneously while driving, destroying vehicle and in one case spreading to nearby property. No prior warning lights or abnormal readings reported.
When: 96k and 120k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from hood; Temperature gauge reading hot (one case); Flames emerging from hood; Black smoke from hood; No prior warning lights or abnormal gauge readings
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles destroyed; one fire extinguished by fire department and spread to two houses; one vehicle towed to used lot; one police report filed; no repairs attempted or possible
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One manufacturer notified, no further assistance provided; one manufacturer not notified; police and fire department involved
Vehicle stalling without diagnostic codes
Engine stalled multiple times while driving at various speeds with no warning lights or fault codes retrievable. Vehicle sometimes restarted after delay, sometimes would not restart without professional diagnosis.
When: 48k–135k miles; repeated occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power and stalling at 20–75 mph; No warning lights in most cases; Unusual chime sounding (one case); Vehicle unable to restart in some instances; Vehicle restarting after 5–60 minutes in other cases; Repetitive stalling (three to nine occurrences reported)
Codes mentioned: No fault codes retrieved in several cases, NHTSA Campaign 13V552000 referenced by multiple owners; VINs excluded from recall
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in most cases; dealers unable to replicate or diagnose failure; vehicles not taken to dealers or independent mechanics in some cases; one owner paid for diagnostic fee at dealer under recall despite recall not mentioning diagnostic charges
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 13V552000 referenced; VINs excluded from recall in multiple cases; manufacturer offered limited assistance; some cases resulted in dealer requesting diagnostic fees before repair under recall
Oil pump failure
Oil pump failed, requiring replacement and resulting in inability to restart.
When: 88k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalled at 45 mph; Vehicle unable to restart
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pump replacement needed; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted
Fuel system and emissions issues
Fuel system leak detected, emissions system monitor fault occurred, and emissions-related smoke from exhaust reported. Check engine light illumination followed these failures.
When: 100k–104k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of acceleration; Stability control, check engine, and brake warning lights illuminated; Smoke from exhaust system; Check engine light illumination
Codes mentioned: Air leak in fuel system (OBD2 scan code, owner report), Emissions recall U67 referenced
Repairs/costs cited: Emissions system monitor and fuel leak identified; gas cap replaced in one case; vehicle not taken to dealer or not repaired in other cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA Hotline in one case; no repair assistance provided
Radiator cooling fan connector failure
Fluid leaked into cooling fan motor electrical connector, causing short circuit and fire hazard. Fluid also leaked in wiring harness and engine compartment area.
When: 90k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cooling fan motor failure due to fluid infiltration; Fluid leaking in wiring harness and engine compartment areas; Potential fire hazard from fluid leaking onto electrical components
Codes mentioned: Recall G39: Left Radiator Cooling Fan Motor Connector (VIN excluded)
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired; vehicle excluded from recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall G39 exists but vehicle VIN excluded; manufacturer notified
Alternator and electrical system drain
Vehicle would not start after 8 hours, requiring jumper box; alternator and battery replaced multiple times without resolving issue.
When: Unknown mileage; 3-year history reported
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start after 8 hours of sitting; Electrical system drain requiring DRAWS test; Repeated alternator and battery failures
Codes mentioned: DRAWS test performed; no root cause identified
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replaced twice, battery replaced four times in three-year span; no resolution; owner drives with jumper box as workaround
Transmission fluid leak
Transmission fluid leaking from unknown source.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leak
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in narrative; owner also reports broken windshield wiper hookup and broken gas cap
Transmission loss of gears
Vehicle randomly lost second through sixth gear when starting, issue sometimes resolved by restarting vehicle.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of second through sixth gear on startup; Issue rectified by restarting vehicle
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in narrative
Synthesized from 54 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2013 Dodge Avenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 54 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 45 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 85,000 and 115,536 miles, with the median around 100,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 85,000; a quarter make it past 115,536. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.