2013 Dodge Avenger Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Dodge Avenger, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags15420.3%
- Engine12616.6%
- Electrical9812.9%
- Seat belts658.6%
- Driver assistance618.0%
- Visibility516.7%
- Interior & seats506.6%
- Brakes385.0%
- Powertrain (other)324.2%
- Fuel system293.8%
- Steering192.5%
- Other / unspecified111.4%
- Body & structure111.4%
- Exterior lighting70.9%
- Suspension50.7%
- Tires & wheels20.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Both head rest which is attached to airbags or have airbags in them I don’t know but the exploded open. Headrest could have exploded while someone was in the seat and got head injuries. No problem has not been confirmed by anyone but myself,husband and self employed mechanic, I didn’t know what to do. No, no type of warning before it happen. Passenger one exploded January 2025, driver exploded about May 2025.
Powertrain fail , airbag failed to deploy
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power and eventually stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,625.
Powertrain fail , airbag failed to deploy
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Was driving on hwy when vehicle loss power, was able to quickly pull over. Turned vehicle off and restarted vehicle. Got back onto the hwy ,vehicle loss power again, this time it wouldn't turn over. Replaced fuel pump,replaced valve timing sensor, crank sensor, replaced battery, replaced ignition switch and antitheft oem {replaced 5X}, reprogrammed vehicle 3X's, bought new key to program to vehicle. After $1500.00 still not fixed, dealership has had the vehicle for well over a month. The dealership contacted the manufactured company, manufactured company said it was a faulty orc part. The manufacture company was suppose to send the dealership the new orc part and still hasn't done so, dealership says its on back order and there isn't no eta for the part to arrive.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the interior light turned on independently, the control panel started blinking, and the radio became inoperable. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was steered into a parking lot, where it was turned off but failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,829.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 40 MPH, the front driver's side headrest restraint deployed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The contact stated that the same failure had previously occurred on the front passenger’s side headrest restraint. The cause of the previous failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the passenger's side headrest deployed aggressively, striking the passenger in the head. The passenger did not receive medical attention. The contact stated that the plastic inside the headrest bent the bar, causing the headrest to deploy. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,600.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The throttle body system keeps failing and causing my ETC light to come on. This causes the car to lose speed and almost stalling while driving. Thus happens out if no where and while driving the car will automatically slow down on it own and won't let me accelerate which is very dangerous when driving on the highway or trying to make a turn and your car stops accelerating. I have had the throttle body replaced multiple times and it never resolves the issue.
Car shuts down in middle of driving has a knock or shaking under hood
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Window Defrost and Passenger Heat /Air. While either in motion or while driving, no heated air exits the passenger side of the windshield defroster, nor the passenger window defrost, lower and center console vents. Heated air only exits the driver's side windshield and driver's side dash vents. Problem persists through all cabin air modes, and circulations. This safety issue effects visibility and passenger safety by failing to defrost/defog windows and keeping cabin tempuratures near or below freezing during cold weather (blowing cold air into the cabin.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that the power window switch on the driver’s side door occasionally failed to respond while depressed. The contact stated that the A/C system would blow hot air through the vents. In addition, the A/C was recently charged, and the spread pan was repaired months prior. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the Total Integrated Power Module (TIPM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Unknown, all i know is that i leave my car to go play basketball and 3 hours later i come back and its popped out randomly.
Headrest deployed
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Was driving on hwy when vehicle loss power, was able to quickly pull over. Turned vehicle off and restarted vehicle. Got back onto the hwy ,vehicle loss power again, this time it wouldn't turn over. Replaced fuel pump,replaced valve timing sensor, crank sensor, replaced battery, replaced ignition switch and antitheft oem {replaced 5X}, reprogrammed vehicle 3X's, bought new key to program to vehicle. After $1500.00 still not fixed, dealership has had the vehicle for well over a month. The dealership contacted the manufactured company, manufactured company said it was a faulty orc part. The manufacture company was suppose to send the dealership the new orc part and still hasn't done so, dealership says its on back order and there isn't no eta for the part to arrive.
