2012 Dodge Avenger
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Visibility & Lighting
Visibility & Lighting is the largest identified problem area: 131 of 553 complaints (24%) mention it. 163 complaints mention a component NHTSA leaves uncategorised. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (27) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 209 in 2011 to 553 in 2012.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | vs. 2012 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,600–3,100 | 2,600–2,850 | 2,600–2,850 | 2,700–2,850 | 2,600–2,850 | |
| Combined MPG | 20–24 | 22–24 | 22–24 | 22–23 | 22–24 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–21 / 27–30 | 19–21 / 28–30 | 19–21 / 28–30 | 19–21 / 28–30 | 19–21 / 28–30 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 370–444 | 370–404 | 370–404 | 378–399 | 371–399 | |
| Complaints filed | 163 | 209 | 553 | 548 | 205 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 16 | 14 | 34 | 26 | 20 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 8 | 2 | 7 | 10 | 3 | |
| Injuries reported | 13 | 6 | 35 | 42 | 10 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Dodge Avenger have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Dodge Avenger get?
EPA rates it 22–24 MPG combined across 3 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Dodge Avenger?
EPA estimates $2,600–$2,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (3)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 21 mpg (high) | 29 mpg | 24 mpg (high) | $2,600 (low) | 370 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 20 mpg | 30 mpg (high) | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 6-spd | 6 | 3.6L | Front-Wheel Drive | Gasoline or E85 | Midsize Cars | 19 mpg (low) | 28 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | $2,850 (high) | 404 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 90 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 31 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 108 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Brakes | 48 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 19 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 119 | 25 | 0 | 27 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 18 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 34 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 131 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 163 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT · Campaign 17V640000 · Oct 13, 2017
Defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2012 Jeep Liberty and 2012-2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles. A component within the occupant restraint controller (ORC) may fail and prevent the active headrests from deploying in the event of a rear-end crash.
Consequence: If the active headrests do not deploy in certain rear-end crashes, the front seat occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 4, 2017. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is T56.
AIR BAGS; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER · Campaign 16V668000 · Sep 15, 2016
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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; AIR BAGS · Campaign 13V282000 · Jul 5, 2013
Defect: 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.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.