CarModelProblems.com

2012 Dodge Avenger Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Air Bags — runs 2.3× the fleet median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.
553Complaints
3Recalls
34Crashes
7Fires
35Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Air Bags (19.5% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.

Air Bags complaints here are 2.3× the median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Air Bags108 · 19.5%not available
Electrical System107 · 19.3%RecalledRecall 13V282000
Visibility/wiper95 · 17.2%not available
Engine86 · 15.6%not available
Seat Belts42 · 7.6%RecalledRecall 16V668000
Power Train30 · 5.4%not available

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

Unspecified / other163 · 29.5%
AIR BAGS108 · 19.5%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM107 · 19.3%
VISIBILITY/WIPER95 · 17.2%
ENGINE86 · 15.6%
SEAT BELTS42 · 7.6%
POWER TRAIN30 · 5.4%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)25 · 4.5%
SERVICE BRAKES21 · 3.8%
STEERING19 · 3.4%

Percentages are the share of the 553 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 3 campaigns

Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint

NHTSA campaign 17V640000 · 2017 · reported 10/10/2017

If the active headrests do not deploy in certain rear-end crashes, the front seat occupants have an increased risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts:pretensioner

NHTSA campaign 16V668000 · 2016 · reported 09/15/2016

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System

NHTSA campaign 13V282000 · 2013 · reported 07/02/2013

In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“DRIVING DOWN OWEN K GARRIOTT TO TAKE MY DOG TO THE VET AND BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND I…”NHTSA complaint 10732707 — filed 07/08/2015 · UNKNOWN OR OTHER
“UPON USING AIR CONDITIONER OR HEATER. THERE IS A SLIGHT KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE DASH. KNOCKING NOISE EVEN CONTINUES AFTER CAR HAS…”NHTSA complaint 10731840 — filed 07/02/2015 · UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

11201237502014806920161231692018133852020311520229152024912026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Dodge Avenger?

Unknown or other issues are the most-reported category, cited in 163 of 553 NHTSA complaints (29.5%), followed by air bags (108), electrical system (107), visibility/wiper (95). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2012 Dodge Avenger have?

553 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 34 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, and 35 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2012 Dodge Avenger have any recalls?

Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 17V640000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Dodge Avenger's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.