Carrying a historic nametag, the Dodge Avenger has been a revered proposition from the brand. With the revisions introduced last year, the midsize sedan cements its place with its cogent V6 engine, subtle driving dynamics, and ergonomic interior build. However, even for a vehicle that has been upgraded considerably, the Avenger falls short due to its constricted space, troubling automatic transmission, and its technological deficiencies. Fortunately, for family buyers, the reliability remains unwavering. Despite registering 527 complaints, the American offering remains rather hassle-free. Even its recall list does not seem troubling and for a vehicle that sells over 100,000 units, the statistics seem justifiable. The 2012 Avenger price is set at just under $19,000 and in its segment, it competes with the likes of the Mazda 6, the Kia Optima, and the Nissan Altima.
2012 Dodge Avenger User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Issues with the airbag system: In the 2012 Dodge Avenger issues list, buyers have reported two distinct issues with the airbag system. The first issue is concerned with the non-deployment of the airbags in case of a crash, which has resulted in injuries to the buyers. The other problem is concerned with the random illumination of the airbag warning light, which might interfere with its proper deployment. This happens due to the malfunctioning of the Occupant Restraint Control Module, and to deal with the issue, Dodge has introduced a recall, referenced by NHTSA ID 16V668000.
- Faltering seat belts: Due to a similar reason as mentioned above, buyers of the 2012 Dodge Avenger have reported the seat belts failing to restrain the occupants in case of a crash. To deal with the issue, the recall referenced by NHTSA ID 16V688000 does exist, however, the parts for replacement are on back-order, which has delayed the remedy.
Electric System Complaints
- Failure of the heater: The 2012 Dodge Avenger heater problems are its most commonly occurring concerns. In an astronomically higher number of cases, buyers have reported that passenger-side air vents only blow cold air. As a result, the windshield and windows cannot be defogged, which restricts visibility. Despite its widespread impact, there is no recall available for the buyers.
- Malfunctioning infotainment light: The 2012 Dodge Avenger’s electrical problems deal with the infotainment cluster light flickering inconsistently. As a result, the vehicular information is not clearly displayed and remains rather incomprehensible.
Mechanical Complaints
- Stalling of engine: The problem with the 2012 Dodge Avenger check engine light illuminating has no known cause. In several cases, buyers have reported the midsize sedan losing power and stalling inadvertently, which is followed by the warning light turning on.
2012 Dodge Avenger Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
10th Oct 2017 |
17V640000 |
Non-deployment of headrests |
Due to a failure of a component in the Occupant Restraint Control Module, the headrests might not deploy in case of a crash. |
Dealers will replace the Occupant Restraint Control Module, if necessary, free of cost. |
|
2. |
15th Sept 2016 |
16V668000 |
Disabled airbags or seat belt pretensioners |
Due to a short circuit in the Occupant Restraint Control Module, the airbags, and seat belt pretensioners may not perform their intended functions. |
Dealers will replace the Occupant Restraint Control Module, free of cost. |
|
3. |
2nd July 2013 |
13V282000 |
Non-deployment of head restraints |
In case of a rear-impact collision, the head restraints might not deploy due to an electric over-stress of a resistor in the Occupant Restraint Control Module. |
Dealers will replace the Occupant Restraint Control Module or flash the Totally Integrated Program Module, free of cost. |
Should you buy the 2012 Dodge Avenger?
The 2012 Dodge Avenger might not be the public choice in the midsize sedan market, yet its performance is not unsatisfactory. For a vehicle that records a six-figure sales unit, Avenger’s reliability and trustworthiness are where its oneness lies. While there are recurring complaints that have a widespread impact, most issues of the vehicle can be easily dealt with. There are readily available solutions to problems and thanks to the recalls introduced by the brand, buyers can be ensured of a trouble-free ownership experience. So, for us, the 2012 Avenger is a potent choice that buyers should opt for. However, it is important to note that the sedan is based on an aging platform and redesigned rivals can deliver a better bang for the buck. So, to keep your options open, CARHP recommends the 2012 Mazda 6 as a viable alternative.
