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Body and structurePart report

2012 Dodge Avenger Body and structure Problems

Complaints
20about this part
Share
4%of 554 total for the year
Median mileage
41,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the body and structure of the 2012 Dodge Avenger, 4% of the 554 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,000 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The interior drivers side door handle sliced my finger when I opened the door.. It looks like the metal is separating and is sharp as a knife.... My other issue is .. There is a clicking noise in my passenger side dash board.. On the driver side the vents blow hot air and the passenger side vent blows cold air.”

NHTSA complaint #11288775, filed 2019-12, 89,600 miles

“I have continuosly been having problems with my brakes and rotors, engine stalling while driving, and the lock to my drivers side door isnt working properly. I have had my brakes and rotors repaired three times within a 4 month time frame. This is ridiculous. I dont know what kind of mechanical meltdown this vehicle is having. But some needs to provide some answers.”

NHTSA complaint #10823172, filed 2016-01, 119,000 miles

“We hit a deer and the front of the car was demolished. Upon inspection the next morning, I noticed that an airbag sensor was shattered and just hanging by the wire harness. Airbags did not deploy, I was concerned about this and never got a straight answer from anyone. Now I get a recall notice saying faulty restraint system, I'm not too happy...”

NHTSA complaint #10586878, filed 2014-05, 35,284 miles

“Climate control blows cold air on the passenger side and warm air on the drivers side when heat is on and driving. Engine temperature does not reach normal operating temperature when driving in cold weather. Took to my local trusted mechanic and he diagnosed the heater core is plugged with debris. Looked online and the Dodge Avenger have numerous complaints with that same issue. Called chrysler group and made a complaint and got a case number. I have an appointment later this week to have it diagnosed by a Dodge dealership for the record.”

NHTSA complaint #11074161, filed 2018-02, 66,438 miles

“I noticed several times before this date going down the hwy and the car accelerating on its own. I was at a dead stop and go on the hwy rush our I let off the brake to ease on up and my car went under into a truck doing over $7800.00 in damages no airbags none deployed I just got my car from the shop on 8/30. I got in the car started it and backed up put the car in drive and it jolted into drive no foot on the gas peddle I had to hit my brakes again then I proceeded home. Still noticed this a couple more times. …”

NHTSA complaint #10629581, filed 2014-08, 44,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201473%
2013112%
2012204%
201184%
201064%
200934%
2008243%
200015%
1999711%
199823%
199734%
199653%
199584%

Other parts of the 2012 Dodge Avenger

Other or unknown
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 complaintsSteering
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 27, 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