Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Dodge Avenger electrical problems
severe 28 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 28 electrical complaints filed for the 2014 Dodge Avenger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 28 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Connector kit Before ordering this connector repair kit 68018957A$, 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 ↗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 ↗Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WIRING, Body Before replacing this harness, please contact FCA Redacted Content to see if a repair kit is available for your application. If no response in 15 minutes, proceed with repair. Please email pictures of harness defects to FCA Redacted Content
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 28 complaints for the 2014 Dodge Avenger electrical system center on a Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failure that disables critical vehicle functions without warning. Owners report complete loss of electrical power, engine stalling while driving (at night, at intersections, on highways, uphill), loss of power steering, and headlight failures—creating obvious safety hazards. One owner's vehicle caught fire internally while parked; another reported flames and dark fumes at roughly 3,000 miles.
Beyond power loss, owners describe a cascade of secondary electrical malfunctions: instrument cluster flickering with erratic warning lights, radio stations changing by themselves, horn blaring or failing entirely, headlight wiring burning out repeatedly, and a starter that cranks but doesn't turn the engine over. Multiple owners cite a loud whistling or squealing noise from the front end.
Power delivery problems are frequent: the vehicle won't accelerate past 10–30 mph despite the throttle pedal being fully depressed, accompanied by ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) and traction control warnings. Some owners report sudden jerking and bucking, RPM drops while driving, and shuddering. A few note cruise control failing to engage and traction control engaging unprovoked on dry roads.
Dealers often claim inability to replicate the faults during diagnostic visits, or reset codes and send owners away without repairs. Some owners cite repair costs around $800–$1,000 and note Dodge dealers refusing warranty coverage based on mileage alone. One owner's vehicle fire was not included in an existing fuel-system recall.
Same Dodge Avenger electrical reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) Failure
Complete loss of electrical power causing engine stall, loss of power steering, and total loss of lights while driving. Occurs multiple times without warning and at critical moments (night driving, intersections, highway travel, turns).
When: Various mileages reported; one case at 3,000 miles; recurrence throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving; Engine stalling mid-turn and at intersections; Loss of power steering during operation; All lights extinguished while driving at night; Wipers stopping mid-use; Vehicle catches fire internally while parked
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite $1,000+ replacement cost; some report dealer refusal to cover under warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler known to have settled prior lawsuits; limited recalls issued for only certain models per lawsuit mention; no broad recall initiated per complainant claims
Instrument Cluster and Dashboard Light Malfunction
Erratic flickering and illumination of dashboard warning lights and gauges; lights flash on and off at random without correlation to actual vehicle faults.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; one case at 42,000 miles; mileages 60,000–64,000 reported
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument cluster flickering with multiple indicators illuminating; Dashboard warning lights (engine, tire pressure, ETC, traction control) flashing erratically; Speedometer stops working while RPM gauge remains accurate; Battery warning light illuminating; Lights flashing on and off at random ('dummy lights'); Clock constantly resetting and losing time
Codes mentioned: Engine light, Tire pressure warning, Electronic Throttle Control warning, Traction control warning
Radio and In-Cabin Electronics Failure
Radio buttons fail to respond or work intermittently; radio powers on without key in ignition; Bluetooth and Uconnect features disabled; radio station changes by itself.
When: Various mileages and ownership durations
Symptoms owners cite: Radio preset buttons stop working entirely; Radio changes stations without user input; Bluetooth and Uconnect features non-functional; Radio cannot be powered off; Radio stays on after engine shut-off; Function buttons on infotainment fail
Engine Start Failure and Starter Issues
Vehicle fails to start while parked; engine turns but will not crank; intermittent start failures requiring jumpstart or multiple attempts.
When: 42,000–80,000 miles reported; some early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start while parked; Engine light and tire pressure light illuminate during start failure; Car turns over but does not crank; Most mornings will only turn but not crank; Requires jumpstart to operate; Intermittent failure requiring repeated attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis identified alternator and battery as needing replacement; some vehicles not repaired
Electronic Throttle Control Loss of Power
Vehicle loses power and cannot accelerate past 10–30 mph despite full throttle pedal input; ETC warning light and traction control light illuminate. Failure is intermittent and may recur six or more times.
When: Mileages 60,000–80,000 reported; recurrence throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not accelerate past 10–15 mph despite full throttle; Severe power loss limiting maximum speed; ETC (Electronic Throttle Control) warning light illuminates; Traction control warning light illuminates; Throttle response delayed or non-existent; Occurs six or more times during ownership
Codes mentioned: ETC code (throttle accelerator control system per complaint), Traction control warning code
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer claims issue not under warranty despite low mileage and age; mechanics cite throttle body control as cause
Horn Malfunction
Horn sounds without warning during normal driving; horn stops working entirely; horn operates only when steering wheel is moved to specific positions, indicating clock spring failure.
When: Various mileages during ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Horn blares without driver input while driving; Horn no longer works at all; Horn only functions when steering wheel turned to left side; Owner narrowly avoided accident due to inability to warn other drivers
Repairs/costs cited: Owner cites clock spring failure as underlying cause
Engine Stall Without Warning
Engine shut-off occurs suddenly while driving at various speeds without prior warning signs or illuminated check-engine light.
When: Throughout ownership at various mileages (30 mph, 45 mph, uphill driving reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while turning left; Engine shuts off while stopped at traffic light; Engine shuts off mid-turn at parking lot entrance; Engine shuts off while driving on highway; No warning light precedes shutdown; Vehicle restarts without intervention; Multiple occurrences throughout ownership
Repairs/costs cited: One case diagnosed as relay switch issue; dealer replaced relay; most cases found 'nothing' during diagnosis
Headlight and Front-End Electrical Burning
Headlight wiring burns out repeatedly; battery terminal jump box caught fire; front driver-side headlight wiring failures; electrical burning smell from driver-side air vents; shifter illumination light caught fire.
When: Various ownership durations; one case at 76,322 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Front driver-side headlight wiring burns out repeatedly; Battery terminal jump box catches fire; Electrical burning smell from driver-side air vents; Shifter illumination light begins to smoke and catch fire; Dark fumes visible on interior windows; Flames visible inside vehicle while parked
Repairs/costs cited: One owner removed shifter light before fire fully ignited; vehicle fire-inspected but not repaired; fire damage assessed by insurance
Transmission Shifter Electrical Failure
Shifter gets stuck in Park; operator must use external tool (pen or knife) to depress internal switch to shift; shifter becomes progressively harder to move over time.
When: During ownership; dealer claims issue began with Challenger model platform
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter stuck in Park position; Requires external tool pressure to shift out of Park; Must slam shifter up and down rapidly to loosen it; Shifter illumination light begins to catch fire; After loosening, provides only 1–2 weeks of normal operation before recurring
Repairs/costs cited: Dodge dealer quoted $800 for repair; claimed not under warranty
Front-End Whistling/Squealing Noise
Persistent loud whistling or squealing noise from the left front end of the vehicle; unable to be repaired despite multiple dealer visits.
When: Since January 5, 2015 forward; multiple owner visits attempted to repair
Symptoms owners cite: Loud whistling/squealing noise from left front end; Screeching whistling sound coming from front of car; Noise present throughout ownership; Cannot be repaired despite multiple dealer attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits unable to diagnose or repair
Jerking, Bucking, and Power Delivery Hesitation
Vehicle jerks or bucks during acceleration; RPM drops and vehicle shudders; significant hesitation during power delivery; difficult to start and sluggish acceleration.
When: Throughout ownership at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitant while driving at various speeds; Difficult to start; Vehicle jerks several times upon coming to a stop; RPMs drop while driving; car shudders; RPMs jump up without corresponding speed gain; Car jerks before slowly accelerating; Vehicle shakes at speeds above 40 mph
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported no diagnostic codes found by mechanic
Abnormal Brake Noise
Brakes produce abnormal noise when engaged; occurs alongside other electrical malfunctions.
When: During ownership alongside other electrical failures
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise when brakes are engaged
Climate Control and Heater Malfunction
Heater fails to function properly; uneven heating across cabin; electrical burning smell from heater; fluid leakage into radiator during production causing debris around heater core.
When: At 52,000 miles reported; low mileage failures
Symptoms owners cite: Vent control function not working when heating vehicle; Passenger side air vents blow only cold air while using heater; Driver side blows heated air with electrical burning smell; Heater core debris due to production fluid leakage
Repairs/costs cited: Heater core replacement needed; production defect (fluids leaked into radiator); dealer refused warranty repair
Cruise Control and Traction Control Malfunction
Cruise control fails to engage or stay engaged; traction control engages unprovoked on dry roads; random acceleration while on cruise control.
When: Throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control will not stay engaged; Traction control continually engages on dry roads; Random accelerations not provoked by driving or incline while on cruise control
Computer/ECU Failure
Engine computer requires replacement; one owner replaced computer twice; computer resets performed by dealers without solving underlying issues.
When: Various mileages; one case requiring two replacements
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle electrical system malfunction requiring computer replacement; Computer failure recurs necessitating second replacement; Dealer performs code resets that temporarily mask issues but don't resolve them
Repairs/costs cited: Two computer replacements documented; multiple dealer visits for code resets
Key Fob and Door Lock Electrical Failure
Key fob fails to unlock vehicle while parked; lock/unlock functions become unreliable.
When: During ownership; one case at 3,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob fails to unlock vehicle while parked
Synthesized from 28 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 2014 Dodge avenger. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitant while driving various speeds and was difficult to start. The contact mentioned that the instrument cluster flickered with various indicators illuminating, the radio shorted as well, the function buttons failed, and the vehicle jerked several times upon coming to a stop and stalled several times. In…
Had electrical trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Dodge Avenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 28 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 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 7,335 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 7,335; a quarter make it past 70,000. 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/2014/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.