2011 Dodge Avenger recalls and problems

3 recalls and 209 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Dodge Avenger.

3
recalls
209
owner complaints
14
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2011 Dodge Avenger recalls

Air bags · Seat belts: pretensioner · Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive

NHTSA campaign 16V668000 · reported September 15, 2016 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 1,435,625 vehicles potentially 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.

Air bags · Electrical system

NHTSA campaign 13V282000 · reported July 2, 2013 · Chrysler Group LLC · 442,320 vehicles potentially 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

NHTSA campaign 11V315000 · reported June 8, 2011 · CHRYSLER GROUP LLC · 11,096 vehicles potentially 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Dec 16, 2025 · Visibility/wiper

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…

Jul 3, 2023 · Steering · 205,000 miles

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…

May 31, 2023 · Unknown or other

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!

Feb 28, 2023 · Visibility/wiper

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.

Aug 22, 2022 · Engine · 171,998 miles

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…

Avenger model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2008 68323626
2009 26730
2010 3163168
2011 3209142
2012 3554347
2013 55482610
2014 1205203

Across all years, the 2008 Avenger has the most complaints (832). All Dodge Avenger years →

Questions

Does the 2011 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2011 Dodge Avenger, the most recent reported on September 15, 2016 (Air bags, Seat belts: pretensioner, Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Dodge Avenger?
Owners have filed 209 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (57 complaints), followed by electrical system (41).
How many 2011 Dodge Avenger complaints mention a crash or fire?
14 of 209 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 6 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 16, 2025.