Does the 2012 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Dodge Avenger, the most recent reported on October 10, 2017 (Seats: front assembly, head restraint, 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 2012 Dodge Avenger?

Owners have filed 554 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (163 complaints), followed by air bags (109).

How many 2012 Dodge Avenger complaints mention a crash or fire?

34 of 554 complaints report a crash and 7 a fire; 35 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2012 Dodge Avenger recalls and problems

3 recalls and 554 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Dodge Avenger.

recalls

554

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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.

2012 Dodge Avenger recalls

Seats: front assembly, head restraint · Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive

NHTSA campaign 17V640000 · reported October 10, 2017 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · 363,930 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: If the active headrests do not deploy in certain rear-end crashes, the front seat occupants have an increased risk of injury.
The fix: 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 · 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.

Most reported problems

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

Unknown or other163
Air bags109
Electrical system109
Visibility/wiper95
Engine87
Seat belts43
Power train31
Electronic stability control (ESC)25
Visibility25
Service brakes21

What owners report

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

Sep 28, 2026 · Electrical system
My 2012 dodge avenger will shut off whenever it feels like and you lose control of power steering. It feels like it’s not getting gas. It will crank back up when it feels like.The horn honks randomly.

May 25, 2026 · Engine
My car dies while im driving down the street, making it difficult to steer and qhen you try to restart it, sometimes it starts and some times it don't. But this is not the first time its happened it was just the latest

Nov 16, 2025 · Electrical system
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…

Aug 1, 2025 · Air bags
I was driving and I stopped at a stop sign. When I got ready to go, the car stalled and stopped and wouldn't start. After 30 minutes, it started but I ended up having it towed. My mechanic was able to replicate it after putting the car in the sun, running it for 10 minutes and then driving it. When the mechanic tried…

Apr 23, 2025 · Seats
The contact called on behalf of her son who owns a 2012 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while her son was exiting a parking lot, upon driving over a speed bump, the passenger’s side head restraint unintendedly deployed. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle…

Avenger model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2009	2	67	3	0
2010	3	163	16	8
2011	3	209	14	2
2012	3	554	34	7
2013	5	548	26	10
2014	1	205	20	3
2015	0	1	0	0

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

Questions

Does the 2012 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2012 Dodge Avenger, the most recent reported on October 10, 2017 (Seats: front assembly, head restraint, 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 2012 Dodge Avenger?: Owners have filed 554 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (163 complaints), followed by air bags (109).
How many 2012 Dodge Avenger complaints mention a crash or fire?: 34 of 554 complaints report a crash and 7 a fire; 35 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 28, 2026.