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Vehicle safety record

2011 Dodge Avenger Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 209 complaints about the 2011 Dodge Avenger with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (41) and the engine & cooling (39). Those complaints describe 14 crashes, 2 fires and 6 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in September 2016 for the pretensioner. For comparison, the 2010 has 163 and the 2012 has 554.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Avenger year, for its age

#46 most complained-about 2011 vehicle

Complaints
209
Recalls
3
Crashes
14
Fires
2
Injuries
6
Deaths
0

Most common 2011 Dodge Avenger problems

Share of all 209 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2011 Dodge Avenger recalls 3

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Seat belts: pretensioner

16V6680001,435,625 vehicles affected

The problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
The risk
If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
The fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.

Electrical system

13V282000442,320 vehicles affected

The problem
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through December 15, 2011; and model year 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through August 15, 2012. Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control module may lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
The fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.

Steering: column

11V31500011,096 vehicles affected

The problem
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, jeep wrangler, chrysler 200, chrysler 200 convertible, dodge avenger, dodge nitro, jeep liberty, dodge caliber, jeep compass, jeep patriot, dodge grand caravan and chrysler town & country vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet.
The risk
A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

What owners say

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209 complaints about the 2011 Dodge Avenger

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 9.

Visibility & wipers

Window Defrost and Passenger Heat /Air. While either in motion or while driving, no heated air exits the passenger side of the windshield defroster, nor the passenger window defrost, lower and center console vents. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. Problem persists through all cabin air modes and circulations. This safety issue affects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin temperatures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin).

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11705315
SteeringElectrical systemAirbags

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the passenger's side seat headrest exploded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V282000 (Electrical System, Air Bags) and 11V315000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Air bagsNHTSA 11530149
Other & unknown

Vehicle turns off while driving sometimes starts up sometimes not! Doesn't give a warning replaced multiple things afraid of the car doing it in a turn everything shuts down power steering and everything!

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11524740
Visibility & wipers

Heater on the passenger side of the vehicle blows out cold air while driver side blows out hot air like it's supposed to. By having cold air being blown out, this causes the windshield and windows on the passenger side of the vehicle to fog up causing visibility issues.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11509591
AirbagsSeats & seat beltsEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the cruise control, buttons on the steering wheel, and occupant restraint control were malfunctioning. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V668000 (Seat Belts, Air Bags) and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that the air bag and occupant restraint warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 171,998.

Filed Incident Air bags · Seat belts · EngineNHTSA 11480485
Electrical system

Throttle Body changed 3 times still stalling and poor acceleration problems very unsafe stalls out of no where very frustrated also changed electronic pedal and battery Lighting signs still comes on and stalls very dangerous!

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11454755
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

Vehicle will shut off while driving, has happened numerous time's, horn randomly honks by its self, it take numerous attempts to get the car started once it shut off, and now it's locked In limp mode and won't leave second gear

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11446464
Other & unknown

Window Defrost and Passenger Heat /Air. While either in motion or while driving, no heated air exits the passenger side of the windshield defroster, nor the passenger window defrost, lower and center console vents. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. Problem persists through all cabin air modes, and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin temperatures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11445970
Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

Window Defrost and Passenger Heat /Air. While either in motion or while driving, no heated air exits the passenger side of the windshield defroster, nor the passenger window defrost, lower and center console vents. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. Problem persists through all cabin air modes, and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin temperatures near or below freezing during cold...

Read the full complaint

weather (blowing cold air into the cabin). Manufacturer is aware but has yet to recall the issue even though reports are widespread for their vehicles in this model and dealership states it is a known issue.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11445892
Electrical systemAirbags

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the rear turn signals became inoperable. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V282000 (Electrical System, Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bagsNHTSA 11433848
Visibility & wipers

Hot air from drivers side and cold air from passenger side. I live in maine. I had a couple rough winters because we couldn't find out what it was. I found out what it is but I can't find a garage to put it in. This is a server visibly concern. The trunk and inside the car leaks above the windshield causing the car to smell musty and cause mold. Above the windowsheid where it leaks is causing Moisture inside and making the visibility almost impossible at times. This car has had two owners with less then 100,000 miles. Family owned

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11426743
Electrical systemLightsBrakes

While I was driving the battery, check engine, tire pressure, and traction light all came on at the same time, then all of a sudden everything (radio, instruments panel, speed odemeter etc...)When off in the car and then the a/c started blowing. It kept doing this off and on the whole time driving. The brake lights stay on. So far I have changed the battery, alternator, and the brake switch sensor and it's still doing the same thing. The vehicle was in motion on the hwy. I also got and check engine scan done on the vehicle. The one I could fix I fixed all but the tipm

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Service brakesNHTSA 11413192
Engine & cooling

My car doesn't start. I've been having the same problems since last year. I've been told 3 times that it was the alternative so I've bought 3. Then I was told it was the cords on my battery so I fixed that. Now I'm currently getting it looked at which I think it is the transmission or starter. I've also bought two batteries. Last week wen I went to the store a girl came up to me and asked do I have problems with my car I told her yes she said her mother has the same car as I do and told me that she her car keeps...

