I was driving and the car just cut back, it act as though it wanted to stall. It did this a few times. I had to go to the dealership and have my warning lights on the dash reset 3 times. They always had a reason why this happened. I will never get another avenger that's for sure. I love Dodge but I have always had a caravan used and this car had 9miles on it when I brought it dec 2013 I have not…
2014 Dodge Avenger engine problems
moderate 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 20 engine 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
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Dodge Avenger has a well-documented pattern of engine failures across multiple systems. The plastic oil filter housing is the most common grievance—owners report it cracks and leaks oil, requiring $600+ dealership replacement. The housing sits deep in the engine, making DIY repair impossible. Oil loss causes rapid overheating and raises fire risk from hot oil contact with engine surfaces.
Engine stalling is the second major issue. Owners describe sudden shutdowns at highway speeds (30–70 mph), at traffic lights, and during acceleration with no warning lights beforehand. The engine loses power steering when it stalls, putting drivers in hazardous traffic situations. Some owners saw repeated failures within weeks of dealership repairs.
Cooling system failures are also common—engines overheat rapidly, especially at idle, and fans don't engage reliably. One owner faced a $773.55 hose repair followed by a complete engine replacement two weeks later ($6,000+). Throttle body and TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failures contribute to stalling and loss of power; Chrysler settled a lawsuit over defective TIPMs in this generation. A few owners report exhaust manifold cracks causing cabin fumes, and one noted a nationwide parts shortage forcing a welded repair instead of replacement.
Same Dodge Avenger engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Oil Filter Housing Cracking/Leaking
Plastic oil filter housing cap cracks or chips, causing oil leaks. Housing is positioned deep in the engine, requiring professional service. Owners report repair costs of $600+. Leaks cause oil loss leading to overheating and potential engine fire risk from exposed oil on engine surfaces.
When: Unspecified; described as inevitable design flaw affecting numerous owners
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking onto garage floor or engine bay; Visible oil on engine near housing; Engine overheating; Oil loss during operation
Repairs/costs cited: $600+ dealership replacement reported
Engine Stalling Without Warning
Engine shuts down or stalls at various speeds with no warning lights. Occurs while driving at highway speeds (30–70 mph), at traffic lights, or during acceleration/deceleration. Loss of motive power creates hazardous situations; drivers lose power steering when engine stalls. Multiple owners report repeated stalling episodes.
When: 30,000–90,000 miles; some repeat failures within weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown while driving; Loss of power steering when stalled; No warning lights before failure; Engine difficult to restart immediately; Electrical system shutdown reported in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement attempted; issue persisted in at least one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or assistance offered in cases reported
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure
TIPM failure causes engine to stall or shut down while driving. Owner states Chrysler settled a lawsuit over defective TIPMs in 2007–2014 models. TIPM carries only a 2-year warranty, leaving owners exposed to costly replacement after warranty expires.
When: Occurred at unspecified mileage; within warranty period in reported case
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling/shutting off when stopped or slowing down; Engine stalling while driving at highway speed (45 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement required; covered under warranty in reported case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler settled lawsuit over defective TIPMs in 2007–2014 vehicles
Overheating/Cooling System Failure
Engine overheats rapidly, particularly during idle or low-speed driving. Cooling fans do not engage consistently. Hoses rupture causing overheating and melting of engine sensors. Temperature gauge alarms trigger while driving. Owners report engine steaming as if about to catch fire and burning smells.
When: 4 years ownership; multiple instances reported at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid overheating at idle or low speed; Engine steaming; Burning smell from engine; Cooling fans not engaging; Hose rupture; Temperature gauge alarm; Uneven air conditioning (warm on one side, cold on the other)
Repairs/costs cited: Hose replacement ($773.55 in one case); engine replacement required in another ($6,000+); one case also involved replacement of melted sensors
Throttle Body/Electronic Throttle Control Malfunction
Electronic throttle body fails, causing check engine and electronic throttle warning lights, loss of motive power, and engine hesitation. Replacement attempted but failures persist in some cases. Vehicle seized at low speed (3 mph) with no warning lights.
When: 30,000–90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Electronic throttle warning light illuminated; Loss of motive power; Engine hesitation during acceleration or at complete stop; Vehicle seizing while turning; No warning lights before seizing in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement and computer wiring harness replacement attempted; failure persisted in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or assistance offered
Exhaust Manifold Cracking
Engine manifold develops large crack, emitting exhaust fumes into the cabin. Owners report nationwide shortage of replacement manifolds. One owner had manifold welded rather than replaced due to parts shortage.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Cracked engine manifold; Exhaust fumes entering cabin when starting cold; Occupants report feeling sick from fumes
Repairs/costs cited: Professional welding repair performed due to shortage of replacement parts
Rough Idle/Check Engine Light After Oil Flush
After routine oil flush service, vehicle runs rough at idle with persistent check engine light. Issue does not manifest on highway but is noticeable during city driving and stops.
When: Immediately following oil flush service
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on and does not turn off; Rough running at stops (traffic lights, stop signs); Poor idle performance
Engine Lifter Ticking Noise ('Hemi Tick')
Engine lifters produce a ticking noise, sometimes referred to as 'hemi tick' by owners. Cause and repair status not detailed in narrative.
When: Unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Audible ticking noise from engine lifters
Battery/Electrical System Failure
Battery periodically fails to start vehicle. Engine quits while driving and electrical system shuts down, disabling electric door latches. Vehicle difficult to restart after failure.
When: One recent battery replacement; failure occurs after new battery installed
Symptoms owners cite: Periodic failure to start; Engine quit while driving at 30 mph; Electrical system shutdown; Electric door latches non-functional; Vehicle difficult to restart
Repairs/costs cited: New battery installed; dealership could not find cause of continued electrical issue after restart
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
On november 3rd my car over heated. I have to get it towed away to the dealership. Same dealership I bought my car from. After they diagnosed my car they said the hose broke and over heating melted my sensors. They asked me $773.55 for repairing. On good faith I took my car from the dealership. Just after 2 weeks, a day before thanks giving my car over heated again. Again I have to get it towed…
My engine starts shaking when I cut my car on
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2014 Dodge Avenger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 30,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 61,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. 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 $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/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.