The Dodge Avenger Years To Avoid
Dodge Avenger by Nick Ares - CC-BY-SA-4.0
The Dodge Avenger, a midsize sedan produced from 1995 to 2014, has been a relatively popular choice among car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. While it didn’t exactly light the sales charts on fire, many consumers have appreciated the Avenger’s smooth ride quality and affordable price point. The sporty athletic exterior has also resonated well with people who want a more performance look.
Unfortunately, besides the positives, the Dodge Avenger trailed its competitors in many key areas, including performance, interior refinement, and reliability. Many users criticized the Avenger’s performance, describing it as slow, poor on gas, and handling poorly. In fact, the general consensus is that the Avenger is downright not recommended for used car buyers.
Regardless, the Dodge Avenger can be a solid used car purchase, especially if you can get it for a good price. However, reliability plays a huge factor when shopping for a used Dodge Avenger. So for today, we help you identify the Dodge Avenger years to avoid and offer insights into why shoppers should avoid such models. Let’s take a look.
Which Dodge Avenger Years To Avoid?
First, let’s check out the Avenger’s overall rating. RepairPal gives the Dodge Avenger an above-average reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 19th out of 36 compact cars in their lineup. Having said that, below are the Avenger model years you should avoid when buying pre-owned.
- 2008 Dodge Avenger
- 2011 Dodge Avenger
- 2012 Dodge Avenger
- 2013 Dodge Avenger
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2008 Dodge Avenger
This model marks the debut of the second-generation Dodge Avengers. As you may know, we always advise our readers to refrain from the first production years of a brand-new lineup or generation since they tend to be the most problematic. This is certainly the case with the 2008 Avenger.
According to CarComplaints.com, the 2008 Avenger received over a thousand complaints and six recalls. Based on the number of complaints, the top issues of this Avenger are related to its defective transmission system, particularly with the locking up of the gear shift module.
Although this problem has a relatively low repair cost, it can occur at the low mileage of 50k+ and tends to recur. Based on the disgruntled owners, the gear shift module can get stuck in park, rendering the vehicle immobile. Some have been able to manually override the issue by pressing a pink lever located under the gear shift. However, this is only a temporary solution and does not address the root cause of the problem.
The most common solutions reported by owners include replacing the shifter assembly, pressing the orange/pink button underneath the trim surrounding the stick, and having the dealer replace the part under recall.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE DODGE AVENGER
Reliability is everything - which is where we step in. Read on to learn more about the most reliable Dodge Avenger year, the general reliability of the vehicle, and other vital information you should know before purchasing.
In addition, the 2008 Avenger also struggled with engine stalls and shutdowns, where the vehicle had a significant issue with the engine stalling or shutting down while driving. Some specific complaints include the car shutting off while driving, stalling in the middle of the road, and stalling at a red light. This is not only an expensive repair job but a huge safety risk as well.
2011 Dodge Avenger
The 2011 Avenger isn’t as problematic as some of the models featured on this list, but it’s a year you should approach cautiously. CarComplaints says the 2011 Avenger has collected 371 complaints and three recalls.
A significant concern here is the car’s faulty electrical system, a problem amplified by the vehicle’s age. In particular, the Avenger’s air conditioning system has attracted numerous complaints. Users have reported that the A/C and heating systems are not functioning as they should. Some have experienced a lack of heat on the left side of the car, while others have noted that the A/C system activates even when the controls are set to the off position.
Thus, if you’re living in areas with extreme heat or cold, the 2011 might be a good fit due to the unreliable A/C and heater systems.
Unfortunately, the 2011 Avenger is also no stranger to engine-related woes. Complaints of engine stalls were very similar to the 2008 model year, in which the engine stalls unexpectedly, often while driving at various speeds or when idling. Several frustrated drivers claimed that despite multiple shop visits, the exact cause of the problem could not be determined, leading to frustration and ongoing safety concerns.
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2012 Dodge Avenger
Although the 2012 Avenger has fewer complaints than the 2008 version, CarComplaints has named it the worst model year of the defunct midsize sedan. The 2012 Avenger has accumulated a staggering 973 complaints and three recalls.
An overwhelming number of reports knocked down the 2012 Avenger for its problematic A/C and heater system. According to these reports, the car’s heater doesn’t work on the passenger’s side – it simply stopped blowing hot air. Upon checking in with mechanics and dealerships, it was revealed that the problem was due to the casing sand clogging the radiator, heater core, and oil cooler.
This was identified as a manufacturer’s defect, not due to the owner’s lack of care or maintenance. However, despite its widespread nature, there are no active recalls for this issue. If you don’t want to deal with such annoying electrical problems, passing on the 2012 Avenger is best.
2013 Dodge Avenger
Due to persistent reliability woes, the 2013 model is yet another one of the worst Dodge Avenger years to avoid. CarComplaints also listed many complaints for this model at 913 reports.
As mentioned, the dreaded faulty A/C and heater issue has made an unwelcome appearance in this model year. Numerous reports claimed no hot air was blowing to the vehicle’s passenger side. In some cases, the system blew cold air into the passengers. Many owners who went to the dealership for a repair were quoted a few thousand.
WHAT TO DO IF A DEALER REFUSES TO CANCEL EXTENDED WARRANTY
Car buying can occasionally be frustrating, especially if you’re purchasing your vehicle through a dealership. We’re here to tell you how to navigate a situation in which a dealer refuses to cancel your extended warranty.
On a lesser note, this Avenger also had troubles with a noisy brake. Apparently, the car brakes made loud squeaking noises, which can be annoying and embarrassing. Overall, the 2013 Avenger isn’t the most unreliable car, but its issues may compel you to think twice.
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