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turning off and want crank. She said she put so much money into the car that she just had to get another one. So I know that it has to be something wrong because I'm also having those same type of problems and I keep my car up very well.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11407540
Electrical system

A known issue with 2011 doge avenger where the heater core goes bad .It's a known issue and should be covered by dodge. I shouldn't have to pay $1k out of pocket . I have read hundreds of forums stating the problem and it has never been addressed . Ridiculous by dodge.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11389411
Transmission & drivetrainVisibility & wipers

I have never received a recall letter but there are several that are open. This vin is also on the buyback list and I've called two local dealers to ask about it and they won't give an answer but 'we can trade in'. I've also call fac. I bought it certified used.

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11388580
Visibility & wipers

My car stalled 3xs has to replace ignition control switch. My heat doesn't work on passenger side. My lights flicker as I accelerate on expressway or even on the street now. Motor on passenger window went out

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11388270
Visibility & wipers

"Window defrost and passenger heat /air. While either in motion or while driving, no heated air exits the passenger side of the windshield defroster, nor the passenger window defrost, lower and center console vents. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. Problem persists through all cabin air modes, and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin tempuratures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin)."

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11384303
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

My car keeps turnin goff while driving and slowing dowm. At 80 I was driving and my car turned off amy times

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11378050
Electrical systemAirbags

Air bag light driverside been on for months drain my battery now air bag light goes off on

Filed Incident Electrical system · Air bagsNHTSA 11378036
SuspensionBody, doors & structureBrakesCrash

Back in 2019 on thanksgiving we had a car accident driving straight on route 17 in essex county because the wheel bearings went out to quickly we replaced them a year later it did almost did the same thing but we catch it in time are mechanic said it shouldn't have to change your wheel your wheel bearing 10 months apart we went through 3 already and it's asking me to put a date from when it happen I'll put the first time and the next two the next date it happen 9/23/2020/10/20/20 it's also doing some weird sliding in the back end of the vehicle

Filed Incident Suspension · Structure · Service brakesNHTSA 11376359
Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

All the sudden my dash defogger on passenger side and passenger defogger are blowing cold air and drivers side is warm. Googled issue and it seems to be a big thing

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11364779
Other & unknown

Just bought this car yesterday. The heat does not work blows out cold air all the time. The heat just quit working right before winter is about to start. I've been reading this exact problem with many others.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11362995
Other & unknown

Heat and defrost on passenger side blows out cold air only. Replaced actuator and no change. Drivers side works as it should.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11360868
Engine & coolingFire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge avenger. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle jerked and lost power. The engine and traction warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the crankshafts on three occasions. The contact stated that the battery cable box burned and was also replaced by the independent mechanic. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The contact stated that the vehicle did not seem fully repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Filed Incident Traction control system · EngineNHTSA 11354033
Visibility & wipers

Car has no heat on passenger side and a little on the drivers side. In my investigation the heater core from the factory has some bad spots on the inside that cause metal to build up inside heater core causing this issue. In the winter makes it sometimes impossible to see out the front windshield because it will not defrost the winshield. I think this is a safety issue that should be covered under a recall by dodge. It happens when the car is driving on any road. This is an issue known by dodge and they dont want to do anything about it.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11353857

Dodge Avenger: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20151000Transmission & drivetrainA
20142051203AirbagsC
201354852610AirbagsF
20125543347Visibility & wipersF
20112093142Electrical systemC
20101633168Electrical systemC
200967230Engine & coolingA
200884563826Transmission & drivetrainF
20072400Engine & coolingA
All Avenger years

2011 Dodge Avenger vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2011 Dodge Avenger

Does the 2011 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 Dodge Avenger: pretensioner (September 2016); electrical system (July 2013); column (June 2011). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Dodge Avenger?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (41), engine & cooling (39), airbags (35).

How many complaints has the 2011 Dodge Avenger had?

209 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 6, 2011 and the latest on December 16, 2025. Of these, 14 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 6 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2011 Dodge Avenger a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 48 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Dodge Avenger year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Dodge Avenger years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2011 Dodge Avenger has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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