2012 Dodge Avenger Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 4%of 554 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Dodge Avenger, 4% of the 554 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The dash board lights started flashing. My engine light came on and the car turned off the steering was not working and the brakes were pressed to the floorboard . I almost hit a mailbox . Thank goodness there was no child near the school zone this has happened several times now . The mechanic says it could be the ABS”
NHTSA complaint #11341991, filed 2020-07, 127,000 miles“Driving at 50-55 MPH and check engine and other dashboard lights flashed and started losing power. Pulled off to side street a few feet away. I was lucky to be able to get in center turn lane where the car died completely. Power steering also was lost. We pushed car off road where it restarted about 1/2 hour later. Driving home less then 5 miles it died but started again.”
NHTSA complaint #11083551, filed 2018-04, 103,280 miles“The horn has a electrical shortage, which continues to honk, while driving, or standing still. Your Dodge jeep chrysler dealer in glendale, now tells me, that there is a short, and he knows that the switch is bad, as it continues to honk when the horn is connected. Now this dealer is charging me another $900., but not sure it will fix problems. This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned, it is a death trap, waiting to happen.”
NHTSA complaint #11325150, filed 2020-05, 77,111 miles“On my 2012 Dodge Avenger, I have had problems with my alternator and had to replace it 3 times, 2 times in the last 2 yrs. I have gotten it checked and the warning was detected that it was the charging system, and wiring system. The first time I experienced this, my engine light came on and the car stalled immediately with almost no warning except the light pops on deceleration and stalled on the interstate. …”
NHTSA complaint #11081233, filed 2018-03, 45,000 miles“Car has only 50,000 miles and have had to replace rack and pinion seven months ago. Now the clock spring is bad in steering resulting in borrowed time for air bag. So, if we do not replace this for the cost of $500, my air bag will not deploy in the event of an accident, resulting in possible death. This issue needs to be looked at as soon as possible with Dodge avengers (2012). There should be no reason my steering wheel should have this many issues starting at 35,000 miles and still continuing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10853594, filed 2016-04, 35,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10055896May 2, 2014Dodge: when driving approximately 30 minutes and would turn steering wheel, a clicking/popping noise occurs and can be heard at 25mph or while stopped. Model 2012-2013 avenger/200.
- 10068584Feb 11, 2014Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10066260Feb 11, 2014Summary to be provided on a future date.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 14 | 7% |
| 2013 | 19 | 3% |
| 2012 | 20 | 4% |
| 2011 | 10 | 5% |
| 2010 | 9 | 6% |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 | 21 | 3% |
| 1999 | 1 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 8 | 5% |
| 1995 | 12 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2012 Dodge Avenger
164 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
119 complaintsAir bags
109 complaintsElectrical system
109 complaintsEngine
87 complaintsSeat belts
43 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
31 complaintsElectronic stability control
25 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Dodge Avenger
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology