Model year
2012 Dodge Avenger
NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 554 complaints for the 2012 Dodge Avenger (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (163), AIR BAGS (108), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (108). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA rated the 4 DR FWD 4 stars overall. EPA rates it 22–24 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,800–$3,050, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2000 22 complaints
- 2008 831 complaints
- 2009 67 complaints
- 2010 163 complaints
- 2011 209 complaints
- 2012 554 complaints
- 2013 548 complaints
- 2014 205 complaints
Recalls
17V640000 · Oct 10, 2017
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
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.
16V668000 · Sep 15, 2016
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; AIR BAGS
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…
13V282000 · Jul 2, 2013
AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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…
Complaints
554 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 34, fire flag on 7, injury field 35, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE19014 | Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment · SEATS; SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT | Sep 9, 2019 | Feb 25, 2026 |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR FWD | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 · possibility 0.118 | NHTSA photo |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avenger · 2.4L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 29 | 24 | — | — | $2,800 |
| Avenger · 2.4L · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 20 | 30 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
| Avenger · 3.6L · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline · FFV | 19 | 28 | 22 | — | — | $3,050 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2012 Dodge Avenger at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.