Beginning in September 2023, my parking brake light would periodically light up even when the parking brake was not engaged. At the time, I didn't think much of it. This persisted until the middle of January 2024. Beginning in mid January 2024, my parking brake light, traction control light, and ABS light were all lit up on my dashboard. I took my vehicle into my mechanic on January 30, 2024 and they diagnosed it as an ABS internal module failure. They said they were unable to make the repair and said that I would need to take it into a Dodge dealership. I then took it to my local Dodge dealership on February 2, 2024 and they also diagnosed the problem as an ABS internal module failure. The dealership told me that the particular module needed was under "Engineer Review" at Chrysler. They said that any ABS module currently on the market for my vehicle were considered "defective" and that I would need to wait for the Engineer Review to be completed in order to receive a new, correctly working ABS module. I was told by both my regular mechanic, as well as the dealership, that my car was dangerous to drive in its current condition. I was told by both the dealership and a Dodge customer service representative that this Engineer Review would be completed in April 2024. It is now June 10, 2024 and the Review still has not been completed and I am still without a working ABS module for my vehicle. I am unwilling to put my safety, my child's safety, and the safety of other drivers at risk by continuing to drive a dangerous vehicle. Because of this, I have not been able to drive my vehicle since the beginning of February. After continuous calls and emails to Dodge, I was told the Review would be completed between 4/20/24-4/25/24. I later found out this estimated completion date was incorrect. I have been given no new timeline of when this Engineer Review is to be completed and when I will be receiving a new part.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Powertrain fail , airbag failed to deploy
Car shuts down in middle of driving has a knock or shaking under hood
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
2 days after purchasing my vehicle I was driving getting my speed up approximately 45 mph when the vehicle started to lunge forward and nothing was under the gas pedal and it stalled. I pulled it over to the side of the road. It started back up within 2 to 3 minutes. Drove fine for about another 20-25 minutes and then did it again. I put fuel treatment in it. It seemed to drive better the next day but then I did it again. I had it towed to a service department where they did a complete vehicle inspection- no codes were thrown $2500 later- picked up vehicle and later that evening it starts blowing smoke out from under the dash- Towed back to Service department- $300 later- pick car up and she breaks down within 10 minutes- TOWED AGAIN- ,$450 later ---- the vehicle loses all connection and stalls while going 45 to 70 mph- without warning - on the interstate- UNSAFE for EVERYONE on the road not just the dumb owner. WHY IS MY VIN NUMBER NOT ASSOCIATED TO ANY OF THE 5 RECALLS? 3 OF WHICH ARE DEALING WITH THE EXACT ISSUES I AM HAVING!!! I have spent every last penny I have on this and still ... Safety Hazard
The TIPM failed causing the car to shut off and not start again. The problem has been confirmed by Upstate Auto. There was a recall on the TIPM but it was not replaced instead some occupant restraints were replaced instead and now the manufacturer does not make the TIPM part anymore.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road by using physical strength. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start later the same day. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V552000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
THE POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT IN MY 2013 DODGER AVENGER, AFTER HAVING THE PUMP REPLACED, THE PROBLEM WAS STILL NOT FIXED. THEN THE HEAT STOPS WORKING, COST O FIX THAT (SUPPOSEDLY THE HEATER CORE) AND THE POWER STEERING (RACK AND PINION ACCORDING TO THE LOCAL DODGER DEALERSHIP) IS APPROX $2000. A QUICK SEARCH IN THE INTER SHOWS THESE ARE COMMON PROBLEMS IN THIS YEAR AVENGER. IT IS THE WAY THE ENGINE WAS PRODUCED THAT YEAR. WHEN IS THERE GOING TO BE A SAFETY RECALL FOR THESE ENGINES THAT LOSE POWER STEERING, LIKE MINE DID, LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AFTER BOUGHT THIS CAR.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while entering a friend's driveway at an undisclosed speed, there were flames coming from underneath the hood. The contact exited the vehicle and contacted the fire department. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle remained at the friend's residence and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and requested proof of ownership. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
WHEN I'M DRIVING AND COME TO A STOP THEN START DRIVING THE CAR STALLS AND JERKS ALSO SENDS OUT A HIGH SQUEAL EVEN AFTER HAVING ALL MAINTENANCE DONE ON IT
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON APR 11,2021 I WAS DRIVING AROUND 35-40 MPH AND MY HOOD CAME FLYING UP IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE CALL CHRYSLER AND THEY SENT OUT INSPECTOR RON MARNESE, WHO INSPECTED THE CAR AND FOUND THE SECONDARY LATCH WAS NOT WORKING. CHRYSLER HAS INFORMED ME THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX MY CAR DUE TO IT BEING OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE IS NO RECALL. INSPECTOR HAD TOLD ME THAT HE THOUGHT THAT ENGINEERING WOULD WANT THE LATCH AND THOUGHT THIS WOULD GET REPAIRED BY THEM DUE TO THE CAR BEING IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. CHRYSLER DID NOT SEEM TO CARE THE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
DRIVING AT ABOUT 35 TO 40 MPH AND HOOD WHEN FLYING UP. I HOOD WAS NOT OPEN FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS OR MORE WITH NO PROBLEMS.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Was driving on hwy when vehicle loss power, was able to quickly pull over. Turned vehicle off and restarted vehicle. Got back onto the hwy ,vehicle loss power again, this time it wouldn't turn over. Replaced fuel pump,replaced valve timing sensor, crank sensor, replaced battery, replaced ignition switch and antitheft oem {replaced 5X}, reprogrammed vehicle 3X's, bought new key to program to vehicle. After $1500.00 still not fixed, dealership has had the vehicle for well over a month. The dealership contacted the manufactured company, manufactured company said it was a faulty orc part. The manufacture company was suppose to send the dealership the new orc part and still hasn't done so, dealership says its on back order and there isn't no eta for the part to arrive.
THE LIGHTING INSIDE IS VERY DIM AND SOMETIMES BLINK ON AND OFF WHEN IN DRIVING MOTION. MY HORN STARTS BLOWING ON IT;S ON WITH OUT TOUCHING IT IN DRIVING MOTION. ALSO MY CAR MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE GLOVE BOX WHEN THE CAR IS OFF ON A CITY STREET AND ALSO WHEN IT'S IN DRIVING MOTION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE TODAY OWNED THIS USED 2013 DODGE AVENGER AND THERE ARE 3 PROBLEMS THAT MAKE ME CRINGE. FIRST SOMEHOW THE BACK BUSHINGS ARE DONE ON THE CONTROL ARM, IT MAKES A VERY LOUD NOISE OVER BUMPS. SECOND THE AC IS LEAKING AND NOW HAVE TO TAKE IT TO DODGE BECAUSE THEY MAKE IT SO I CANT DO IT MYSELF AND WANT ME TO PAY 1000 BECAUSE ITS A NAME YOUR PRICE KINDA THING, JERKS. LASTLY AFTER ONLY 6 YEARS I HAVE RUST EVERYWHERE. I WASH MY CAR EVERY 2 WEEKS BUT DODGE HAS BEEN KNOWN TO USE THE CHEAPEST METAL TO BUILD THEIR CARS. NEVER GONNA BUY A DODGE AGAIN, THEY MAKE AMERICA LOOK BAD WITH THE GARBAGE IT PUTS OUT, HOW CAN ANYBODY TAKE PRIDE IN THE CAR THEY OWN IF ITS CRAP.
FROM DATE OF PURCHASE BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT 2013 DODGE AVENGER 3.6L BLACKTOP EDITION. WITHIN A FEW DAYS I STARTED NOTICING THE CAR WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE ALIGNMENT LOOKED AT AND FIXED AND THEY SAID THEY RE ALIGNED EVERYTHING AND SHOULD BE FINE. AFTER A WEEK I NOTICED IT STARTED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT AGAIN. AT THAT POINT I TOOK IT INTO A DIFFERENT SHOP WHERE THEY ACTUALLY TOLD ME THAT THEY CAN'T RE ALIGN THE CAR BASED ON THE FACT THAT HOW THE CARS SUSPENSION WAS MANUFACTURED AND DESIGN IS FAULTY TO WHERE THE ALIGNMENT WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO BE CORRECTED AND THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO. I AM MILITARY AND HAVE MOVED 2 TIMES SINCE THE PURCHASE AND HAVE TAKIN THE CAR TO SEVERAL SHOPS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THE SAME. THAT THE ALIGNMENT IS AS BEST AS IT CAN GET AND WILL ALWAYS PULL TO THE RIGHT BASED ON THE DESIGN AND HOW IT CAME FROM THE FACTORY. I'VE HAD THE CAR FOR 3 YRS NOW AND HAVE HAD TO BUY BRAND NEW TIRES EVERY YEAR WHILE ROTATING AND BALANCING MY TIRES EVERY 3 MONTHS. THIS IS A SERIOUS DEFECT AND DODGE WILL NOT TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THE FAULT AND HAS NOT PROVIDED ANY HELP IN COMING UP WITH A SOLUTION TO FIX THE SUSPENSIONS ALIGNMENT ALWAYS BEING OFF.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE FIRST TIME I WAS COMING DOWN HWY 17 FROM WILMINGTON WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT TIE EXPLODED AND ALSO MESSED UP THE RIM. TOTAL COST TP ME 578.00. THE SECOND TIME I WAS COMING FROM MURRELL INLET, SC AND THE SAME TIRE BLEW OUT AGAIN. TOTAL COST 134.00. I HAD TOOK MY CAR IN TO GET THE SECOND TIRE FIXED AND TOLD THE SERVICE ADVISOR THAT THE FRONT END HAD A POPPING NOISE AND TO HAVE SOMEONE DRIVE THE CAR TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON. I PICKED THE CAR UP ON 6/3/2014 AND ASKED IF ANYONE HAD DROVE IT FOR THE NOISE. COME TO FIND OUT NOBODY TEST DROVE IT AFTER IT SAT OUT AT ADDYS FOR 7 DAYS. THE WHOLE FRONT RACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.IT NOW BEEN 10 DAYS AND MY CAR IS STILL AT ADDYS WAITING ON PARTS. LOOKS LIKE TO ME SOMEONE SHOULD HAVE FOUND THIS PROBLEM WHILE IT WAS SITTING AT ADDYS FOR 7 DAYS. SERVICE MGR WAS A REAL [XXX] AND WAS YELLING IN MY SISTER FACE. *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM FAILED. THE TIRE LOW PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT RECENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO ADVISED THAT THE EVAP CANISTER WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,540. UPDATED 5/15/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE SIDE, JERK, DRIVE ROUGH/ LOUD, AND HAD A DIFFICULT TIME GAINING SPEED. THE VEHICLE HAD A BAD ODOR (COMPARABLE TO ROTTEN EGGS), AND THE RPMS RISE TO 4,5, OR 6. THE ROTORS, BRAKES, CALIPERS WERE REPLACED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE TIRE PRESSURE FLUCTUATES IN VERY COLD/HOT WEATHER CAUSE THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, THIS IS NORMAL. THE CONSUMER STATED THIS IS FALSE THAT IS NOT THE ONLY TIME THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 05/27/2014 *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .