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Engine & cooling

2013 Dodge Avenger Engine problems

Owners have filed 126 complaints about the 2013 Dodge Avenger's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 23% of all its complaints, most recently on October 31, 2025. They describe 4 crashes, 4 fires and 1 injury. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
126
Recalls
1
Crashes
4
Fires
4
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

Engine recalls for the 2013 Dodge Avenger

Engine

13V552000521 vehicles affected

The problem
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200, and model year 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Due to abrasive debris in the balance shaft bearings, these engines may have a loss of engine oil pressure, possibly resulting in an engine stall or engine failure.
The risk
If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine balance shaft module, free of charge. The recall began on December 24, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N52.

Engine complaints

Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power and eventually stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,625.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · EngineNHTSA 11696835
Transmission & drivetrainAirbagsEngine & cooling

Powertrain fail , airbag failed to deploy

Filed Incident Power train · Air bags · EngineNHTSA 11694624
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

2 days after purchasing my vehicle I was driving getting my speed up approximately 45 mph when the vehicle started to lunge forward and nothing was under the gas pedal and it stalled. I pulled it over to the side of the road. It started back up within 2 to 3 minutes. Drove fine for about another 20-25 minutes and then did it again. I put fuel treatment in it. It seemed to drive better the next day but then I did it again. I had it towed to a service department where they did a complete vehicle inspection- no codes...

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were thrown $2500 later- picked up vehicle and later that evening it starts blowing smoke out from under the dash- Towed back to Service department- $300 later- pick car up and she breaks down within 10 minutes- TOWED AGAIN- ,$450 later ---- the vehicle loses all connection and stalls while going 45 to 70 mph- without warning - on the interstate- UNSAFE for EVERYONE on the road not just the dumb owner. WHY IS MY VIN NUMBER NOT ASSOCIATED TO ANY OF THE 5 RECALLS? 3 OF WHICH ARE DEALING WITH THE EXACT ISSUES I AM HAVING!!! I have spent every last penny I have on this and still ... Safety Hazard

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11661337
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the throttle body warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle later failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the throttle body had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) had failed and needed to be...

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replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the A/C system and defrost system were malfunctioning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the three actuator motors had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11619827
SteeringEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road by using physical strength. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start later the same day. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact...

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related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V552000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.

Filed Incident Steering · EngineNHTSA 11614782
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

I urgently need your assistance regarding a critical and unsafe situation concerning the PCM/ECU. Recently, while driving, my car began to shudder as if it was on the verge of stalling. To add to the alarming situation, every warning light on the dashboard illuminated. The speedometer and thermostat suddenly stopped functioning, leaving me without crucial information about the vehicle's speed and temperature. This not only compromised my safety but also made it impossible to gauge the car's performance. In...

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response to this hazardous scenario, I immediately pulled over to a stop. Sadly, the car shut off, and despite my attempts, it has refused to restart ever since. The inability to restart presents a severe safety issue and has left me stranded without transportation. Compounding this ordeal, several auto shops have tried to address the PCM/ECU connectivity issues with no success. This recurring problem, combined with the recent dangerous episode on the road, underscores the urgency for resolution. I am deeply concerned about the potential risks posed by the malfunctioning PCM/ECU and the compromised safety of both myself and others on the road. The inability to accurately monitor speed and temperature could have dire consequences if left unaddressed.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11604080
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after 5 minutes. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the coolant temperature sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact...

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related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V552000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 202,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · EngineNHTSA 11589699
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and the engine seized. The low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact checked all the vehicle fluids and stated that fluid levels were adequate. The contact was driving on the highway when the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was...

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not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11585450
Fuel systemEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and then stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted and was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced and a tune-up needed to be performed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who performed the tune-up and replaced the fuel pump; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not...

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repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V043000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 13V552000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasoline · EngineNHTSA 11583017
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11562039
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH the vehicle shut down completely and an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the gasket was leaking and that an unknown gasket (P2173). The vehicle was repaired but the failure continued. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer was contacted, and no assist was provided. The failure mileage was 185,489.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11515279
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

There are days the car will not start. The engine will try and turn over but never starts. (2) There have been several times while driving the car that the car will just turn off while driving. The car is very difficult to steer to pull it off the road for safety. The car will leave me stranded for at least an hour before it will start again. (3) The heat on the passenger side only blows out cold air. There is no heat on that side. (4) The car will start clicking in the dashboard for no apparent reason. This is baffling cause I have no idea what it is or what it is trying to do.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11512808
Fuel systemEngine & cooling

The contact's cousin owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who drained the fuel system; however, no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V043000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 13V552000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 139,317.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasoline · EngineNHTSA 11503458
AirbagsBrakesEngine & cooling

My husband a I were driving down the highway and all of a sudden a loud sound a bam the air bag in the passenger seat blew open and dang near gave my husband whiplash. Also I have had the thermostat replaced 3 times in 2 years and the car is still overheating. The ABS sensor will not go off and its like the emergency brake is stuck. I can be driving and when I try to stop it is like its locking up.

Filed Incident Air bags · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11499479
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingDriver assistance

Car shuts down in middle of driving has a knock or shaking under hood

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11495620
Engine & coolingFuel system

Car stalls while driving

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11476033
Engine & cooling

The contact's niece owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer; Phillips Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (3440 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34471; (352) 644-7795) but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 13V552000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11464168
Engine & cooling

Sensor fail to indicate car was overheating. Car shut off in the middle of highway with no indication. No warning that the vehicle was going to shut down. Vehicle is brought into the dealership this is what they stated on the order.T. CHECK AND ADVISE found vehicle has no compression. further diagnosis found when adding water to coolant system, cylinders # 2 and 3 filled up with water and water poured out between cylinder head and block. head and block are warped beyond repair. needs engine Yes over 50 times ...

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No warning sign Vehicle just shut off in the middle of the highway. When I review this incident on line you have several complaints stating that it's been an ongoing issues with this making model car.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11458682
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

I am always having to buy a starter or battery because it is always saying that it is bad. Also the throttle light is on now and it is making the car act up and it will not go.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11457911
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the horn was inadvertently activated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11457107
Engine & cooling

Car will randomly stall when parked. Car will randomly lose second through sixth gear when starting up. Issue is likely to rectify if car is restarted.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11453832
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving, a loud knocking sound was present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was eventually towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the engine shaft bearings had failed and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V552000 (Engine). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11449283
Engine & cooling

The engine in our vehicle blew up, our safety as well as others on the road were affected, when the engine blew we were driving down the highway with traffic, it caused us to swerve into oncoming traffic. We had to pay out of pocket for a tow truck and had it moved to a safe location so as of today, November 02, 2021 at 9:45 pm, the vehicle has not been inspected by the dealer or manufacturer. There was a police man behind us who pulled over to help us, he did not inspect the vehicle, but, he did look to see what...

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happened since he witnessed the incident. We have filed a claim with our insurance company,, however,, they are possibly going to deny the claim due to not covering engine failure even if it's a recall. There were absolutely no warning lamps, messages, or any minor or significant problems presented before the incident. We bought the car new in May 2013 and discovered the engines were recalled in December 2013 and we did not receive any type of vehicle recalls except for the airbags which the dealership replaced.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11439131
Engine & coolingElectrical system

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact attempted to adjust the driver's and passenger's side mirrors however, the mirrors failed to adjust. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer to be inspected and was informed that the power switch needed to be replaced. Shortly after the failure, the contact noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact...

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was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,536.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical systemNHTSA 11435914
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

Backing out of parking spot car sputtered and died. Restarted but once on road the sputtered and died again. Horn kept beeping itself after car died. Been reading that this is common occurrence in this model. Woth no clear resolution from dealer/manufacturer

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11407423

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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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